Japan's regions are vast historical territories in which prefectures are grouped for administrative convenience. The names of Japan's regions have historical origins, and most of them predate the modern division into prefectures.
Northern Regions of Japan
Hokkaido: This region is comprised entirely of the island of Hokkaido, surrounded by the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Pacific Ocean. It consists of a single prefecture bearing the same name. Hokkaido is sparsely populated, preserving pristine landscapes like Shiretoko, a UNESCO heritage site. It's known for being Japan's coldest region with numerous ski resorts.
Tohoku: Covering the northern part of Honshu Island, Tohoku encompasses six prefectures: Akita, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Fukushima, and Yamagata. It stretches from the Sea of Japan in the west to the Pacific Ocean in the east. The region boasts attractions like Lake Towada, Matsushima Bay, and Bandai Asahi National Park.
Southern Regions of Japan
Chugoku: This region covers the western part of Honshu Island and includes the prefectures of Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. Chugoku experiences a relatively hot climate. Its largest city is Hiroshima.
Shikoku: Shikoku is an island region entirely encompassing the island of the same name. It is bordered by the Shikoku Mountains, with the northern part of the island facing the Inland Sea of Japan and the southern part facing the Pacific Ocean. Shikoku is characterized by lush forests, hiding many ancient temples. The region consists of four prefectures: Kochi, Tokushima, Kagawa, and Ehime.
Kyushu: Kyushu encompasses the entire island of Kyushu, bordered by the Pacific Ocean to the east, the Inland Sea of Japan to the northeast, and the East China Sea to the west. The region boasts a landscape predominantly shaped by volcanic activity, resulting in numerous thermal springs. Kyushu's natural beauty is characterized by picturesque rivers, lush vegetation, and the vibrant blooming of magnolias and camellias. The region is divided into seven prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. Additionally, the region includes the islands of Okinawa.
