There are 4 main islands of Japan, one of which is Honshu island. Centrally located and a top destination for tourists, Honshu cities include Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo. Not only is Honshu a melting pot for diverse cultures but it is also a prime example of life in modern Japan.
While there are numerous attractions and activities to explore on Honshu, it's important to note that Kyushu, Shikoku, and Hokkaido also offer worthwhile experiences. In this article, you will find out why the major Honshu cities are exciting destinations while we touch on the other 4 main islands of Japan too.
The Biggest Honshu Cities
For those who want to experience urban Japan, Honshu Island is an excellent destination of choice. Honshu cities are amongst the largest in Japan and offer an abundance of activities and interesting history. Tokyo, in particular, with its population of over 42 million and modest fishing village roots has an interesting story. In fact, the capital city provides an overwhelming array of experiences which makes it challenging to list them all.
Notable neighbourhoods like Shibuya and Shinjuku are must-visit districts when exploring Tokyo. Aside from their superb restaurants, museums, shopping districts, and even Disneyland, boredom is simply not an option. We recommend allocating at least a week to fully appreciate Tokyo and to aim to include visits to the Imperial Palace, Akihabara if you’re an anime and manga enthusiast, and the Senso-Ji Buddhist temple in Asakusa.
While Tokyo holds a special allure, other Honshu cities also deserve attention. Osaka, Japan's third-largest city, boasts attractions such as a castle, aquarium, Universal Studios Japan, theatres, and temples and will require several days to explore fully. Kyoto, with its rich history and cultural landmarks like temples and shrines, served as the capital until the 19th century. You could also delve further into Japan's heritage by exploring the Gion district or participating in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
Besides the ones already mentioned, Honshu Island offers a diverse array of cities worth visiting, including Hiroshima, Kamakura, Miyajima, Nagoya, Nara, Yokohama, Chiba, Shizuoka, Hamamatsu, and Niigata. If like most people, you are limited by time, Tokyo is a top recommendation for a Japanese urban experience.
Find out more about the other 4 main islands of Japan.
Trips Around Honshu Island
Besides the Honshu cities, the island has plenty of great places worth visiting.
One of the most sought-after expeditions by tourists to Honshu is a trip to Mount Fuji, the immensely popular destination where Japan's loftiest mountain volcano, boasts significant natural, cultural, and historical significance. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2013 under the title "Fujisan, sacred place and source of artistic inspiration," the allure of Mount Fuji is exemplified by the inspirational works of artists like Hokusai.
Numerous travel agencies specialise in day trips to Mount Fuji which offers an opportunity to bask in the breathtaking scenery, visit shrines and torii gates, and savour local cuisine. To truly immerse yourself in the essence of Japan, a visit to Mount Fuji is a must.
Other captivating excursions on Honshu include a visit to Hakusan National Park in the central Chubu region which covers 477 km² and providing excellent hiking opportunities. In addition, indulging in the region's onsen, or thermal springs, is highly recommended. These soothing baths, scattered throughout Japan offer relaxation and skin benefits.
Noteworthy onsen destinations in Honshu include:
- ?edo Onsen Monogatari (Odaiba, Tokyo)
- Jinata Onsen (Shikine-Jima)
- Shirahama (Wakayama-Ken)
- Asakusa Kannon Onsen (Asakusa, Tokyo)
- Taragawa Onsen (Gunma-Ken)
- Kinosaki (Kansai)
- Lamp no Yado (Noto-Hanto)
If you can venture beyond the excitement of the Japanese capital, there is much to be discovered.
Visit the Beautiful Temples and Shrines on Honshu Island
Japan is a destination for many Buddhist and Shinto temples and shrines.
Interestingly, across Japan, there are approximately 200,000 Shinto shrines, but in Tokyo alone there are over a hundred shrines and temples, some of these include renowned sites like the Senso-Ji in Asakusa and the Meiji-Jingu in Harajuku.
For enthusiasts of shrines and temples, Kyoto is a must-visit destination, housing 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shintoist shrines. Some of these notable locations include:
- Kinkaku-Ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)
- To-Ji
- Higashi Hongan-Ji (Eastern Monastery of the Original Vow)
- Kiyomizu-Dera
- Fushimi Inari-Taisha
- Ryoan-Ji
- Nishi Hongan-Ji
- Yasaka-Jinja
- Ginkaku-Ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion)
- Nanzen-Ji
- Shimogamo Shrine
Venturing northeast of Tokyo offers the opportunity to witness Japan's largest Buddha, the Ushiku Daibutsu, towering at 120 meters—significantly surpassing the Buddhas in Nara and Kamakura. Visitors can ascend 85 meters up the statue and explore a museum housed within.
The town of Kamakura further enhances the temple and shrine experience, featuring the Kenchô-Ji and Engaku-Ji with their serene gardens. Notable shrines include Tsurugaoka Hachiman-Gu, drawing in an impressive 9 million tourists annually.
Culinary Specialities of Honshu Japan
Trying local cuisine is a must when travelling to Honshu Japan. Even including the 4 main islands of Japan, Honshu cuisine ranks as some of the finest in the world.
In Japan, local cuisine is an important part of life and culture and in Honshu authentic dishes not to be missed include Takoyaki or Yakitori.
Japanese cuisine revolves around fish and seafood, with sushi being perhaps the most renowned dish. Sushi is typically raw fish on top of a bed of rice and seaweed and is then accompanied by soy sauce and wasabi. Crafting sushi is considered an art, and one reason to go to Honshu Japan is to learn this ancient skill.
Numerous sushi restaurants, particularly in the capital, offer diverse options. While costs can be relatively high, there are many available options for budget-conscious travellers at sushi chain establishments like Uobei.
Another famous Japanese dish is ramen which is widely available throughout Honshu. Ramen consists of noodles in a savoury meat or fish broth and is complemented by ingredients such as egg, depending on the specific variation. In Tokyo and across the country, Ichiran Ramen is a wonderful, affordable ramen option.
For an authentic culinary experience in Honshu, consider trying the following dishes:
- Mamakari Sushi (Okayama)
- Hotaru Ika (Toyama)
- Hida Beef Sushi (Takayama)
- Tamago-Katsu (Tokyo)
- Chanko Nabe (Tokyo)
- Ebi-Imo Kaiseki (Kyoto)
- Sudachi Soba (Nara)
- Kogashu Ramen (Kyoto)
- Black Hot Dog (Akihabara, Tokyo)
- Gyu-Katsu (Tokyo)
- Nanbu Senbei (Aomori)
- Hoto (Kanto)
- Oyakis (Nagano)
- Kamaishi Ramen (Kamaishi)
- Ichinoseki Mochi (Ichinoseki)
Now that you know about the cities on Honshu Island, check out the reasons for visiting Hokkaido.
Of course, understanding Japanese can make your exploration of the Island of the Sun all the sweeter and private tutoring can make all the difference. On the Superprof platform, you can opt for face-to-face tutorials, group sessions, or online lessons, each of which offer unique advantages and considerations. The choice is ultimately in your preferences and budget.
In addition, group tutorials provide an economical option that allows you to learn alongside friends, family members, or fellow Japanese students. Even though personalisation is not as achievable in a group, sharing the cost of the tutor's time makes it a budget-friendly choice.
For a more personalised learning experience, one-on-one tutorials offer an excellent solution. With the tutor's undivided attention, you can learn in a way that suits you. While it is pricier, it is without doubt the most cost-effective way to help you master the language.
Finding the right tutor is key and this is where Superprof makes it easy. Use the website’s location tool to search for Japanese tutors near you. Alternatively, as it is an international platform, you could find an online tutor from another part of the world – all you need is a computer with a webcam and robust internet connectivity. As tutors save on travel costs, online tutoring can be a more affordable option which allows you to have more sessions every week.
Finally, it is worth noting that many Superprof tutors offer a complimentary first lesson which will help you to ascertain whether you and the tutor are compatible while you discuss your goals for learning Japanese.
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