So, you're going to Japan... but where will you visit while you're there? See a map of Japan for the locations.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido is the northmost island in Japan. The spectacular landscape and beautiful natural suroundings attract many travelers. See pictures of Hokkaido. The weather is mild in summer. There is no rainy season in Hokkaido. It's very cold in winter, but it's a good destination for skiing. Also, you can visit many onsen (hot springs) in Hokkaido.
Sapporo-citySapporo Snow FestivalJapanese Crane: Kushiro-city Shikotsu-Toya National Park Daisetsuzan National ParkAkan National ParkShiretoko National ParkTohoku Region
Aomori is famous for the Nebuta festival.Sendai-city in Miyagi prefecture is one of the most popular travel destinations for the region. It's a beautiful city. You can visit Sendai Castle. Sendai Tanabata Festival is also famous.
Kanto Region
TokyoThe largest city in Japan. It's a good destination for travelers who want to enjoy the city life. There are lots of restaurants, shopping districts, theaters, amusement parks, temples and shrines. There are many English signs in Tokyo, so it's not hard for English-speaking travelers to get around Tokyo. For a sample Tokyo itinerary, read A Day in Tokyo. Kamakura, Nikko, Yokohama, and Hakone are good day trip destinations from Tokyo.
Chubu Region
You can view and climb Mt. Fuji from Yamanashi, Shizuoka, and Kanagawa prefectures.The Japan Alps in Naganoare beautiful.Kanazawa-city retains the atmosphere of old Japan like Kyoto does. Visit Kenrokuen Park, which is one of the three major Japanese gardens.Nagoya is the biggest city in this region. Nagoya castle is well-known.
Kinki Region
Kyoto is the old capital city of Japan and is the most popular destination for travelers in western Japan. There are so many temples and shrines to visit in Kyoto. You should be able to immerse yourself in Japanese traditional culture in Kyoto. For a sample Kyoto itinerary, see A Day in Kyoto.Osaka is the primary city of Japanese business in western Japan. Osaka is another good destination for travelers who want to enjoy the city life of Japan. There are many theaters and shopping districts in Osaka.
Chugoku Region
Hiroshima is located in this region.Visit Miyajima Island, where the famous, huge red torii gate is built on the ocean.
Shikoku Region
Shikoku isn't so popular for foreign travelers, but it's famous as a pilgrimage to 88 sacred Buddhist temples.Kotohira-gu shrine in Takamatsu is a good place to visit. Takamatsu is also famous for Sanuki-udon noodles.
Kyushu Region
