Understanding the Unique Regions of Japan

Japan’s geographical landscape is often categorized into various regions (and sub-regions), which can be perplexing for first-time visitors. The country is divided into 47 prefectures, each with its own unique characteristics and attractions. While some prefectures, such as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Nagano, are well-known internationally, many others may not be as familiar. Understanding Japan’s various regions is essential for travelers seeking to navigate the diverse offerings of the country effectively.

To make things easier, the 47 prefectures can be grouped into 8 regions including Chubu (consisting of 9 prefectures), Kanto (7), Tohoku (6), Hokkaido (1), Kansai (7), Chugoku (5), Shikoku (4) and Kyushu (8 including Okinawa).

But even then, the names can be hard to remember so let’s make it even easier and divide the 8 regions into Central, East, West, North, and South Japan. Nagano is located in the heart of Central Japan, so let’s start there:

Central Japan

Also referred to as Chubu, Central Japan is our home and includes the following prefectures: Nagano, Niigata, Gifu, Toyama, Aichi, Shizuoka, Yamanishi, Fukui, and Ishikawa Prefectures. Though not considered part of Chubu, we also consider Gunma Prefecture as part of Central Japan – due to its proximity bordering Nagano and similar character as a place of mountains, forests, snow and onsen.

Central Japan includes the major cities of Nagano, Matsumoto, Toyama, Kanazawa, and Nagoya and is known for its abundant nature and stunning beauty.

Home to the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter and an array of outdoor adventures in spring, summer and autumn, Central Japan is readily accessible from the major metropolises but in every other regard, is a world unto its own.

East Japan

East Japan includes the Kanto region – basically, the area to the immediate east of Central Japan. Japan’s political and financial power is concentrated in the cities – Tokyo, Yokohoma, Chiba, Saitama and Kanagawa – of East Japan. For many visitors, East Japan will be their point of entry or departure and take-up a lot of their time while here. Endlessly fascinating, you could spend a lifetime exploring Tokyo and its surroundings – just make sure you leave enough time for everything else Japan has to offer.

West Japan

Made-up of the regions of Kansai, Shikoku, and Chugoku, West Japan includes the popular destinations of Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. West Japan is characterized by its warmer climate  and open, friendly and mercantile nature of its people.

North Japan

Making-up the top portion of Japan’s main island, Tohoku is a beautiful, sparely-populated region and when combined with the Hokkaido – Japan’s large northern island – you have the grouping of North Japan. The recent extension of the shinkansen means that even Hokkaido can be reached using the high-speed train network. Geographically isolated and culturally distinct, Hokkaido feels somewhat remote and different to the rest of Japan, with only one major city – Sapporo.

South Japan

Finally, the southern region of Kyushu and distant islands of Okinawa – located approximately half-way between the Japanese main islands and the Philippines – make-up South Japan. Kyushu enjoys a sub-tropical climate and is home to cities including Fukuoka, Kagoshima and Nagasaki. Known for their beautiful beaches and relaxed lifestyles, Kyushu and Okinawa are often grouped together. Kyushu can be reached using the shinkansen however travelers heading to Okinawa will need to do so by air or sea.

Once a separate kingdom called ‘Ryuku’, Okinawans are proud of their heritage and beautiful home – a region which due to its isolation from the main islands, feels like a different country.

With so many amazing adventures awaiting in each of Japan’s unique regions, the possibilities are truly endless. Whether you are looking to create a custom multi-day itinerary or add a one-day adventure to your next trip to Japan, we have you covered. Feel free to browse our list of curated group and private tours or contact us to start planning your next adventure today.

Awarded a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for our 1-Day Snow Monkeys, Zenko-ji Temple & Sake Tour – recognised as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan – we have the local knowledge and experience to help you get the most out of your time in Japan.