Okay. So I’ve been in Japan for a month. I know where to get the best 7-Eleven egg sandwich (seriously, they hit like poetry), where the softest mochi lives, and which café gives me a really beautiful latte.
But here’s the thing—I realized I don’t actually know how Japan is divided up as a country. Not emotionally. Geographically. Like, I could NOT tell you how the whole thing is organized. Which is ridiculous. So this post is part self-lecture, part humble travel diary, and part “let me memorize this before someone quizzes me at a shrine.”
Yes, Japan is an island nation—but it’s not just one giant sushi-shaped landmass. It’s actually made up of 47 prefectures, grouped into 8 regions. Full disclosure: ChatGPT helped me write this (I mean, how would I know, right?), so take it with a grain of salt—I haven’t fact-checked any of it. This post is more about me trying to learn than pretending to be any kind of expert.
1. Hokkaido (北海道) – Snow, Foxes, and Ramen Dreams
The entire northern island is its own region. Cold in the winter, full of bears and hot springs. Sapporo = beer, snow festivals, and slurping miso ramen in oversized scarves. A friend of mine is heading there in July, which is what kicked off this whole “wait, how is Japan actually organized?” spiral in the first place.
2. Tohoku (東北) – The Quiet North
North of Tokyo, with mountains, onsens, and beautiful rural towns. Famous for soul-soothing nature and rice fields that stretch forever.
3. Kanto (関東) – Tokyo + Friends
This is where Tokyo lives (aka the caffeine-fueled neon brain of the country). Includes places like Yokohama, Chiba, and Saitama. If Japan were a video game, Kanto is the futuristic hub with side quests on every street corner.
4. Chubu (中部) – Mountains, Tea, and Ghibli Vibes
Right in the middle. Nagano (snow monkeys!), Shizuoka (green tea paradise), and the Japanese Alps. Feels like Studio Ghibli whispered all over it. Mt. Fuji also lives here, looking majestic and photobombing half your trip.
5. Kansai (関西) – Heart and Humor
Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe. Kansai is big feelings and street food. I’ll be meeting up with Loc here soon to explore it all—finally diving into the vibrant core of Japan everyone talks about. Osaka says what it thinks (loudly and deliciously), Kyoto will make you fall in love with moss and silence, and Nara has deer that will bow to you… or steal your map if they’re feeling chaotic. That’s what I’ve heard.
6. Chugoku (中国) – Not China, But Close in Kanji
Includes Hiroshima (yes, the Peace Park), and lots of beautiful coastlines and islands like Miyajima—both of which are officially on my list.
7. Shikoku (四国) – Tiny, Spirited, Full of Temples
The smallest of the main islands. Known for its 88-temple pilgrimage (get your walking shoes), udon noodles that make you weep with joy, and super chill vibes.
8. Kyushu & Okinawa (九州と沖縄) – Hot Springs & Island Time
Now we’re talking home turf. I’m currently based in Kyushu, settled into a peaceful artist residency in Itoshima—all ocean breezes, forested mountains, and hidden shrines. I took a quick trip to Beppu, which felt like stepping into a steamy volcanic spa dream.
I’ve been living the quiet Japan life—rural, calm, and surrounded by nature. But at the end of my residency, I’m heading north to meet Loc and finally take on the classic triangle: Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. I haven’t even experienced the real crowds yet—the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos you see on YouTube that moves like a human tide. And honestly? I’m so ready. I want the neon. I want the noise. I want the sensory overload.
During my second month here, I might also pop over to Hiroshima, Kumamoto, and a few other places—because, well, why not?
This post is basically a sticky note to myself. But if you’re also staring at a map of Japan thinking, “wait, there’s a whole island up there?”—you’re not alone.
Now, excuse me while I go eat a coffee mochi in peace at my favorite café. In Kyushu. I know that now.