Honshu Highlights: Top Destinations and Hidden Gems
“The geographical and cultural heart of the country, Honshu is also the largest island in the Japanese archipelago. In total there are 103,000 citizens who permanently reside on Honshu, the majority of whom live in the metropolises of Tokyo, Kobe, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Sendai and Yokohama.
Majestic Mount Fuji: Honshu’s Crowning Glory
The highest peak on the island is that of the legendary Mount Fuji, which reaches 3,778 meters in height and represents the sacred mountain par excellence. The few plains of Honshu extend along the coasts and into the valleys of the main rivers, such as the Tone Gawa, the Kinokawa and the Shinano Gawa.
There are numerous lakes, almost all of volcanic origin, among which the enormous Lake Biwa stands out, whose surface area is almost 700 square kilometres, located north-east of Kyoto.
Honshu’s Rich History: From Feudal Clans to Modern Metropolises
The history of this large region presents different peculiarities depending on the portion of territory taken into consideration, given that, starting from the 7th/8th century, there have been many and very different influences that have reached the island.
Among the most historically flourishing moments there is undoubtedly the feudal age, during which various clans divided the island between themselves, ruling it until the Meiji Restoration, which was followed by years of stagnation. The downward trajectory triggered by the disintegration of the clans was reversed only after the Second World War, when the decision to undertake a phase of development focused on industrial growth led to a significant improvement in the economic condition and consequently a socio-political relaunch of the region.
Urban and Natural Harmony: Exploring Honshu’s Central Region
The central part of Honshu, which extends between Kanto, the metropolitan area of Tokyo, and Kansai, the Osaka-Kyoto-Kobe triangle, is dotted with shopping centers and ancient towns, but also features lovely rugged coasts and imposing Japanese Alps.
Adventure and Tranquility in Chubu
In the southern prefectures of central Honshu, also known as Chubu, hiking and mountaineering are practiced, along itineraries dotted with onsen in the Japan Alps National Park.
Hokuriku: Spectacular Coasts and Rich Culture
The coast of the Sea of Japan, called Hokuriku, offers the visitor cliffs with spectacular views, enchanting temples and cuisine based on the freshest fish.
Modern and Historical Charms of Kanazawa and Takayama
The center of Hokuriku is Kanazawa, a modern and dynamic city rich in history; the enchanting Takayama is instead appreciated for its traditional houses along the river, for the delicious cuisine and for the green countryside, while Matsumoto is besieged for its magnificent 16th century castle and its many art galleries.
UNESCO Gems: Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
The Shirakawa-go region and the Gokayama district, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are a jewel of Japanese architectural tradition, while modernity and the desire to project into the future are the main characteristics of Nagoya, the fourth largest city of Japan, and the true industrial heart of the region.
The Resilient Spirit of Hiroshima and the Artistry of Chugoku
Western Honshu, also called Chugoku, is full of points of interest: lively cities, quiet mountain villages and, when it comes to craftsmanship, exquisite ceramics.
Here is Hiroshima, which was able to rise again after the atomic catastrophe, and Okayama which, being in the Inland Sea area, is surrounded by charming coastal communities and islands dotted with works of modern art. Kurashiki has many prestigious museums, while in Bizen you can admire beautiful ceramics.
Yamaguchi Prefecture, a commercial hub located at the western end of Honshu, has to offer the so-called “Kyoto of the West” and its clay caves, while Shimonoseki is known for its fishing industry, in particular for fugu, the puffer fish.
Exploring the Rustic Charm of Shimane and Tottori
The prefectures of Shimane and Tottori are characterized by slow pace of life, which goes well with the many onsen, the still wild nature and the quiet mountain resorts.
Traveling along the coast overlooking the Sea of Japan, with Matsue Castle and the Tottori sand dunes, allows you to delve into numerous aspects of the country’s history, some of which are magnificently embodied by Izumo Taisha, one of the oldest shrines of the country, where the numerous Shinto deities are venerated.
Tohoku: Honshu’s Untouched Northern Beauty
The northern portion of Honshu is the least visited compared to the rest of the region. This is a real shame, as its rugged mountains, deep valleys, rushing rivers and friendly people make it a very pleasant and interesting destination for visitors. Some of Japan’s most curious customs and its most unique traditions are still preserved in the region, which has also retained pride in its feudal past.
The area is divided into the prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagn, Iwate, Aomori, Akita and Yamagata, collectively known as Tohoku, as well as Niigata and the island of Sado-ga-shima.
