Hokkaido is the second largest, northernmost and least developed of Japan's four main islands with 20% of the country's land area but only 5% of its population. This is where you’ll find Japan’s highest concentration of national parks, which vary from the almost fluorescent-green Kushiro Wetlands to Shiretoko National Park, where you can sometimes spot brown bears and sea lions. Hokkaido’s capital, Sapporo, dates back only 120 years, and this bright, cosmopolitan city, well-endowed with gardens and parks, makes the perfect base from which to head out and explore the island. Kushiro is well known for Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan's largest marshland and is renowned for the fresh seafood that can be enjoyed at it restaurants.

Cherry Blossom in Hokkaido is in its full glory from late April to early May. The peak viewing period varies from place to place: late April in Hakodate and Matsumae, early to mid-May around Sapporo, and in mid-May in eastern Hokkaido. 

Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. It's here you'll find Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Hakone, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Niigata, Himeji and Mt. Fuji. But its size and geographic diversity also means there are hundreds of barely known spots, making getting off the beaten path easy and rewarding. Honshu covers 88,000 square miles, with a population of around 104 million, accounting for more than 80% of the total population of Japan. It's split into five regions from the northeast to the southwest, Tohoku, Chubu, Kanto, Kansai and Chugoku.

Shikoku, the smallest of Japan’s four main islands, is a spiritual place. It is here that you’ll find the country’s most famous pilgrimage route, the 88 Sacred Temples of Shikoku, which wraps around the edge of the island. Atmospheric temples and shrines aside, Shikoku is blessed with supreme natural beauty, with plunging canyons, tumbling waterfalls and wooded mountains laced with hiking trails. Add to that some rich cultural experiences and steamy onsen (hot springs)

Kyushu, Japan’s third largest and southernmost island is a dynamic landscape of active volcanoes, hot springs and fertile farmlands. Rich volcanic soil and regular rainfall have contributed to the region’s reputation as a gourmet destination, famous for its citrus fruits, seafood, and rich, pork-based ramen. Kyushu offers many historic treasures, modern cities and natural beauty.