Honshu: Point of Interest Map
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Honshu Vacation Packages


Honshu is the largest of the four main Japanese islands, a mere fraction larger than the island of Britain for comparison purposes. Over 100 million people live on Honshu, making it the second most-populated island in the world after Java in Indonesia. Historic castles and temples, traditional districts with geishas, skyscrapers and neon lights, relaxing hot springs, and nature scenes like ones seen at Lake Biwa and Mount Fuji are all experiences you can enjoy while on Honshu, just to name a few!

Best Vacation Packages:

Honshu Travel Destinations


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Regions of Honshu

  • Tohoku
    Tohoku no image

    Just a three or four-hour shinkansen ride from Tokyo, Tohoku is a great place to explore the Japanese countryside. Rolling farmland and rice paddies make way for lakes and mountains, where there are traditional towns and villages with well-known hot springs and ryokans.

  • Kanto
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    The Kanto region is largely comprised of the Kanto Plain, the largest plain in Japan, which fits a third of Japan`s population into an eighth of Honshu. Tokyo, the nation`s capital and one of the world`s major cities, is located in the middle of the Kanto Plain.

  • Chubu
    Chubu no image

    The Chubu region comprises much of east-central Japan. It is home to the majestic Japanese Alps, the legendary Mount Fuji, three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and priceless and unforgettable vacation experiences, whether you decide on a city or a country stay.

  • Kansai
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    The Kansai region (also called the Kinki region) is the historical heart of Japan, home to the country`s former capitals, Nara and Kyoto. Kansai is known in equal parts for its history and its great natural beauty, and it boasts five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

  • Chugoku
    Chugoku no image

    Chugoku means `the middle countries` in Japanese, and it was once the link Nara and Kyoto had with Asia`s mainland. Cut in two by the Chugoku Mountains, the south (Sanyo) is home to its two largest cities, and the north (San'in) is perhaps the most rural part of Japan.

See All Regions of Honshu

Experiences & Adventures

  • Japanese Cultural Experiences

    There are so many experiences you can enjoy that are unique to Japan, such as attending a kabuki theatre performance, being a spectator at a sumo wrestling match, watching geishas administer the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, and the list goes on!

  • Japanese Castles

    Japan is particularly well-known for its castles. Today there are over 100 open to the public. From Hokkaido to Okinawa, the castles of Japan educate visitors on what life was like during the late feudal and Tokugawa shogunate eras.

  • Temples and Shrines of Japan

    There are tens of thousands of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan, and they can be found even in the remotest towns and villages. One of the most accessible ways to learn about Japanese culture and customs is to visit a temple or shrine.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

  • Osaka - Kyoto - Nagoya - Yokohama - Tokyo with Rail Pass
    12 nights from $1,803*
    ›
    • Explore Japan!... From Osaka (known as 'The City of Food'. Here you can indulge yourself, enjoying the flavors, history, pop culture and outdoor activities this place has to offer.) Up next, travel to Kyoto (known as the City of the Ten Thousand Shrines for a reason, since it holds about a quarter of Japan's National Treasures and popular festivals). Then, Nagoya (a major port and transportation hub in Japan's Chubu region) and Yokohama (a modern trading city, pursuing export of Japanese silk and tea) and last but not least, Tokyo (Japan's most lively capital, which mixes the ultramodern with the traditional, featuring neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples). Travel between cites with a Rail Pass.<

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Osaka and out of Tokyo
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - Bullet Train)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Osaka
    • Train from Osaka to Kyoto: Go to Osaka train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 30 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Nagoya: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Nagoya train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 50 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Nagoya
    • Train from Nagoya to Yokohama: Go to Nagoya train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Yokohama train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 120 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Yokohama
    • Train from Yokohama to Tokyo: Go to Yokohama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Tokyo train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 120 Min.
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    Customer feedback (4)
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  • Osaka - Takayama - Tokyo with Rail Pass
    9 nights from $1,768*
    ›
    • Japan History!. Start in Osaka (known as 'The City of Food'. Here you can indulge yourself, enjoying the flavors, history, pop culture and outdoor activities this place has to offer). Continue in the mountainous Hida Region and visit Takayama (beautifully preserved historic old town, Hida beef, and Takayama Matsuri festival) . Your trip won’t be complete without visiting Tokyo (Japan's most lively capital, which mixes the ultramodern with the traditional, featuring neon-lit skyscrapers and anime shops to cherry trees and temples). These destinations are connected by Bullet Rail Pass.

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Osaka and out of Tokyo
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Osaka
    • Train from Osaka to Takayama: Go to Osaka train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Takayama train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 205 Mins.
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Takayama
    • Train from Takayama to Tokyo: Go to Takayama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Tokyo train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 245 Mins.
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    Customer feedback (1)
    >> Find similar package
  • Tokyo - Japanese Alps - Kyoto - Osaka with Rail Pass (Takayama - Kanazawa)
    10 nights from $1,671*
    ›
    • Unforgettable Japan!. Using a convenient Japanese Rail Pass connect: Tokyo (the capital and Japanese metropolis known for anime, electronics, manga and video games), and from there travel through Japanese Alps cities like: Takayama (a picturesque town that houses three of the most beautiful festivals in Japan) and Kanazawa (a magical place that features the Tera-Machi, where 70 temples are gathered together, and also the Kenroku-en Garden). Continue to Kyoto (an ancient capital full of classical Buddhist Temples, imperial Palaces, gardens, Shinto Shrines and traditional wooden houses) and finish at Osaka (known as the Nations Kitchen for its delicious food).

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Takayama: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Takayama train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 240 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Takayama
    • Train from Takayama to Kanazawa: Go to Takayama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kanazawa train station. Journey takes approx. 130 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kanazawa
    • Train from Kanazawa to Kyoto: Go to Kanazawa train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 125 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Osaka: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Osaka train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 30 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Osaka
    Customer feedback (2)
    >> Find similar package
  • Tokyo - Kyoto - Japanese Alps with Rail Pass (Toyama - Kanazawa)
    7 nights from $1,616*
    ›
    • Along the Japanese Alps!. Combine Tokyo (Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples), Kyoto (a city with amazing and historic buddhist temples and shrines, main classics of Japanese cuisine); and from there travel through Japanese Alps cities like: Toyama (at the coast of Japan, known for the -Toyama Castle Park- as well as its rich history) and Kanazawa (a magical place that features the Tera-Machi, where 70 temples are gathered together, and also the Kenroku-en Garden) with the Rail Pass train.

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Tokyo and out of Kanazawa
    • Bullet Train - Japan Rail Pass
    • High-speed bullet train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - 7 Days)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 3 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Kyoto: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kyoto train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 138 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Kyoto
    • Train from Kyoto to Toyama: Go to Kyoto train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Toyama train station. Journey takes approx. 150 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Toyama
    • Train from Toyama to Kanazawa: Go to Toyama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kanazawa train station. Journey takes approx. 25 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Kanazawa
    • Train from Kanazawa to Komatsu Airport: Go to Kanazawa train station, validate your Pass, and take the train that will take you to Komatsu Station.** YOU MUST TAKE A BUS FROM KOMATSU STATION TO AIRPORT** Total journey takes approx. 50 Min.
    >> Find similar package
  • Tokyo - Japanese Alps - Osaka with Rail Pass (Toyama - Kanazawa)
    7 nights from $1,606*
    ›
    • Travel along Japanese Alps!. Combine Tokyo (the capital and Japanese metropolis known for anime, electronics, manga and video games), with these Japanese Alps cities: Toyama (stunning natural landscapes, including the dramatic Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route) and Kanazawa (a magical place that features the Tera-Machi, where 70 temples are gathered together, and also the Kenroku-en Garden). Finish in Osaka (Japan's second largest metropolitan area, known as the Nations Kitchen for its delicious food)) with the Rail Pass.

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Tokyo and out of Osaka
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 7 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel. (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Toyama: Go to Tokyo train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Toyama train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 155 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Toyama
    • Train from Toyama to Kanazawa: Go to Toyama train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Kanazawa train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 25 Min.
    • Hotel for 1 night in Kanazawa
    • Train from Kanazawa to Osaka: Go to Kanazawa train station, validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Osaka train station. Route operated by Shinkansen. Journey takes approx. 120 Min.
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Osaka
    >> Find similar package
  • Kanto - Chubu - Chugoku with Rail Pass (Tokyo - Hakone - Shizouka - Hiroshima)
    10 nights from $2,144*
    ›
    • Exiting Japan! Combine Tokyo (the center of Japan. This beautiful city actually has an unbelievable amount of restaurants, beautiful gardens and its full of fascinating museums and galleries), before continuing to Hakone, Shizuoka, Nagoya and finally Hiroshima (a modern city on Japan’s Honshu Island, was largely destroyed by an atomic bomb during World War II. Today, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park commemorates the 1945 event). Combine these destinations by rail to experience the culture and natural beauty of Japan.

    Fully Flexible Itinerary: Personalize your hotels, transportation, and length of stay in each city. Easily add curated experiences to complete your journey.
    Included:
    • Flight into Tokyo and out of Hiroshima
    • High-speed train Shinkansen (Japan Rail Pass - bullet train)
    • 14 Days Japan Rail Pass is included by default. Please ensure you select the correct duration of your Japan Rail Pass according to length of travel (For more details please go to the product description during the booking process).
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Tokyo
    • Train from Tokyo to Hakone operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Odawara station to connect to Hakone. Journey takes approx. 40 min
    • NOT INCLUDED
    • Train Odawara to Hakone operated by Hakone Tozan Railway (Not covered by Japan Rail Pass network) Approx. fare USD $5. Tickets payable at the ticket gate. Duration depends on Hotel location.
    • Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto Station - 14 minutes
    • Odawara to Hakone-Miyanoshita Station — 39 minutes
    • Odawara to Hakone-Kowakudani Station — 44 minutes
    • Hotel for 2 nights in Hakone
    • Train from Hakone to Shizuoka operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Hakone station to connect to Shizuoka Station. Journey takes approx. 45 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Shizuoka
    • Train from Shizuoka to Nagoya operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Shizuoka station to connect to Nagoya Station. Journey takes approx. 55 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Nagoya
    • Train from Nagoya to Hiroshima operated by Tokaido Shinkansen: Validate your Japan Rail Pass, and take the train that will take you to Nagoya station to connect to Hiroshima Station. Journey takes approx. 35 min
    • Hotel for 2 night in Hiroshima
    >> Find similar package
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More to Explore

  • Japanese Cuisine
    Japanese Cuisine no image

    Japanese cuisine is one of the world`s most popular cuisines, and definitely one of the most delicious. You will find certain regions are cities are known for the best of the best of certain Japanese delicacies and staples.

  • Skiing in Japan
    Skiing in Japan no image

    Over 500 ski resorts dot Japan, from Hokkaido all the way down to Kyushu. You will find the widest selection of ski resorts in the Japanese Alps, where the Winter Olympics took place, and in the Tohoku region, home to many of the country`s largest resorts.

  • Beaches and Islands of Japan
    Beaches and Islands of Japan no image

    Many people think of four major islands when they think of Japan, but as one of the largest island countries in the world, there are hundreds of inhabited islands that offer some of Asia`s most fabulous beaches, from Hokkaido down to the Ryukyu Islands.

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