Okinawa Prefecture is Japan`s southernmost prefecture. It consists of the islands of the Ryukyu Archipelago, like Okinawa, Miyakojima, and the Yaeyama Islands, the latter situated just off the coast of Taiwan. The culture of the native Ryukyuan people thrives once more on Okinawa Island, and two sites integral to Ryukyuan history are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Americans occupied Okinawa Island from the 1940s until the early 1970s, and there is heavy U.S. military presence there today, giving much of the island a distinctly American feel. Okinawa and the rest of the Ryukyus are known for their beautiful beaches and cliffsides; outdoor activities like kayaking and ziplining; and an all-around laid-back atmosphere, whether you`re in an urban or rural setting.
Honshu is the largest of the four main Japanese islands, where over 100 million people live. Historic castles and temples, traditional districts with geishas, skyscrapers and neon lights, relaxing hot springs, and nature scenes are all experiences you can enjoy while on Honshu.
Hokkaido is one of Japan`s best-kept secrets. The northernmost of Japan`s four major islands, it is very sparsely-populated and geographically diverse. The most agricultural part of Japan, Hokkaido is considered `Japan`s breadbasket`.
Kyushu is the westernmost of Japan`s four major islands, and is well-known for its outdoor vacation experiences and gorgeous landscapes. One of Japan`s geothermal hot spots, Kyushu is dotted by a number of hot springs and even more volcanoes.
Shikoku is the smallest of the four main Japanese islands, separated from Honshu by the Inland Sea. It is perhaps best-known to tourists for its 88-temple Buddhist pilgrimage route, which runs for 895 miles adjacent to Shikoku`s coastline.
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!
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.
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.
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.
Experiencing the beauty and culture of Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and many travelers decide to make their trips even more special by choosing Japan as their honeymoon destination. Japan is a great country to experience as a couple.
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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