The Hokkaido region is known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. The large northern island encompasses several spots that belong on every traveler's bucket list. The rugged, untouched regions around Shiretoko Peninsula and Lake Toya are not to be missed, no matter the season. Flower enthusiasts will enjoy Furano and Biei for their long rows of spring flowers; the lavender fields at Farm Tomita are especially famous. Winter offers the most must-see attractions for Hokkaido travelers, whether you marvel at the massive ice sculptures at the Sapporo Snow Festival, absorb the romantic atmosphere around the Otaru Canal Snow Lights, or take a magical cruise through the drift ice off the cold coastline of Abashiri.

Tohoku is a region of Northern Japan with breathtaking nature and an exciting local subculture that comes to life during every summer festival season. The three great festivals are marked by unique highlights, such as the Aomori Nebuta Festival's dramatic floats, the exciting balancing bamboo poles of the Akita Kanto Festival, and the Sendai Tanabata Festival's amazing fireworks display. Those with an interest in Japanese Buddhism should add a stop in in the city of Hiraizumi. This location is especially treasured for the UNESCO-inscribed Buddhist Pure Land Temples. The city of Matsushima is the must-visit Tohoku destination for travelers looking for beautiful nature scenes. The celebrated beauty of Matsushima Bay makes a leisurely cruise around its pine-covered islets an absolute necessity for travelers to the Tohoku region. And foodies will enjoy a stopover in the city of Morioka to enjoy the "Three Great Noodles of Morioka" - especially Wanko Soba. Take the chance while there to view the Rock-Breaking Cherry Tree, an enduring symbol of the city which enchants every visitor.

The Kanto Region is by far the most densely populated area in Japan. Tokyo is the biggest destination in the country, full of local attractions that are worth seeing, including Asakusa Sensoji Temple, Meiji Palace, Tokyo Skytree and the Imperial Palace. Those looking to delve into the history of Japan need to visit Nikko, which features opulent Toshogu Shrine - resting place of the first Tokugawa shogun. The countryside around Nikko overflows with scenic landscape, with Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls among the main must-sees. Kamakura is also a good location for hikers looking for a day of adventure away from Tokyo, with a number of trails surrounding the Great Buddha of Kamakura. And finally, the outdoor beauties of Hakone beckon to all tourists to come witness the loveliness of Lake Ashi and the volcanic hot springs of Owakudani, with a dramatic glimpse of Mount Fuji for those especially favored among visitors to this side of the Kanto region.

Chubu is a region that has some of the best places and sights to see in Japan. At the top of the list of best places to visit is Mount Fuji - the highest mountain in Japan. This iconic mountain is celebrated in uncountable paintings, postcards, and poems, and is a must-see for any traveler to Japan. Another UNESCO Heritage Site of the area is Shirakawago. The quaint thatched roof farmhouses and idyllic scenery put this sleepy mountain village on the Japan travelers' radar. A short drive away brings you to Takayama, which preserves an Old Town heritage district filled with buildings from the Edo Period and presided over by the Takayama Jinya - the administrative mansion of the shogun-appointed governor. The true time to visit this city is in either autumn or spring, when Old Town celebrates the annual Takayama Spring and Autumn Festivals. The Chubu Region is also the location of one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden is famed for changing beauty which makes it a must-see in every season.

The Kansai region is a one-of-a-kind cultural blend, with some cities steeped in centuries of beautifully preserved tradition, while others move that tradition forward in a dynamic local lifestyle - it truly must be seen to be believed. The cities of Kyoto and Nara are carefully maintained historic gems, overflowing with UNESCO World Heritage Sites and majestic cultural treasures that belong on every traveler's must-visit list. The temple complex of Mount Koyasan is a spiritual mountain retreat that takes you into the heart of classical Japanese Buddhism, offering an overnight stay in one of the temples, the opportunity to experience life as a monk, as well as excursions to Koyasan's most beautiful locations. Then you have Osaka, built around magnificent Osaka Castle, yet the heart of the city is undoubtedly beneath Dotonbori's glittering arcades and flashy storefronts that beckon people to experience the local street food culture. Likewise, Kobe is also known for it's native cuisine - the locally-sourced wagyu beef, so tender that it melts in your mouth, is prized throughout the world. Other top Kansai destinations include Himeji, Kumano, Uji, and Kinosaki Onsen, full of local sites and activities that draw travelers deeper into the Kansai regional culture.

The Chugoku Region is called Japan's central region, and contains many of Japan's most memorable locales that especially appeal to those interested in Japan's history and local landscape. The city of Hiroshima is the area's biggest must-see city, where visitors can take a moment of silence in the elegant Peace Park and observe the ruin of the A-Bomb Dome, while they consider a world without nuclear weapons. Nearby is Miyajima Island, home to exquisite Itsukushima Shrine. This picturesque shrine is built into the nearby coastline, and brings travelers to witness its dramatic Torii Gate, standing out to sea and seeming to float on the water. Travelers exploring Japanese history must see Izumo Grand Shrine, widely acknowledged to be the oldest shrine in Japan, where, according to legend, the Shinto deities gather to meet once a year. More historical sites to visit in the Chugoku include the Edo-era rice distribution canals in Kurashiki, and Matsue "Black Plover" Castle in the city of Matsue.

Shikoku is one of the smallest regions in Japan, and is connected to the main island of Honshu three large bridges, including the Great Seto Bridge that runs across the Seto Inland Sea into the city of Takamatsu. The city contains Ritsurin Garden - often rated one of Japan's most beautiful landscape gardens and an attraction that cannot be missed. One of the region's most creative locations is Naoshima Art Island, which features a number of contemporary art museums and structures, including the Benesse House and the Art House Project. In the city of Naruto, visitors marvel at the Naruto Whirlpools, local tidal maelstroms that churn the sea just off the coast. Nature enthusiasts also enjoy a river cruise through the Oboke Gorge in the Iya Valley, while those studying Japanese history make their way to Kotohira to walk the steps up Kompira Shrine. August is a particularly festive time to visit Shikoku, especially as the city of Tokushima celebrates it's annual Awa Odori Festival. This festival takes place in mid august during the Obon Festival season, and features celebratory dance performances which are native to this region.

The Kyushu region has long served the rest of Asia as the gateway to Japan by sea, with the cities of Fukuoka and Nagasaki as the major arrival hubs for cruise liners from around the world. Fukuoka is the most populous, and a must-visit for the ruins of its former castle and the Yatai Food Stalls, nightly selling local street food and drawing the locals together with a friendly atmosphere. If cities in Kyushu were ranked in order of most famous, the city of Nagasaki would be at the top of the list. As one of only two cities in the world to suffer the devastating effects of an atomic bomb, the city has determined to make it's legacy into one of peace. The Peace Park is the best landmark of the city, followed by the Hidden Christian Sites remembering the Christians who hid from the persecution of their beliefs during the Edo Period. Visitors looking for natural marvels must see Mount Aso - the largest active volcano in Japan, observe the volcanic Hells of Beppu, and plan a trip to Yakushima Island to bask in the mysterious beauty of a Sugi cedar forest. The roots of Japanese history and mythology run deep in the Kyushu region, prompting many travelers to add the spiritual power spots of Takachiho to their must-see list, where it is said that the sun goddess Amaterasu hid from her fellow gods in her anger.

Okinawa is long chain of small islands at the southernmost edge of the Japan archipelago. The islands are known for having Japan's most beautiful beaches, with clear aquamarine waters wrapping sandy coastlines in flowing skirts of white foam making the islands the perfect beach vacation destination. Okinawa is home to the native Ryukyu people, ethnically diverse from the Japanese, having their own culture, language and religion. Travelers to the capital city of Naha who are interested in studying Ryukyu culture must see Shuri Castle, the former palace and administrative center of the Ryukyu Kingdom and a UNESCO Heritage Site. Ruins of other castles are also located on the island as well as a Ryukyu Village-themed park. Other notable attractions include Churami Aquarium and the War Memorials from World War 2.