Honshu Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Honshu with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, local cuisine, cultural customs, safety tips, and more.


Introduction to Honshu

Located in Japan, in East Asia, Honshu is the largest island of Japan’s four major islands. It is known for its historical places, outdoor adventures, and scenic views. Honshu’s major cities include Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima.

List of Places to Visit in Honshu

Honshu is full of cultural and natural attractions. Here are some must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo
  2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Hiroshima
  3. Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto
  4. Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture
  5. Matsumoto Castle, Nagano Prefecture

Natural Attractions of Honshu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hakone, Kanagawa Prefecture
  2. Mount Fuji, Shizuoka Prefecture
  3. Shirakami-Sanchi, Aomori and Akita Prefecture
  4. Nachi Falls, Wakayama Prefecture
  5. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama and Nagano Prefecture

Hiking/Biking Routes of Honshu

Honshu offers amazing hiking and biking opportunities. Some noteworthy routes are:

  1. Kumano Kodo, Wakayama Prefecture
  2. Nakasendo Trail, Nagano and Gifu Prefecture
  3. Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture
  4. Shimanami Kaido, Ehime and Hiroshima Prefecture
  5. Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido Prefecture

Best Things to Do in Honshu: Activities and Tours

  1. Experience a traditional tea ceremony in Kyoto
  2. Visit the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo
  3. Attend a sumo wrestling tournament in Tokyo or Osaka
  4. Take a trip to Hiroshima’s Miyajima Island
  5. Explore the night markets in Osaka

Week-Long Itinerary for Honshu

For a week-long itinerary in Honshu, consider these locations:

  1. Day 1-2: Tokyo (Tokyo Tower, Senso-ji Temple, Ueno Park)
  2. Day 3: Hakone (Hakone Shrine, Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi)
  3. Day 4-5: Kyoto (Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion District)
  4. Day 6-7: Hiroshima (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, Miyajima Island)

Food and Drink Scene of Honshu

Honshu is renowned for its cuisine. Here are some dishes and local beverages to try:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sushi, Tokyo
  2. Okonomiyaki, Osaka
  3. Takoyaki, Osaka
  4. Ramen, Tokyo
  5. Kaiseki, Kyoto

Local Beverages

  1. Sake, all over Honshu
  2. Shochu, Fukuoka Prefecture
  3. Yuzu Juice, Kochi Prefecture
  4. Green Tea, Kyoto

Where to Stay in Honshu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Honshu has various accommodations to choose from:

  1. Luxurious hotels: The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, Hyatt Regency
  2. Mid-range hotels: Hotel Granvia Kyoto, Hilton Tokyo, Four Points by Sheraton Hakodate
  3. Budget hotels: Dormy Inn Hiroshima, Comfort Inn Tokyo Roppongi, Mitsui Garden Hotel Kyoto Yamashina

What to Buy in Honshu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Matcha tea, Kyoto
  2. Sake, all over Honshu
  3. Yuzen silk, Kyoto
  4. Soba sauce, Nagano Prefecture
  5. Kobe beef, Hyogo Prefecture

Local Culture and Customs of Honshu

Honshu’s locals have their unique customs and traditions. Here are some cultural aspects to consider:

  1. Remove your shoes before entering a Japanese home.
  2. Bowing is a common mode of greeting.
  3. Be aware of other people around you and avoid making noise.
  4. Public displays of affection are not customary in Japan.

Best Time to Visit Honshu

The best time to visit Honshu is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is pleasant, and the crowds are fewer.

Do’s and Don’ts of Honshu

Do:

  1. Dress modestly while visiting temples and shrines.
  2. Carry cash as some places do not accept credit cards.
  3. Take off your shoes before entering a temple, shrine or traditional restaurant.
  4. Try local cuisine and participate in cultural activities.

Don’t:

  1. Use your phone on public transport.
  2. Smoke while walking or in non-designated areas.
  3. Tip wait staff or taxi drivers.
  4. Be excessively loud in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Honshu

Honshu is safe for travelers, but it’s always best to take precautions, such as:

  1. Keep track of your belongings, especially in crowded public areas.
  2. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid dark or deserted areas.
  3. Always carry sufficient cash for emergencies.

Health in Honshu

Japan is generally a healthy country, and any medical needs can be met with the following:

  1. Pharmacies are widely available throughout Honshu.
  2. Medical treatment in Japan can be expensive without travel insurance.

Getting to Honshu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Honshu

  1. Tokyo Narita International Airport
  2. Tokyo Haneda International Airport
  3. Osaka Kansai International Airport
  4. Fukuoka Airport

Bus Stations Near Honshu

  1. Tokyo Station
  2. Kyoto Station
  3. Osaka Station
  4. Hiroshima Bus Center

Other Options

  1. Shinkansen bullet train
  2. Local trains
  3. Ferries

How to Get Around in Honshu

Honshu has an extensive public transportation system, including:

  1. Shinkansen bullet train
  2. Local trains and buses
  3. Taxis

Where to Go Next from Honshu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Hokkaido Island
  2. Shikoku Island
  3. Kyushu Island
  4. Okinawa Islands

Conclusion

Honshu has something to offer for everyone. From cultural excursions to natural beauty, it’s a destination worth exploring. Use this guide to plan your trip and get ready for an unforgettable experience.