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The best islands to visit in Japan

Japan's islands offer ancient temples, tropical beaches and world-class hiking. This is a country shaped by the sea – and these top Japanese islands promise authentic experiences and stunning natural wonders.

Written by: Caitlin Middleton - Product Copywriter at Explore Worldwide
Published: 22 December 2025

 

With more than 6,800 islands, Japan is a country shaped (both literally and culturally) by the sea. Most visitors spend their time on the four main islands (Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu), but venture a little further and you’ll discover remote archipelagos, sacred islets and volcanic landscapes you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

Whether you’re dreaming of tropical beaches, world-class hiking, ancient temples or fascinating local traditions, here are the best islands in Japan to visit:

 

  1. Kyushu
  2. Dejima
  3. Honshu
  4. Miyajima Island
  5. Sado Island
  6. Hokkaido
  7. Hirado Island

Japan’s top islands at a glance:

Map showing Japan's main and best islands, Asia

1. Kyushu

Volcanoes, onsen towns and Japan’s warm south

 

Japan’s third-largest island, Kyushu, sits at the southwestern end of the archipelago and is famous for its warm climate, steaming volcanic terrain and some of the country's friendliest locals. Its gateway city, Fukuoka, is one of Japan’s culinary capitals – don’t miss the yatai street-food stalls serving ramen and grilled yakitori.

 

Beppu (pictured) is another highly-rated destination, famed for its spa town status and bubbling hotsprings (onsens).

Venture inland and you’ll find dramatic mountains and rugged coastlines shaped by centuries of volcanic activity.

 

The island also has a strong historical identity: Nagasaki's moving Peace Park and Dejima’s preserved Dutch trading quarters (see below) reveal a side of Japan shaped by early global connections.

View our Kyushu Island trip

2. Dejima

A glimpse into a unique part of Japan's history

 

Though no longer separated by water, stepping into Dejima feels like travelling back in time to a unique chapter of history. Once an artificial island and now part of Nagasaki (Kyushu Island), Dejima offers a fascinating glimpse into Japan’s past.

 

Established in 1636 to confine Portuguese residents from the local population, the island soon took on a new role: after the Portuguese were expelled, Dejima became home to the Dutch Trading Mission. For more than 200 years, it was the only gateway through which Japan engaged with the Western world.

 

On both our Kyushu Island and Japan in Depth tours, you’ll discover original remnants of the site, carefully reconstructed 18th‑century buildings, and the charming residential quarter of Glover Gardens – a living museum that brings this extraordinary story to life.

View our Japan in Depth trip

3. Honshu

Japan's political, economic and cultural centre – with iconic cities to boot

 

As Japan’s largest island (and home to over 80% of its population), Honshu is where most first-time visitors spend their time. It’s home to the iconic cities of Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima, as well as mountain regions like the Japanese Alps and historic pilgrimage trails.

One of Honshu’s biggest draws is Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest peak and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but there’s so much more here to explore.

 

For culture lovers, Kyoto’s wooden teahouses and golden temples are a must; for foodies, Osaka’s neon-lit Dotonbori district is street-food heaven; and for nature lovers, Honshu’s national parks include crater lakes, waterfalls and wildlife.

 

Top tip: If you want a deeper, more local connection to Honshu’s culture, choose an itinerary that mixes cities with rural stays.

View our Simply Japan tour

4. Miyajima Island

One of Japan’s most sacred islands

 

Just a short ferry hop from Hiroshima, Miyajima (Itsukushima) is one of Japan’s most recognisable islands, thanks to its vermillion torii gate seemingly floating on water at high tide.

 

Beyond the famous Itsukushima Shrine, the island offers peaceful forest paths, inquisitive deer and small coastal villages where life moves slowly.

Climb or cable-car up Mount Misen for sweeping inland-sea views, or visit in the early morning before the day-trippers arrive for a calmer, quieter experience.

 

Top tip: See the torii at high tide, for that iconic snapshot - and keep an eye out for the local deer!

View our Upgraded - Discover Japan tour

5. Sado Island

Rural traditions, cycling and gold-mining history

 

Sitting off the coast of Niigata in the Sea of Japan, Sado Island is one of the country’s most underrated destinations. Once a place of exile for political dissidents and aristocrats, the island developed its own unique traditions, including the lively taiko drumming culture championed by the famous Kodo troupe.

Explore it by bike on our Cycle Japan tour and you’ll roll past dramatic cliffs, rice paddies, cedar forests and sleepy fishing hamlets. Sado’s former gold mines, once among the world’s most productive, offer a fascinating glimpse into Edo-period engineering.


Top tip: Sado is rural and less developed than many islands - perfect for travellers wanting an authentic, crowd-free Japan.

View our Cycle Japan tour

6. Hokkaido

Wild landscapes and winter wonders

 

Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, feels worlds away from the cities of Honshu. Known for its wide-open landscapes, national parks and abundant wildlife, it’s a paradise for walkers, outdoor enthusiasts and winter-lovers.

In February, Hokkaido hosts the enchanting Sapporo Snow Festival, where enormous sculptures made of ice and snow transform the city into a sparkling open-air gallery. In summer, lavender fields, volcanic lakes and alpine hiking trails reveal a completely different side of the island.

Top experience: Seeing Sapporo’s illuminated snow sculptures after dark.

View our Sapporo snow festival tour

7. Hirado Island

Samurai history on Kyushu’s edge

Connected to Kyushu by a bridge, Hirado Island blends samurai heritage with trade-era European influences. The reconstructed Hirado Castle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the sea, offers panoramic views and a rich insight into the island’s feudal past. Travel to Kyushu for samurai stories, coastal scenery and history.

Wander through the old Dutch trading quarter, visit tranquil temples, or follow coastal walking paths with sweeping views of the East China Sea.

Top experience: Exploring Hirado Castle at sunset (one of Kyushu’s most photogenic spots).

View our Footsteps of the Shogun tour

Need more Japan inspiration?

How many islands are there in Japan?

Japan has 6,800+ islands, though only around 400 are inhabited. The main islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawa.

Can I book guided tours around the Japanese islands with local operators?
Where is the best tropical island in Japan?
Which airlines offer direct flights from the UK to Japan’s islands?

Meet your Japan tour leaders

David:

 

"Kyushu is honestly one of my favourite areas to show guests in Japan. It’s a great region for travellers who want to see a different side of Japan while still feeling well connected and comfortable.

 

Honshu is always exciting to lead and delivers the classic Japan experience guests are looking for. Tokyo feels dynamic and endlessly interesting, Kyoto offers beautiful temples and traditional streets, with the key being good timing to enjoy the most popular spots, and Osaka adds a lot of personality and great food.​

 

Hokkaido feels completely different from the rest of Japan, with wide open spaces, crisp winter air, and beautiful snow scenery that really defines the experience.

 

The Sapporo Snow Festival is always a big hit with guests, who are impressed by the scale and creativity of the sculptures. Guests enjoy learning that Sapporo is the birthplace of Sapporo beer!"

About our tour leaders

Zilola:

 

"Hirado and Ikitsuki feel calm and remote, especially after time in Japan’s major cities. Hirado’s layered history often surprises guests, while Ikitsuki is more about scenery, with coastal roads, open landscapes, and big views.

 

From my experience as a tour leader, these islands are great for slowing things down and letting guests really take in their surroundings. They’re especially appreciated by travellers who enjoy history, nature, and places that don’t feel touristy.

 

On Cycle Japan, we explore Sado Island by bike, which really suits the island and is one of the best ways to experience it. The quiet roads, changing scenery, and slower pace help guests connect with the landscape straight away.

 

People are genuinely interested in learning about the Toki and how the island has adapted its farming and lifestyle to support the bird’s protection. From my experience, Sado works especially well for travellers who enjoy being off the beaten path and appreciate destinations with a strong sense of identity.​"

Don't just travel, Explore!

From Kyushu’s volcanic valleys to the sacred shrines of Miyajima and the wild national parks of Hokkaido, Japan’s islands offer a mix of culture, nature and adventure you won’t find anywhere else.

 

With expert leaders, carefully crafted itineraries and small groups, our Japan holidays make island-hopping simple, immersive and unforgettable.

Let's visit Japan

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