Choosing where to go in Japan: a regional guide

Each region offers a different kind of trip

Japan stretches a long way from north to south, so the weather and scenery can differ sharply between regions in the same week. A trip built around shopping and food in a big city, one spent walking slowly between old temples, and one aimed at snow or the sea all suit different places. First-time visitors are tempted to fit every famous name into one itinerary, but moving between cities takes time, and on a short trip you will usually enjoy it more by focusing on one area. Below is a comparison of six of the most visited regions.

Tokyo: a city without edges

Tokyo, the capital, is the largest urban area in Japan. Busy districts like Shibuya and Shinjuku, the old temple streets of Asakusa, museums and parks, and neighbourhoods devoted to electronics and comics are spread across different parts of the city, so there is always more to see however long you stay. There are two airports, Narita and Haneda, so check which one your ticket uses. The city is so large that chasing several districts in one day means spending it on trains; grouping two or three areas per day works better. Day trips to places such as Kamakura and Hakone are also easy.

Osaka: food and a base for the Kansai region

Osaka is known for its down-to-earth food culture. The neon signs around Dotonbori and street food such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki are the classic pleasures. For travellers, though, Osaka's biggest advantage is its location. Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are all a short train ride away, so many people stay in Osaka and visit the surrounding cities one day at a time. Most arrive through Kansai International Airport, built on an artificial island; the train ride into the city takes a while, so allow for it on your first and last days.

Kyoto: temples and lanes of the old capital

Kyoto served as Japan's capital for more than a thousand years, and it is full of temples, shrines and lanes lined with traditional houses. It rewards slow walking and lingering more than ticking off sights. During the cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons the famous spots get very crowded, so starting early in the morning or mixing in lesser-known temples makes a big difference. Getting around relies heavily on buses, so at busy times combine the subway with walking. At temples and in residential streets, watch for no-photography areas and private property signs, and keep your voice down.

Fukuoka: a compact gateway to Kyushu

Fukuoka is the largest city on the island of Kyushu and one of the closest Japanese destinations to Korea. Its airport sits close to the city centre, so you can be downtown soon after landing, and the main districts are fairly compact, which makes it easy on a short trip. It is known for Hakata ramen in a rich pork bone broth and for the food stalls that set up along the streets in the evening. From Hakata Station, the Kyushu Shinkansen and limited express trains lead on to cities such as Kumamoto and Kagoshima and to hot spring towns, so many itineraries use Fukuoka as the starting point for a tour of Kyushu.

Hokkaido: a vast northern island with strong seasons

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's main islands. In winter heavy snow draws visitors for snow festivals and skiing; in summer it is cooler than the rest of the country, ideal for flower fields and scenic drives. Many trips use Sapporo as a base and add cities such as Otaru and Hakodate. The island is large and the distances between towns are long, so an itinerary planned only by looking at a map can easily lose a whole day to travel. In winter, icy roads and heavy snowfall can stop transport, so bring shoes with good grip and leave slack in the schedule.

Okinawa: a subtropical sea and Ryukyu history

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, loved for its subtropical climate and clear water. Once the Ryukyu Kingdom, it has food, architecture and music with a character distinct from the mainland. Naha has a monorail, but many visitors rent a car to reach beaches and sights around the island. Traffic in Japan drives on the left, so do not push yourself if you are not used to it, and check the official guidance on the documents you need to drive. Typhoons pass through frequently from summer into autumn and can cancel flights, so build some flexibility into your plans.

Questions to narrow it down

Answer these in order and the shortlist shrinks quickly. Blossom and autumn leaf timings shift from year to year, so check local forecasts before you go.

• Short trip: Fukuoka, with its nearby airport, or focus on one city
• Food and shopping: Tokyo or Osaka
• Temples and old streets: Kyoto, easily combined with Osaka
• Snow or a cool summer: Hokkaido, with extra time in winter
• Sea and relaxation: Okinawa, with a plan for typhoon cancellations
• Holidays, blossom or autumn leaf season: book accommodation early anywhere