Japan map: complete guide to exploring beautiful destinations

Japan map is one of the essential tools in your travel kit when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only does it provide diverse information about tourist attractions, but it also offers details about weather, cuisine, and distinctive cultural features of each region in beautiful Japan.

1. Overview of Japan map

Japan is an island nation located in East Asia. This archipelago country comprises a chain of main islands (including Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu) and thousands of smaller islands creating a unique geographical position.

Japan's total area is approximately 377,944 km², ranking 62nd globally, stretching from 24 degrees to 45 degrees North latitude (equivalent to northern, central, and southern Vietnam). Japan has diverse topography, with 70% being hills and mountains, many active volcanoes, notably Mount Fuji.

The Japan map is divided into 8 main geographical regions, each with distinct characteristics in topography, culture, and climate. Specifically:

• Hokkaido: Located in the north, featuring cold climate, heavy winter snowfall, vast plains, volcanoes, and lakes.
  
• Tohoku: This region has mountainous terrain interspersed with small plains, many hot springs, and snow.
  
• Kanto: A large plains area with dense population, serving as the national administrative and financial center.
  
• Chubu: The terrain here is mainly hills and mountains with the Japanese Alps and Mount Fuji - Japan's symbol.
  
• Kansai: This region is discovered to have many ancient relics, low plains, and humid climate.
  
• Chugoku: A region with mountainous terrain interspersed with coastal plains.
  
• Shikoku: This area has many small hills and streams.
  
• Kyushu: Mainly volcanic terrain and coastal plains, featuring warm climate.
  

Japan map. (Source: Internet)

2. Guide to using Japan map when traveling

2.1. Using Google Maps - simple and intuitive

Currently, when traveling, besides printed paper maps, you can use Google Maps to view Japan map easily and quickly.

Google Maps has features that help support real-time positioning, along with suggestions for walking routes, trains, or buses very easily. You can use Live View to find directions in Tokyo or Kyoto.

One note is that you can combine Google Maps with Google Translate to understand station names and signboards if you don't know Japanese.

Using Google Maps brings convenience and visual clarity. (Source: Internet)

2.2. Downloading map applications supporting Japan travel

Some map applications supporting Japan travel that you can refer to include:

• Japan Travel by NAVITIME: This is a domestic application where you can look up trains, buses, and tourist attractions in real-time.
  
• Maps.me: An application that can be used offline, download the needed area beforehand. This is a very useful Japan travel support application when traveling in mountainous areas or areas far from the center.
  
• Hyperdia/Jorudan: A specialized application for train inquiries. If you choose trains as your main transportation, you should refer to this app.
  

*Note: Some applications only display in Japanese, so during installation, you should also install Google Translate/Google Maps for comparison.

Downloading map applications supporting Japan travel will also help you easily look up destinations in Japan. (Source: Internet)

2.3. How to read train maps - seems difficult but easy

For tourists, reading train maps in Japan can be confusing and difficult because Japan has a complex train system, especially in large cities like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, with Tokyo alone having over 13 lines. However, train maps here are clearly divided by colors and codes so viewers can easily observe and recognize.

Each line will have distinct color symbols and letters, for example Y = Yamanote, G = Ginza Line, JR Yamanote Line has green color, Tokyo Metro Ginza Line has orange color, etc.

At major stations, there are English instructions for foreign tourists, you can ask station staff for better understanding.

One note when traveling by train is to book JR Pass when buying Vietnam Airlines tickets for convenient nationwide travel without wasting much time.

Japan's train system is quite complex, so you should learn how to read it to avoid confusion. (Source: Internet)

2.4. Notes about symbols on Japan map

Symbols on Japan map are used to represent locations, structures, and geographical features. Therefore, you should first look up common symbols like famous places, terrain, railways, roads, etc. Usually, tourist maps will use simpler, more understandable symbols compared to regular maps.

Maps at stations, parks, or museums usually have both Japanese and English versions. This will help tourists conveniently look up and grasp information better.

In cases where map locations only have Japanese, you can use camera translation apps like Google Translate to help read and understand necessary information on the map.

3. Exploring Japan through maps: notable destinations and experience activities

When visiting Japan, you can tour many locations with unique cultural, architectural, and culinary features. Below is a Japan map with notable destinations and experience activities you shouldn't miss when visiting the Land of the Rising Sun.

3.1. Hokkaido - land of white snow and summer lavender

Hokkaido is Japan's second-largest island, a region famous for cool summer climate and heavy winter snowfall, providing tourists with interesting experiences.

In winter, Hokkaido transforms into a white snow paradise with thick, pure white snow helping develop winter sports activities, notably skiing. In February, the famous Sapporo Snow Festival takes place here, displaying giant snow and ice sculptures famous worldwide. You can visit famous skiing areas like: Niseko, Furano, Rusutsu.

In summer, Hokkaido is covered in brilliant purple colors of lavender fields stretching endlessly along with many other flowers like sunflowers, poppies, salvia, etc.

Some famous locations in Hokkaido you can visit include:

• Otaru: Ancient town by the canal, very romantic at night.
  
• Hakodate: Port city with famous Hakodate night views.
  
• Noboribetsu: Famous hot spring area, "hell valley" Jigokudani.
  
• etc.
  

Lavender fields overflowing with purple colors in Hokkaido during summer. (Source: Internet)

3.2. Tohoku - forests, lakes and spectacular autumn foliage

Tohoku is located right next to Hokkaido on the Japan map, situated in northeastern Honshu - Japan's main island. This place has characteristic cold weather, with temperatures ranging from 10-20 degrees C. Tohoku is suitable for activities like sightseeing, resort tourism, studying abroad, and labor export.

Tohoku features pristine nature including mountains, forests, lakes, and hot springs. Especially from early October to early November, you can admire brilliant autumn foliage with the advantage of being less crowded than Kyoto or Tokyo.

There are many famous tourist spots in Tohoku you can explore such as: Tsuruga Castle to learn about history and culture; Chusonji Temple; Lake Tazawa - Japan's deepest lake with crystal clear water; etc.

Tohoku in autumn dyed brilliant red by forest trees. (Source: Internet)

3.3. Kanto - modern Tokyo, peaceful Nikko

According to Japan map, Kanto is a large geographical region of Japan including Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Gunma, Tochigi (Nikko), and Ibaraki.

This is considered the major cultural and economic center in Japan with many schools, headquarters of large corporations, and attractive tourist destinations. Tokyo is the capital with modern and vibrant lifestyle.

Nikko with unique cultural and natural heritage, featuring peaceful scenery with many temples, forests, especially beautiful natural landscapes, particularly in autumn when forests are dyed red by tree leaves.

Image of modern Tokyo in Kanto region. (Source: Internet)

3.4. Chubu - where high mountains meet Mount Fuji symbol

Located in the center of Honshu island, between Kanto and Kansai regions, Chubu is where Japan's famous agriculture and tourism develop. This place has the Japanese Alps mountain range, Mount Fuji - the sacred symbol of the country.

Chubu is a region possessing seas, mountains, ancient villages, and industrial cities. Therefore, you can come here for resort tourism combined with cultural experiences and nature exploration.

Speaking of Chubu tourism, one cannot fail to mention Mount Fuji tourist attraction, annually attracting millions of visitors. Besides, you can visit other interesting destinations like: Jigokudani hot springs, ancient towns Tsumago & Magome, ancient villages Shirakawa-go & Takayama in Gifu, etc.

Mount Fuji - Sacred symbol of Japan. (Source: Internet)

3.5. Kansai - ancient soul of Japan

Kansai is a region perfectly combining history, culture, cuisine, and modern cities. This place has many UNESCO-recognized world heritage sites, along with ancient temples, castles, and traditional festivals.

Kansai region has many famous places for you to explore like Kyoto - the heart of traditional Japanese culture, home to many ancient temples combined with bamboo forests bringing mystical and unique atmosphere. The most beautiful time to visit Kyoto is in spring when cherry blossoms bloom abundantly and autumn when red leaves fill the sky in November.

Besides is the vibrant city and culinary paradise Osaka bringing you cultural and historical values as well as freely enjoying attractive dishes here.

Kyoto in Kansai region, heart of traditional Japanese culture. (Source: Internet)

3.6. Chugoku - land of history and nature

Chugoku is a region famous for combining long history with diverse natural landscapes, from magnificent mountain ranges to peaceful coastlines. Chugoku region was once the center of many dynasties and important events in Japanese history.

This place still preserves many historical relics, temples, and ancient citadels. You can visit famous places like: Hiroshima, Okayama - Land of "Momotaro" fairy tale, Shimane carrying deep ancient spiritual and mysterious features, etc.

Chugoku famous for combining long history with diverse natural landscapes. (Source: Internet)

3.7. Shikoku - peaceful land with 88 temples

An ideal destination for tourists who love spiritual tourism in Japan, Shikoku, peaceful land with 88 temples. This place has diverse nature including seas, mountains, streams, and magnificent waterfalls. Particularly, this area has slow-paced lifestyle, rich local culture, and little affected by modernization.

Interesting destinations and experiences when traveling here can include:

• Pilgrimage route of 88 temples, with a route about 1,200km around Shikoku island, passing through 88 Buddhist temples.
  
• Matsuyama: Still has Matsuyama Castle - one of the few remaining original castles, and ancient hot spring Dogo Onsen.
  
• Kagawa: Possessing one of Japan's most beautiful traditional gardens, Takamatsu Castle.
  
• Kochi: Notable for pristine nature and ancient historical heritage.
  

Matsuyama Castle in Shikoku region with architecture still preserved in original form. (Source: Internet)

3.8. Kyushu - convergence of volcanoes, hot springs and cuisine

According to Japan map, Kyushu is located in southern Japan, the third-largest island among the four main islands. This place has many active volcanoes, hot springs, and very diverse nature. Besides, this is a region with rich culinary culture, famous for ramen, beef, and seafood.

Kyushu is also an area with many historical relics, associated with Japanese Catholicism, influences from Europe and ancient China.

You can visit locations in Kyushu for sightseeing exploration like: Fukuoka - dynamic city; Nagasaki - place with special history and multicultural heritage; Oita - hot spring paradise for resort tourists, etc.

Kyushu - convergence of diverse natural scenery and rich cuisine. (Source: Internet)

3.9. Okinawa - tropical paradise and distinct culture

Okinawa is a region located in Japan's far south with tropical climate - warm year-round. Nature here remains pristine, with white sand and golden sunshine year-round helping you enjoy beautiful moments.

Some notable tourist destinations in Okinawa include: Main Okinawa Island, Miyako archipelago with Japan's most beautiful beaches, Yaeyama archipelago, etc.

Okinawa - pristine land, paradise of beautiful beaches. (Source: Internet)

Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates many flights to Japan including both direct and convenient connecting flights for passengers. To buy airplane tickets to Japan, you can access the airline's official website to check flight schedules suitable for your plans.

Thus, through the Japan map above, you surely have useful information to prepare detailed Japan travel plans. Japan not only has beautiful and diverse nature but also contains historical and cultural values with strong East Asian characteristics, worthy of being an ideal destination for travelers from all directions.

For a complete trip in every aspect, don't forget to book airplane tickets early to hunt for cheap tickets with Vietnam Airlines. Quickly access the official website www.vietnamairlines.com or Vietnam Airlines application to search, book tickets with many attractive accompanying offers.