Honshu (Japanese: 本州, Hepburn: Honshū, pronounced [hoꜜɰ̃ɕɯː] ⓘ; lit. 'main island '), historically known as Akitsushima (秋津島, lit. 'dragonfly island'), [3][4][5] is the largest of the four main islands of Japan. [6][7] It lies between the Pacific Ocean (east) and the Sea of Japan (west).

Honshu, which means ‘main province’ in Japanese, is the most populous and largest island of Japan. Historically, the island was called Hondo. To the west and north of the island, you have the Sea of Japan (East Sea), and to the east and south, the North Pacific Ocean.

Honshu is Japan's largest island and contains most of the country's best-known cities and destinations. It's here you'll find Tokyo, Kyoto, Yokohama, Hakone, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Niigata, Himeji and Mt. Fuji.

Honshu, largest of the four main islands of Japan, lying between the Pacific Ocean (east) and the Sea of Japan (west). It forms a northeast–southwest arc extending about 800 miles (1,287 km). Honshu is regarded as the Japanese mainland.

Aug 18, 2017 · Honshu is the largest island in Japan at almost 228,000 square kilometres. Located to the north is Hokkaido, and Shikoku and Kyushu islands are located to the south and southwest respectively. The island separates the Sea of Japan, which lies to its north and west, from the North Pacific Ocean to its south and east.

Dec 22, 2023 · Welcome to Honshu, a Temperate island in the Japan Sea, part of the majestic Pacific Ocean. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of what makes Honshu unique – from its geography and climate to its population, infrastructure, and beyond.

Oct 18, 2019 · Honshu is located between the Sea of Japan and the Northern Pacific Ocean. Honshu is not only home to Tokyo, the world’s largest city, it is also the 7th largest island in the world. The island of Honshu is considered the historical and cultural heart of Japan.

Feb 6, 2025 · Imagine standing on an island that’s not only the largest in Japan but also the seventh-largest in the world. That’s Honshu for you! With a population of approximately 104 million people, this island is a bustling hub of culture, history, and economic activity. But what makes Honshu truly special?

Imagine Japan and you're probably picturing the central island of Honshu. Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hiroshima; Mount Fuji, Lake Biwa and the Japanese Alps; neon and skyscrapers, geisha districts and famous temples – all of these can be found on Honshu. Japan’s main island, it’s also the country’s largest and most populous.

Exploring the best of central Honshu with the Three-Star Road. Mar 16, 2021 • 6 min read. Cycling. Discover Edo Period Japan on the Nakasendo Trail. Mar 8, 2021 • 4 min read. Food. Riding Japan’s ‘New Golden Route’: Mountainous Gifu, Nagano and Gunma. Feb 17, 2021 • …