Japan is an island nation made up of 14,125 islands. Among these, the four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—occupy the majority of the country’s land area. Each of these islands has distinct landscapes and local cultures that reflect Japan's diversity. Understanding this geography is helpful when planning where to travel and what to expect.
Japan is commonly divided into eight regions, each offering its own unique blend of history, culture, and nature. For example, Hokkaido is known for its vast snowy landscapes, while Kansai is home to historic cities like Kyoto and Osaka. Exploring Japan by region allows travelers to appreciate the country’s cultural depth and geographical variety.
Japan consists of 47 prefectures, which serve as local administrative divisions. These are classified into four categories: "to" for Tokyo, "do" for Hokkaido, "fu" for Osaka and Kyoto, and "ken" for the remaining 43 prefectures. Each prefecture has its own identity, with unique customs, dialects, and culinary specialties that make regional travel especially rewarding.
Japan experiences four distinct seasons, each providing unique experiences for travelers. Spring is famous for cherry blossoms and hanami picnics under blooming trees. Summer offers lively festivals and fireworks displays, though it also brings heat and humidity. Autumn is a season of colorful foliage and harvest festivals, while winter attracts visitors with snow sports, hot springs, and traditional New Year celebrations.
Learning a few basic Japanese greetings can help you connect with locals and show respect for the culture. "Ohayo gozaimasu" is a polite way to say good morning, while "Hajimemashite" is used when meeting someone for the first time. Another important expression is "Yoroshiku onegaishimasu," which conveys a sense of goodwill in new relationships. Saying "Arigatou gozaimasu" is a courteous way to show appreciation in many situations.
When meeting someone new, a polite way to introduce yourself is by saying "Watashi wa [name] desu," which means "I am [name]." This simple sentence is widely used and easy to remember. If you'd like to say where you're from, you can add "[Country] kara kimashita," meaning "I came from [Country]." These basic phrases are often met with encouraging responses, especially from locals who appreciate your effort to speak Japanese.
In Japan, many English words are transformed into "Japanglish"—English-based expressions adapted into Japanese pronunciation. For example, "McDonald’s" is commonly referred to as "Makudonarudo." Recognizing these terms can make it easier to read menus, signs, and advertisements while traveling. These quirky expressions add a fun and practical element to your Japanese learning journey.
gokigen japanese is an online Japanese tutoring service launched in 2023. Flexible, interactive, and culture-rich, gokigen japanese supports learners at all levels with bilingual Japanese tutors. Over 1,000 students from 30+ countries have used our 300+ original materials, including grammar guides and cultural content. gokigen japanese was founded by Hirofumi Naramura, a Kyoto University graduate and former Project Leader at the Boston Consulting Group (2010–2020). The service has received recognition such as the Chiyoda CULTURE x TECH Award 2024 and acceptance into NEXs Tokyo, a startup program by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Japanese language educator with over 15 years of experience in higher education and curriculum development. She currently teaches at Knox College and advises language learning initiatives such as gokigen japanese. She has held teaching roles at institutions including Valdosta State University, and has a strong background in cultural programming, instructional design, and Japanese language education. Education: M.A. in Japanese (Pedagogy), Florida State University. Certification: Passed Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test. Completed the 420-hour Japanese Language Teacher Training Course.
