Japan's Four Main Islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku

Japan comprises ~6,852 islands, but four dominate:

• Honshu – Largest, most populous (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto).
• Hokkaido – Northernmost; Sapporo; known for nature, winter sports.
• Kyushu – Southwestern; Fukuoka, Nagasaki; volcanic, subtropical.
• Shikoku – Smallest main island; pilgrimage route, rural landscapes.

Together they hold ~97% of Japan's land area and population.