We know that Japan is made up of four main islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku. There is a lifetime of travel between the four islands, from the snowy slopes of Hokkaido to the volcanoes of Kyushu. However, did you know that the total number of islands that comprise the Japanese archipelago total to more than 14,000 islands? With so many islands comprising Japan, there are so many magical places that are worth traveling to and discovering even more of the beauty and charm that Japan has to offer. So let’s take a look at some of the other islands of Japan!

On your way up into Hokkaido from Tokyo by bullet train, you'll stumble across this unassuming port town with oodles of history and culture on offer. A star-shaped fortress, squid fishing, a Michelin-starred night view, onsens, and fantastic food - all this and more is on offer in Hakodate.

Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku Region, the northern area of the main island of Honshu. Bordered by Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures, and also facing the Sea of Japan, Akita is the 6th largest prefecture of Japan, with slightly over 900,000 residents. Historically a part of Dewa Province and receiving high amounts of snow during the winter, Akita is a great spot to experience a wealth of snowy adventures. Steeped in history, and full of culture, the prefecture has a multitude of seasonal activities, and stunning beauty throughout the year.

Visited by less than 1% of overseas tourists (0.8% to be exact), Mie Prefecture lies on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula and is steeped deeply in Japan’s mythology and legends. Easily accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Wakayama, Mie is a great reason to extend one’s trip through the Kinki/Kansai region and learn more intimately of Japan’s people and folklore.

With winter snow piling up in Japan, and the sun setting earlier, it’s time to be bundled up and with plenty of warm, delicious food. Wintertime in Japan also means that there is a great deal of mouthwatering food coming into season in the country. From crab to sushi, you could spend weeks exploring and not try all the amazing dishes in winter.