Off the Map,
Japan.
The Golden Route is the most-walked path in Japanese tourism, and statistically the entire Japan trip for most international families. This volume exists for the families who have realized, sometimes after one trip and sometimes after three, that the country continues beyond it. Japan, region by region, beyond Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
Eight regions,
one map.
A complete survey of Japan beyond the Golden Route.
Hokkaido,
the frontier north.
The frontier north. Predictable urban infrastructure paired with the country’s lowest urban density.
Tohoku,
the quiet north.
The quiet north. The lowest sensory density of any region in mainland Japan.
Kanto,
the capital region.
The capital region. Tokyo anchors it; the surrounding prefectures hold the country’s most accessible day-trip variety.
Chubu,
the central spine.
Central Honshu. The Japanese Alps, traditional villages, and the country’s deepest winter culture.
Kansai,
the cultural west.
The cultural west. Kyoto and Osaka anchor; the surrounding prefectures hold the country’s most concentrated heritage routes.
Chugoku,
the inland sea.
Western Honshu and the Inland Sea. Hiroshima anchors; landscape-driven days await beyond the major cities.
Shikoku,
the pilgrim’s island.
The smallest of Japan’s four main islands. Pilgrimage routes, ocean views, and slow-travel rhythm.
Currently outside LuNi’s published coverage. Guides forthcoming through 2026 and 2027.
Kyushu
& Okinawa.
The southern islands. The country’s most varied physical terrain, from volcanic peaks to coral coastline.
Every Hub on LuNi Travels.
After the volume.
Four paths forward, depending on where this volume leaves you in your planning.
