Honshu is the largest of the numerous islands of the Japanese archipelago, unique in its nature and location. In general, Japan, or as it is also called, the Land of the Rising Sun, attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world. A description of the main island of Honshu, on which the capital of the state of Tokyo is located, will reveal many interesting facts.
A bit of geography
As mentioned, Honshu is one of Japan's four main islands and is the largest in the archipelago. Its area is about 228 thousand km2, and its length is more than 1300 km. These figures indicate that it is Honshu that occupies more than 60% of the entire territory of Japan. For comparison, imagine that the Japanese island of Honshu is not much smaller than the well-known Great Britain.
The location of Honshu is unique in itself, as it is located on the border of tectonic plates. It is of volcanic origin and is washed from the west by the Sea of Japan, from the east by the Pacific Ocean, and from the south by the Inland Sea of Japan. This position of Honshu Island creates a varied climate. It is temperate in the north and subtropical in the south. proximity to the oceancauses monsoon rains, most of which occur in June and July.
Volcanoes of Honshu Island
Many volcanoes, active and extinct, are located on the territory of the island of Honshu. In view of this, it is seismically and volcanically active. The most famous volcano in Japan is Mount Fuji, 3776 meters high, located on a plain almost at sea level. Seen from 80 km away on a clear day, this fearsome symbol of Japan makes Honshu one of the ten highest islands in the world.
The beauty of extinct as well as 20 active volcanoes attracts many tourists. There is an opinion in the country that Mount Fuji must be climbed at least once in a lifetime. Interestingly, this mountain is considered sacred by both Shintoists and Buddhists. A temple was even built on it in 806 CE. e. Now there is a seismic station and an ancient temple on the mountain.
Interestingly, Mount Fuji is not the only volcano that draws the attention of curious visitors. The active volcano Osoreyama is considered sacred and is directly related to Japanese mythology. The name Osoreyama literally means "mountain of fear". The fact is that the mountain really looks intimidating because of the yellow or red mass visible in the cracks and the fetid smell of sulfur. Also located at the top of the lake with hot springs, tourists looking at the mountain are in awe.
Prefectures and regions of the island
Like all major states, Japan is divided into regions and prefectures. The very name of the island of Honshu speaks for itself: in Japanese, "Hon" means chief, and the particle "Shu" means province. So, it turns out that Honshu is the main province of the Land of the Rising Sun. And if so, then the main cities are located on this island. Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto and the infamous Hiroshima today are modern metropolises with their unusually ancient culture.
There are only five regions on the island. Northern - Tohoku, eastern - Kanto, central - Chubu, southern - Kansai and western - Chugoku. All of them include 34 prefectures. These are the most economically developed regions of Japan. Each of them is distinguished by its special color, climate and nature.
Thus, Hiroshima Prefecture is famous for its potters, excellent nature reserves and authentic caves. It is located in the western region of Chugoku. And the magnificent Nagoya is a modern economic engine and is located in the southern region. Here you can also see small towns with ancient samurai traditions.
Interchange
Interestingly, the Japanese island of Honshu is connected to three other islands by bridges and underground tunnels. This unites the regions into a single space and facilitates the fast and comfortable movement of local residents.
The islands of Honshu and Hokkaido are connected by a transport tunnel, laid under the Sangara Strait and named Seikan. It is this tunnel that holds the world record. Also three bridges built acrossThe Inland Sea of Japan connects Honshu and Shikoku, and communication with the island of Kyushu passes through a bridge and two tunnels. Also in the largest metropolis there is a separate subway interchange connecting different areas of the city, a monorail and high-speed trains.
All these connections show how developed the country's economic system is. This is also confirmed by bulk islands located around the main natural ones. The peculiarity of economic growth is all the more striking when you realize that for a long time Japan was an isolated state that did not let Europeans in.
A bit of island history
The first mention of a strong state headed by an emperor appeared in the 8th century. The capital from 710 to 784 was Nara, a city in Japan on the island of Honshu. To this day, ancient Buddhist temples have been preserved in it, as well as the famous imperial palace of Heijo and Sesoin - it is in it that the jewels of the imperial court are stored.
In 794 the capital was moved to the city of Heianke, today it is called Kyoto. It was in it that the national culture was born, and its own special language appeared. Until that time, Chinese was common.
The first Europeans on the island appeared in 1543, they were Dutch traders and Jesuit missionaries. Further, until 1853, trade was conducted only with China and Holland. And only a little over 150 years ago, Japan began to negotiate with other countries of the world, such as the US, Russia, France and the UK.
And it is this story that is amazingimagination, as today's advances in science and modern technology have made Japan one of the first places in the world.
Modern Cities
The largest metropolis on the island of Honshu is its incomparable capital, Tokyo. It is a gigantic ultra-modern city with the largest population on the planet, which is more than 37 million inhabitants. Despite modern skyscrapers and a huge mass of people, the city attracts with its harmony with old Japan. From majestic and soothing temples to more than 500 different museums, Tokyo is full of attractions.
The ancient capital of the Japanese state of Kyoto today is very lively and youthful. It is here that many magnificent parks, a chic botanical garden with many pavilions and the Gosho Imperial Palace, founded in 794, are located. The city is famous for its unique Ryoan-ji and Sambo-in rock gardens, as well as many imperial tombs.
Hiroshima is a city on the island of Honshu, infamous because of the nuclear strike in 1945. The rebuilt city today is a symbol of peace. It houses the Atomic Dome, Eternal Flame and Memorial Park. But despite these events, Hiroshima is a major industrial center, which produces the world-famous Mazda cars.
Interesting facts
Let's take a look at some interesting facts about the amazing island of Honshu.
- World famous poisonouspuffer fish lives in Pacific waters near the island of Honshu. It is here that the largest individuals are caught.
- Hitachi, the most famous electronics company, takes its name from the city of the same name in Honshu.
- In 1998, the island of Honshu (Japan) was chosen to host the 18th Winter Olympic Games. They took place in the city of Nagano.
- Japan is a left-hand drive country. All Japanese cars have a steering wheel on the right side, and not on the left, as Europeans are used to. When planning to rent a car in Japan, keep this fact in mind so as not to create problems for yourself on the road.
- Mount Fuji is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, where many volcanoes are concentrated in the forest zone and Lake Azi is located, which never freezes. On the shore of this lake are the ritual gates of the Hakone Shrine, called tori. Such gates are found throughout the island of Honshu.
There are many more interesting facts about both the island of Honshu and about Japan and its inhabitants in general. And now a few impressions from what I saw.
Reviews of tourists
Many who have visited Japan are satisfied with the service and courtesy of the Japanese, as well as the beauty of the area. Unforgettable walks in Tokyo or ancient Kyoto leave no one indifferent. The only thing that tourists should remember: in Japan, English is only known in hotels, airports and some large shopping centers. The majority speaks onlyJapanese, all signs are also written in Japanese. But still, you should definitely visit this country, you will never regret it.
Many tourists note that the beauty of Mount Fuji fascinates and seems to bind to itself with invisible threads. I want to come back again.
Honshu Island is an unforgettable trip that will be remembered for a lifetime.
