Honshu, Main island in Japan
The main island of Japan stretches 1,300 kilometers from northeast to southwest, showing landscapes from mountains and forests to coastal strips along the Pacific and the Sea of Japan. Rivers cut through the interior and flow into bays, while volcanic peaks rise from forested valleys.
The territory was the center of Japanese civilization since 300 BCE and hosted several imperial capitals such as Nara and Kyoto. Later, power shifted to Tokyo in the eastern part, which became the present capital.
Visitors and locals climb Mount Fuji, which rises from the island and has been considered sacred for generations. The landscape is dotted with small roadside shrines where people light incense and pause briefly.
High-speed trains connect major cities and cross the island in a few hours, making it easier to travel between regions. Most signage is also available in Latin script, which simplifies orientation at train stations.
Lake Biwa hosts 46 native fish species and ranks among the oldest lakes in the world, with sediments from 4 million years ago. Fishermen still use traditional techniques that can be observed from the shore.
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