Ever wondered how many islands are there in Japan? If you’re a traveler, quiz fan, student, or content creator, you’ve likely asked this before. Japan is more than just four big islands it’s a huge chain filled with remote treasures, wild nature, and cool stories.
Let’s break it down, super simply.
Quick Answer
As of 2025, Japan has 14,125 islands, according to the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan. That’s more than double the number counted in 1987. Out of these, only about 430 islands are inhabited.
Why Did Japan’s Island Count Change?
So, how many islands are there in Japan, and why did the number grow?
In 1987, Japan said it had around 6,852 islands. But that number came from old maps. In 2023, Japan used digital tools like GPS and satellites. That’s when experts found many small islands they missed before.
Think of it like a digital handshake between land and tech.
Quick Comparison:
| Year | Island Count |
| 1987 | 6,852 |
| 2025 | 14,125 |
Source: Geospatial Information Authority of Japan
What Are Japan’s Four Main Islands?
If you ask most people how many islands are there in Japan, they’ll say “four.” That’s both true and false.
Yes, Japan has four main islands, but there are thousands more. Here are the big four:
| Island | Known For |
| Honshu | Tokyo, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji |
| Hokkaido | Snow, nature, hot springs |
| Kyushu | Volcanoes, warm climate |
| Shikoku | Peaceful towns, pilgrimage trail |
These islands form the core of the Japanese archipelago.
What Other Island Chains Does Japan Have?
Now, beyond the “big four,” Japan has many smaller chains. These are part of the Japanese island territories and Japan sea islands. Some are super remote.
Notable Regions:
- Ryukyu Islands – Includes Okinawa, tropical and sunny
- Ogasawara Islands – Far out, great for nature lovers
- Izu Islands – Volcanoes and diving spots
- Kuril Islands – Disputed area near Russia
These make up the full Japanese island chain.
How Many Inhabited Islands Does Japan Have?
Let’s zoom in. Out of 14,125 islands, only about 430 are inhabited.
Why?
- Many islands are too small or rocky
- Some are volcanoes
- A few are in protected zones
- Others are just hard to reach
Still, many remote islands of Japan are home to small towns, cozy homes, and even internet cafés (believe it or not).
Can You Visit These Islands?
Yes! Many of Japan’s islands are open to tourists.
Top Tourist Islands:
| Island | Why Visit? |
| Okinawa | Beaches, food, culture |
| Miyajima | Floating gate, deer, history |
| Ishigaki | Snorkeling, clear water |
| Yakushima | Forests, monkeys, waterfalls |
| Sado Island | Drums, dance, gold mine tours |
These places are part of the Japan island population zones open to visitors.
Are There Disputed Islands in Japan?
Yep. This is where it gets tricky.
Some Japanese island territories are disputed by other countries.
Key Disputes:
| Island | Claimed By |
| Senkaku | Japan, China |
| Kuril | Japan, Russia |
| Takeshima/Dokdo | Japan, South Korea |
Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Japan Geography Facts
| Fact | Detail |
| Total islands (2025) | 14,125 |
| Inhabited | ~430 |
| New islands since 2023 | Over 7,000 |
| Largest | Honshu |
| Smallest inhabited | Oteshima |
| Main island chain | Japanese archipelago |
Final Thoughts
So, how many islands are there in Japan? Now you know — 14,125, with over 430 inhabited. Whether you’re building a quiz, planning a trip, or writing content, Japan’s islands are full of facts, beauty, and mystery.
FAQ’s
What are the names of all the islands in Japan?
Japan has thousands of islands, and most don’t have names known to the public. Some major ones: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, Okinawa, Ishigaki, Sado.
How many inhabited islands does Japan have?
Around 430 islands have people living on them.
List of Japanese islands by size and population?
- Honshu – Biggest and busiest
- Hokkaido – Big, but less crowded
- Kyushu – Lots of cities and nature
- Shikoku – Peaceful, small towns
- Okinawa – Popular tourist spot
How many islands in Japan are open to tourists?
Many of the inhabited islands and some uninhabited ones allow visitors.
Is Okinawa one of Japan’s main islands?
Not officially, but it’s one of the most famous.
Total number of islands in Japan 2025 update?
14,125 islands, counted using satellite tech.
Are there any disputed islands in Japan?
Yes, including Senkaku, Kuril, and Dokdo/Takeshima.
How many new islands were discovered in Japan?
Over 7,000 new islands were added to the count in 2023.
Does Japan have more islands than the Philippines?
Yes!
- Japan: 14,125
- Philippines: 7,641
Expert Sources
- Geospatial Information Authority of Japan (GSI)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
- National Geographic – Japan’s Hidden Islands
