Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is located on which of the country main islands?

Introduction / Context:
Japan is an island nation made up of several main islands and many smaller ones. Knowing which island contains Tokyo, the capital and largest metropolitan area, is basic world geography that often appears in examinations. This knowledge also helps in understanding population distribution, economic activity, and regional divisions within Japan.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Japan main four islands are Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu.

• Tokyo is the capital city and the centre of the largest urban agglomeration in Japan.

• The options list all four main islands.

• The question asks specifically on which island Tokyo is situated.

Concept / Approach:
The concept is simple location recall. Honshu is the largest and most populous of the Japanese islands and includes several major cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nagoya. Hokkaido lies to the north, while Shikoku and Kyushu lie to the south and south west. Remembering this layout makes it easier to place the capital correctly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Honshu is the central and largest island of Japan. Step 2: Remember that Tokyo is located on the eastern side of Honshu, along the Pacific coast. Step 3: Recognise that Hokkaido is a northern island with Sapporo as a major city, not Tokyo. Step 4: Note that Shikoku and Kyushu are smaller islands to the south, with cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki, but not Tokyo. Step 5: Therefore choose Honshu as the correct island for the location of Tokyo.

Verification / Alternative check:
Maps and atlases always show Tokyo on the main central island of Honshu, near Tokyo Bay and the Kanto region. Official Japanese government and tourism websites also describe Tokyo as located on Honshu. No credible map places Tokyo on any of the other islands listed in the options, which confirms that Honshu is the only correct choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Hokkaido is the northernmost main island and is known for Sapporo and its colder climate, not for housing the national capital.

• Shikoku is a smaller island to the south, known for temples and scenic routes, but it does not contain Tokyo.

• Kyushu lies in the south west and includes cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki, again not Tokyo.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes mix up the names of the islands, especially Hokkaido and Honshu, or assume that the northern or southern island must be the most important. Others may not have a clear mental map of Japan at all. To avoid such confusion, it is useful to memorise a simple pattern: from north to south the sequence is Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu, and the capital Tokyo is on Honshu.

Final Answer:
Tokyo is located on the island of Honshu.