Honshu; Honshū
The largest of Japan's four main islands; a proper noun used in geography, travel, and everyday conversation.
Honshu is the largest of Japan's main islands.
Next month, I plan to travel to the northern part of Honshu.
日本列島 refers to the entire chain of Japanese islands, whereas 本州 is only the largest single island among them.
Standard kanji spelling for the main island of Japan.
From 本 (hon, 'main') + 州 (shū, 'province, state'), literally 'main province'. The name reflects its historical and geographical centrality.