Honshu is played in rounds, with each round is divided into two phases. During the first phase, Map cards are revealed and the player who played the highest value card gets to pick first from those played. In phase two, the players use their chosen Map card to expand their personal maps. Each player must expand their personal maps to maximize their scoring possibilities. After 12 rounds, players will score points for lakes, forests, residential areas, and production of goods within their city.