Japan's 47 Prefectures: Must-See Attractions & Travel Tips

Japan is famously divided into 47 unique prefectures, each boasting its own distinct heritage, food culture, and breathtaking sights. Whether you’re planning a short visit or a grand tour, use this guide to discover what makes each corner of Japan special. From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the sun-soaked beaches of Okinawa, there’s something here for every traveler.

Hokkaido Region

1. Hokkaido

Top Attractions: Sapporo Snow Festival, Otaru Canal, Furano and Biei flower fields, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hakodate’s seafood markets.
What Makes It Special: Vast wilderness, cooler climate perfect for winter sports, fresh dairy and seafood.

Tohoku Region (Northeastern Honshu)

2. Aomori

Top Attractions: Nebuta Festival, Mount Osore, Oirase Gorge, Lake Towada.
What Makes It Special: Vibrant festivals, famous apples, pristine nature.

3. Iwate

Top Attractions: Hiraizumi’s UNESCO temples (Chūson-ji, Mōtsū-ji), Ryusendo Cave, Geibikei Gorge.
What Makes It Special: Rich Buddhist history, stunning geological formations, Nambu ironware.

4. Miyagi

Top Attractions: Matsushima Bay (one of Japan’s “Three Views”), Zuihōden Mausoleum, Akiu and Naruko hot springs.
What Makes It Special: Historic samurai ties (Date Masamune), Sendai beef tongue, largest city in Tohoku.

5. Akita

Top Attractions: Kakunodate samurai district, Lake Tazawa, Nyuto Onsen, Akita Kanto Festival.
What Makes It Special: Samurai heritage, beautiful nature, local dish kiritanpo (rice skewers).

6. Yamagata

Top Attractions: Ginzan Onsen, Yamadera temple complex, Zao Onsen “snow monsters.”
What Makes It Special: Serene mountain temples, natural hot springs, famous for cherries.

7. Fukushima

Top Attractions: Tsuruga Castle in Aizuwakamatsu, Goshikinuma “Five Colored Lakes,” Ouchijuku historic post town.
What Makes It Special: Rich samurai traditions, off-the-beaten-track charm, volcanic landscapes.

Kanto Region (Eastern Honshu)

8. Ibaraki

Top Attractions: Hitachi Seaside Park (nemophila in spring, kochia in autumn), Kairakuen Garden, Fukuroda Falls.
What Makes It Special: Abundant nature near Tokyo, agricultural heartland.

9. Tochigi

Top Attractions: UNESCO shrines of Nikkō (Tōshō-gū), autumn foliage around Lake Chūzenji and Kegon Falls, Kinugawa Onsen.
What Makes It Special: Majestic Tokugawa-era architecture, mountainous scenery, hot spring culture.

10. Gunma

Top Attractions: Kusatsu Onsen, Tanigawadake mountain range, Tomioka Silk Mill (UNESCO site).
What Makes It Special: Renowned hot springs, scenic hiking, birthplace of Japan’s modern silk industry.

11. Saitama

Top Attractions: Kawagoe’s “Little Edo,” Railway Museum, Chichibu nature and festivals.
What Makes It Special: Quick day trip from Tokyo, old-town charm, lively seasonal celebrations.

12. Chiba

Top Attractions: Tokyo Disney Resort, Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Bōsō Peninsula beaches.
What Makes It Special: Gateway to Japan via Narita, surfing spots, mix of modern amusements and traditional temples.

13. Tokyo

Top Attractions: Shibuya Crossing, Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, Shinjuku nightlife, Harajuku fashion, Meiji Shrine.
What Makes It Special: Capital city with world-class dining, cutting-edge tech, hidden traditional gems.

14. Kanagawa

Top Attractions: Yokohama’s Chinatown and Minato Mirai waterfront, Kamakura’s giant Buddha, Hakone hot springs with Mt. Fuji views.
What Makes It Special: Cosmopolitan port city, samurai-era temples, iconic lake-and-mountain scenery.

Chūbu Region (Central Honshu)

15. Niigata

Top Attractions: Ski resorts in Yuzawa, Sado Island, renowned sake breweries.
What Makes It Special: Some of Japan’s best rice and sake, heavy winter snowfall, scenic coasts.

16. Toyama

Top Attractions: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (snow corridor), Himi port, Gokayama thatched-roof villages (UNESCO).
What Makes It Special: Dramatic alpine scenery, deep mountain traditions, fresh Toyama Bay seafood.

17. Ishikawa

Top Attractions: Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden, samurai and geisha districts, Noto Peninsula.
What Makes It Special: Traditional crafts (gold leaf, Kaga yuzen), Edo-era ambiance, top-notch seafood.

18. Fukui

Top Attractions: Eiheiji Temple (Zen monastery), Fukui Dinosaur Museum, Tojinbo cliffs.
What Makes It Special: Pristine coastlines, Zen Buddhist heritage, heaven for dinosaur enthusiasts.

19. Yamanashi

Top Attractions: Mount Fuji, Fuji Five Lakes, Shosenkyo Gorge.
What Makes It Special: Prime Fuji viewpoints, Japan’s wine country, scenic hot springs.

20. Nagano

Top Attractions: Matsumoto Castle, Japanese Alps (hiking/skiing), Zenko-ji Temple, snow monkeys at Jigokudani.
What Makes It Special: Alpine landscapes, outdoor sports paradise, charming mountain onsen towns.

21. Gifu

Top Attractions: Shirakawa-gō’s thatched farmhouses (UNESCO), Gifu Castle, cormorant fishing on the Nagara River.
What Makes It Special: Fairy-tale mountain villages, samurai history (Oda Nobunaga), river fishing traditions.

22. Shizuoka

Top Attractions: Southern slopes of Mount Fuji, Izu Peninsula hot springs and beaches, tea fields in Makinohara.
What Makes It Special: Tea culture, wasabi farms, scenic ocean and mountain vistas.

23. Aichi

Top Attractions: Nagoya Castle, Toyota museums, ceramic towns (Seto, Tokoname).
What Makes It Special: Hub of manufacturing, hearty local miso cuisine, birthplace of Oda Nobunaga and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Kansai Region (Western Honshu)

24. Mie

Top Attractions: Ise Grand Shrine, Shima Spain Village, Meoto Iwa “Wedded Rocks.”
What Makes It Special: Shinto pilgrimage center, excellent seafood (spiny lobster, abalone), Iga ninja heritage.

25. Shiga

Top Attractions: Lake Biwa (largest lake in Japan), Hikone Castle, Omihachiman’s canal district.
What Makes It Special: Lakeside culture, scenic cycling routes, preserved Edo-period architecture.

26. Kyoto

Top Attractions: Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Gion geisha district.
What Makes It Special: Cultural heart of Japan, numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites, refined kaiseki cuisine.

27. Osaka

Top Attractions: Osaka Castle, Dōtonbori and Shinsekai nightlife, Universal Studios Japan, Kuromon Ichiba Market.
What Makes It Special: “Japan’s Kitchen” with takoyaki and okonomiyaki, lively street culture, friendly locals.

28. Hyōgo

Top Attractions: Himeji Castle (UNESCO), Kobe port city, Arima Onsen.
What Makes It Special: Iconic feudal castle, world-famous Kobe beef, mountain hot springs.

29. Nara

Top Attractions: Tōdai-ji Temple (Great Buddha), Nara Park deer, Kasuga Taisha Shrine.
What Makes It Special: Japan’s first permanent capital, rich temple and shrine heritage, friendly deer roaming the city park.

30. Wakayama

Top Attractions: Mount Kōya (Koyasan), Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, Nachi Falls, Shirahama beach resorts.
What Makes It Special: Center of esoteric Shingon Buddhism, sacred mountain trails, relaxing coastal hot springs.

Chūgoku Region (Western Honshu)

31. Tottori

Top Attractions: Tottori Sand Dunes, Uradome Coast, Mizuki Shigeru Road in Sakaiminato.
What Makes It Special: Japan’s largest sand dune environment, fresh crab, quieter coastal landscapes.

32. Shimane

Top Attractions: Izumo Taisha (ancient Shinto shrine), Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (UNESCO), Matsue Castle.
What Makes It Special: Mythological “land of the gods,” well-preserved historical towns, serene lakeside views in Matsue.

33. Okayama

Top Attractions: Koraku-en Garden (one of Japan’s top three), Okayama Castle, Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter.
What Makes It Special: Mild climate perfect for fruit cultivation, immaculate landscape gardens, old merchant town ambiance.

34. Hiroshima

Top Attractions: Peace Memorial Park & Museum, Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima Island) with “floating” torii gate, Hiroshima Castle.
What Makes It Special: Symbol of peace and resilience, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, island-hopping on the Seto Inland Sea.

35. Yamaguchi

Top Attractions: Kintaikyō Bridge in Iwakuni, Ruriko-ji Temple’s five-story pagoda, Akiyoshidō limestone cave.
What Makes It Special: Dramatic samurai-era heritage (Chōshū domain), one of Japan’s largest limestone caverns, scenic countryside.

Shikoku Region

36. Tokushima

Top Attractions: Awa Odori Festival (huge dance festival), Naruto whirlpools, Iya Valley vine bridges.
What Makes It Special: Vibrant local dance traditions, dramatic gorges and mountainous terrain, coastal whirlpools.

37. Kagawa

Top Attractions: Ritsurin Garden (Takamatsu), Naoshima and Teshima art islands, Shikoku Pilgrimage sites.
What Makes It Special: Famous Sanuki udon noodles, world-class contemporary art installations, seaside beauty.

38. Ehime

Top Attractions: Matsuyama Castle, Dōgo Onsen (one of Japan’s oldest hot springs), Shimanami Kaidō cycling route.
What Makes It Special: Historic bathhouse culture, castle town ambiance, bountiful citrus fruit orchards.

39. Kōchi

Top Attractions: Kōchi Castle, Shimanto River (Japan’s “last clear stream”), Cape Ashizuri.
What Makes It Special: Rugged Pacific coastline, top surfing spots, fresh bonito (katsuo tataki), laid-back rural vibe.

Kyushu Region

40. Fukuoka

Top Attractions: Food stalls (yatai) along the Nakagawa River, Dazaifu Tenman-gū Shrine, beaches in Itoshima.
What Makes It Special: Gateway to Asia, famous Hakata ramen, youthful and modern city vibe.

41. Saga

Top Attractions: Karatsu Castle, Karatsu Kunchi Festival, pottery towns of Arita and Imari, Yūtoku Inari Shrine.
What Makes It Special: World-renowned ceramics, atmospheric shrines, slow-paced tradition-rich lifestyle.

42. Nagasaki

Top Attractions: Glover Garden (European influence), Dejima Dutch trading post, Hashima Island (Gunkanjima), Peace Park.
What Makes It Special: Blending Japanese, Chinese, and European heritage, scenic port city, poignant WWII history.

43. Kumamoto

Top Attractions: Kumamoto Castle (under restoration but still impressive), Suizenji Garden, Mount Aso’s volcanic caldera.
What Makes It Special: Living near active volcanoes, black Kumamoto horses, hearty local cuisine (basashi, tonkotsu ramen), Kumamon mascot.

44. Ōita

Top Attractions: Beppu’s onsen “Hells,” Yufuin hot spring town, Usa Jingū Shrine.
What Makes It Special: Steaming onsen culture, picturesque countryside, wellness-focused travel.

45. Miyazaki

Top Attractions: Nichinan Coast (Aoshima, Udo Shrine), Takachiho Gorge, laid-back surfing beaches.
What Makes It Special: Tropical climate, mythic origins in Japanese creation stories, excellent surf.

46. Kagoshima

Top Attractions: Sakurajima volcano, Sengan-en Garden, the southern island chain leading toward Okinawa.
What Makes It Special: Striking volcanic scenery, sweet potato shōchū, historical Shimazu clan influence.

Okinawa Region

47. Okinawa

Top Attractions: Pristine beaches and coral reefs, Shuri Castle (under restoration), Kerama Islands diving spots.
What Makes It Special: Distinctive Ryūkyū culture, subtropical climate, some of the world’s best snorkeling and scuba diving.

Final Thoughts

From Hokkaido’s snowy vistas to Okinawa’s crystal-clear waters, each of Japan’s 47 prefectures offers its own captivating landscapes, historical treasures, and delicious local specialties. Whether you’re interested in visiting samurai-era post towns, enjoying hot spring retreats, sampling world-class cuisine, or simply experiencing Japan’s stunning natural scenery, this diverse archipelago has it all.

We hope this guide helps you plan a trip that showcases the unique charm of each region. No matter which prefectures you choose to explore, you’ll discover an unforgettable blend of tradition, innovation, and hospitality. Safe travels and happy exploring!

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