Visiting the 47 Japanese Prefectures
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Hello and welcome to this little corner of Japanese exploration!
As much as I enjoy my current life in Tokyo and the ever-charming Kyoto is my favorite city in Japan, I’m convinced that the real magic lies in the tucked-away towns, unexpected festival happenings, and soul-warming local dishes
So, I’ve set out to visit all 47 Japanese prefectures and I’d love to have you along for the ride. From serene mountain villages where time moves at a comforting pace, to coastal towns brimming with fresh seafood and folklore, there’s a whole world of hidden pockets waiting to be explored.
Some places might be better known, some you might be hearing about for the first time, but whether you’re daydreaming about a future trip or just love the thrill of discovering hidden gems, I hope my stories spark your own sense of wanderlust.
Let’s go off the beaten path together and see what surprises Japan has in store!
Hokkaido
I've been lucky enough to visit Hokkaido several times—experiencing both its snowy winters and sunny summers. Each trip was a quick two-night getaway that left me feeling wonderfully refreshed. Interestingly, I've yet to explore the more famous spots like Sapporo or Hakodate; instead, I've wandered through the quieter northern and eastern parts of the prefecture - Lake Abashiri, Lade Akan and Bihoro.
There's something about Hokkaido that feels a bit like home, with its inviting summers, winter wonderlands, and plenty of space to breathe. One thing to note is that if you're planning to stray from the usual tourist trails, renting a car is a smart move.
Aomori
Aomori, the northernmost prefecture on Japan’s main island, proudly wears its crown as the land of apples and—naturally—apple pie. (Which I had two of during my two day trip). When I visited in the thick of winter, I found myself tucked away in a cozy ryokan, blissfully cut off from the rest of the world by heavy snow.
Still, the lure of summer calls me back, especially for the breathtaking views of the Oirase Gorge—a dreamy spot for nature lovers and photographers alike. And not to mention it is a breezy escape from the scorching Tokyo summer. There is definitely more to explore in this great prefecture
Akita
Akita, home to the adorable Akita dog breed and renowned for its top-notch rice (hence some of Japan’s finest sake), is a prefecture brimming with character. I once ventured to its western corner for the thrilling Namahage festival, where fearsome mountain demons descended down between the people looking for lazy and crying kids. Beyond this lively ritual, Akita offers soul-soothing hot springs, like those at Nyūtō Onsen, or postcard-perfect views of Lake Tazawa, Japan’s deepest lake. With its fusion of natural beauty, cultural treasures, and just the right pinch of spookiness, Akita effortlessly captures the heart of every traveler passing through.
Yamagata
Yamagata is a land of wonders and cherries, which are considered the best in Japan. The one place that was always on my bucket list here was Yamadera - a temlpe perched dramatically on the mountainside, overlooking a village below it. And of course you cannot miss out on the nostalgic charm of Ginzan Onsen, where the winter snow lends a fairytale glow to the old wooden ryokans.
Adventure calls from other conrners of the prefecture as well - corner too, with sacred pilgrimage sites like the Dewa Sanzan mountains offering a dash of mysticism. All in all, Yamagata proves it’s more than just a pretty view—it’s an unforgettable journey for both body and soul.
Tochigi
Tochigi, just a train ride north of Tokyo, feels like stepping into a painter’s study. Nikko’s ornate Yōmeimon Gate dazzles under cedar giants while sacred monkeys carve out the original “see no evil” meme. I once timed my trip for autumn and watched Lake Chūzenji rimmed in fiery reds—so stunning I almost forgot my Utsunomiya gyoza pilgrimage later that night. Spring brings cascades of wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park, their lavender tunnels glowing under evening lights, and any season is right for a soak in the milky baths of Kinugawa Onsen. Add Tochigi’s famed sky-sweet strawberries and a quiet hike through mossy Kanmangafuchi Abyss, and you’ve got a prefecture that balances postcard pomp with small everyday pleasures.
Chiba
Chiba is Tokyo’s salt-air escape, trading city blocks for wide horizons. Touch down at Narita-san Shinshō-ji, a sprawling temple complex where five-story pagodas and incense-sweet paths ease you gently into trip mode. Ride the rails east to Kujūkuri’s 60 km ribbon of surf beach—popular with board riders. South of the bay, Nokogiriyama (Saw-tooth Mountain) lifts sheer cliffs above Tokyo Bay; a short ropeway or a steep stone stairway brings you to Japan’s largest seated Buddha and the vertigo-inducing “Jigoku Nozoki” rock ledge. Keep rolling through the Bōsō Peninsula: pet alpacas at Mother Farm’s green hills, sample just-caught sashimi at a fisherman’s morning market, and watch Cape Nojima’s lighthouse turn sunset light into copper. And not to forget - Tokyo Disney Resort flashes fireworks back toward the capital each night.
Tokyo
Tokyo balances futurist sparkle with pockets of tradition. Glide up the Skytree for a city grid that dissolves into Mt. Fuji on clear days, then duck into Asakusa’s Sensō-ji where incense drifts past vermilion gates. Shibuya’s crossing still surges like organized chaos, while nearby teamLab Borderless (reborn in Azabudai Hills) lets you wander through living light. When you need calm, the Imperial Palace’s East Gardens and the craft-filled alleyways of Yanaka remind you the megacity still has a slow heartbeat.
Kanagawa
Kanagawa mixes port energy with coastal pilgrimage. Yokohama’s Minato Mirai skyline glints above cup-noodle museums and bayside promenades; after dark, the Cosmo Clock Ferris wheel writes neon loops on the water. Southward, Kamakura’s bronze Great Buddha sits amid bamboo groves and matcha cafés, and Enoshima Island offers sunset views backed by Mt. Fuji silhouettes. For onsen and art-trail detours, Hakone’s ropeways float above volcanic valleys and open-air sculptures.
Saitama
Just north of Tokyo, Saitama trades neon for nostalgia. In Kawagoe’s “Little Edo,” clay-walled warehouses and a 17th-century bell tower frame streets lined with sweet-potato snacks. The Railway Museum in Ōmiya lets train buffs climb into shinkansen cabs, while hikers head to Chichibu for forested gorges and springtime hills carpeted in pink moss phlox. It’s an easy day-trip that feels pleasantly removed from capital-city tempo.
Ishikawa
Ishikawa, home to the dazzling city of Kanazawa—known for its gold-leaf artistry and even gold-topped ice cream—brims with old-world charm and modern allure. Stroll through the historic Higashi Chaya District, where tea houses once entertained the elite of feudal Japan, or and don’t miss Kenrokuen Garden, considered one of Japan’s top three gardens, offering serene beauty through every season.
One day I hope to venture further afield to explore the rugged Noto Peninsula, dotted with picturesque fishing villages and scenic coastlines. I would also like to unwind in the soothing waters of Kaga Onsen. Whether you’re seeking gilded indulgence or timeless tradition, Ishikawa is a one-stop treasure trove for the curious traveler.
Fukui
Fukui may fly under most tourists’ radar, but that’s precisely its charm. Crowned Japan’s official “dinosaur prefecture,” it roars with prehistoric spirit yet remains wonderfully off the beaten path. Tucked away here is the impressive Echizen Daibutsu—the nation’s largest sitting Buddha—often overlooked simply because it lacks the heavyweight historical fame of its counterparts. And if tranquility is your thing, head to the lush moss garden at the Heiseiji Hakusan shrine (with hardly another soul in sight). If you're after a side of Japan that few others experience, Fukui’s got ancient fossils, hidden treasures, and a serene atmosphere all rolled into one unforgettable adventure.
Nagano
Nagano is where nature truly takes center stage in Japan, and nowhere is this clearer than in the legendary Kamikochi—a highland paradise of sparkling rivers and majestic peaks that’ll have you snapping photos at every turn. Venture a bit further and you’ll find yourself gazing at awe-inspiring panoramas from Yakedake, one of the region’s many spectacular volcanoes. From the hot springs favored by the famous snow monkeys at Jigokudani, to the storybook charm of Matsumoto Castle and beyond, Nagano has an outdoor bounty that guarantees you’ll never run out of breath-taking vistas (or reasons to come back).
Yamanashi
Yamanashi is Mount Fuji’s front-row seat, but it refuses to play just one note. Catch Fuji’s reflection at Lake Kawaguchi at dawn—camera mandatory—then chase it with a roller-coaster scream at nearby Fuji-Q Highland. I once hiked the granite cliffs of Shōsenkyō Gorge, rewarded by waterfalls and roadside hōtō noodles thick enough to fuel another climb. Vineyards around Kōshū pour crisp Koshu whites, while orchards invite you to pick peaches so sweet they almost count as dessert wine. Come evening, soak in an onsen at Isawa with Fuji’s silhouette blushing in twilight, and you’ll see why Yamanashi marries peak drama with everyday pastoral charm.
Gunma
Gunma is a hot-spring haven, but Takaragawa Onsen stands out as a personal favorite for its serene, open-air baths nestled right alongside the winding Takaragawa River. The setting feels straight out of a Japanese dream —steaming waters enveloped by lush forests and dramatic mountain views. And that’s just the beginning: Gunma also boasts gems like Kusatsu Onsen, famous for its mineral-rich waters and captivating Yubatake hot spring field. If you’re looking to swap the soaks for scenery, take a scenic ride up Mount Haruna or explore the tranquil shores of Lake Onuma.
Shizuoka
Shizuoka is Japan’s postcard edge: look up from the bullet-train window and Mount Fuji practically photobombs your commute. Don't miss the emerald tea terraces of Makinohara, and take a detour to Miho no Matsubara, where black-sand shores and ancient pines frame the mountain in classic ukiyo-e style.
The Izu Peninsula adds onsen villages like Shuzenji and wave-cut coastlines perfect for a lazy seafood lunch (fresh wasabi grated tableside is a regional flex). Inland, Kunōzan Tōshō-gū’s steep cable car rewards you with lacquered halls and Suruga Bay views, while Hamamatsu’s sand-dune sunsets and unagi dinners prove Shizuoka isn’t just Fuji’s front porch. Green tea, grand peaks, and as many hot-spring footbaths as you can manage—Shizuoka turns a train stop into a stay.
Shiga
Shiga, often overshadowed by its flashier neighbors in the Kansai region, is a hidden wonder waiting to dazzle you. Its crowning glory is Lake Biwa—Japan’s largest freshwater lake—where you can sip coffee at a cozy chalet café overlooking the sparkling waters or marvel at the mystical floating torii of Shirahige Shrine. Venture further and you’ll find old merchant towns like Ōmihachiman, complete with picturesque canals perfect for a lazy boat ride steeped in history. Or how about a lovely view from The Lake Biwa Terrace where you can get with the fastest ropeway in Japan? Surprising, scenic, and soothing all at once, this prefecture proves that big fun can certainly come in a hidden-gem package.
Kyoto
Kyoto, nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, enchants travelers with a skyline crowned by the cliff-side veranda of Kiyomizudera—the perfect Instagram backdrop where wooden pillars, sweeping city views, and springtime cherry blossoms merge into one ethereal tableau. Wander further and you’ll slip through vermilion torii tunnels at Fushimi Inari, glide past emerald stalks in Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, and spot the subtle sway of silk kimono along Gion’s lantern-lit cobblestones. Matcha lovers can sip velvety green tea in Uji, foodies can savor multi-course kaiseki that tastes like edible haiku, and culture seekers can trace quiet Zen moments in moss-clad temple gardens. With its tapestry of ancient shrines, seasonal color, and refined flavors, Kyoto wraps timeless tradition and modern allure into one unforgettable breath.
Nara
Nara charms with gentle bowing deer that wander beneath five-story pagodas, leading you toward the colossal bronze Buddha of Tōdai-ji—a silent guardian of Japan’s first capital. Pedal past ancient rice paddies in Asuka, trace cherry-blossom trails up Mount Yoshino, and watch dusk turn Kasuga Taisha’s stone lanterns into an amber constellation. Here, time meanders like a garden path, guiding you through 1,300 years of history sprinkled with the sweet aroma of kakinoha-zushi wrapped in persimmon leaves.
Osaka
Osaka moves at a confident, convivial pace. Start at Osaka Castle, whose white walls and gold trim overlook a moat-ringed park that blushes pink each spring. From there, the subway drops you in Dōtonbori, where neon billboards flash above the canal and the Glico running man keeps endless time. Take an elevator to the Umeda Sky Building’s “floating” garden for a 360-degree city panorama.
Evenings belong to the backstreets: skip from stand-up counter to counter for takoyaki or okonomiyaki. Compact and well-connected, Osaka makes it easy to dive in, explore, and still be back on the train before your next adventure.
Hyogo
Hyōgo, stretching from the sparkling Seto Inland Sea to the rugged Sea of Japan coast, entices travelers with postcard-worthy Kobe Harborland, with the vivid red Port Tower.
Venture inland and you’ll scale the pristine white keep of UNESCO-listed Himeji Castle, soak in the misty, lantern-lined alleyways of Arima and Kinosaki hot-spring towns, or ride the cable car up Mount Rokkō for sweeping views of city, mountains, and shimmering sea. And let us not forget the famous, melt-in-your-mouth Kobe beef
Mie
Nestled in central Japan, Mie Prefecture is a hidden gem that blends spiritual serenity with seaside charm. It’s best known for Ise Grand Shrine, the most sacred Shintō site in the country, where centuries of tradition echo through ancient forests and immaculate wooden architecture.
But Mie’s magic doesn’t stop at shrines. Along its rugged coastline lies Meoto Iwa—the "wedded rocks"—two sacred stones bound by a Shintō rope, standing together in the sea like an eternal couple greeting each sunrise. It’s a romantic, almost mystical spot that draws visitors seeking blessings and that perfect golden-hour photo.
Food lovers will find bliss in Mie’s culinary offerings too—melt-in-your-mouth Matsusaka beef and fresh seafood from the Ise-Shima region.
Wakayama
Wakayama balances pilgrimage paths with seaside calm. Trace the moss-lined Kumano Kōdō to Nachi Falls, where a red-lacquer pagoda stands against Japan’s tallest ribbon of water. Ride the cable car up Mount Kōya for an overnight temple stay and evening sutras, then drift down to Shirahama’s soft white sands—hot-spring footbath just steps away. Bonus stop: Adventure World, home to Japan’s most playful pandas. All of this sits just south of Osaka, but feels a world quieter.
Hiroshima
Hiroshima, forever linked to its message of peace, also brims with everyday vibrancy. Stand beneath the soaring Genbaku Dome and stroll through the Peace Memorial Park before boarding a ferry to Miyajima, where the vermilion “floating” torii of Itsukushima Shrine frames deer that swagger like locals.
Don't forget to try the famous Hiroshima-yaki, a local twist on okonomiyaki.
Venture east and cycling the Shimanami Kaidō lets you hop island to island over sparkling Seto Inland Sea bridges, finishing the day with citrus-scented onsen waters in Ōkunoshima or Setoda.
Tokushima
Tokushima on Shikoku Island may be a bit of a trek without a car, but trust me—it’s worth every twist and turn! The lush Iya Valley, with its emerald river carving through steep gorges, feels like stepping into a hidden fantasy realm (just try not to look down when crossing its iconic vine bridges).
If you are arriving from Osaka, don't miss the Naruto Whirlpools when crossing the bridge. And we must not forget the pride of the prefecture -Awa Odori festival that brings a vibrant burst of color, dance, and music each summer. Tokushima proves that the journey off the beaten path can lead to some of Japan’s most unforgettable adventures.
Kagawa
Kagawa may be Japan’s smallest prefecture, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on unforgettable experiences. When I visited to see Takaya shrine torii perched above the city and sea—alas, a cloudy day stole my panoramic view. Still, the experience was nothing short of magical. After climbing back down, don’t forget to indulge in Kagawa’s most iconic specialty, Sanuki udon.
If you are craving more adventure, climb to Kotohira-gū (or “Konpira-san”), a sacred spot reached by hundreds of stone steps offering both a spiritual journey and spectacular hilltop vistas. For an artistic twist, hop a ferry to the “art islands” of Naoshima and Teshima, where cutting-edge installations blend with the serene island lifestyle. Clouds or not, Kagawa knows how to shine.
Ehime
Ehime, located on the northwestern side of Shikoku, captivates visitors with its stunning coastline and that perfectly Instagrammable spot—Shimonada Station—where trains and the tranquil sea collide in a dreamy vista.
Beyond this picture-perfect scene, you’ll find Matsuyama, home to the historic Matsuyama Castle perched atop a hill and Dōgo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs. Cycle enthusiasts can tackle the breathtaking Shimanami Kaidō, hopping across island bridges surrounded by deep blue waters. Known for its sweet mandarin oranges, Ehime offers a blend of old-world charm, ocean breezes, and a generous dash of adventure.
Nagasaki
Nagasaki is a harbor of layered histories. Start at the Peace Park and Atomic Bomb Museum for a sober account of 1945, then step back another three centuries at Dejima and Glover Garden, where Dutch traders once eyed the same blue bay. Ride the ropeway up Mount Inasa for a night view dubbed one of Japan’s best, or ferry out to Hashima (Battleship Island) to see eerie concrete ruins reclaimed by sea wind. Slip into the volcanic hot-spring town of Unzen or trace hidden-Christian churches scattered along the Gotō Islands.
Everywhere, Chinese temples, fusion dishes like champon, and Portuguese-inspired castella cake hint at Nagasaki’s long, open door to the world—still welcoming, just at a quieter pace.
Okinawa
Okinawa feels like Japan’s sun-drenched outlier: coral-ringed seas, a laid-back island beat, and Ryukyuan culture that marches to its own sanshin tune. Don't miss Naha’s Shuri Castle before drifting to the WWII Peace Memorial, where ocean wind tempers heavy history. Beach days mean snorkeling vibrant reefs at the Kerama Islands or floating in Kabira Bay’s glass-green water on Ishigaki. Evenings call for smoky awamori, shimabukuro stir-fries, and taco rice that proves fusion can be deliciously literal. Whether you’re diving with manta rays or tapping your foot to island folk songs, Okinawa spins relaxation and resilience into one salty breeze.