Introduction
Japan, a land of rich cultural and geographical diversity, is divided into 47 prefectures, each with its history, traditions, and attractions. This guide introduces Japan's prefectural system, highlights the unique features of each region, and provides a brief overview of all prefectures. Whether you're visiting or simply curious, this guide will help you appreciate Japan's regional diversity.
Understanding Japan’s 47 Prefectures and Regions
Japan is divided into eight major regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai (Kinki), Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu & Okinawa. These regions categorize the country's 47 prefectures. Historically, these areas were governed by feudal lords during the Edo period and were transformed into the modern prefectural system during the Meiji Restoration. Understanding these regions helps provide context for Japan's diverse culture and landscapes.
The Concept of “To,” “Do,” “Fu,” and “Ken”:
"To" (都): Tokyo is the only prefecture designated as "to," reflecting its unique status as Japan's capital.
"Do" (道): Hokkaido is classified as "do," which signifies its historical status as a distinct administrative region.
"Fu" (府): The prefectures of Osaka and Kyoto are designated as "fu," a title that highlights their historical significance as centres of governance and culture.
"Ken" (県): The remaining 43 prefectures are classified as "ken," which is the standard designation for most administrative regions in Japan.
Regional Highlights and Unique Charms
Note on Regional Divisions: Some prefectures may be classified into different regions depending on the context, as regional boundaries in Japan are sometimes interpreted differently. This guide uses the most common regional divisions to help explain Japan’s diversity.
Hokkaido: A paradise for nature lovers, known for ski resorts, fresh seafood, and attractions like the Sapporo Snow Festival and Furano’s lavender fields.
Prefecture Included: Hokkaido
Tohoku: Famous for hot springs, traditional festivals like the Aomori Nebuta, and scenic beauty such as Lake Towada.
Prefectures Included: Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima
Kanto: Japan’s political and economic centre, blending modern city life in Tokyo with historic sites like Nikko and Hakone.
Prefectures Included: Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa
Chubu (Koshinetsu, Hokuriku, Tokai): Ideal for outdoor adventures with Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps, as well as historical towns like Takayama and Kanazawa.
Prefectures Included: Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi
Kansai (Kinki): A cultural hub with Kyoto’s temples, Osaka’s food scene, and Nara’s historic sites, also known for Kobe beef.
Prefectures Included: Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama
Chugoku: Coastal beauty with Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima’s Torii Gate, and Tottori’s sand dunes.
Prefectures Included: Tottori, Shimane, Okayama, Hiroshima, Yamaguchi
Shikoku: Famous for the 88-temple pilgrimage, scenic coastlines, Matsuyama Castle, and the Naruto whirlpools.
Prefectures Included: Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi
Kyushu: Offers volcanic landscapes, hot springs like Beppu, and historical sites like the Nagasaki Peace Park.
Prefectures Included: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, Kagoshima
Okinawa: Known for its unique culture, beautiful beaches, and attractions like Shurijo Castle and Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
Prefecture Included: Okinawa
Overview of Japan’s 47 Prefectures
Hokkaido: Famous for its ski resorts and seafood, particularly in Sapporo and Hakodate.
Famous foods: Sapporo ramen, Genghis Khan (grilled mutton).
Aomori: Known for its apples and the Nebuta Matsuri, a vibrant summer festival.
Famous foods: Apples, Jappa-jiru (fish soup).
Miyagi: Home to the scenic Matsushima Bay and the Tanabata Festival in Sendai.
Famous foods: Gyutan (grilled beef tongue), Sasakama (fish cake).
Akita: Recognized for the Akita Kanto Matsuri and its unique culinary traditions.
Famous foods: Kiritanpo (rice stick), Inaniwa udon.
Yamagata: Famous for its cherry production and the picturesque Yamadera Temple.
Famous foods: Imoni (taro and meat stew), cherries.
Fukushima: Offers beautiful landscapes and the historic Ouchi-juku village.
Famous foods: Kitakata ramen, Anpo-gaki (dried persimmons).
Tokyo: The bustling capital city, known for its mix of modern and traditional attractions, including the Imperial Palace and Shibuya Crossing.
Famous foods: Edomae sushi, Monjayaki (savoury pancake).
Kanagawa: Features Yokohama, Japan's second-largest city, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Famous foods: Yokohama Iekei Ramen (a type of ramen with a rich, soy-based pork broth), Kenchin-jiru (a hearty vegetable soup).
Chiba: Home to Narita International Airport and Tokyo Disneyland.
Famous foods: Peanuts, Namerou (fish paste with miso)
Saitama: Known for Kawagoe, a town with well-preserved Edo-period architecture.
Famous foods: Fukaya Negi (green onion), Soka Senbei (rice crackers).
Gunma: Famous for its hot springs, particularly in Kusatsu.
Famous foods: Yakimanju (grilled sweet bun), Konnyaku (konjac dishes).
Tochigi: Home to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nikko.
Famous foods: Tochiotome strawberries, Utsunomiya gyoza (dumplings).
Ibaraki: Known for its gardens, including the Kairakuen Garden in Mito.
Famous foods: Natto (fermented soybeans), Ankimo (monkfish liver).
Shizuoka: Famous for its views of Mount Fuji and green tea production.
Famous foods: Unagi (eel dishes like unagi donburi), Wasabi.
Yamanashi: Offers access to Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes.
Famous foods: Hoto (thick noodle soup), grapes.
Nagano: Host of the 1998 Winter Olympics, known for its ski resorts and hot springs.
Famous foods: Shinshu soba (buckwheat noodles), Oyaki (dumplings).
Gifu: Features the historic town of Takayama and the UNESCO-listed Shirakawa-go village. Famous foods: Hida beef
Niigata: Famous for its rice, sake, and the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival.
Famous foods: Koshihikari rice, Hegi soba (buckwheat noodles).
Toyama: Known for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and fresh seafood.
Famous foods: White shrimp, Masu sushi (trout sushi).
Ishikawa: Home to Kanazawa, a city known for its gardens, geisha districts, and crafts.
Famous foods: Nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), Kanazawa curry.
Fukui: Known for the Eiheiji Temple and dinosaur fossils.
Famous foods: Echizen crab, sauce katsudon (pork cutlet with sauce).
Aichi: Known for Nagoya Castle and the automotive industry.
Famous foods: Hitsumabushi (grilled eel on rice), Miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce).
Mie: Home to Ise Shrine, Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine.
Famous foods: Matsusaka beef, Ise udon.
Osaka: Japan's kitchen, is known for its street food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki.
Famous foods: Takoyaki (octopus balls), Okonomiyaki (savoury pancake).
Kyoto: Famous for its temples, gardens, and traditional tea ceremonies.
Famous foods: Yuba (tofu skin), matcha (green tea) sweets.
Nara: Home to the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple and free-roaming deer.
Famous foods: Kakinoha-zushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves), Nara pickles.
Hyogo: Known for Kobe beef and Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Famous foods: Kobe beef, Akashiyaki (octopus dumplings).
Shiga: Features Lake Biwa, Japan's largest freshwater lake.
Famous foods: Funazushi (fermented sushi), Akakonyaku (red konjac).
Yamaguchi: Known for the Kintai Bridge and the historic city of Hagi.
Famous foods: Fugu (pufferfish), Iwakuni sushi.
Shimane: Home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines.
Famous foods: Izumo soba (buckwheat noodles), Shijimi clam soup.
Okayama: Famous for Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
Famous foods: Muscat grapes, Kibi dango (sweet dumplings).
Hiroshima: Known for the Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island. Famous foods: Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, oysters.
Tottori: Features the Tottori Sand Dunes and some of Japan’s best wagyu beef.
Famous foods: Tottori wagyu beef, Nijisseiki pears.
Kagawa: Renowned for its udon noodles, particularly in Takamatsu.
Famous foods: Sanuki udon, olives.
Ehime: Home to Matsuyama Castle and Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
Famous foods: Mikan (mandarin oranges), Tai meshi (sea bream rice).
Kochi: Known for its beautiful coastline and the Yosakoi Festival.
Famous foods: Katsuo no tataki (seared bonito), Tosa sushi.
Tokushima: Famous for the Awa Odori dance festival.
Famous foods: Sudachi (citrus fruit), Awaodori chicken.
Fukuoka: Offers vibrant nightlife, Hakata ramen, and historical temples.
Famous foods: Hakata ramen, Mentaiko (spicy cod roe).
Saga: Known for its ceramics, particularly in Arita and Imari.
Famous foods: Yobuko squid, Saga beef.
Nagasaki: Home to the Peace Park, Glover Garden, and a unique blend of Japanese and Western cultures.
Famous foods: Castella (sponge cake), Chanpon (noodle soup).
Kumamoto: Features Kumamoto Castle and the volcanic Mount Aso.
Famous foods: Karashi Renkon (lotus root with mustard), Kumamoto ramen.
Oita: Known for Beppu, a city famous for its hot springs.
Famous foods: Toriten (chicken tempura), Sekisaba (mackerel).
Miyazaki: Offers beautiful beaches, Aoshima Island, and the Takachiho Gorge.
Famous foods: Miyazaki beef, Jidori chicken.
Kagoshima: Features the active Sakurajima volcano and the Sengan-en garden.
Famous foods: Kurobuta pork, Satsuma-age (fried fish cakes).
Okinawa: Known for its distinct culture, beautiful beaches, and historical sites like Shuri Castle. Famous foods: Goya Chanpuru (bitter melon stir-fry), Okinawa soba.
Conclusion and Future Articles
This guide offers a brief overview of Japan's 47 prefectures, each with its own unique attractions and cultural significance. Future articles will explore each prefecture's history, landmarks, and local specialities in detail. Stay tuned for these guides to help you plan your perfect trip to Japan.
Enhance Your Trip with Japanese Lessons
Consider taking Japanese lessons to make your trip more enjoyable. Learning basic phrases will improve your travel experience by helping you navigate and communicate more effectively. Our lessons are tailored to your needs, including travel-focused Japanese.
Comments