Japan is a nation of incredible diversity, both in culture and landscape. Stretching over 3,000 kilometers from the snowy peaks of Hokkaido in the north to the subtropical beaches of Okinawa in the south, the country is divided into 47 prefectures. These prefectures are grouped into eight distinct regions: Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Chubu, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu-Okinawa. Each region boasts its own unique character, history, and attractions.

The prefectures act as administrative divisions, but for travelers, they are gateways to uncovering Japan’s local specialties, traditions, and hidden gems. Whether it’s the bustling cities like Tokyo and Osaka, the tranquil countryside of Yamagata or Shimane, or the scenic coastline of Miyazaki and Wakayama, there’s something special waiting in every corner.

Scroll through the list below to discover detailed travel guides, must-visit attractions, and unique experiences for each prefecture. Let this page be your starting point to dive deeper into the beauty and charm of Japan, one prefecture at a time.

Regions & Prefectures of Japan

Regions & Prefectures of Japan

Hokkaido Region

  • Hokkaido: Stunning natural landscapes, ski resorts, and fresh seafood.

Tohoku Region

  • Aomori: Apple orchards and the Nebuta Festival.
  • Akita: Akita dogs and Namahage folklore.
  • Iwate: A land of legends, from ghostly yokai to the enchanting Tono Folktale Village.
  • Miyagi: Matsushima Bay, one of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Spots.
  • Yamagata: Cherry production and Yamadera temple.
  • Fukushima: Samurai towns and Iizaka hot springs.

Kanto Region

  • Ibaraki: Kairakuen Garden and Hitachi Seaside Park.
  • Tochigi: Nikko’s UNESCO shrines and temples.
  • Gunma: Kusatsu Onsen, a top hot spring destination.
  • Saitama: Historic Kawagoe, “Little Edo.”
  • Chiba: Naritasan Temple and Tokyo Disneyland.
  • Tokyo: Japan’s vibrant capital and cultural hub.
  • Kanagawa: Yokohama port, Kamakura temples, and Hakone hot springs.

Chubu Region

  • Niigata: Premium sake and Japanese Alps skiing.
  • Toyama: Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route.
  • Ishikawa: Kanazawa crafts and Kenrokuen Garden.
  • Fukui: Tojinbo Cliffs and dinosaur museums.
  • Yamanashi: Mt. Fuji access and wineries.
  • Nagano: Skiing, hiking, and Matsumoto Castle.
  • Gifu: Shirakawa-go’s traditional thatched houses.
  • Shizuoka: Mt. Fuji views, green tea, and coastlines.
  • Aichi: Nagoya Castle and hearty miso dishes.

Kansai Region

  • Mie: Ise Grand Shrine and Mikimoto Pearl Island.
  • Shiga: Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest freshwater lake.
  • Kyoto: Temples, geisha culture, and tea ceremonies.
  • Osaka: Vibrant food scene and Osaka Castle.
  • Hyogo: Kobe beef and Himeji Castle.
  • Nara: Free-roaming deer and Todai-ji’s Great Buddha.
  • Wakayama: Mount Koya and Kumano Kodo trails.

Chugoku Region

  • Tottori: Sand dunes and fresh crab.
  • Shimane: Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s oldest shrines.
  • Okayama: Korakuen Garden and Okayama Castle.
  • Hiroshima: Peace Memorial Park and Itsukushima Shrine.
  • Yamaguchi: Kintaikyo Bridge and Akiyoshido Cave.

Shikoku Region

  • Tokushima: Awa Odori Dance Festival.
  • Kagawa: Sanuki udon noodles.
  • Ehime: Dogo Onsen, one of Japan’s oldest hot springs.
  • Kochi: Katsurahama Beach and yuzu citrus.

Kyushu-Okinawa Region

  • Fukuoka: Yatai food stalls and Hakata ramen.
  • Saga: Arita porcelain and Karatsu Kunchi Festival.
  • Nagasaki: International history and Glover Garden.
  • Kumamoto: Kumamoto Castle and Mt. Aso volcano.
  • Oita: Beppu and Yufuin hot spring towns.
  • Miyazaki: Takachiho Gorge and mythological sites.
  • Kagoshima: Sakurajima volcano and Satsuma Peninsula.
  • Okinawa: Tropical beaches, coral reefs, and Ryukyu culture.