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Golf Gear Shopping in Japan: Great Deals on New and Used Golf Equipment in Tokyo That Golfers Won’t Want to Miss!

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Wondering where to shop for golf equipment in Japan? We recommend a stop at Niki Golf in Ueno, Tokyo! From the latest golf club models to some of Japan's best used golf gear, we've put together a few reasons why this Japanese golf store is worth visiting.

Why Buy Golf Equipment in Japan?

Golf has a long history, and it arrived in Japan over a hundred years ago, but in recent years the sport has found new life and new interest. These days, golf is more accessible and less stuffy, and it’s reaching a broader audience full of newcomers ready to take a swing. Of course, that means a rush of golfers looking for their very first set of golf gear, and even more players ready to upgrade their equipment.

For golfers in the know, Japan has become a golf shopping destination, known for offering quality products and a wide variety of brands and models. Importantly, shops sell the newest releases, and many also offer the kind of pristine secondhand equipment and reasonable prices that Japan has earned a reputation for. It’s no wonder shoppers from around Asia, and beyond, now flock to Japan’s golf shops—and its golf courses.

But where do shoppers find all these great prices and amazing equipment? If you’re visiting Japan and hoping to bring home some golf gear, you’ll want to check out Niki Golf, a trusted name in the Japanese golf business, supplying golfers with gear for over 50 years. Niki Golf carries both new and used equipment, helping them become a favorite among both beginners and regular golfers. In Tokyo, you’ll find two Niki Golf shops tucked away along Ameyoko (Ameya Yokocho) in Ueno, one of central Tokyo’s liveliest market streets. The main store focuses on the latest products to hit Japan, while the nearby Secondhand Center offers quality used equipment at great prices—something for every golfer.

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Niki Golf’s main branch in Ameyoko is located just a few steps (under a minute) from JR Okachimachi Station, and with Don Quijote directly across the street as a big bright landmark, it’s easy to find!

The first floor of the shop is packed with golf clubs from both Japanese and and a range of international names, and up on the second floor, you’ll find all the other equipment you need before you head out to play, from golfwear and shoes to golf bags. On a recent visit, the Japankuru team asked the staff for a few recommendations, so you know just what to look for when you finally make it to the store!

Niki Golf Ameyoko Flagship (二木ゴルフ アメ横本店)
6-4-6 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 – 19:30
Official Website (jp)

Golf Gear to Buy in Japan

Honma

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Honma Golf is a Japanese golf equipment brand known for offering products that bring the meticulous attention to detail associated with Japanese craftsmanship to modern manufacturing technology.

ไม้กอล์ฟแบรนด์ HONMA GOLF ซีรีส์ BERES วางจำหน่ายในร้าน Niki Golf

Their Beres line is particularly popular, often seen as the brand’s signature series. Honma’s sharp focus on distance, accuracy, and comfortable play contributed to the development of these high-quality clubs, and the construction is designed to reduce vibration and make each impact a pleasure.

Ping

A reliable choice among golfers around the world, the American golf brand Ping has recently launched a new Ping Scottsdale Tec series, available—of course—Niki Golf. Check out the mallet-style putter heads, designed to improve putting accuracy.

According to one member of the store staff, the stability of the putter head is what makes this series special. When compared with conventional putters, the clubface is less likely to twist or rotate during each stroke, making it easier to control the direction of the ball, especially on off-center strikes. That makes this one a good choice for players working on better consistency in their putting.

PRGR 

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

PRGR (“Pro Gear”) is another Japanese brand recommended by store staff—often suggested for golfers who don’t generate very much swing power. The brand offers series designed to be easy to swing, helping increase clubhead speed and distance with less effort. It’s a popular choice for people looking for comfortable, easy-to-use golf clubs, and staff mentioned that older customers and other golfers with lower swing strength often gravitate towards these clubs.

XXIO

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Thanks to a variety of lightweight clubs, easy-to-swing designs, and shafts available in several levels of stiffness, XXIO is another Japanese golf brand popular among amateur golfers. The full lineup also includes “XXIO Ladies” products, designed specifically for women.

At Niki Golf, you can pick up the limited-edition XXIO 14 Ladies Teal Mint series launched July 25, 2026 (while supplies last). Each item comes in a bright mint-green color, from the golf clubs to the caddy bag. Pick up the full set to stay on trend while you golf with this fresh minty color!

ONOFF

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Tired of all the golf clubs in simple black and silver designs? A look at ONOFF might open your eyes! The brand offers easy-to-use clubs perfect for amateur golfers, but one of the things that makes each club so special is the brand’s distinctive use of color. Just about every part of the club is colorful, and you can even choose different grip colors to mix and match. It’s a great option for anyone who wants to add a little individuality to their favorite clubs.

Shop the Newest Golf Gear in Japan at Niki Golf Ameyoko

In addition to all the golf clubs, the first floor is also where you’ll find golf balls in a variety of designs, including Japanese foods, Sanrio characters, and famous Japanese golfers. Nearby is a wide array of golf club headcovers, including some very cute characters. Both of these options make the perfect portable gift for golf lovers back home—or yourself.

Japanese Golf Accessories

Once you’ve picked out some new clubs, you can head up to the second floor to find a full range of golf equipment and accessories. The selection includes all kinds of golf shoes, golf bags, and clothing for the course.

Coreforce Loop & Other Japanese Golf Accessories at Niki Golf Ameyoko

Standard Coreforce Loop / Coreforce Loop Fist of the North Star Collab

The store also stocks accessories for athletes, like the Coreforce Loop bracelet, said to help improve balance and stability. It’s an intriguing item whether you play golf on a regular basis or not, since there’s nothing stopping you from reaping the benefits in everyday life as well. A few members of the Japankuru team tried one on, and some were surprised to find that it really did feel like there was a change in their balance and flexibility. Of course, this is the kind of product you really have to try for yourself—try one on at the store to see if it makes a difference for you!

The bracelets come in different colors, and the brand is currently collaborating with the ’80s anime Fist of the North Star. If you’re a fan of this beloved shonen classic, you might want to check out the north star design on the bracelets, and the characters featured on all the packaging!

▶︎ Shopping Tip: If you see something you like, but don’t know when you’ll be able to make it to Niki Golf anytime soon—or if you get home and realize there was something you really wish you’d purchased at the store—you can also shop Niki Golf’s online store. The webshop offers worldwide shipping, so you can basically browse the shop from the comfort of your own home.

A Secondhand Japanese Golf Gear Treasure Trove, Just 1~2 Minutes Away

The best place to shop for secondhand golf gear in Tokyo: Niki Golf Secondhand Center

Still not sure what to take home with you? Want to compare prices before making any final decisions? Then we recommend walking just a couple minutes from the Niki Golf Ameyoko Flagship to visit their used golf equipment shop, the Niki Golf Secondhand Center, which offers a selection just as varied.

The best place to shop for secondhand golf gear in Tokyo: Niki Golf Secondhand Center

Although the dimensions of this store aren’t huge, it’s absolutely packed with a wide range of used golf clubs from major brands, including TaylorMade, Callaway, Ping, XXIO, Majesty, and Honma. The stock includes popular models, but they also have a number of discontinued models, now difficult to find in ordinary shops! The shop is overflowing with different items, but the products are neatly organized by brand, type, and price, making it easy for both beginners and experienced golfers to browse and compare different options.

The best place to shop for secondhand golf gear in Tokyo: Niki Golf Secondhand Center

Part of the fun of visiting this secondhand shop is the excitement of wondering what great finds you might come across. New stock is constantly coming in, so the stock is never picked over. Stop in for the chance to discover rare models, coveted items you’ve always wished you could own, and shockingly well-maintained clubs of all kinds. For golfers in the know, this place is a regular stop in Ueno.

The best place to shop for secondhand golf gear in Tokyo: Niki Golf Secondhand Center

If the sound of “used” or “secondhand” golf gear has you feeling a little hesitant, we encourage you to take a good look at the equipment at Niki Golf’s Secondhand Center. Not only is Japan known for keeping used items in pristine condition, but the shop carefuly inspects each item as it comes in, analyzing its current condition and organizing by category. This system makes it easy for shoppers to find the right clubs at reasonable prices, as long as you give the shop a chance!

▶︎ Shopping Tip: Do not miss the putting green and the digital golf cage, where you can test equipment before deciding to buy! Go ahead, give it a swing—that way you’ll know you’re choosing the right golf club for your swing and playing style.

Before Using the Trial Area
・Please inform a staff member before using the facility.
・Customers can try up to two clubs per person in the cage, for a maximum of 10 minutes.

Niki Golf Secondhand Center Ameyoko (二木ゴルフ 中古センター アメ横店)
4-6-1 Ueno, Taito City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:30 – 19:30
Official Website (jp)

Shop for Souvenirs in Ameyoko & Explore Ueno

Ameyoko, Ueno, Tokyo

You’ve made it all the way to the vibrant bustle of Ueno’s Ameyoko Market—don’t rush home just yet! The area around Niki Golf is packed with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and all kinds of interesting stores waiting to catch your attention and open your wallet. From Japanese snacks and cosmetics to clothes, nifty home goods, and other everyday essentials from Japan, Ameyoko has enough variety to keep both golfers and non-golfers absorbed all day long.

When you’ve had enough shopping (at least for now) and you’re ready for a change of scenery, you can walk right over to Ueno Park, known for its broad tree-lined paths that provide the perfect place to relax in the heart of the city. Ueno Park is also home to a number of museums, including the Tokyo National Museum, which houses a huge collection of antiquities and artwork from Japan and beyond—perfect for travelers with an interest in Japanese history and traditional culture.

Shop for Golf Equipment in Tokyo—Start at Niki Golf!

The best place to shop for secondhand golf gear in Tokyo: Niki Golf Secondhand Center

With a weak yen promising incredible deals on top of all the reasonable prices and pristine products, there’s no denying that Japan should be one of the most popular destinations for golfers from around the world, especially those looking to pick up some new gear. (Foreign shoppers can take advantage of tax-free shopping, too!)

If you’re planning a trip to Japan, don’t forget to add Niki Golf to the itinerary, so you can find the perfect golf club (or cool new equipment) to bring home with you!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don’t forget to follow us on X (Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook!

Follow us @Japankuru on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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這次,我們邀請擁有日本豐富旅遊經驗的🇹🇭泰國、🇨🇳中國、🇹🇼台灣網紅,帶你走進夜晚的橫濱!從玩樂路線到拍照技巧,教你怎麼拍出最美的夜景照。那些熟悉的景點,換個視角說不定會有新發現~快跟他們一起出發吧!

#japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #yokohamaredbrickwarehouse #yokohamachinatown

If you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood's Japanese designs, and you’re looking forward to shopping in Harajuku this summer, we’ve got important news for you. Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Laforet Harajuku is now closed for renovations - but the grand reopening is scheduled for July!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #viviennewestwood #harajuku #omotesando #viviennewestwoodredlabel #viviennewestwoodjapan #비비안웨스트우드 #오모테산도 #하라주쿠 #日本購物 #薇薇安魏斯伍德 #日本時尚 #原宿 #表參道 #japantrip #japanshopping #pr

If you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood's Japanese designs, and you’re looking forward to shopping in Harajuku this summer, we’ve got important news for you. Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Laforet Harajuku is now closed for renovations - but the grand reopening is scheduled for July!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #viviennewestwood #harajuku #omotesando #viviennewestwoodredlabel #viviennewestwoodjapan #비비안웨스트우드 #오모테산도 #하라주쿠 #日本購物 #薇薇安魏斯伍德 #日本時尚 #原宿 #表參道 #japantrip #japanshopping #pr

Ready to see TeamLab in Kyoto!? At TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, the collective is taking their acclaimed immersive art and bringing it to Japan's ancient capital. We can't wait to see it for ourselves this autumn!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #teamlab #teamlabbiovortex #kyoto #kyototrip #japantravel #artnews 
Photos courtesy of teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, 2025, Kyoto ® teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery

Ready to see TeamLab in Kyoto!? At TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, the collective is taking their acclaimed immersive art and bringing it to Japan's ancient capital. We can't wait to see it for ourselves this autumn!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #teamlab #teamlabbiovortex #kyoto #kyototrip #japantravel #artnews
Photos courtesy of teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, 2025, Kyoto ® teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery

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MAP OF JAPAN

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    • HOKKAIDO

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      Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!

    • Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.

    • Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).

    • Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).

    • SAPPORO

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      Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.

    • Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!

    • Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!

    • FUKUSHIMA

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      Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.

    • YAMAGATA

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      Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.

    • Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.

    • Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.

    • TOCHIGI

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      Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.

    • Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.

    • The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.

    • Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.

    • Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.

    • NIIGATA

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      Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.

    • SHIZUOKA

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      Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.

    • Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.

    • Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.

    • Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.

    • Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.

    • CHUGOKU

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      The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.

    • HIROSHIMA

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      Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.

    • SHIKOKU

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      On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).

    • Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.

    • Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!

    • FUKUOKA

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      Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.

    • KAGOSHIMA

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      Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.

    • OKINAWA

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      The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.

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