2020.04.24

Japan’s Newest Coronavirus Infection Prevention Mascot is a Mermaid Monster ~ The Amabie

Copied the URL to your clipboard.

CONTENTS

The COVID-19 outbreak has brought new creativity to Japanese Twitter, resulting in the sudden popularity of this mysterious bird-mermaid (アマビエ, amabie).

Bird Mermaid? (Birdmaid??) Coronavirus?

Why Is This Mermaid Monster Trending on Twitter?

Look up the #アマビエ (amabie) hashtag on Twitter, and you're likely to find a number of images of a uniquely Japanese creature that looks like nothing you've ever seen before. The bird-beaked fish-tailed maiden is an amabie, and she's become something of a mascot, a symbol of those praying for the COVID-19 outbreak to swiftly come to an end.

The trend began with a tweet from a Japanese shop specializing in traditional, Japanese scroll-style posters depicting Japanese monsters and legendary monsters (a fairly niche market, certainly). The shop, Orochidou, shared an image of one of their posters, hoping to encourage others to join them and post their own illustrations of Japanese monsters. What they did not expect was for the amabie to boom in popularity on Twitter over the next 10 days, with even the official Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare getting involved.

とんでもない勢いで某ウイルスが流行ってますが妖怪の中に「流行り病がでたら対策のためにわたしの姿を描いて人々にみせるように」と言ったのがいるんですよ。

アマビエって言うんですけど。 pic.twitter.com/y4pCLAbPkQ

— 大蛇堂＠陰陽師展4/9~4/19 (@orochidou) February 27, 2020

Introducing the Amabie

While some of Japan's legendary creatures have made it into international spheres (you'll find kappas everywhere from Harry Potter to Pokemon), the amabie still lives in obscurity, even in Japan. The mermaid, supposedly witnessed in Kumamoto Prefecture during the Edo period (1603 ~ 1868), is described as having long hair, a bird beak, and a scaley fish body – although they supposedly have three tail fin legs instead of two (which we hear is the standard for mermaids). Thanks to the relatively recent history of the legendary creature, historical documents collected in the library of Kyoto University describe discovering the amabie in the mid-19th century. People living in the Higo Province (current day Kumamoto) saw something glowing in the sea on a nightly basis, so they gathered and went to the shore to investigate. What appeared from the waters told the people it was an amabie, and that it lived in the ocean. Next, it announced that they would have good harvests for the next six years, but that disease might also spread, so they people should show a portrait of the amabie to anyone who fell sick. Then the mermaid returned to the water.

Image Source: Wikipedia

The promises of the amabie make it seem less monstrous, and more like the human-like mermaids we see in other mythologies. And of course the biggest promise, that just looking at a portrait of the amabie should cure disease, is exactly why it became the perfect mascot to take over Twitter during the coronavirus outbreak.

The Internet Gets to Work! Making the Most of this New Infection Prevention Mermaid Mascot

With this new inspiration to work with, the bored, quarantined, and ultra-creative minds of the internet had plenty to do. With the legend telling us that the amabie can help prevent epidemic, illustrations flooded twitter, with the mermaid telling the world to stay home, to practical social distancing, and stay safe! And it didn't stop there, with the amabie inspiring crafts, cosplay, and more.

自宅待機するということは
なるべく外部と接触を避けるということですが、
どうしても食べ物は買いにいかなければいけません。

その中で缶詰は日持ちしますよね

今は多種多様で美味しい
缶詰がたくさんあります

家にいて美味しい缶詰をつまみに
一杯なんていかがです？#自宅待機 #アマビエ pic.twitter.com/avE5X7P4HY

— 伝説のアマビエ (@LINE19839422) April 10, 2020

When the artists of the internet are stuck at home, the internet gets some amazing content. Look at this adorably animated amabie staying home and pigging out on canned shrimp.

人々が家にいるとき、アマビエは街をゆく。

アマビエさんを待ち受けサイズにしてみました。(昼と夜)#アマビエ　 #StayAtHome pic.twitter.com/ruFv3M7xO6

— さかざきちはる (@46963chiharu) April 7, 2020

If you've ever used a convenient train pass in Tokyo, this little amabie might look familiar. That's because these are Suica amabie (#Suicaアマビエ)! While you stay home, the creator tells us, amabie is riding the rails and traveling Japan, trying to end the outbreak.

【アマビエねぷたご注文希望の方へ】
地場セレクトは受付休止いたしましたが
津軽藩ねぷた村で引き続き注文を受付するということになりました！

ご希望の方はこちらまでお願いします#津軽藩ねぷた村
info＠neputamura.comまたは0172-39-1511まで#アマビエ #アマビエねぷた pic.twitter.com/hDn9eWkRPO

— 青森県地場セレクト担当じば美 (@aomorijibasele) April 9, 2020

Perhaps hanging these amabie lanterns from Aomori-ken Jiba Select will ward off the virus.

【知らないうちに、拡めちゃうから。】

「#アマビエ」をモチーフに、若い方を対象とした啓発アイコンを作成しました。自分のため、みんなのため、そして大切な人のため、できることを私たち一人ひとりがしっかりやって、ウイルスの感染拡大を防ぎましょう！STOP！感染拡大#新型コロナウイルス pic.twitter.com/zbbOrr4bPH

— 厚生労働省 (@MHLWitter) April 9, 2020

The Japanese Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare came out with this simple amabie design, telling the young people of Japan (they themselves say) to do their best to prevent the spread of the virus.

【アマビエチャレンジ】
江戸時代後期の肥後国（現・熊本県）に現れたというアマビエ。
皆に笑顔とパワーを届けるべく
香梅の和菓子職人の手からも現れました。#エアー和菓子 #アマビエ #上生菓子 #熊本 #お菓子で日本を元気に ❗️
※現時点で販売は予定しておりません。 pic.twitter.com/vQ0ALsgqed

— お菓子の香梅 (@kobai_jindaiko) April 13, 2020

Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) maker Kobai even created these beautiful and edible amabie wagashi.

おはようございます
今日はいい天気！！！

アマビエさま
豊作や疫病を知らせるってことなので
良いお告げを描いてみました😍
だいぶお姿変わってるかな💦💦💦#星野源 #アマビエ
良いことをイメージするって
大切だよね…… pic.twitter.com/5SBtxgpUmG

— meimei (@meihagengasuki) April 13, 2020

It's Gen Hoshino in amabie form! Hoshino is a popular Japanese singer-songwriter, who's been in the news recently thanks to his new quarantine-themed song Dancing on the Inside, all about staying home. The song inspired quite a few other Japanese musicians to sing along and post their versions on social media, all telling the world to stay home and stay safe! Perhaps Gen Hoshino really is part-amabie.

飲食店用アマビエ。#アマビエ pic.twitter.com/DWKzsZb9Ke

— いしかわじゅん (@ishikawajun) April 9, 2020

If only Starbucks had switched over from their standard mermaid in time to prevent this little fiasco!

レース編マビエhttps://t.co/TNfUbT81uV
レース糸でアマビエ編めました！
編み始めから終わりまで1本の糸を途切れさせることなく編んでいます。#ネット超会議2020 #参加 #ニコニコ手芸祭 #アマビエ pic.twitter.com/gUpTH8tYIA

— べっちん (@betibettin) April 12, 2020

We can really see the broad range of creativity on the internet with items like this hand-woven lace amabie…

春なのに、楽しい話が無くなっていき暴れだしそうな私（スタッフK）。
「アマビエ様描くから、コーヒー作ってください！」と暴れ、アマビエって何？となってるマスターを振り切り出来上がりました！

みんなの楽しい春！
元気いっぱいの春！
早く来ますように！

平癒祈願で120円！#アマビエ pic.twitter.com/AjdKWTdVwf

— kobacoffee 倉敷自家焙煎コーヒー (@kobacoffee) April 10, 2020

…this special amabie coffee…

アマビエさまのミニブローチができました！
ナデナデすると、つるつるしています。応援価格のワンコインで販売します。疫病退散、プチギフト、お守りがわりにどうぞ🧜‍♀️ #アマビエ https://t.co/mwXgwNQFTd pic.twitter.com/yj0OP3oqLW

— タニヤナギユウ (@yu_merico) April 14, 2020

…and even wearable little mini-amabie pins!

#amabie

Want to see more of Japanese twitter's whimsical amabie creations? Just look up the hashtag #アマビエ (you'll find the most results using the original Japanese), and check it out yourself! There's more creativity popping up every day, so if you see anything good (or make any amabie creations yourself) let the Japankuru team know on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

Details

NAME:COVID-19 Prevention

Editor L

Japankuru's head Chinese editor: mid-30s, likes to write, draw, and take photos. Aiming to become an old aunty with a girlish look. Articles written in Chinese by Lucy Wu, and translated by Sophia Appelbaum.

Copied the URL to your clipboard.

COMMENT

Name

0 Comments

Oldest

Newest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

FEATURED MEDIA

A New Tokyo Animal Destination: Relax & Learn About the World’s Animals in Japan
#pr #japankuru #anitouch #anitouchtokyodome #capybara #capybaracafe #animalcafe #tokyotrip #japantrip #카피바라 #애니터치 #아이와가볼만한곳 #도쿄여행 #가족여행 #東京旅遊 #東京親子景點 #日本動物互動體驗 #水豚泡澡 #東京巨蛋城 #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น2025 #ที่เที่ยวครอบครัว #สวนสัตว์ในร่ม #TokyoDomeCity #anitouchtokyodome

Shohei Ohtani Collab Developed Products & Other Japanese Drugstore Recommendations From Kowa
#pr #japankuru
#kowa #syncronkowa #japanshopping #preworkout #postworkout #tokyoshopping #japantrip #일본쇼핑 #일본이온음료 #오타니 #오타니쇼헤이 #코와 #興和 #日本必買 #日本旅遊 #運動補充能量 #運動飲品 #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #เครื่องดื่มออกกำลังกาย #นักกีฬา #ผลิตภัณฑ์ญี่ปุ่น #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น

도쿄 근교 당일치기 여행 추천! 작은 에도라 불리는 ‘가와고에’
세이부 ‘가와고에 패스(디지털)’ 하나면 편리하게 이동 + 가성비까지 완벽하게! 필름카메라 감성 가득한 레트로 거리 길거리 먹방부터 귀여움 끝판왕 핫플&포토 스폿까지 총집합!

Looking for day trips from Tokyo? Try Kawagoe, AKA Little Edo!
Use the SEIBU KAWAGOE PASS (Digital) for easy, affordable transportation!

Check out the historic streets of Kawagoe for some great street food and plenty of picturesque retro photo ops.

#pr #japankuru #도쿄근교여행 #가와고에 #가와고에패스 #세이부패스 #기모노체험 #가와고에여행 #도쿄여행코스 #도쿄근교당일치기 #세이부가와고에패스
#tokyotrip #kawagoe #tokyodaytrip #seibukawagoepass #kimono #japantrip

Hirakata Park, Osaka: Enjoy the Classic Japanese Theme Park Experience!
#pr #japankuru #hirakatapark #amusementpark #japantrip #osakatrip #familytrip #rollercoaster #retrôvibes #枚方公園 #大阪旅遊 #關西私房景點 #日本親子旅行 #日本遊樂園 #木造雲霄飛車 #히라카타파크 #สวนสนุกฮิราคาตะพาร์ค

🍵Love Matcha? Upgrade Your Matcha Experience With Tsujiri!
・160년 전통 일본 말차 브랜드 츠지리에서 말차 덕후들이 픽한 인기템만 골라봤어요
・抹茶控的天堂！甜點、餅乾、飲品一次滿足，連伴手禮都幫你列好清單了
・ส่องมัทฉะสุดฮิต พร้อมพาเที่ยวร้านดังในอุจิ เกียวโต

#pr #japankuru #matcha #matchalover #uji #kyoto #japantrip #ujimatcha #matchalatte #matchasweets #tsujiri #말차 #말차덕후 #츠지리 #교토여행 #말차라떼 #辻利抹茶 #抹茶控 #日本抹茶 #宇治 #宇治抹茶 #日本伴手禮 #抹茶拿鐵 #抹茶甜點 #มัทฉะ #ของฝากญี่ปุ่น #ชาเขียวญี่ปุ่น #ซึจิริ #เกียวโต

・What Is Nenaito? And How Does This Sleep Care Supplement Work?
・你的睡眠保健品——認識「睡眠茶氨酸錠」
・수면 케어 서플리먼트 ‘네나이토’란?
・ผลิตภัณฑ์เสริมอาหารดูแลการนอน “Nenaito(ネナイト)” คืออะไร?

#pr #japankuru #sleepcare #japanshopping #nenaito #sleepsupplement #asahi #睡眠茶氨酸錠 #睡眠保健 #朝日 #l茶胺酸 #日本藥妝 #日本必買 #일본쇼핑 #수면 #건강하자 #네나이토 #일본영양제 #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #ร้านขายยาญี่ปุ่น #ดูแลตัวเองก่อนนอน #อาซาฮิ

Japanese Drugstore Must-Buys! Essential Items from Hisamitsu® Pharmaceutical
#PR #japankuru #hisamitsu #salonpas #feitas #hisamitsupharmaceutical #japanshopping #tokyoshopping #traveltips #japanhaul #japantrip #japantravel

Whether you grew up with Dragon Ball or you just fell in love with Dragon Ball DAIMA, you'll like the newest JINS collab. Shop this limited-edition Dragon Ball accessory collection to find some of the best Dragon Ball merchandise in Japan!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #dragonball #dragonballdaima #animecollab #japanshopping #jins #japaneseglasses #japantravel #animemerch #pr

This month, Japankuru teamed up with @official_korekoko to invite three influencers (originally from Thailand, China, and Taiwan) on a trip to Yokohama. Check out the article (in Chinese) on Japankuru.com for all of their travel tips and photography hints - and look forward to more cool collaborations coming soon!

【橫濱夜散策 x 教你怎麼拍出網美照 📸✨】
每次來日本玩，是不是都會先找旅日網紅的推薦清單？
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

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

Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup
#pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics

⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon!
🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중
💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀，和你想的不一樣！拿好優惠券去看看～
#tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta

Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon!
用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️
코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기

#pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon

MAP OF JAPAN

SEARCH BY REGION

- HOKKAIDO
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.
- TOHOKU
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.
- KANTO
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.
- CHUBU
  VIEW 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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.
- NAGOYA
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.
- KYUSHU
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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
  VIEW MORE
  
  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.