FERRY SUNFLOWER ⚓ Travel to Hokkaido from Tokyo
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how do you intend on going?
By bullet train (shinkansen)? By plane? Drive?
Have you ever considered taking a ferry and
resting in peace during the trip?
This time, JAPANKURU tried traveling to Hokkaido
via the Ferry Sunflower from Oarai in Ibaraki Prefecture
for the first time!
Shosen Mitsui Ferry Sunflower (商船三井さんふらわあ)
⏰: Oarai departure → 19:45 pm · Tomakomai arrival → 13:30
Tomakomai departure → 6:45 pm · Oarai arrival → 2:00 pm
💴: from 10,740 yen
*Fares vary depending on the room type and season,
more details are available on the website
🚢Sailing Route: Tokyo → Ibaraki → Hokkaido
Recently, more and more travelers want to visit Hokkaido. There are many ways to travel from Tokyo to Hokkaido. Of course, the easiest and quickest way is by plane. However, if you have enough time, we recommend everyone an economical and affordable way, ferry.
Take the ferry, not just to go from Tokyo to Hokkaido, but also to see some new places, the first stop to take this ferry is from Tokyo to Ibaraki Prefecture's Oarai Port Ferry Terminal, and finally sail to Hokkaido's Tomakomai Port to enter the island of Hokkaido⚓
Ibaraki Prefecture → Hitachi Flower Park
Hokkaido → Otaru Canal
Although this journey may seem like a long one, everyone can enjoy full relaxation and enjoy the facilities on board. It is also a fun travel experience!
🚢Your First Step to the Sea: Buy a Ticket!
Tickets start from choosing your room
There are many different types of cabins in the ferry to meet the various needs of travelers. The price ranges from 10,740 yen to 47,310 yen. This time we will give a light introduction of these places to give you a better idea!
For more information on booking tickets online!
An indispensable part of the sailing tour is yummy food
The ticket fee does not include meals. Before entering the restaurant, you must first purchase meal tickets. Everyone can choose to eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. If you want to eat the meal, you can purchase meal tickets directly. There are single, two-course meal tickets, and three-course meal tickets on board. Depending on what your needs are, choose the combination of meal tickets you want.
🚢Departing from Tokyo!
First thing you need to do is head to the Oarai Port Ferry Terminal. To reach the port there are several solutions are available to you:
> If you want to take the bus
If you want to use public transportation to Ibaraki, we recommend that you take a bus from Tokyo Station and go to Oarai Port. Worried about taking a bus from Tokyo Station? Don't be! It's not very difficult at all! Once you reach JR Tokyo Station, head to the Yaesu South Exit. After exiting, you can find the JR Expressway Bus Terminal at Tokyo Station. Here are buses that go all over Japan lined up!
> If you want to drive
Of course, if you are a master of self-driving traveler, you can of course drive to the ferry! As long as you are ok with paying extra, you can have the car transferred in the ferry with you so that you can drive to Hokkaido's Honjo Island (or Ibaraki Prefecture) immediately after the ferry arrives.
*The additional cost of the car will vary depending on evening and night voyages and the size of the vehicle. Please check on the official website.*
Yaesu South Exit of Tokyo Station.
If you have any questions when buying tickets you can ask the counter staff.
Priceless Super Seaview Restaurant
No matter if you have lunch or dinner, you can enjoy endless sea views while you eat. This is why we recommend that you definitely go to the restaurant for a meal! If you can, absolutely choose the seat next to the window!
> Single meal ticket
Breakfast 1,070 Yen / Lunch 500 Yen / Dinner 1,530 Yen
> Two-course meal ticket (breakfast and dinner) 2,500 yen
⏰Dinner 6:30pm ~ 8:00pm
Breakfast 7:30am ~ 9:00am
Lunch noon ~ 12:45pm
Dining environment
The dining room is modest but rather nice. Different spaces are available according to your desires or just the group with which you travel. Bottom tables are popular so come early if you want to enjoy the view!
Varied dishes
In the evening, different dishes are offered: meat, fish, curry, etc. And a panoply of desserts: cakes, fruits, and ice cream.
🚢Exclusive Spaces for Children and Pets
Children’s corner
Even if you are accompanied by young children you can find activities for them to spend time in the 'Kids Land' available inside has a lot of small games for your children to spend.
Dog run
Pets are accepted on the boat. It's nice because you can even walk around and let them do their needs outside.
Prestige Suites offer a very private space for passengers to rest, and the room is spacious, even if it is the use of wheelchair passengers, you can easily come and go freely!
💴 Cost: 23,980 yen
There is only one Suite on the ferry, so it is considered a special space. From its privatized balcony you will have a clear view of the ocean. If you want to take full advantage of this trip, it is certainly the luxury you could pay for yourself.
💴 Cost: 47,310 yen
Pet Room
As mentioned earlier, this ferry allows pets to get on the boat, and there are spaces for dogs to run around. Such a friendly ferry also has room types that allow you to live with pets. Even cleaning supplies and feeding utensils can help you. You're ready to go!
💴 Cost: 32,440 yen
4. Comfort Room
Similar to a capsule hotel structure,
the Comfortable Room includes a TV, headlamp, hanger, outlet,
and more necessities for a comfortable and affordable stay.
💴 Cost: 12,780 yen
Economy Room
If you are a backpacker and want to save money, dormitories are there for you. You will not have much space, but enough for a trip of this kind. All the equipment you will need is available: storage for your suitcase, electric outlets, and comforter.
💴 Cost: 10,740 yen
🚢Other Intimate Services
and coin-operated washing machines
Lower row: Information desk, souvenir and snacks shop, sauna, public baths
Finally Arrived in Hokkaido!
Hokkaido is the northernmost island of Japan. It's extremely cold in the winter but very nice and comfortable in the summer! Every year around August, Hokkaido is a place where many people want to get away from the heat and humid summer. Whether visiting Sapporo's famous attractions or driving around the island, Hokkaido is a great place to explore!
Some places that we advise you check out:
❄Winter → Otaru, Biei, Noboribetsu
🌞Summer → Furano
Bon voyage~👋🚢
🚢Shosen Mitsui Ferry Sunflower (商船三井さんふらわあ)
🌞Evening Ferry🚢
・Oarai ➡ Tomakomai: Depart at 7:45pm, arrive at 1:30pm (next day)
・Tomakomai ➡ Oarai: Depart at 6:45pm, arrive at 2:00pm (next day)
🌙Night Ferry🚢
・Oarai ➡ Tomakomai: Depart at 1:45am, arrive at 7:45pm
・Tomakomai ➡ Oarai: Depart at 1:30am, arrive at 7:30pm
💡🐩Please be aware that not all animals are allowed to board the boat, and that there is an added 12,220 yen fee.
The detailed cost information can be found on the official website.
Stay tuned for new, original articles every day on JAPANKURU🐶.
Or add us on Google+, Instagram, Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾
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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!
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NIKI
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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.
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NISEKO
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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).
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OTARU
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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).
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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.
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TOHOKU
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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!
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AKITA
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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!
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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.
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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.
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KANTO
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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.
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GUNMA
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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.
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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.
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TOKYO
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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.
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CHUBU
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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.
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NAGANO
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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.
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NAGOYA
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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.
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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.
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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.
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KANSAI
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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.
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KYOTO
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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.
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NARA
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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.
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OSAKA
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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KAGAWA
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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.
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KYUSHU
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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)!
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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.
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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.
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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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