Kumano Kodo Route & Hotel Recommendations for First-Timers: A Japanese Pilgrimage Trail Based at Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe
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Planning a journey along Japan's most famous pilgrimage trail, the World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo? Our introductory Kumano Kodo guide proposes an accessible hike from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha using Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe as home base, complete with convenient services like a complimentary shuttle bus and luggage storage, plus hot springs and traditional Japanese kaiseki cuisine!
CONTENTS
A New Japan Travel Bucket List Experience: A Pilgrimage Along the Kumano Kodo
Famous travel destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara might be the first places that come to mind when you imagine a trip to Japan, but in recent years, travelers visiting from around the world have clearly begun seeking something beyond the standard sightseeing circuit. For those looking to venture far from the beaten path, Japan’s spiritual pilgrimages have become an obvious choice, allowing visitors to explore Japan’s natural beauty while gaining a deeper understanding of local history and culture.
One of the centers of Japan’s pilgrimage hiking culture is Tanabe City in Wakayama Prefecture. From Shin-Osaka Station (along the shinkansen), the JR Limited Express Kuroshio can get you to Kii-Tanabe Station in about 2 hours and 20 minutes. From there, the journey along the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kumano Kodo route begins.
For more than 1,000 years, the Kumano Kodo has been walked by a varied cast of characters—retired Japanese emperors, aristocrats, ascetics, ordinary wanderers—most of whom have been more interested in the journey than actually reaching the destination. The process of walking through the mountains, purifying the mind and body, is in and of itself an important part of the pilgrimage! And in recognition of the historical and cultural value of this ancient pilgrimage, the routes were registered in 2004 as part of the “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range” UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Today, the Kumano Kodo is still a popular destination for travelers in the know, who come from around Japan and the rest of the world with a dream of walking the hallowed paths.
That said, the idea of a pilgrimage may leave more practically minded travelers wondering where they’ll be sleeping and storing their things. (Does a pilgrimage mean several nights in mountain lodges while carrying a heavy backpack?) Instead of roughing it, however, we recommend taking advantage of Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe (formerly Kamenoi Hotel Kii-Tanabe). From this convenient home base, one of the Kumano Kodo’s most popular beginner-friendly routes is easy doable as a comfortable day trip, and travelers can return to relax in the luxurious hot springs overlooking the sea. This is a simpler, more comfortable way to experience the Kumano Kodo—preserving the beautiful experience of this spiritual pilgrimage, while reducing the physical burden.
A Hotel Rec for the Kumano Kodo Nakahechi Route: Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe
When planning a trip along the Kumano Kodo, one of the first things to consider is where to stay. Sure, choosing your pilgrimage route is important, but the location and accessibility of your accommodations can significantly affect your trip. For travelers planning a long trip to Japan, staying two or three weeks (or even longer), it’s also important to consider whether the hotel offers useful services such as luggage storage and laundry facilities.
One obvious hotel recommendation for the Kumano Kodo is Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe (formerly Kamenoi Hotel Kii-Tanabe), which reopened under its new name on July 1, 2026. In addition to convenient transportation access, the hotel offers a wide range of facilities and services that are useful for longer stays, so even first-time Kumano Kodo walkers can embark on their pilgrimage with confidence. It is truly an ideal “base camp” for exploring the Kumano Kodo.
Easy Access via the Complimentary Shuttle Bus
Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe runs a complimentary shuttle bus, which departs daily from behind the Benkei statue at Kii-Tanabe Station at 14:40, so guests reach the hotel comfortably in time for the 15:00 check-in. The shuttle bus also departs for Kii-Tanabe Station twice each day, at 8:00 and 10:00 in the morning. The 8:00 bus is particularly convenient for travelers transferring to the 8:37 local bus bound for the Kumano Kodo, a route that allows travelers to smoothly reach the pilgrimage starting point without having to study complicated timetables or take a taxi.
Complimentary Shuttle Bus:
Departing Kii-Tanabe Station (behind the Benkei statue): 14:40
Departing the hotel: 8:00 / 10:00
*The complimentary shuttle bus from the hotel must be reserved at the front desk by 22:00 the previous day.
Hotel Luggage Storage (So You Can Travel Light)
For travelers on longer trips, luggage storage is often one of the most welcome services. Although the Kumano Kodo is not the kind of mountain trail that requires full-scale climbing equipment, it’s certainly not practical to walk while pulling a large suitcase. But if you’re visiting several parts of Japan during your trip, you’re likely to be packing some pretty big bags.
This is where the luggage storage at Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe comes in handy. Bags can be left at the hotel both before check-in and after check-out, so you can stuff a backpack with just your pilgrimage essentials—some extra layers, drinks, and snacks—and leave everything else behind as you set out along the Kumano Kodo. Letting the hotel handle your suitcases gives you the freedom to fully enjoy the stunning scenery and unique atmosphere of the pilgrimage route.
*Service details are subject to change. Please contact the hotel for further information.
Relaxing Hot Springs Overlooking the Pacific Ocean
Ready to participate in all the historic customs connected to the Kumano pilgrimage? Since ancient times, pilgrims have engaged in “shiogori,” a ritual of purifying yourself with seawater before heading into the mountains of Kumano.
The large public bath at Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe is the perfect place to reflect on this little piece of local history and culture, with the magnificent Pacific Ocean stretching beyond the large windows. Not only is it a joy to soak away in the hot spring while taking in the spectacular view, but before walking the Kumano Kodo, the bath provides a place to calm the mind, center yourself, and prepare. Again, after the trek, the heat of the springs soothes tired muscles, so you can relax and find your way to a deeper appreciation of the meaning of the Kumano pilgrimage. It’s a great way to mark both the beginning and end of the journey.
If you’re using a Japanese hot spring for the first time, you may feel more at ease after reviewing Japan’s basic bathing procedures and etiquette in advance. The hotel has a helpful instructional video available in English, so you can watch it before getting in!
Traditional Japanese Cuisine Highlighting Seasonal Ingredients
Delicious food is such an essential part of the Japanese travel experience that it’s the main goal for some, but searching for a restaurant before preparing for a pilgrimage (or after completing a long day of trekking) can be surprisingly tiring. But Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe offers authentic kaiseki cuisine prepared with seasonal Wakayama ingredients, and guests never have to leave the hotel.
Dishes are served one by one at dinner, each featuring the bounty of the mountains and sea of Kishu. During the Japankuru team’s visit, the meal included seafood grilled in the live kitchen, fresh sashimi, Kumano beef from the ranches of Wakayama Prefecture, and tempura served with plum salt, a fitting accompaniment in a region famous for plums. Dessert included jelly and gelato made with Wakayama peaches, bringing the flavors of Wakayama right through to the end of the meal.
The following morning, guests can recharge before the big hike with a breakfast buffet that includes both Japanese and Western dishes. During our visit, there was a make-your-own seafood bowl of Kishu whitebait and local tuna agarameshi, available for guests to pile as high as they chose. There were also three different varieties of pickled plums, reflecting Wakayama’s reputation as a major plum-producing region. Try comparing all three flavors for a memorable experience!
A Satisfying Bowl to Warm You Body and Soul: “Jigoku Meguri Late-Night Tantanmen”
The hotel’s Late-Night Tantanmen is another special perk available exclusively to guests. The Jigoku Meguri Late-Night Tantanmen noodles are nutty and rich, and being able to end a day of pilgrimage with a warm bowl of tantanmen is a particularly welcome touch. The noodle soup is offered to guests at all Kamenoi Hotels, and the flavor changes each month. During our visit, we tried “Kuro Jigoku” (black sesame tantanmen), but the hotel makes two other varieties: Aka Jigoku (Sichuan tantanmen) and Shiro Jigoku (white sesame tantanmen). The half-size portion is just right for a late-night snack, served around the hours of 21:00 to 22:30, making this one of the hotel’s most popular guest services.
Convenient Coin-Operated Laundry Facilities for Long-Term Travelers
The hotel also has coin-operated laundry machines and dryers, allowing guests to wash and dry sweaty trekking clothes on the same day. For travelers hoping to keep their luggage as compact as possible, being able to do laundry easily during the stay can be a welcome convenience. You can pack less clothing as you make your way across Japan.
A Classic Introductory Kumano Kodo Route Good for Beginners
Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Route
Once you have your accommodations locked down for your Kumano Kodo journey, it’s time to walk the pilgrimage route. The route that most experts recommend for first-time visitors is the 7.5 km trail from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, which generally takes around two to three hours.
Since this route consists mainly of gentle downhill sections, even hiking beginners can enjoy the walk without much difficulty—ideal for travelers who feel a little uncertain about a full-scale hike, but still want to experience the joys of the Kumano Kodo. We’ve put together a quick guide with transportation info and highlights based on our experience walking the route!
8:00 | Hotel Shuttle Bus → Kii-Tanabe Station → 8:37 Local Bus
The journey begins at 8:00 in the morning with the complimentary shuttle bus from Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe to Kii-Tanabe Station. After arriving at the station, board the 8:37 local bus bound for the Kumano Kodo.
We recommend stocking up before departure. There’s a convenience store directly in front of the bus stop, where you can purchase drinks, snacks, and other essentials for the pilgrimage. Although there are restrooms scattered along the trekking route, there are almost no convenience stores or restaurants along the way, so you’ll want to prepare lunch and plenty to drink before setting out. Some local buses also only accept cash, so if you need to, pick up some coins while shopping at the convenience store to make your journey smoother.
10:12 | Kumano Hongu Taisha-mae → 10:30 Bus for Hosshinmon-oji → 10:45 Hosshinmon-oji / Trek Begins
After arriving at the Kumano Hongu Taisha-mae bus stop at 10:12, transfer to the bus departing at 10:30. Approximately 15 minutes later, you’ll reach Hosshinmon-oji, the starting point of the walking path. The term “oji” refers to small shrines where pilgrims rested or offered prayers before beginning the main portion of their pilgrimage. Hosshinmon-oji is a particularly important site, and its name means “the gate where the desire for enlightenment arises.” Many pilgrims are said to have taken a moment here to center themselves before beginning their pilgrimage in earnest.
Hosshinmon-oji (発心門王子)
Mikoshi, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama
As you continue along the trail, several other oji shrines appear out of the thick trees, including Mizunomi-oji and Fushiogami-oji. Each location preserves another piece of the history and stories of pilgrims who spent long periods traveling toward Kumano. Fushiogami-oji is particularly well known as the place where pilgrims are able to see a glimpse of Kumano Hongu Taisha for the first time, and in the past, many would prostrate themselves here and pray toward the grand shrine. Today, the oji remains a highlight of the journey.
Mizunomi-oji
(水呑王子)
Mikoshi, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama
Fushiogami-oji (伏拝王子)
157 Fushiogami, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama
The term “pilgrimage” may give some travelers the impression that the trail is difficult, intended for advanced hikers, or in some other way challenging for visiting travelers. In practice, however, English-language information boards and trail markers are well maintained, and we were able to walk without getting lost despite it being our first visit. The simplicity of it all allowed us to walk slowly through quiet settlements and deep forests, reveling in the calm atmosphere and natural beauty unique to the Kumano Kodo. It’s a very different experience from exploring all the famous spots in Japan’s big, crowded cities.
14:00 | Kumano Hongu Taisha / Oyunohara Grand Torii Gate
After walking 2~3 hours along the pilgrimage route, you’ll find yourself passing beneath the gate of Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine at around 14:00. The trek itself is relatively short, but it’s still a meaningful once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with the countless pilgrims who have walked this same route, aiming for this same destination, for more than a thousand years. Kumano Hongu Taisha is one of the “Kumano Sanzan,” the three grand shrines of Kumano, and it serves as the head shrine of more than 3,000 Kumano shrines throughout Japan. At the end of this little pilgrimage, we think an encounter with the majestic shrine grounds is a truly memorable conclusion.
Kumano Hongu Taisha (熊野本宮大社)
1110 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama
Hours: 8:00 – 17:00
Official Website (en)
After visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha, you definitely won’t want to miss Oyunohara—the former site of the grand shrine. Here stands one of Japan’s largest torii gates, measuring approximately 34 meters in height, towering over a broad grassland to create a fantastical scene that looks almost like something from an anime. Many people like to snap commemorative photos in this unforgettable landscape to remember their journey along the Kumano Kodo, but after completing the pilgrimage, it’s also just a great place to pause, take a moment, and slowly reflect on your time in Japan.
Oyunohara (大斎原)
1 Hongu, Hongu-cho, Tanabe City, Wakayama
15:05 | Bus from Hongu Taisha-mae → 17:15 Kii-Tanabe Station / Taxi to the Hotel
After visiting Kumano Hongu Taisha and exploring the surrounding area, board the local bus departing at 15:05 for Kii-Tanabe Station. When you arrive at around 17:15, take a taxi back to Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe.
The Japankuru team chose a particularly beginner-friendly Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route for our first visit, and we think just about anyone can follow our guide, take advantage of all the conveniences of Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe, and have a great time on their hike. However, this route isn’t the only option! If you’re looking for more of a serious hike, check out the link below to learn about Kumano Kodo routes for intermediate and advanced walkers.
► Kumano Kodo routes based at Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe.
More Than Convenience: A Wellness-Focused Stay to Enhance Your Entire Journey
There are many reasons for travelers to choose Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe when exploring the Kumano Kodo, but above all, staying here adds a little something extra to all the time before and after the pilgrimage. Before setting out, guests are offered ample opportunity to prepare both mind and body. After completing the journey, they can soothe their tired muscles in the hot spring to rest and recharge… and enjoy a few of the hotel’s other special features to round out a trip to the area.
Comfortable Guest Rooms for Recovering from a Day in Kumano
Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe offers a range of guest rooms, from modern Western-style rooms to Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats and futons, with windows looking out across the Pacific Ocean. When planning an itinerary centered on the Kumano Kodo, accommodations and comfort aren’t usually the main priority, but these quiet rooms and comfortable beds make it easy to rest well, and wake up ready for a day of pilgrimage.
An Exclusive Lounge to Round Out the Perfect Day in Japan
The guest-only lounge, open from 15:00 to 21:30, is also worth a visit for the Wakayama sake and snacks, available to guests free of charge.Take a seat (and some snacks) to reflect on the section of the Kumano Kodo walked that day, or relax as you plan the following day’s itinerary. It’s easy to strike up a conversation with other travelers following the Kumano Kodo, too, if you’re interested in meeting some fellow pilgrims!
A Kumano Journey, Beginning Beside the Blue Pacific Ocean
The Kumano pilgrimage has long been associated with the custom of shiogori, and it’s said that pilgrims once purified themselves in the seawater at Dechihama in Tanabe before heading into the mountains of Kumano. At Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe, guests can enjoy the endless views of the ocean from the lobby, guest rooms, and hot spring baths, in constant proximity to the symbolic beginnings of the pilgrimage.
On a more practical note, the hotel also has a game corner, shop, and a morning market, with staff members ready to assist in English and Chinese!
Kumano Kodo FAQ: What to Know Before Your Pilgrimage
Q. The hotel is not directly in front of the station. Is transportation inconvenient?
A. Thanks to the complimentary shuttle bus operating between the hotel and Kii-Tanabe Station, transportation is smooth and convenient. On the contrary, the hotel offers experiences that are rarely available at a business hotel near the station, like the hot spring baths overlooking the ocean, the relaxing atmosphere, and carefully prepared meals.
Q. Are there convenience stores or restaurants along the pilgrimage route?
A. There are almost no convenience stores or restaurants along the route from Hosshinmon-oji to Kumano Hongu Taisha. We recommend purchasing lunch, snacks, and drinks at a convenience store near Kii-Tanabe Station before departure. To stay hydrated, it’s best to prepare 1.5~2 liters of water for your journey.
Q. Do I need a reservation for the bus bound for the Kumano Kodo?
A. These are regular local public buses, so reservations are generally not required. However, timetables may change depending on the season, so it’s best to confirm the schedule at the hotel front desk before departure.
Q. If I plan to stay one night at a mountain lodge during the pilgrimage, how should I book the hotel?
A. If you plan a longer hike and want to stay at Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe on the first night, a lodge along the Kumano Kodo on the second night, and Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe again on the third night, each stay must be booked separately. However, the hotel’s luggage storage services are conveniently available even on the night you’re gone, so you can leave large suitcases behind and travel light with just a backpack along the pilgrimage route!
Begin Your Kumano Kodo Journey, Prepared for the Japanese Hike of a Lifetime!
Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe has everything needed to make a journey along the Kumano Kodo even more special, easily blending modern travel with pilgrimage culture passed down for more than 1,000 years! If you want to learn even more and immerse yourself more deeply in the Kumano Kodo, be sure to check the special Kumano Kodo website released in July 2026, where pilgrimage route recommendations and the latest travel information are available. Or, find more travel information for the Kansai region, including Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama.
Kamenoi Hotel Kumano Tanabe
(亀の井ホテル熊野田辺)
Formerly Kamenoi Hotel Kii-Tanabe (旧・亀の井ホテル 紀伊田辺)
24-1 Mera, Tanabe City, Wakayama
Phone: 0739-24-2900
Access: From JR Shin-Osaka Station, take the JR Kisei Main Line Limited Express Kuroshio to Kii-Tanabe Station. Use the hotel’s complimentary shuttle bus (advance reservation required).
Complimentary Shuttle Bus: Departs JR Kii-Tanabe Station, behind the Benkei statue, at 14:40, advance reservation required.
Check-in / Check-out: 15:00 / 10:00
Official Website (jp)
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!
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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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