Sponsored

2024 Autumn/Winter Lookbook & Tokyo Fashion Recommendations From New Balance Kichijoji (+ Exclusive Free Gifts)

This article contains sponsored content.

  • X
  • line

Visit New Balance Kichijoji to check out our favorite New Balance recommendations for the autumn and winter, from Japan-exclusive sneakers to sleek new fashions!

Tokyo Shopping Spot Recommendation: New Balance Kichijoji

Kichijoji, a quiet neighborhood in west Tokyo, is less of a tourist destination and more of a popular hangout spot for Japanese locals, full of shops, restaurants, parks, and museums, with an easygoing atmosphere full of that feels far from the hustle and bustle of Shinjuku or Shibuya. The area is frequently voted as one of the best places to live in the city, and in recent years Kichijoji has earned a reputation among locals and travelers alike as an ideal destination for shopping in Tokyo, or just a low-key day out.

New Balance Kichijoji fits right in with the neighborhood’s laid-back aura, offering a unique shopping experience that matches the brand’s mission to improve both sports and craftsmanship, and providing shoe shoppers with a new sense of balance.

A Shop Steeped in Kichijoji’s Relaxed Style

At New Balance Kichijoji, even the mannequins have picked up on the casual vibes, slouching in the latest New Balance styles, or sitting sprawled on the floor to show off the soles of their New Balance shoes. This New Balance shop feels fun and welcoming, with a large circle at the center of each floor providing a place for easy communication between customers and shop staff, and everything from shoes to apparel displayed together so it’s easy to image mixing and matching items for everyday wear.

Inspired by the comfortable feeling of New Balance Kichijoji and the hint of autumn in the air, the Japankuru team put together four practical, comfortable, and polished looks for an autumn/winter lookbook using New Balance’s MET24 brand, designed with original New Balance materials to keep up with the 24/7 grind of urban life. Plus, to get the most exclusive items and the best deals when you shop in Japan, don’t miss the exclusive Japanese New Balance shoes, their cutting edge fitting service, and even special free gifts available from New Balance for a limited time only!

New Balance Kichijoji (ニューバランス吉祥寺)
Chloris Kichijoji, 2-8-13 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00
Directions: 5 min from Kichijoji Station (JR Chuo/Sobu Line or Keio Inokashira Line)
Official Website (jp)

A/W 2024 Lookbook: New Balance Recommendations & Styling

Look ①

Classic, cool, and subtle, this first look focuses on a unique down jacket that takes style hints from both varsity jackets and field jackets, lined with PrimaLoft for a lightweight feel that will keep you warm but not hot during your trip to Japan, and throughout the autumn and winter back home. The clean, casual fit of the jacket makes it a versatile piece that goes with all kinds of outfits, and the simple style can even be dressed up for nicer occasions.

This outfit matches the jacket with a fleece pullover and fleece training pants for an easygoing look, and despite fleece’s tendency to sag, the result is a surprisingly sleek silhouette. For a luxurious feel and a stylish look, pick up these basics for the coming cold fronts.

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Padded Jacket
Top: MET24 Fleece Pullover
Bottoms: MET24 Fleece Training Pants
Shoes: M2002RCC

Look ②

Our second look is just a little more flashy than the last, with black patches adding a little extra detail and an extra hint of style to a simple navy jacket. Matching a long-sleeved top with joggers gives us an especially practical outfit, whether you’re exploring the city on a chilly day in Tokyo, or just out on the weekend back home.

This outfit includes a pair of M2002R sneakers in this autumn/winter season’s trendy off-white color scheme for a little elevated style. Despite taking inspiration from the MR2002 sold in 2010, this sneaker model has a unique high-performance sole made using NERGY and ABZORB technology. It’s available in a unisex range of sizes, so you can hop on the trend popular throughout Asia, and try styling couple’s outfits too!

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Varsity Jacket 
Top: MET24 Reflection NB Logo Long Sleeve Tee
Bottoms: MET24 Reflection NB Logo Jogger Pants
Shoes: M2002RCC

Look ③

Next up is a look that works at the office or on your days off, especially with the addition of this chic collarless, zipperless jacket, which has a comfortable lightweight feel, making it easy to throw on like a cardigan. The slightly cropped length looks neat and put-together, while also giving the illusion of longer legs! Combine the jacket with the matching bottoms for a fun monochrome look, all made out of New Balance’s original TEXBRID® material, which maintains a comfortable stretch all day long.

The smart, sporty look of the B550 sneaker helps to balance the full look, borrowing style inspiration from ’80s basketball shoe styles. Even better, these sneakers are famously comfortable, and they come in unisex sizes. Pick up a fresh pair in bright gleaming white for a functional and stylish shoe that will go with anything!

Outfit Breakdown
Jacket: MET24 No Collar Jacket
Top: MET24 Bracelet Sleeve Pullover
Bottoms: MET24 Wide Pants
Shoes: BB550PB1

Look ④

Our final look is perfect for anyone who can’t bear the cold in autumn and winter, with each item contributing to an impressive level of total heat retention. The extended length of the long coat reaches the lower leg to trap heat and keep you nice and cozy inside, and despite its heavy appears, the coat is actually light and comfortable thanks to the PrimaLoft lining. This long coat is constructed to avoid uncomfortable restriction, as well, with zippers on each side of the bottom hem and a collarless design around the neck. Layer it however you like – it goes great with anything!

The pants used for this outfit combine a comfortable elasticated waist with chic touches of style, from the wide-leg silhouette to the pin tucks down the front. The loose shape looks nice without sacrificing comfort, so you can add style to even a simple outfit!

Outfit Breakdown
Outerwear: MET24 Padded Coat 
Top: MET24 Warm Crew Neck Pullover 
Bottoms: MET24 Wide Pants
Shoes: BB550PB1

+Limited-Edition Japanese New Balance Shoe Styles

Using items from the Japanese exclusive MET24 collection we put together a New Balance lookbook with four looks for the coming autumn and winter, but this line of apparel isn’t the only thing you can only find at New Balance in Japan. There are several designs of New Balance shoes only available in Japan, many of which can be found at New Balance Kichijoji and other select locations. If you’re on the hunt for limited-edition Japanese exclusive shoe designs, stop in to take a look.

Product Number: OU576
Color: WSI (WHITE)
Width/Japanese Sizes: D / 23.0cm ~ 29.0cm (Only 25.0cm to 29.0cm available in Odaiba.)
Price: 37,400 yen (tax included)

Available at the Following New Balance Locations:
Hulic Sapporo, Harajuku, Ginza, Odaiba, Ikebukuro P’PARCO, Kichijoji, Terrace Mall Shonan, Nagoya, Grand Front Osaka, Hiroshima PARCO, Fukuoka, LaLaport Fukuoka

Cutting Edge 3D Scan Technology & Shoe Fitting Service

To find the perfect fit, shoppers at New Balance Kichijoji can also try out their powerful 3D scan technology and their shoe fitting service. The special cutting-edge scanner measures foot length, width, height, and shape from every angle, creating a 360° image of your foot, and analyzing the shape to find shoes of just the right size and shape for your feet.

The shop also offers fitting services, where New Balance staff take the 3D scan information into account to help you choose the perfect pair of shoes, and then offer tips and tricks to fine-tune the fit even more, like the best way to tie the shoelaces. Take advantage of this service to let technology give you the best possible shoe shopping experience!

Options for Every Customer

New Balance Kichijoji isn’t an enormous shop like the New Balance Harajuku flagship, but it still has an impressive variety of the brand’s products. Besides MET24 pieces and exclusive Japanese shoe models, there is also a good selection of running wear and specialized running shoes, not to mention the lineup of popular sneaker models in a size range that goes all the way from little kids’ shoes to unisex adult sizes.

A Special Novelty Gift From New Balance, Available for a Limited Time Only

For a limited time while supplies last, shoppers at New Balance Kichijoji or other official New Balance stores around Japan (excluding Shinsaibashi) who purchase two or more apparel items will receive a free gift of New Balance compression bags, perfect for keeping things organized during your travels! (The bags are just the thing if you bought a warm puffy New Balance coat and need to squeeze it into a small suitcase.)

Each set comes with two compression bags, a larger one decorated with a bright red New Balance logo, and a medium-sized one with a fun illustration. The bags come wrapped in a package featuring one of three New Balance athletes, distributed at random: Shohei Ohtani (baseball), Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone (track and field), or Endrick (soccer). Use them to pack your new Japanese purchases, or use them as souvenirs!

New Balance Compression Bag Free Gift Event
Available at: New Balance official stores around Japan (excluding Shinsaibashi)
Dates: Sep. 27, 2024 ~ while supplies last
Details: Receive a free gift of two compression bags with the purchase of two apparel items.
*Customers will receive one set of two bags: L (W 42cm x H 49cm), M (W 35cm x H 43cm)

Shop Sleek, Stylish, and Laid-Back Looks for Autumn/Winter 2024 at New Balance Kichijoji

New Balance Kichijoji’s relaxed atmosphere is the perfect place to take your time and shop, whether you’re after the autumn/winter apparel recommendations from our New Balance lookbook, or you want to use their cutting-edge 3D scan technology to analyze your feet, browse the shoe options, and maybe bring home some exclusive Japan-only New Balance shoes. And now’s the perfect time to shop in Japan, during New Balance’s free gift event! Head to Kichijoji to enjoy a day of “slow travel,” starting with a peaceful New Balance shopping trip, before you explore the area’s relaxing destinations, like Inokashira Park and the Ghibli Museum!

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

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

  • facebook
  • line

COMMENT

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

FEATURED MEDIA

VIEW MORE →

See Kyoto Clearly With Your New Glasses
#japankuru #kyoto #jins #교토여행 #진즈 #京都 #교토수족관 #가모가와 #kamogawa #kyotoaquarium

See Kyoto Clearly With Your New Glasses #japankuru #kyoto #jins #교토여행 #진즈 #京都 #교토수족관 #가모가와 #kamogawa #kyotoaquarium

The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU
#japankkuru #conversejp_pr #conversejapan #harajuku #tokyotrip #converse #tokyoshopping #匡威 #帆布鞋 #東京購物 #原宿 #日本時尚 #일본쇼핑 #일본컨버스 #일본한정 #하라주쿠 #일본패션 #일본스트릿 #รองเท้าconverse #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง 
#ฮาราจูกุ #คอนเวิร์ส

The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU #japankkuru #conversejp_pr #conversejapan #harajuku #tokyotrip #converse #tokyoshopping #匡威 #帆布鞋 #東京購物 #原宿 #日本時尚 #일본쇼핑 #일본컨버스 #일본한정 #하라주쿠 #일본패션 #일본스트릿 #รองเท้าconverse #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #ฮาราจูกุ #คอนเวิร์ส

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

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

⚔️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

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

Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the famous real-size 20m-tall Unicorn Gundam, and the popular shopping center has even more Gundam on the inside! Check out the Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor for shelves upon shelves of Gunpla, and the Gundam Base Tokyo Annex on the 2nd floor for cool anime merchandise. Both shops have tons of limited-edition items!
#pr #odaiba #tokyo #tokyotrip #japantrip #japantravel #PR #divercity #divercitytokyoplaza #tokyoshopping #gundam #unicorngundam #gundambasetokyo #anime #otaku #gunpla #japankuru #오다이바 #다이바시티도쿄 #오다이바건담 #건담 #일본건담 #건프라 #건담베이스도쿄

Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the famous real-size 20m-tall Unicorn Gundam, and the popular shopping center has even more Gundam on the inside! Check out the Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor for shelves upon shelves of Gunpla, and the Gundam Base Tokyo Annex on the 2nd floor for cool anime merchandise. Both shops have tons of limited-edition items! #pr #odaiba #tokyo #tokyotrip #japantrip #japantravel #PR #divercity #divercitytokyoplaza #tokyoshopping #gundam #unicorngundam #gundambasetokyo #anime #otaku #gunpla #japankuru #오다이바 #다이바시티도쿄 #오다이바건담 #건담 #일본건담 #건프라 #건담베이스도쿄

|

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

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

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

    • SAPPORO

      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.

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

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

    • FUKUSHIMA

      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.

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

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

    • TOCHIGI

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

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

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

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

    • NIIGATA

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

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

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

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

    • CHUGOKU

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

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

    • FUKUOKA

      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.

MOST POPULAR

RELATED ARTICLES

PARTNERS