2026.04.09

10 Best Japanese Fireworks Festivals in 2026: From Tokyo Fireworks to Off-the-Beaten-Path Events

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Plan your summer vacation in Japan around these 5 must-see fireworks festivals! Use our fireworks guide to find 2026 event dates, access info, and other seasonal tips from Tokyo to Kansai and beyond!

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The warm breeze is an invitation—a warm welcome beckoning you to join Japan’s spirited festival season! Often seen in anime and dramas, fireworks festivals are a staple of the summer in Japan, at once nostalgic and exhilarating. In recent years, however, unpredictable weather has pushed many festival planners to spread the event season further into spring and autumn than ever before. So, to help you add one of these uniquely Japanese events to your travel itinerary, we’ve compiled a quick guide to 10 major fireworks events across Japan! You’ll find events in Kanto (the Tokyo area) and Kansai (around Osaka), as well as less central destinations like the northern Tohoku region. Find your perfect summer fireworks festival and get ready to join the party!

Kanto / Tokyo Area Fireworks

① Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival 2026 | Tokyo

Probably Tokyo’s most famous fireworks festival, and certainly one of the oldest still running, the Sumidagawa (or Sumida River) Fireworks Festival dates back nearly 300 years and remains a prime example of Japan’s traditional hanabi artistry. Featuring around 20,000 fireworks and a historic competition between pyrotechnic guilds, the display is split between two launch points along the Sumida River, on the edges of the Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood. Emphasizing precision and beauty rather than sheer scale, this isn’t the flashiest fireworks event in the city, but more than a million people flood the area to watch each year, and the atmosphere is electric.

Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: July 25, 2026
Fireworks Launch Time: 19:00 – 20:30
Official Website (jp)

② Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival 2026 | Tokyo

Held in the Meiji Jingu Baseball Stadium, on Tokyo Yakult Swallows turf, the Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival launches 10,000 fireworks up over the field throughout the night, for a spectacle that could rival any home run. This event particularly distinguishes itself with its musical choices, carefully chosen to accompany the fireworks throughout the display. Each year a new set of songs is chosen, coming to a final crescendo of light and sound at the end of the evening!

Jingu Gaien Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: mid-August
Fireworks Launch Time: 17:00~
Official Website (jp)

③ Adachi Fireworks Festival 2026 | Tokyo

These days Adachi is one of Tokyo’s earliest major fireworks events of the season, aiming to avoid mid-summer heat and inclement weather, and the event offers a slightly less crowded option for anyone willing to venture out to one of Tokyo’s more residential areas. The Adachi Ward’s festival features around 14,000 fireworks, with a varied display that often includes themed sequences tied to local history. Visitors will find ample viewing space on the wide banks of the Arakawa River and comfortable early-summer weather, making it easy to enjoy the atmosphere—exciting without being overwhelming, and buzzing with local Tokyoites!

Adachi Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: May 30, 2026
Fireworks Launch Time: 19:20 – 20:20
Official Website (jp)

④ Yokohama Night Flowers Fireworks 2026 | Yokohama, Kanagawa

While Yokohama’s fireworks have been a popular summer tradition in the Kanto region for years, this year the event has been rebranded as “Night Flowers” in anticipation of the upcoming Green x Expo 2027 international horticultural exposition being held in the city. More important than the floral inspiration, however, is the event’s goal – aiming to bring fireworks into everyday life by integrating them with local events such as night markets and music festivals. Check the schedule for a whole variety of fun activities throughout the summer, all set against the urban nightscape of Yokohama’s harbor, and accented by short bursts of beautiful fireworks.

Yokohama Night Flowers Details
Dates: at least a dozen times between April and September 2026 (see the official website for exact dates)
Fireworks Launch Time: 19:00 – 19:05 or 19:30 – 19:35
Official Website (jp)

Kansai / Osaka-Kyoto Area Fireworks

⑤ Yodogawa Fireworks Festival 2026 | Osaka

Osaka’s largest fireworks event, the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival is known for synchronized music and dynamic displays designed to tell a story! The broad swatch of sky above the Yodogawa River allows for large-scale launches, giving the pyrotechnics experts plenty of space to create dramatic visual displays across the skyline. The event draws nearly half a million spectators every year, offering a lively Kansai atmosphere with food stalls and festive crowds. Reserve a paid seat for the best views, or join the massive crowds cozied up along the riverbanks! Now that the event is regularly pushed to October to avoid unbearable heat and rain, it’s a highlight of Osaka’s early autumn event calendar.

Yodogawa Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: October 17, 2026
Fireworks Launch Time: TBD (likely 19:30~)
Official Website (jp)

⑥ Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks 2026 | Kobe, Hyogo

Lighting up the waters of the bay, this year-round event is a little treat for anyone spending the weekend in Kobe, with a series of little 5-minute fireworks displays launched next to Meriken Park. Each of the short shows is carefully curated in 30-second segments, designed to impress viewers watching from all over Kobe’s port area. Conveniently located near Kobe’s Chinatown and other lively Kobe shopping areas, but breezy and cool from the ocean breeze, this series of mini-events provides the perfect post-dinner entertainment for your weekend evening in Kobe.

Kobe Port Weekend Fireworks Details
Dates: May 2, May 16, etc. (check the official website for further updates concerning event dates)
Fireworks Launch Time: 19:30 – 19:35
Official Website (jp)

⑦ Kumano Fireworks Festival 2026 | Mie

The Kumano Fireworks Festival stands out for its dramatic coastal setting and launch techniques, with fireworks set off from a series of boats and rocky cliffs, producing echoes and reflections that intensify the spectacle. Lasting over two hours, it’s one of the longest shows in Japan, but thanks to the festive atmosphere, you’re not likely to get bored. Plop down on the beach and gaze up at the multi-directional pyrotechnics, feast at the food stalls lined up along the sand, and enjoy the summery sea breeze! The remote location makes this festival less crowded than major cities, and mostly big with locals, but it’s worth the trip if you can make it!

Kumano Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: August 17, 2026 (may be subject to change)
Fireworks Launch Time: 19:00 – 20:45
Official Website (jp)

Chubu / Central Japan Fireworks

⑧ Atami Marine Fireworks Festival 2026 | Atami, Shizuoka

Famous for its picturesque beaches and luxurious hot springs, Atami leans into the vacation vibes by offering fireworks shows throughout the summer and long beyond, which makes it particularly convenient for international travelers who can’t always arrive during summer festival season. This tradition has been going for over 70 years, and continues to light up the sky over the Izu Peninsula with over 5,000 fireworks, more than 10 times every year. The highlight of each display is the grand finale, a breathtaking “Niagara in the Sky” made of cascading silver fireworks, resembling a waterfall over the sea.

Atami Marine Fireworks Festival Details
Spring Dates: April 26, May 24
Summer Dates: July 20, July 26, August 5, August 9, August 18, August 24
Autumn Dates: September 13, October 12, October 25, November 11, November 23
Winter Dates: December 6, December 25
Fireworks Launch Time: 20:15/20:20 – 20:40
Official Website (jp)

⑨ Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival 2026 | Nagano

The area around Nagano’s Lake Suwa (or “Suwako”) takes its fireworks seriously, with an array of different fireworks-focused events planned throughout the summer. Depending on the date, travelers who make their way to the picturesque mountainside area might be treated to nightly mini fireworks displays, a fireworks competition, or the biggest event of the season, the Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival. Often cited as Japan’s largest festival of its kind, this event features around 40,000 fireworks, launched over the water in a dramatic mountain basin. The surrounding landscape amplifies the sound, creating thunderous echoes as the glittering cascades and reflections shimmer across the lake surface. It’s a full sensory experience, bound to leave a lasting impression.

Lake Suwa Fireworks Festival Details
Lake Suwa Festival Fireworks Dates: August 15, 2026
　　Fireworks Launch Time: 19:00~
Summer Night Firework Dates: July 24 ~ August 23, 2026 (except Aug. 15)
　　Fireworks Launch Time: 20:30 – 20:40
National Fireworks Challenge Cup Dates: September 5, 19, 26, October 31
　　Fireworks Launch Time: TBD
Official Website (jp)

Tohoku / Northern Japan Fireworks

⑩ Omagari Fireworks Festival & National Fireworks Competition 2026 | Daisen, Akita

One of Japan’s top 3 fireworks festivals, the prestigious Omagari Fireworks Festival & National Fireworks Competition has been held in Akita since 1910! As the name implies, this isn’t just any festival—pyrotechnics experts from across the country arrive in Akita each year to compete against each other, with specific categories including “Daytime Fireworks,” “Free Style,” and “Creative Fireworks.” Contestants are all fireworks manufacturers in their own right, and the pyrotechnics are judged on design, color, and creativity. The main festival, in August, is the biggest opportunity of the year for Japan’s fireworks elite to gather and gain prestige, and it has been for over a century—these days, the highest honor is the Prime Minister’s Award! But fireworks lovers can also enjoy some pretty great fireworks displays in spring and autumn.

Omagari Fireworks Festival Details
Dates: April 25 / August 29 / October 3, 2026
Fireworks Launch Time: timing varies, including events with multiple launches; check the official website for details
Official Website (jp)

Celebrate the Summer in Japan!

Summers in Japan can be hot, humid, and downright draining… but if you can make it through the glaring sun during daylight hours, there’s nothing more exciting than the glow of lanterns and the sparkle of booming fireworks that comes with a traditional summer festival! If you’re planning to visit Japan during fireworks festival season, then check out our Japanese Fireworks Festival Prep Checklist to make sure you’re well prepared, and head out and join the party!

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!

Team JAPANKURU

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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, 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 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 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, 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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  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 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 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 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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  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 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 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 (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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  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 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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  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 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 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 (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 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
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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.
- 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.
- CHUGOKU
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  The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
- HIROSHIMA
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  Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
- SHIKOKU
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  On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
- KAGAWA
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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.
- 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)!
- FUKUOKA
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  Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
- KAGOSHIMA
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  Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
- OKINAWA
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  The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.