Japan’s Top 5 “Noodle Regions” According to Japanese Locals
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
CONTENTS
When it comes to Japanese cuisine, ramen, udon, and soba are just a few examples of the many noodle dishes commonly served all over the country, and each has unique variations depending on the region. But when you think of noodles in Japan, which region comes to mind first?
Japanese travel site Jalan conducted a survey among more than 1,000 Japanese adults in their 20s to 50s (with plenty of noodle-eating experience) to find out which parts of Japan are best known for their noodles. The question was simple, asked of Japanese residents from all over the country: which region do you think of when it came to “noodles”? The survey allowed up to three answers (selected from Japan’s 47 prefectures), but there were some decisive answers, easily revealing Japan’s top five noodle regions.
5th Place: Tokyo
As the capital of Japan, Tokyo has just about every kind of Japanese noodle you could think of and more, but the city’s image as a ramen hotspot is what truly shined through in the survey’s comments. From the wide selection of ramen shops lined up one next to another in Tokyo Station, to the tiny hole-in-the-wall noodle shops open until the wee hours of the morning, it’s not hard to see how deeply rooted ramen is in the culture and the history of the city. These days you can try classic ramen that tastes the same as it has since the noodle dish arrived in Tokyo from China a little over a century ago, or you can look for some pretty weird options like shaved ice ramen, chocolate ramen, or blue salt ramen. They probably all taste great anyway.
4th Place: Nagano Prefecture
Nagano clearly stood out thanks to its soba noodles, often called “Shinshu soba” in honor of the region’s historic name. There’s no denying that Shinshu soba is what comes to mind for many in Japan when they think of soba: mellow broth and hearty flavorful noodles, made from the region’s endless fields of buckwheat. Thanks to the seasonal changes found throughout Nagano, buckwheat thrives, and the varieties are diverse. Nagano isn’t the only prefecture in Japan that makes delicious soba, but there’s no doubt that local varieties like Togakushi soba and Takato soba helped firm up its reputation!
3rd Place: Hokkaido
Ramen may have only arrived in Japan in the past century and a half, but it’s already such a part of culture that three out of five of Japan’s top noodle regions have earned their reputations thanks to ramen. Hokkaido is an interesting choice, since if you asked any average Japanese person what kind of food they think of when it comes to Japan’s northernmost prefecture, you’re just as likely to get answers like “fresh seafood,” “dairy,” or even “red meat.” But Hokkaido is truly a foodie’s paradise, and survey comments backed up their choice with excited mentions of miso ramen, Sapporo ramen, and Hakodate ramen. Using Hokkaido’s bountiful fresh ingredients to create rich and luxurious bowls of ramen only makes sense, and the large island is now packed with different local varieties.
2nd Place: Fukuoka Prefecture
Fukuoka is another ramen spot, thanks to the local variety of Hakata ramen gaining such wide-spread popularity that it can now be found just about anywhere in Japan. The unctuous tonkotsu broth, made creamy with pork bones, and paired with thin, firm noodles, has even found popularity overseas thanks largely to the spread of the popular Hakata ramen chain Ichiran. It’s no surprise that survey comments were full of Hakata ramen mentions, but some answers also mentioned Hakata udon, an especially soft variety of the thick wheat noodles, often eaten after a long night out.
1st Place…
Kagawa Prefecture!
While Kagawa is still largely unknown to most people outside of Japan, within the country it’s overwhelmingly associated with “udon,” sometimes even called “The Udon Prefecture.” For voters who love udon, Kagawa was the obvious choice, due to the reputation earned from its popular regional variety. Known as Sanuki udon (another reference to a historic regional moniker), Kagawa’s udon is beloved thanks to its light broth and firm noodles, served hot or cold, with toppings or plain and simple. Visitors in Kagawa sometimes go on udon tours, to try as many different shops as possible, and there are even local workshops where you can try making udon with your own two hands. While the love for ramen and soba noodles was likely spread between a number of different prefectures, it’s clear that udon lovers were able to unite for this survey, pushing Kagawa to the top as the kingdom of udon – and Japan’s top noodle region!
Noodles are a beloved part of the local cuisine all over Japan, and just about every region has a favorite preparation, but after hearing the voices of over 1,000 everyday noodle lovers in Japan, it looks like we’ve finally discovered the country’s best noodle destinations. If you love noodles and you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’ve got your work cut out for you!
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!
Half a lifetime ago I came to Japan for a semester abroad... and I never left. I guess I really like the place! I spent my first few years in Japan living in the middle of nowhere, so I'd love to hear your Tokyo recommendations via Japankuru's social media accounts!
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
COMMENT
FEATURED MEDIA
VIEW MORE
A New Tokyo Animal Destination: Relax & Learn About the World’s Animals in Japan
#pr #japankuru #anitouch #anitouchtokyodome #capybara #capybaracafe #animalcafe #tokyotrip #japantrip #카피바라 #애니터치 #아이와가볼만한곳 #도쿄여행 #가족여행 #東京旅遊 #東京親子景點 #日本動物互動體驗 #水豚泡澡 #東京巨蛋城 #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น2025 #ที่เที่ยวครอบครัว #สวนสัตว์ในร่ม #TokyoDomeCity #anitouchtokyodome
Shohei Ohtani Collab Developed Products & Other Japanese Drugstore Recommendations From Kowa
#pr #japankuru
#kowa #syncronkowa #japanshopping #preworkout #postworkout #tokyoshopping #japantrip #일본쇼핑 #일본이온음료 #오타니 #오타니쇼헤이 #코와 #興和 #日本必買 #日本旅遊 #運動補充能量 #運動飲品 #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #เครื่องดื่มออกกำลังกาย #นักกีฬา #ผลิตภัณฑ์ญี่ปุ่น #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น
도쿄 근교 당일치기 여행 추천! 작은 에도라 불리는 ‘가와고에’
세이부 ‘가와고에 패스(디지털)’ 하나면 편리하게 이동 + 가성비까지 완벽하게! 필름카메라 감성 가득한 레트로 거리 길거리 먹방부터 귀여움 끝판왕 핫플&포토 스폿까지 총집합!
Looking for day trips from Tokyo? Try Kawagoe, AKA Little Edo!
Use the SEIBU KAWAGOE PASS (Digital) for easy, affordable transportation!
Check out the historic streets of Kawagoe for some great street food and plenty of picturesque retro photo ops.
#pr #japankuru #도쿄근교여행 #가와고에 #가와고에패스 #세이부패스 #기모노체험 #가와고에여행 #도쿄여행코스 #도쿄근교당일치기 #세이부가와고에패스
#tokyotrip #kawagoe #tokyodaytrip #seibukawagoepass #kimono #japantrip
Hirakata Park, Osaka: Enjoy the Classic Japanese Theme Park Experience!
#pr #japankuru #hirakatapark #amusementpark #japantrip #osakatrip #familytrip #rollercoaster #retrôvibes #枚方公園 #大阪旅遊 #關西私房景點 #日本親子旅行 #日本遊樂園 #木造雲霄飛車 #히라카타파크 #สวนสนุกฮิราคาตะพาร์ค
🍵Love Matcha? Upgrade Your Matcha Experience With Tsujiri!
・160년 전통 일본 말차 브랜드 츠지리에서 말차 덕후들이 픽한 인기템만 골라봤어요
・抹茶控的天堂！甜點、餅乾、飲品一次滿足，連伴手禮都幫你列好清單了
・ส่องมัทฉะสุดฮิต พร้อมพาเที่ยวร้านดังในอุจิ เกียวโต
#pr #japankuru #matcha #matchalover #uji #kyoto #japantrip #ujimatcha #matchalatte #matchasweets #tsujiri #말차 #말차덕후 #츠지리 #교토여행 #말차라떼 #辻利抹茶 #抹茶控 #日本抹茶 #宇治 #宇治抹茶 #日本伴手禮 #抹茶拿鐵 #抹茶甜點 #มัทฉะ #ของฝากญี่ปุ่น #ชาเขียวญี่ปุ่น #ซึจิริ #เกียวโต
・What Is Nenaito? And How Does This Sleep Care Supplement Work?
・你的睡眠保健品——認識「睡眠茶氨酸錠」
・수면 케어 서플리먼트 ‘네나이토’란?
・ผลิตภัณฑ์เสริมอาหารดูแลการนอน “Nenaito(ネナイト)” คืออะไร?
#pr #japankuru #sleepcare #japanshopping #nenaito #sleepsupplement #asahi #睡眠茶氨酸錠 #睡眠保健 #朝日 #l茶胺酸 #日本藥妝 #日本必買 #일본쇼핑 #수면 #건강하자 #네나이토 #일본영양제 #อาหารเสริมญี่ปุ่น #ช้อปปิ้งญี่ปุ่น #ร้านขายยาญี่ปุ่น #ดูแลตัวเองก่อนนอน #อาซาฮิ
Japanese Drugstore Must-Buys! Essential Items from Hisamitsu® Pharmaceutical
#PR #japankuru #hisamitsu #salonpas #feitas #hisamitsupharmaceutical #japanshopping #tokyoshopping #traveltips #japanhaul #japantrip #japantravel
Whether you grew up with Dragon Ball or you just fell in love with Dragon Ball DAIMA, you'll like the newest JINS collab. Shop this limited-edition Dragon Ball accessory collection to find some of the best Dragon Ball merchandise in Japan!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #dragonball #dragonballdaima #animecollab #japanshopping #jins #japaneseglasses #japantravel #animemerch #pr
This month, Japankuru teamed up with @official_korekoko to invite three influencers (originally from Thailand, China, and Taiwan) on a trip to Yokohama. Check out the article (in Chinese) on Japankuru.com for all of their travel tips and photography hints - and look forward to more cool collaborations coming soon!
【橫濱夜散策 x 教你怎麼拍出網美照 📸✨】
每次來日本玩，是不是都會先找旅日網紅的推薦清單？
這次，我們邀請擁有日本豐富旅遊經驗的🇹🇭泰國、🇨🇳中國、🇹🇼台灣網紅，帶你走進夜晚的橫濱！從玩樂路線到拍照技巧，教你怎麼拍出最美的夜景照。那些熟悉的景點，換個視角說不定會有新發現～快跟他們一起出發吧！
#japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #japankuru #橫濱紅磚倉庫 #汽車道 #中華街 #yokohama #yokohamaredbrickwarehouse #yokohamachinatown
If you’re a fan of Vivienne Westwood's Japanese designs, and you’re looking forward to shopping in Harajuku this summer, we’ve got important news for you. Vivienne Westwood RED LABEL Laforet Harajuku is now closed for renovations - but the grand reopening is scheduled for July!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #viviennewestwood #harajuku #omotesando #viviennewestwoodredlabel #viviennewestwoodjapan #비비안웨스트우드 #오모테산도 #하라주쿠 #日本購物 #薇薇安魏斯伍德 #日本時尚 #原宿 #表參道 #japantrip #japanshopping #pr
Ready to see TeamLab in Kyoto!? At TeamLab Biovortex Kyoto, the collective is taking their acclaimed immersive art and bringing it to Japan's ancient capital. We can't wait to see it for ourselves this autumn!
>> Find out more at Japankuru.com! (link in bio)
#japankuru #teamlab #teamlabbiovortex #kyoto #kyototrip #japantravel #artnews
Photos courtesy of teamLab, Exhibition view of teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, 2025, Kyoto ® teamLab, courtesy Pace Gallery
Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup
#pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics
⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon!
🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중
💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀，和你想的不一樣！拿好優惠券去看看～
#tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta
Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon!
用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️
코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기
#pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon
MAP OF JAPAN
SEARCH BY REGION
-
-
HOKKAIDO
VIEW MORE
Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!
-
NIKI
VIEW MORE
Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.
-
NISEKO
VIEW MORE
Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).
-
OTARU
VIEW MORE
Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).
-
SAPPORO
VIEW MORE
Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.
-
-
-
TOHOKU
VIEW MORE
Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!
-
AKITA
VIEW MORE
Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!
-
FUKUSHIMA
VIEW MORE
Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.
-
YAMAGATA
VIEW MORE
Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.
-
-
-
KANTO
VIEW MORE
Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.
-
GUNMA
VIEW MORE
Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.
-
TOCHIGI
VIEW MORE
Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.
-
TOKYO
VIEW MORE
Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.
-
-
-
CHUBU
VIEW MORE
The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.
-
NAGANO
VIEW MORE
Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.
-
NAGOYA
VIEW MORE
Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.
-
NIIGATA
VIEW MORE
Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.
-
SHIZUOKA
VIEW MORE
Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.
-
-
-
KANSAI
VIEW MORE
Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.
-
KYOTO
VIEW MORE
Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.
-
NARA
VIEW MORE
Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
-
OSAKA
VIEW MORE
Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
-
-
-
CHUGOKU
VIEW MORE
The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
-
HIROSHIMA
VIEW MORE
Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
-
-
-
SHIKOKU
VIEW MORE
On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
-
KAGAWA
VIEW MORE
Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
-
-
-
KYUSHU
VIEW MORE
Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
-
FUKUOKA
VIEW MORE
Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
-
KAGOSHIMA
VIEW MORE
Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
-
-
-
OKINAWA
VIEW MORE
The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
-
LATEST
VIEW MORE
EVENT CALENDAR
VIEW MORE
