Cruising Shizuoka in a Nissan Rent A Car! A Recommended Driving Course
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Visionary drive course through Japan Sakura/ scenic ocean drive / Mt. Fuji / Gotemba Outlets…
Reach the Earliest Cherry Blossoms in Japan
★ Shizuoka TIPs from natives ★ Each year there is a cherry blossom festival held called the " Kawazu-zakura Matsuri". You can make it to Kawazu via car using the Tomei highway Atsugi IC in Tokyo, and it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes. This is possibly the fastest way to teach the festival from Tokyo!^^
* Kawazu Station -TEL: 0558-34-0880- Address: Shizuoka Prefecture Kamo-gun, Kawazu machi hama 155-2- Google Map – Kawazu-zakura festival official website (Japanese)
http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/sakura/index.html
Admiring the Skyline in a Skyline
A typical driving course at the Izu Peninsula, is actually a famous drive for people across the country. Come to Izu, see cherry blossoms and admire the Izu skyline along with Mount Fuji, it's not rocket science folks, why isn't this on everyone's bucket list? The Izu skyline drive lasts from the Atamitoge tollgate to the Amagi plateau tollgate with a total length of 40.6km. As you take this famous drive course you can enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji.
* :::Izu Skyline::: -TEL: 054-254-3424 (Shizuoka Prefecture Highway Corporation) – Address: Kuwahara, Kannami, Tagata District, Shizuoka Prefecture 419-0101 (Shizuoka Chuo Building 9F)
– Google Map
Shopping Spree @ Gotemba Premium Outlet
Siting pretty in the shadow of the World's Heritage site Mt. Fuji, the Gotemba Premium Outlets outlet boasts an impressive number of stores and one of Japan's largest shopping destinations. You'll probably have a difficult time trying to decide what you want to enjoy first, the beautiful surrounding natural landscape or the array of endless shops.
* Gotemba Premium Outlets
-TEL: 0550-81-3122
– Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotenba, Shizuoka
Prefecture 412-0023
– Google Map
Official website (English):
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
Haneda International Arrivals lobby – Car rental starting point
After arriving at Japan's Haneda Airport, make your way to the International Terminal 2nd floor. You'll notice the overwhelming presence of foreign tourist soon as you arrive. The car rental counter is located opposite the second floor international arrival gate. Cars can be booked in advance and is highly recommended to save yourself trouble after arriving. There are many different rental providers at the counter, Orix, Toyota, Japan, etc… but we recommend using Nissan so you can make this trip a reality.
* Haneda Airport Car Rental Counter
– Location: Haneda Airport International Terminal 2nd floor
Free Shuttle Service
Inquire at the rental car counter, and make your way to the first floor to be whisked away in a provided shuttle bus. Running from Odori Ekimae, a short 15-minute bus ride takes you to Nissan Rent a Car Haneda
(The shuttle bus isn't always waiting so it is recommended that you checkin at at the counter once again to insure a bus is on the way.)
(※ last pick-up time is up to 19:30.)
* Nissan car rental reservation page (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/?JKGB=post20160322
Nissan Car Rental Haneda Odorii Ekimae
Here, we'll pick up our new ride! The Nissan Car Rental Haneda Odorii Station shop is located directly in front of the Keihin Kyuko odorii Station West Entrance.
* Nissan Rent a Car Haneda Odorii Ekimae
– Address: 3-6-2 Haginaka, Ota-ku,
Tokyo 144-0047 Japan
Display the location on Google Maps
-TEL: 03-5705-3823
– Hours: 8:00 to 20:00 (no regular holiday)
* Store introduction page (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/shop/tokyo/shop127.html
Today we'll be taking this baby out to drive in beautiful Shizuoka! Since 2001, (referred to as the popular "INFINITI Q50" in foreign countries!) it's been about 10 years since the World has laid eyes on a new Nissan Skyline model. In this iteration we see a new Nissan EV & hybrid (E rank) "Skyline hybrid" . While it may be a sedan, it still harkens the sharpness, classiness and modern appearance not to mention performance of a sports car.
* Vehicle introduction – SKYLINE HYBRID
– Drive system: FR – Riding capacity: 5-seats – Fuel efficiency: 18.4km / L – Total emission: 3500cc – Fuel / tank capacity: gasoline / 70L
– Rental rates: 6 hours – 17,712 yen
12 hours – 25,272 yen
24 hours – 30,672 yen
*after the first day – 23,112 yen per day.
Excess time per 1 hour – 3,456 yen
1. Passport 2. International driving license 3. Specific vehicle check 4.ETC card (High Pass) Rental
* Use Guide (English)
* Without reservation
– Vehicle available
– Cash or credit card
(※ Keep in mind this vehicle may not be available at all locations. Please call in advance))
* Nissan car rental reservation page (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/?JKGB=post20160322
Plush interiors
If you look towards the dashboard, you can feel and truly understand what it feels like to experience true luxury. The infinite symbol sits nicely in the middle of the stylish leather interior, and although at first glance it appears to be a manual transmission, it's actually an automatic!
* If you book in advance
Luggage concerns?
This is one vehicle that can fit a lot of junk in the trunk! That's right, the capacity of this vehicle is actually more than what you may think. just look at how many bags we could stuff into it!
A perfect fit
Choosing a Skyline was an excellent choice for this trip because no only could we fit 4 people into
the car comfortably, we also didn't have any hassle with luggage!
Nothing worse than getting lost on your trip across a foreign country! And what would a new car be without navigation (the new standard)? An interesting feature to make a note of is the fact that the navigation even comes with English voice guidance, further lessening the stress of driving so far from home.
Also with the introduction of a Map code feature, you can simply enter the code of destinations rather than typing in the whole address and be instantly directed.
Function 1. Ability to change the display to all English settings.
– Destination search (via the map)
– Destination search (via phone number)
Function 2. Voice guidance while driving
– If you specify a destination it will guide you all the way there up the very details.
(Map notations are in Japanese to help match with what you see on the road.)
(※ If you wish to use the English features, please specify at the time of booking!)
The start of a pleasant drive
After all the car rental procedures, you're all set to go! double check your mirrors and brakes before departure! It's now officially the beginning of a full-fledged car rental trip. But before we take off, let's first take a short glimpse at today's itinerary …?
1. Arrive at Haneda Airport International Terminal→ 2. Visit the Nissan Rent a Car counter and take the
shuttle bus to the car rental office.→3. Nissan car rental at Haneda Otorii Station Rental Office→
* Travel schedule for two days and one night in Shizuoka
→4. Begin your Rental Car trip to Shizuoka! Riding along the Tomei highway to see the Kawazu-zakura! →5.Arrive in Kawazu, enjoy the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. →6. Izu Onsen Ryokan (inn). →7. Enjoy a superb view of the Izu Skyline. →8. Short trip to Hakone. →9. Shop 'till you drop at the Gotemba Premium Outlets →Come back to Tokyo! →10. Return rental car to Nissan Rent a car Haneda
Odorii Ekimae →11. Free shuttle back to Haneda Airport.
~ After an extremely fun and safe trip,
return home to your country.
Recommended driving course 1 – Kawasaki Sakura
A great way to enjoy the spring is none other than a driving course. As we make our way to this famous landmark venue at the Shizuoka Prefecture Izu Peninsula our first destination takes us to Kawazu Station ~! Taking the highway to Kawasaki is the best way to get there but using the Tomei highway Atsugi IC takes about 3 hours and 13 minutes from Tokyo!
* Kawazu Station
-TEL: 0558-34-0880
– Address: Shizuoka Prefecture Kamo-gun,
Kawazu machi hama 155-2
– Google Map
– Kawazu-zakura festival official website (Japanese)
http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/sakura/index.html
Where the famous early blooming cherry
blossoms rest
As the chill weather is receding and giving way to a warmer climate, in order to full appreciate the spring, tourists are going out far and wide and in record numbers across Japan. Just as the lovely cherry blossoms are blooming people are warming up their hearts in preparation for the "hanami" season. However there are still showers amidst this picturesque landscape. The shower of falling cherry blossom pedals…
In 2016 the estimated flowering for most parts of Japan was estimated to be only about 10 days. But the Kawazu trees are truly special in the fact that they actually last a whole month! But it's still a little too early to jump to conclusions and expect all of Japan to be full of cherry blossom trees this early and for that long. It's best to go see the event for yourself and soak it in for all it's greatness!
Tunnel of Sakura
The arrangement of sakura trees (cherry blossom) is fantastic in the fact that it creates a tunnel in which you can walk through. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival saw it's 26th annual celebration this year with over 200 million tourists and locals frequenting the venue each year.
.Please enjoy the beautiful scenery and harmony without reservations and explore the amazing cherry blossoms.
* Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival official website (Japanese)
http://www.kawazu-onsen.com/sakura/index.html
* Japan cherry blossom flowering estimates
http://sakura.weathermap.jp/
This year's flowering was estimated to be at a somewhat faster rate than last year. Keep that in mind.
More beautiful than flowers food 1 – Sakura Thai Yakima
What is this lovely pink goodie we've stumbled upon? Seems like the perfect time to pick up a Sakura-yaki Using gorgeous fresh dough playfully pink just like cherry blossoms. Nothing beats the unique red
bean taste!〜
* Sakura Thai Yakima (さ く ら た い 焼 き): 200 yen (1)
– Shop Name: Ta-sha Honten Yamanda (田 舎 本 舗 山田)
More beautiful than flowers food 2 – wasabi Chinese steamed buns
Wasabi is actually one of Shizuoka's specialties, which is perhaps why these tasty and spicy buns are so popular. wasabi? You too can experience the perfect tingle of moderate spiciness and moist meat.
* Wasabi Chinese steamed buns: 250 yen each
Eggs boiled in onsen water anyone..?
Here you can encounter 600L and hour, 100 degree Celsius onsen water where you're free to admire or boil eggs inside!
Mineral Onsen Gogo Keyu Koen
(ミネラル温泉午後ケユ公園)
At the shop you'll find raw eggs being sold, simply pick up some and rush to the hot spring water and get your boil on! All you have to do is soak the eggs inside the water for about 12-13 minutes and voilà! After cooking allow about 30 seconds for the eggs to cool back down before enjoying.
TIP: When the Kawazu event parking lots are full
With everyone so caught up in the cherry blossom hype you can imagine how it will get crowded fairly quickly. But while searching for spaces don't get too anxious. On the other hand if you focus your attention on the nearby tourists, you'll soon solve your problem. A one day charge of only 500 yen for parking is quite a bargain compared to parking in Other places in Japan. Because it can get so hectic during the cherry blossom season sometimes people take advantage of vacant lots, but make sure you only park at P signs or where indicated to insure you don't get ticketed!
Enjoy the romance of the fluttering cherry blossoms
By all means explore as much as you can in the beautiful environment set aside for you. There are so many unique places to explore.
* TOP5 Places to See Sakura:
1 Tsuyama Castle
Okayama / Tsuyama
Expected peak period:
(refer to last year's flowering time) Early to mid April.
2 Okazaki Park
, Aichi / Okazaki City
Expected peak period:
(refer to last year's flowering time)
From late March to early April
* TOP5 Places to See Sakura: Continued
3 Rikugien Park
Tokyo / Bunkyo
Expected peak period:
(refer to last year's flowering time)
in mid-March to early April
4 Meguro River
Tokyo / Meguro Ward
Expected peak period:
(refer to last year's flowering time)
from late March to early April
5 Daigo-ji Temple
Kyoto / Kyoto City Fushimi Ward
Expected peak period:
(refer to last year's flowering time)
in mid-March to early April
Shizuoka is actually a massive place divided into 4 parts waiting to be explored.
– Izu area: The best hot spring resort is located in the
eastern part of Shizuoka Prefecture.
– Fuji area: Fuji region holds Mount Fuji and
mountainous features.
– Central Region: Shizuoka City is located here
as well as historical and cultural sites.
– The western region: Yamaha, is a worldwide birthplace
of Japanese companies such as Honda!
Sagami Bay, Suruga Bay, are some of the most beautiful coastlines in the Shizuoka Prefecture. Such racy coasts, sheer cliffs and white sandy beaches that gently flow on and on. If you enjoy marine sports, have a taste for delicious seafood around the country then this is the place for you. Listen to the sound of the waves, and romantically watch sunset sink into the horizon. We can't possibly more HIGHLY recommend taking this trip if you can! ^^
Recommended drive course 3 – Izu Skyline Parkway
Izu skyline, stretching a total of 40.6km across the Izu Peninsula gives you all the best views of Mt. Fuji along the drive. You'll even reach high altitudes so you can expect unobstructed complete access to views of the mountain.
The only thing you'll have to contest with is visibility. Try to choose a day that has great weather so you can clearly see the mountain. The roads are actually quite popular as well so you may run into a bit of traffic depending on what time of the day/ year you decide to visit.
A pleasant drive with Fuji
Factoring in the tolls you have pay on the Izu- Hakone Skyline, it takes on average 1300 yen to make your way through the course. The price changes by the season! ^^ It's possibly we may have seen Mt. Fuji from every potential angle during this trip….You'll also face a lot of windy roads which you'll be well-equipped for with your smooth handling SKYLINE HYBRID.
A World heritage, as viewed from an observatory
The Izu skyline drive lasts from the Atamitoge tollgate to the Amagi plateau tollgate with a total length of 40.6km. There's also observatories where you can enjoy full superb views of Mt. Fuji in its
entirety.
* :::Izu Skyline:::
-TEL: 054-254-3424 (Shizuoka Prefecture Highway Corporation)- Address: Kuwahara, Kannami, Tagata District, Shizuoka Prefecture 419-0101 (Shizuoka Chuo Building 9F) – Google Map
An even more comfortable journey with a rental car
In Japan there is a number of different beautiful mountains, but there's something about Mt. Fuji that leaves it a cut above the rest. Perhaps it's the amazing wonderful scenery that surrounds the mountain What's our draw to Mt. Fuji you might be wondering? You can travel the world far and wide, but it's difficult to find a mountain that's as beautiful and perfect in it's geometric structure more than Fuji.
Strike a pose!
Nothing beats a selfie with your new rental car and Mt. Fuji. Styling!! These are the moments you'll look back on and tell your kids about. Ever wonder where the name Mt. Fuji actually came from? The origin of the name is actually unclear, due to fact that there was no written record of it first being called this name. Some say it came from the Japanese word meaning immortal (不死). Others claim it came from the word (不二) meaning "not + two" as if having no equal. Lastly there is (不尽）meaning never-ending.
Next destination is …? Hakone!!
The best place to see Mount Fuji is no doubtably Japan's Shizuoka Prefecture and from across the prefecture you can get quite dramatic views of the mountain. Majestic Fuji just greets each season and shows off its graceful appearance. What do you think about this Mt. Fuji today? ^^ And where can we find beautiful far-reaching landscapes, art galleries and museums, other leisure facilities, or even many festivals and events? In Hakone you can enjoy all these and more throughout the year!
Taking a trip to Hakone via rental car isn't very difficult at all. Lake Ashinoko (芦 ノ 湖), red torii, and Mt. Fuji make up some of the spectacular sights. Sometimes early in the morning you can see an amazing reflection of Mt. Fuji in the lake while the waters are calm. Something to look forward to when you visit.
And believe it or not, but there is a pirate ship here you can sale on!
* Hakone-machi (箱根 町)
Google Maps
* Hakone Pirate Ship
Official Website (English)
http://www.hakone-kankosen.co.jp/foreign/en/index.html
Had enough nature for one day? Make make your way over to the Gotemba Premium Outlets outlet boasts an impressive number of stores and one of Japan's largest shopping destinations all in the shadow of the might Mt. Fuji.
* Gotemba Premium Outlets
-TEL: 0550-81-3122
– Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotenba, Shizuoka
Prefecture 412-0023
– Google Map
Official website (English):
http://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/gotemba/
Please take this advice with you as you travel!
-Take a trip that will make you one with nature.
– Explore the beautiful natural sea of Izu, Shizuoka
– Feel the dynamic spirit of Mt. Fuji.
– Enjoy hot springs and beautiful landscapes if Hakone
– Visit shopping heaven Gotemba Premium Outlets
-Find the fun and attractiveness of the Izu peninsula (Shizuoka).
-Take journey to the far reaches of the backcountry.
-Experience the colorful charm of Shizuoka, and because you have a rental, take your time and truly explore!
* Nissan car rental reservation page (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/?JKGB=post20160322
* Haneda Airport car rental counter (Haneda Airport car rental counter)
– Location: Haneda Airport International Terminal 2nd floor
* Nissan Rent a Car Haneda Odorii Ekimae
– Address: 3-6-2 Haginaka, Ota-ku,
Tokyo 144-0047 Japan
Display the location on Google Maps
-TEL: 03-5705-3823
– Opening hours: 8:00 to 20:00 (no regular holiday)
* Store introduction page (English)
https://nissan-rentacar.com/english/shop/tokyo/shop127.html
*More Info:
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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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LATEST
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