Japanese Travel Guide ★Ibaraki Prefecture Points of Interest
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A lot of the time when people come to Japan, Tokyo is their main point of interest. I mean, and why not? The crowded trains, tall buildings with neon lights everywhere, lots of "only in Japan" places to go to, the excitement of NEVER knowing what you’ll see…the list goes on!! However, more and more are the outskirts of Tokyo, particularly Japan’s nature spots, becoming a "must-go" when traveling to Japan.
JAPANKURU recently went around Ibaraki prefecture on a day trip and found such lovely spots!
Like mentioned above, Ibaraki prefecture is often forgotten, even by Japanese people, as a place to go and explore. There isn’t much information on "places to go in Ibaraki", let alone info in English. Thus we wanted to make an article giving people an idea of possible places to visit.
How to Get to Ibaraki from Tokyo
Option 1
Renting a Car from Nissan Rent-a-Car
the easiest way to do it is by renting a car from Tokyo.
Advantages of renting a car in Japan:
1. No need to worry about strict timetables,
confusing stations, or changing trains
2. No restrictions, i.e.
you can go places that public transportation can't
3. No need to lug around a bunch of luggage
to Ibaraki was at Nissan Rent-a-Car in Ueno.
It's about a minute walk from Yamashita Exit
at JR Ueno Station.
It's right across the street from Ichiran Ramen
(一蘭ラーメン),
and you'll see a blue parking lot signboard.
Just go in there and the rental store
is on the fifth floor.
The easiest way of remembering is
"a blue parking lot opposite Ichiran ramen".
🚙Nissan Rent-a-Car Ueno
(日産レンタカー上野駅前店)
1-50 Uenokoen, Taito-ku, Tokyo
東京都台東区上野公園1-50
Google Maps
⏰Business hours: 8:00 to 10:00pm
Nissan Rent-a-Car Ueno Ekimae (English)
※When using a rental car, an international license is required
Option 2
Limited Express Train JR Hitachi
It takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to reach the capital of Ibaraki, Mito,
by JR express trains (Hitachi and Tokiwa) from Tokyo Station.
There really isn't much of a time difference compared to driving,
but since the one-way fare is 3,890 yen,
driving would be more economical if you have an international driver's license.
More info about Hitachi and Tokiwa here!
Option 3
Tsukuba Express
The Tsukuba Express is one of Tokyo's private railways.
Asakusa and Akihabara are only 8 minutes away,
and it's a good railway for locals and tourists alike.
If you plan on taking the Tsukuba Express,
you can ride the train to Tsukuba Station (the last stop).
Around Tsukuba are lots of nature spots to explore.
JAPANKURU went a few years ago, so if you would like an idea of what the area is like,
check out the link below⇩
Scenic Spots: Hitachi Seaside Park
❁❶❁
Hitachi Seaside Park
(国営ひたち海浜公園)
It really is no exaggeration to say that the Hitachi Seaside Park is the most famous among Ibaraki sightseeing spots. Originally it was an airfield that reopened in 1991 as a park, so its wide open space with no buildings in the vicinity is something special to other parks.
Hitachi Seaside Park has a series of flowers for you to see depending on the season. Among all of the flowers you can see there, one of the biggest attractions is the blue nemophila that bloom for about a month from the end of April every year. Hills that are blue like the sea are also a regular representing image of Ibaraki.
❁国Hitachi Seaside Park
🏢605-4 Onuma-aza, Mawatari, Hitachinaka, Ibaraki 312-0012
Google Maps
⏰9:30am～5pm (It depends on the season)
Closed: Closed on Tuesday if Monday is a National holiday.
💴Adults (high school studens↑): 450yen, junior high school students & under: free
💻Hitachi Seaside official website
Scenic Spots: Oarai Isosaki Shrine
⛩❷⛩
Oarai Isosaki Shrine
(大洗磯前神社)
Scenic Spots: Tsukimachi Waterfall
🌲❸🌲
Tsukimachi Waterfall
(月待の滝)
It is a stunning spot in Ibaraki
that is surrounded by lush greenery.
You can either look at the beautiful nature from close by,
or go behind the waterfall for a closer look!
It was some of our first time going behind a waterfall and
we were so surprised at how refreshing it was
with the cool temperature and sound of the waterfall.
🌲Tsukimachi Waterfall
🏢 Oazakawayama, Daikomachi, Kuji-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture
茨城県久慈郡大子町大字川山
Google Maps
If you go to Tsukimachi Waterfall, don't leave with on an empty stomach. Instead, try one of Japan's fun dishes! We're talking about nagashi somen, serving somen noodles flowing down bamboo and trying to catch it! At the restaurant that is directly next to Tsukimachi Waterfall, "Momijien" (もみじ苑), you can enjoy Japan's fun way of eating noodles while overlooking the waterfall!
★Momijien (もみじ苑)
🏢Right next to Tsukimachi Waterfall Google Maps
⏰10:30am～7pm !!Closed every Wednesday
Ibaraki Activities
Things to Do: Ryujin-kyo
🌉①🌉
Canyon Ryujin Kyo Rafting
(竜神峡)
Ibaraki's beautiful nature is not just something to gaze at, you can also get involved and become a part of it! The upper stream of the "Ryujin Dam" (竜神峡) in the canyon called Ryujin-kyo is surrounded by mountains and makes you forget you're in Japan.
Here you can tour the canyon by canoe, SUP (stand up paddle surfing), and river rafting on boat tubes. It's a really relaxing and fun way to get involved with Japanese nature. This sort of activity you definitely won't find in Tokyo!
🌉Canon Ryujin Kyo Rafting
🏢2153-39 Shimakura-cho, Shimoda-city, Ibaraki
茨城県常陸太田市下高倉町2153-39
Google Maps
💻Links to related pages
※Open from April 27 to August 31 only.
※Since you might get wet, a change of clothes, towels, and shoes are available
🌉②🌉
Ryujin Bungee Jumping
(竜神バンジー)
This bridge across the canyon is called "Ryujin Otsuribashi" (竜神大吊橋). With the bridge having a length of 375 meters and a height of 100 meters over Ryujin Gorge, this is the highest bungee jump spot in Japan.
Ryujin Bungee Jumping!
🏢2133-6 Kenganocho, Hitachiota-shi, Ibaraki
茨城県常陸太田市天下野町2133-6
Google Maps
☎Contact Phone: 0278-72-8133
– Car rental map Code: 379 341 490 * 24
⏰9am〜5pm (accepted until 4:30pm)
💴16,000 yen
– 50% when canceling the previous day, 100% when canceled on the day
– Availability:
Age between 15 and over / weight between 40 and 105kg
– Reservation page (English)
💻Official website link
Things to Do: Nakaminato Fish Market
🎣③🐙
Nakaminato Fish Market
(那珂湊おさかな市場)
More and more passengers want to go sightseeing in Hokkaido. If you have enough time, you can choose a more economical and affordable method, the Shosen Mitsui Ferry Sunflower! If you come by car, you can park your car inside the boat that way you can cruise around by car once you get to Hokkaido! It's a really cool way to travel, so if your schedule isn't too tight, give it a try!
For more information about the Shosen Mitsui Ferry Sunflower, click here!
🚢Ferry Sunflower (フェリーさんふらわあ)
Passenger Terminal: Oarai Port Ferry Terminal
🏢Chuo 2, Oaraimachi Port, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki
茨城県東茨城郡大洗町港中央2
Google Maps
💻Official website link
🚌Access:
From Tokyo Station to Oarai Ferry Terminal:
① From Tokyo Station's JR Bus Terminal (located at Yaesu South Exit of the station), take the express bus "Mitogo" (みと号) for Mito Station (水戸駅).
It will take you to Oarai Ferry Terminal without having to change transportation!
★ Only one bus a day
⏰Departs Tokyo Station at 2:20pm → Arrives at Oarai Ferry Terminal at 4:45pm
To return to Tokyo:
⏰Oarai Ferry Terminal 3pm → Tokyo Station 6:28pm
💴2,320yen (children are 1/2 price)
Stay tuned for new, original articles every day on JAPANKURU🐶.
Or add us on Google+, Instagram, Facebook to share your Japanese pictures💖🗾
Details
NAME:Shosen Mitsui Ferry (商船三井フェリー)
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HOKKAIDO
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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
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Niki, in south-west Hokkaido, is about 30 minutes from Otaru. The small town is rich with natural resources, fresh water, and clean air, making it a thriving center for fruit farms. Cherries, tomatoes, and grapes are all cultivated in the area, and thanks to a growing local wine industry, it's quickly becoming a food and wine hotspot. Together with the neighboring town of Yoichi, it's a noted area for wine tourism.
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NISEKO
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Niseko is about two hours from New Chitose Airport, in the western part of Hokkaido. It's one of Japan's most noted winter resort areas, and a frequent destination for international visitors. That's all because of the super high-quality powder snow, which wins the hearts of beginners and experts alike, bringing them back for repeat visits. That's not all, though, it's also a great place to enjoy Hokkaido's culinary scene and some beautiful onsen (hot springs).
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OTARU
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Otaru is in western Hokkaido, about 30 minutes from Sapporo Station. The city thrived around its busy harbor in the 19th and 20th centuries thanks to active trade and fishing, and the buildings remaining from that period are still popular attractions, centered around Otaru Canal. With its history as a center of fishing, it's no surprise that the area's fresh sushi is a must-try. Otaru has over 100 sushi shops, quite a few of which are lined up on Sushiya Dori (Sushi Street).
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SAPPORO
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Sapporo, in the south-western part of Hokkaido, is the prefecture's political and economic capital. The local New Chitose Airport see arrivals from major cities like Tokyo and Osaka, alongside international flights. Every February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Odori Park―one of the biggest events in Hokkaido. It's also a hotspot for great food, known as a culinary treasure chest, and Sapporo is a destination for ramen, grilled mutton, soup curry, and of course Hokkaido's beloved seafood.
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TOHOKU
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Consisting of six prefectures, the Tohoku Region (東北地方) is up in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. It's the source of plenty of the nation's agriculture (which means great food), and packed with beautiful scenery. Explore the region's stunning mountains, lakes, and hot springs!
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AKITA
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Akita Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan, in the northern reaches of Japan's northern Tohoku region. Akita has more officially registered important intangible culture assets than anywhere else in Japan, and to this day visitors can experience traditional culture throughout the prefecture, from the Oga Peninsula's Namahage (registered with UNESCO as a part of Japan's intangible cultural heritage), to the Tohoku top 3 Kanto Festival. Mysterious little spots like the Oyu Stone Circle Site and Ryu no Atama (Dragon's Head) are also worth a visit!
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FUKUSHIMA
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Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.
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YAMAGATA
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Yamagata Prefecture is up against the Sea of Japan, in the southern part of the Tohoku region, and it's especially popular in winter, when travelers soak in the onsen (hot springs) and ski down snowy slopes. International skiiers are especially fond of Zao Onsen Ski Resort and Gassan Ski Resort, and in recent years visitors have been drawn to the area to see the mystical sight of local frost-covered trees. Some destinations are popular regardless of the season, like Risshakuji Temple, AKA Yamadera, Ginzan Onsen's nostalgic old-fashioned streets, and Zao's Okama Lake, all great for taking pictures. Yamagata is also the place to try Yonezawa beef, one of the top 3 varieties of wagyu beef.
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KANTO
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Japan's most densely populated area, the Kanto Region (関東地方) includes 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, which means it also contains the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. In modern-day Japan, Kanto is the cultural, political, and economic heartland of the country, and each prefecture offers something a little different from its neighbors.
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GUNMA
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Gunma Prefecture is easily accessible from Tokyo, and in addition to the area's popular natural attractions like Oze Marshland and Fukiware Falls, Gunma also has a number of popular hot springs (Kusatsu, Ikaho, Minakami, Shima)―it's even called an Onsen Kingdom. The prefecture is popular with history buffs and train lovers, thanks to spots like world heritage site Tomioka Silk Mill, the historic Megane-bashi Bridge, and the Watarase Keikoku Sightseeing Railway.
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TOCHIGI
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Tochigi Prefecture's capital is Utsunomiya, known for famous gyoza, and just an hour from Tokyo. The prefecture is full of nature-related sightseeing opportunities year-round, from the blooming of spring flowers to color fall foliage. Tochigi also has plenty of extremely well-known sightseeing destinations, like World Heritage Site Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Lake Chuzenji, and Ashikaga Flower Park―famous for expansive wisteria trellises. In recent years the mountain resort town of Nasu has also become a popular excursion, thanks in part to the local imperial villa. Tochigi is a beautiful place to enjoy the world around you.
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TOKYO
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Tokyo (東京) is Japan's busy capital, and the most populous metropolitan area in the world. While the city as a whole is quite modern, crowded with skyscrapers and bustling crowds, Tokyo also holds onto its traditional side in places like the Imperial Palace and Asakusa neighborhood. It's one of the world's top cities when it comes to culture, the arts, fashion, games, high-tech industries, transportation, and more.
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CHUBU
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The Chubu Region (中部地方) is located right in the center of Japan's main island, and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. It's primarily famous for its mountains, as the region contains both Mt. Fuji and the Japanese Alps. The ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano also draw visitors from around the world, making it a popular winter destination.
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NAGANO
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Nagano Prefecture's popularity starts with a wealth of historic treasures, like Matsumoto Castle, Zenkoji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine, but the highlight might just be the prefecture's natural vistas surrounded by the "Japanese Alps." Nagano's fruit is famous, and there are plenty of places to pick it fresh, and the area is full of hot springs, including Jigokudani Monkey Park―where monkeys take baths as well! Thanks to the construction of the Hokuriku shinkansen line, Nagano is easily reachable from the Tokyo area, adding it to plenty of travel itineraries. And after the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics, ski resorts like Hakuba and Shiga Kogen are known around the world.
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NAGOYA
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Aichi Prefecture sits in the center of the Japanese islands, and its capital city, Nagoya, is a center of politics, commerce, and culture. While Aichi is home to major industry, and is even the birthplace of Toyota cars, it's proximity to the sea and the mountains means it's also a place with beautiful natural scenery, like Saku Island, Koijigahama Beach, Mt. Horaiji. Often used a stage for major battles in Japanese history, Sengoku era commanders like Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu left their own footprints on Aichi, and historic buildings like Nagoya Castle, Inuyama Castle, and those in Meiji Mura are still around to tell the tale.
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NIIGATA
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Niigata is a prefecture on Japan's main island of Honshu, situated right on the coast of the Sea of Japan, and abundant with the gifts of nature. It's known for popular ski resorts such as Echigo-Yuzawa, Japanese national parks, and natural hot spring baths, plus local products like fresh seafood, rice, and sake. Visitors often spend time in the prefectural capital, Niigata City, or venture across the water to Sado Island.
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SHIZUOKA
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Shizuoka Prefecture is sandwiched between eastern and western Japan, giving the prefecture easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka. Not only is it known for beautiful natural attractions, with everything from Mount Fuji to Suruga Bay, Lake Hamanako, and Sumata Pass―Shizuoka's Izu Peninsula is known as a go-to spot for hot springs lovers, with famous onsen like Atami, Ito, Shimoda, Shuzenji, and Dogashima. Shizuoka attracts all kinds of travelers thanks to historic connections with the Tokugawa clan, the Oigawa Railway, fresh eel cuisine, Hamamatsu gyoza, and famously high-quality green tea.
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KANSAI
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Kansai (関西) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, and Shiga Prefectures. Kansai contained Japan's ancient capital for hundreds of years, and it's making a comeback as one of the most popular parts of Japan. Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and the deer of Nara are all considered must-sees. Plus, the people of Kansai are especially friendly, making it a fun place to hang out.
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KYOTO
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Kyoto flourished as the capital of Japan between the years 794 and 1100, becoming a center for poilitics and culture, and to this day it's a great place for close encounters with Japanese history. The cobbled streets of Gion, the atmospheric road to Kiyomizudera Temple, Kinkakuji's golden walls and countless historic attractions, even Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge―Kyoto is a place of many attractions. With new charms to experience throughout the seasons, travelers can't stop themselves from returning again and again.
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NARA
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Nara Prefecture's important history reaches back to 710, a time now called the Nara era, when it was once capital of Japan. Called "Heijo-kyo" during its time as a capital, it's said that nara was once the end of the silk road, leading it to flourish as a uniquely international region and produce important cultural properties of all kinds. To make the most of each season, travelers head to Nara Park, where the Nara deer who wander freely, or climb Mount Yoshino, a famous cherry blossom spot.
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OSAKA
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Osaka is known for friendly (and funny) people, but its history is nothing to laugh at, playing a major part in Toyotomi Hideyoshi's 16th century unification of Japan. Thanks to long years of economic activity, it's one of Japan's biggest cities, and Osaka's popular food culture earned it the nickname "The Kitchen of the Nation." To this day Osaka is the model of western Japan, and alongside historic structures like Osaka Castle, it also has major shopping malls like Umeda's Grand Front Osaka and Tennoji's Abeno Harukas. Osaka is a place to eat, eat, eat, with local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushi-katsu, and for extra fun, it's home to Universal Studios Japan.
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CHUGOKU
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The Chugoku Region (中国地方) consists of five prefectures: Hiroshima, Okayama, Shimane, Tottori, and Yamaguchi. In Chugoku you’ll find the sand dunes of Tottori, and Hiroshima’s atomic bomb site, plus centers of ancient history like Grand Shrine of Izumo.
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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