IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL: A Chic Budget Hostel in a Great Location
This article contains sponsored content.
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
CONTENTS
A Hostel & Cafe
So the JAPANKURU team went to Kyoto, and we had an amazing time! (We found the origin of fortune cookies, which is surprisingly in Japan! And we headed to Arashiyama, to get ourselves a healthy dose of Rilakkuma in the mountains of Kyoto.) But when we found out that there was a new branch of IMANO Hostel opening in Kyoto, we knew we had to check it out. After all, we've visited a few of the IMANO Hostels before. The branch in Osaka, and the two in Tokyo's Shinjuku and Ginza, were all super nice places to stay! We had some idea that this branch would be pretty sleek as well, so off we went, to see what the Kyoto Kiyomizu hostel was all about.
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
When backpackers imagine a hostel, the first image to come to mind might not be all that great. But Japan, especially Japan's hospitality sector, really prioritizes clean and stylish accommodation. A stay at IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL is a unique experience, with its stylish touches, social atmosphere, and wealth of special Kyoto elements around the hostel.
The IMANO Hostels always include a comfortable space for relaxation as part of their series of youth hostels, making good use of their lobbies. These spaces give travelers a great place to enjoy breakfast or dinner, or just a cup of coffee. The hostels will even sometimes host a variety of fun activities, which are great for visitors looking to make some new friends, or just have a good time. Travelers who are interested in such events can check out the schedules on their website!
🍞Breakfast: 7:30am～10am
☕Cafe: 11am～2pm (last order 1:30pm)
🍺Bar: 5pm～10pm (last order 9:30pm)
Panini: 400 yen, Coffee: 350 yen
Lots of hostels provide you with a bed, and a shower, and not much else. IMANO KYOTO, on the other hand, has all of the facilities you'd hope for at a hotel, without the price tag! There's a table to eat your own food at, and you can store extra food or drinks in the refrigerator. And if you're in the mood for a relaxing bath, you can just head right to the basement! There's even a little coin-laundry room that you can use at your leisure, complete with washer and dryer. The laundry room is placed quite conveniently next to the area with the fridge, so there's a place for you to sit and wait while you clean your clothes.
If there's anything you forgot at home, the hostel also has a variety of supplies available either for free, or for a small fee. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are free to use, while there's a small charge for things like ear plugs, towels, toothbrushes, or razors.
A place to eat, and to store your food.
Your tub awaits!
Instax film, toothbrush/hairbrush sets, and laundry detergent, available for purchase.
There are showers on every floor, so no need to run around the hostel searching for them.
Look how sparkling clean everything is! Color us impressed, especially in such a reasonable hostel.
Room Types
IMANO KYOTO has a few different dorm-type rooms, with different numbers of beds, along with a few private options as well!
Family Room (4 beds) ～ ￥12,000/Room (~$105)
5 Bed Room
Rooms with five beds are available exclusively on the ladies floors. Generally, you just book beds in these rooms individually. If you're thinking about traveling as a group of five ladies and want to share one room, though, you should just give the hostel a call! They might be able to work something out for you.
5 Persons Room (Dormitory) ～ ￥3,900/Person (~$34)
💡WOMEN'S ONLY DORMITORY ROOM
6 Bed Room
These dormitory-style rooms are available on both co-ed and women-only floors!
6 Persons Room (Dormitory) ～ ￥3,700/Person (~$32)
6 Persons Women's Room (Dormitory) ～ ￥3,700/Person (~$32)
All these dormitory beds come with a little lamp, shelf, and outlet!
Plus a hanger, to keep tomorrow's outfit ready to go.
Japanese Style Private Room
If you're looking for hostel-level affordability, but a little more privacy than a shared room, then these rooms are a great choice. Staying in this private room is really a lot like staying in a much pricier hotel; not only do you get the whole room to yourself, but all the ammenities like brushes and towels also come for free!
Japanese Style Room (for 2) ～ ￥12,000/Room (~$105)
Family Room
While this room is called a family room, it's great for any group of five who wants to stay together! There are four bunk style beds, with an additional tatami mat area for an extra bed.
Family Room ～ Around ￥20,000/Day (~$176)
🏨 IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
563-11 Bairincho, 5-chome, Gojodori Yamatooji Higashiiru
⏰: check-in time from 4pm, check-out at 11am
📞: (+81)075-532-0101
Free WIFI Available
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL Official Website (English)
Things to Do Near IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
Yume Koubou
(京都夢工房)
For many people, when you think of Kyoto, you think of geisha (although they're called maiko here!) In Tokyo you can spent the day in a simple yukata (read more about the difference between yukata and proper kimono), but you can get a whole geisha makeover experience just 4 miles (7 km) from the hostel! Yume Koubou, where you can get your makeover done, is easy to find, and the staff speak English, making it a fun and relaxing experience! We went for the Geisha Plan, but there are other options as well. Even men can get in on the action! We're thinking next time we'll try out the Oiran Plan.
Full Maiko Transformation
💴 Price: 5,900yen (roughly $52) 💴
！Ages 5~95 can participate！
⏰Business hours: weekdays 10am~7pm, weekends 9am~7pm
*Reservations are until 5pm.*
Kyomizu-dera Temple
(清水寺)
"The Temple of Clear Water", Kiyomizu-dera is an absolute must-see for first-time visitors to Kyoto! Not only is the temple itself beautiful, but it's up on a hill, and offers gorgeous views of the city. Try visiting at sunset, or during the cherry blossom season!
Access:
15-min from JR Kyoto Station by bus no. 100 or no. 206,
get off at go-jo-zaka, and get on the slope, walk about 10-min
*Hours vary, so it's best to check here.*
Official Website
Google Maps
Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka
(二年坂・三年坂）
Walk down the hill from Kiyomizu-deru, and you'll find yourself on two historic streets: Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka. Apparently some locals believe that if you fall down on one of these streets, you'll have some bad luck within 2-3 years. In other words, it is like you will be living quietly and deeply in a mystery within 2-3 years.
Access:
Short walk from Kiyomizu-dera
Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka are connected
Official Website
Google Maps
Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Tea Parlor
(スターバックス コーヒー 京都二寧坂ヤサカ茶屋店)
This is the only Starbucks in the world that has rooms floored with tatami mats. The building was originally an old house, and now this coffee shop has a truly unique atmosphere. Being very popular, it's always quite busy, but it's a great experience for any Starbucks fans out there!
Yasaka Shrine
(八坂神社)
This shrine is sometimes called the Gion Shrine (which is not surprising, considering the location!) It's one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. It's also involved in the famous Gion Matsuri Festival that happens in Kyoto every July!
*Closest Station*
Keihan Gion Shijo Station, or City Municipal Bus no. 206
Arashiyama
(嵐山)
While Arashiyama is a little out of the way, it's a beautiful area with lots to see, so it's still a popular place for visitors to Kyoto. Don't miss the famous bamboo grove! It's a little smaller than most people imagine, but it's still a great place to take pictures.
Access:
From Kyoto Station take JR Sagano Line to Arashiyama
Fushimi Inari-taisha
(伏見稲荷大社)
The head shrine of Inari, who is seen as a patron of business, worshipped by merchants and manufacturers. Business people will still come to pray to Inari for good luck, sometimes!
But this shrine is now the #1 sightseeing spot for foreign visitors to Japan. The Fushimi Inari Taisha's Senbon-torii (thousands of torii shrine gates) are a favorite spot for photo ops, and people around the world recognize the gates after seeing them in the film Memoirs of a Geisha.
Access:
7-min walk from Inari Station (5-min ride), Nara Line bound for Nara at JR Kyoto Station
Official Website
Google Maps
Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU🐶!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾
Details
NAME:IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
MAP
563-11 Bairincho, 5-chome, Gojodori Yamatooji Higashiiru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto-fu
ACCESS:Kiyomizu Gojo Station
CONTACT TEL:075-532-0101
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
COMMENT
FEATURED MEDIA
VIEW MORE
A Tokyo Winter Must-See: Tokyo Mega Illumination Event Period: November 2, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025 *Closed Nov 4~8, Dec 1~6, Dec 25~ Jan 1. End date may be subject to change. Hours: 16:30 – 21:00 (final admission 20:00) *Opening hours may vary depending on scheduled events or congestion, please check the official website for details. Directions: 2 min. walk from Tokyo Monorail Oikeibajo-Mae Station, 12 min. walk from Keikyu Tachiaigawa Station #japankuru #tokyowinter #tokyomegaillumination #megaillumination2024 #tokyocitykeiba #도쿄메가일루미네이션 #tokyotrip #oiracecourseillumination
Tokyo Shopping Spot Recommendation: New Balance Kichijoji #newbalance #newbalancekichijoji #newbalancejapan #japanesesneakerheads #shoppinginjapan #japantrip #도쿄여행 #도쿄쇼핑 #뉴발란스 #일본한정 #일본패션 #日本購物 #日本買衣服 #NB #日本時尚 #東京購物 #รองเท้าnewbalance #นิวบาลานซ์ #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #คิจิโจจิ #japankuru
See Kyoto Clearly With Your New Glasses #japankuru #kyoto #jins #교토여행 #진즈 #京都 #교토수족관 #가모가와 #kamogawa #kyotoaquarium
The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU #japankkuru #conversejp_pr #conversejapan #harajuku #tokyotrip #converse #tokyoshopping #匡威 #帆布鞋 #東京購物 #原宿 #日本時尚 #일본쇼핑 #일본컨버스 #일본한정 #하라주쿠 #일본패션 #일본스트릿 #รองเท้าconverse #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #ฮาราจูกุ #คอนเวิร์ส
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
Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the famous real-size 20m-tall Unicorn Gundam, and the popular shopping center has even more Gundam on the inside! Check out the Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor for shelves upon shelves of Gunpla, and the Gundam Base Tokyo Annex on the 2nd floor for cool anime merchandise. Both shops have tons of limited-edition items! #pr #odaiba #tokyo #tokyotrip #japantrip #japantravel #PR #divercity #divercitytokyoplaza #tokyoshopping #gundam #unicorngundam #gundambasetokyo #anime #otaku #gunpla #japankuru #오다이바 #다이바시티도쿄 #오다이바건담 #건담 #일본건담 #건프라 #건담베이스도쿄
MAP OF JAPAN
SEARCH BY REGION
-
-
HOKKAIDO
VIEW MORE
Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost of the four main islands that make up Japan. The area is famous for Sapporo Beer, plus brewing and distilling in general, along with fantastic snow festivals and breathtaking national parks. Foodies should look for Hokkaido's famous potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, soup curry, and miso ramen!
-
NIKI
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
