Izumo in Shimane Prefecture – The Birthplace of Myths and Legends and The City of Love!
This article contains sponsored content.
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
CONTENTS
Have you heard about Shimane Prefecture（島根県）? No… Don’t worry. Actually even many Japanese are not familiar with this prefecture too.
The prefecture highlighted in red is Shimane Prefecture. It is located in the Chugoku region and next to the Japan Sea.
Even though it has a small population and it is not a main business center, there are still many reasons that you should go to visit Shimane! For example, there are lots of cultural heritages and different kinds of myths and legends that started there.
The 47th popular prefecture in Japan?!
To increase the popularity of Shimane, some interesting promotional illustrations are made!
Credited to HERE
Japan's 47th famous county. (oh…. No. 1 from the last…how ironic lol )
Shimane? Where in Tottori ? (Similar Chinese character are used for both prefectures)
There is world heritage in Shimane? (No one can think of it …)
No, there is no sand dune here. (There are sand dunes in Tottori.)
Slogan "REMEMBER Shimane" It is a bit negative huh (No one knows the existance of Shimane)
Although Shimane is not that popular in locals, it is quite an interesting place huh!
Besides, Izumo Taisha (出雲大社) which is famous for good matchmaking is a must-visit sightseeing spot in Shimane Prefecture.
Let's check it out!
How to go to Shimane?
By Airplane (JAL)
Tokyo Hanada Airport -> Izumo Airport
About 90 minutes, 5 flights per day
Osaka International Airport → Izumo Airport
About 65 minutes, 6 flights per day
By Train (JR)
Tokyo Station → Izumo City Station
Take Shinkansen Nozomi and get off at Okayama Station
Transfer to limited express Yakumo (approximately 6 hours 30 minutes)
Or to limited express train ride to Sanraizu (about 12 hours)
Osaka Station → Izumo City Station
Take Shinkansen Nozomi and transfer to limited express Yakumo at Okayama Station (about 4 hours)
By Express Bus
WILLER EXPRESS is a good choice for you. Check out our earlier sharing here:
♪ Bus Travel # 6 Enjoyments of Riding on a Willer Express Night Bus to Kyoto
WILLER EXPRESS homepage: http://willerexpress.com/en/
Recommended Sightseeing Spots in Shimane Prefecture!!
Gakuenji is a good place to look at the beautiful autumn leaves! Many visitors come here during autumn indeed!
It is said that there was a monk who wanted to cure the ancient emperor's eye diseases, and he went to pray under the waterfall for the emperor. After the emperor got cured, he rewarded this monk this Gakuenji!
Gakuenji (鰐淵寺)
Address: 148 Besshochou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-66-0250
Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
Parking: Available (60 cars)
Admission: 500 yen (adults), 300 yen (Jr. high and above), 200 yen (Elementary), discounts for group of 20 or above
Homepage (Jap.): https://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/683
In order to reach Karakama Shrine which is famous for wishing for safe delivery, you need to climb up the mountain and walk through gaps like the one below!!
The shrine is not a big one but it is said that your wish can come true if you pray from your heart!!
Just make a left turn at the Torii, you can find a waterfall there too!
Karakama Shrine (韓竈神社)
Address: 408 Ushirono, Karakawacho, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Parking: Available
Homepage: http://www.city.izumo.shimane.jp/www/contents/1282018312777/
Tachikuekyouu became a national park in 1964. It takes about one hour for the walk. You can find two beautifully built bridges during your walk in Tachikuekyouu area.
Tachikuekyouu (立久恵峡)
Address: Tachikue, Ottachichou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Parking: Available
Homepage(Jap.): https://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/365
A Shrine that protects the nights– Hinomisaki Shrine (日御碕神社)
Hinomisaki Shrine
There are two main buildings of the shrine.
Lucky Charm
There is a saying that the sun rises in the east from Ise Grand Shrine in Mie Prefecture and sets in the west at Hinomisaki Shrine. That's why Hinomisaki Shrine is said to protect the night!
You can also get a "Omamori" (御守り）at the shrine to protect yourself from danger and bad luck! Sands and rocks of the shrine are contained in this small omamori. They will keep you safe!
Price: 500 yen (3 colors)
Hinomisaki Shrine (日御碕神社)
Address: 455 Hinomisaki, Taishachou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Hours: 08:30 – 16:30
Parking: Available (20 cars)
Homepage (Jap.): https://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/89
Just not far from Hinomisaki Shrine, you can visit this lighthouse and see the beautiful Japan Sea!
Izumo Hinomisaki Lighthouse (出雲日御碕燈台)
Address: 1478 Hinomisaki, Taishachou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-54-5341
Hours: 09:00 – 16:30
(Closed on Dec 30 and 31)
Parking: Available
Admission: 200 yen (adults and jr. high and above), others are free
Homepage (Jap.): https://www.izumo-kankou.gr.jp/677
Shimane Winery in Shimane Prefecture
Free tasting
Not just tasting wine, here at Shimane Winery, you can also see how wine is made, shop for souvenirs and wine, and even have meals (beef) here!
Free tasting of wine are available in the shop. How nice is that!
A kind reminder, don't drink if you drive!!!
Shimane Winery (島根ワイナリー)
Address: 264-2 Taishachouhishine, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-53-5577
Hours: 09:30-17:00 (Detailed opening hours click here)
English Brochure: Click here
Homepage (Jap): http://www.shimane-winery.jp/
Soy sauce maker with long history- Okamo Soy Sauce Shop
With long history
Taste the Soy Sauce
Dip and taste with bread
It is now the 8th generation who runs this soy sauce shop. By looking at the shop, you can understand that it has a long history since the Edo period!
Other than visiting the soy sauce factory, of course you can try out different kinds of soy sauce here! Just try them with the bread and see which one is your favorite.
Okamo Soy Sauce Shop (岡茂一郎商店)
Address: 861 Hiratachou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-62-2045
Hours： 09:00-18:00 (Holiday varies)
Homepage (Jap.): http://izumo-okamo.com/index.html
Sakemochida Wine Shop of 140 years history
Entrance
Inside
Mysterious doll
In order to keep the wine in good condition, natural sunlight from outside are blocked, so the shop is bit dim and cold inside!
We had a great time chatting with the owner and we learned a lot about how Japanese wine is made, like which kinds of rice can make better wine etc.
Sakemochida Wine Shop (酒持田本店)
Address: 785 Hiratachou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-62-2023
Homepage (Jap.): http://www.sakemochida.jp/
Kurumaya Ginger Candy Shop
Long history
Looks like a real prescription 432 yen (tax included)
heart-shaped ginger candy
Because of the delicious ginger black tea that we tried, we decided to look for this shop where we can get some ginger flavor candies!!
Just note that the ginger candy you buy at the shop is in heart shape! However, the one you order online is not!! So which one is more special? You know the answer!!
Kurumaya Ginger Candy Shop (來間屋生姜糖本舗)
Address: 774 Hiratachou, Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
Tel.: 0853-62-2115
Hours: 09:00 – 19:00
Homepage (Jap.): http://syougatou-honpo.jp/
See you next time!
Details
NAME:Shimane
MAP
島根県出雲市平田町774
島根県出雲市別所町148
島根県出雲市唐川町字後野408番地
島根県出雲市乙立町立久恵
島根県出雲市大社町日御碕455
島根県出雲市大社町日御碕1478
島根県出雲市大社町菱根264-2
島根県出雲市平田町861番地
島根県出雲市平田町785番地
-
Copied the URL to your clipboard.
-
-
-
COMMENT
FEATURED MEDIA
VIEW MORE
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
