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Top 2023 Recommendations From The Popular Japanese Makeup Brand Canmake ・ Everything You Need for Japan’s Hottest Beauty Trends

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You can’t talk about Japan’s beauty scene without mentioning Canmake! Known for their sweet, fresh-faced looks, Canmake is a popular buy for travelers visiting Japan, and a must on any Japanese cosmetics shopping list. Check out some of the latest Canmake products you’ll want to get your hands on!



Beauty lovers who like to shop Japanese cosmetics brands are probably no strangers to Canmake, which is a mainstay of the Japanese makeup market. The cute pink packaging stands out on the drugstore shelf, like an invitation to try all the latest products. It can be hard not to stop and test out each new shade and formula! Although the brand mainly targets young women, they offer a wide variety of products for the face, eyes, and even nails, plus plenty of limited-edition items – with so many options to choose from, Canmake is actually quite popular and well-reviewed among a much broader audience. The high-quality (made in Japan) products and the reasonable prices make this makeup a great deal no matter your budget, helping Canmake to meet the unique needs of all of Japan's makeup lovers.



First, we'll be going over three of Canmake's most popular products, including an item whose cute limited-edition packaging has it flying off the shelves!

Canmake’s Top Products

Marshmallow Finish Powder



Canmake's Marshmallow Finish Powder has been a best-seller for a very long time thanks to its excellent setting properties, which help your makeup base stick around for hours on end. The ultra-fine powder results in a smooth, marshmallow-soft finish, and moisturizing ingredients help to ward off dry skin, keeping it well-hydrated. The Marshmallow Finish Powder also feels light on the skin, as well as giving the end results a translucent, natural look.

Fans of the powder will rave over its concealing power and its ability to limit shine, while keeping skin nice and smooth. Just applying it over a layer of BB cream gives a surprisingly flawless, natural result. If you're looking for an easy way to achieve a soft, silky finish that will last for hours, it's definitely worth picking up a compact of the Marshmallow Finish Powder and giving it a try. With the adorable limited-edition packaging now available for purchase, there's no time like the present.

Creamy Touch Liner



The ultra-slim tip of Canmake's Creamy Touch Liner measures in at only 1.5 mm (less than 1/16th of an inch), and the smooth texture makes it easy to draw fine, highly-pigmented lines, even on the waterline. The extremely soft core of the eyeliner glides easily over other makeup, with rich color and consistent texture that still stands out even when layered over other pigments. Plus, the long-lasting formula is waterproof, so it's not going anywhere, even on humid, sweaty days. With a wide selection of colors, this is an eyeliner made to suit a variety of different looks for different occasions.



This gel eyeliner is a hot topic online within the Japanese beauty community, and fans of the product note its smooth, creamy texture, and how well it lasts on the skin. The various brown shades have received particular praise, thanks to the sweet, natural looks that the colors help to create. With an affordable price that's not likely to break the bank, the Creamy Touch Liner is a good choice for makeup beginners, or anyone on a budget.

Eye-Bags Concealer



Shade [02] Pink Beige shown above.

This Eye-Bags Concealer is just the tool for creating the kind of youthful "eye bags" that are often referred to using the Korean term "aegyo sal," hiding dark circles and giving the under-eye skin a bright, healthy look. With the concealer's narrow 3 mm (1/8") tip, you can easily give yourself the plump, natural eye bag look often found in Japanese makeup! The velvety, easy-to-blend concealer glides right on, and sticks to the skin for a long-lasting finish. The biggest benefit of using Canmake's Eye-Bags Concealer is its ability to stand up to the water in sweat and tears, as well as oily skin, and the normal wear and tear of daily life – all while using a formula that's gentle on the skin.



How to do your own natural-looking Japanese-style eye bag makeup:
① Squint your eyes slightly to find the natural lower line of your eye bags, and use a pale-colored eyeliner to draw a light border and define the bottom.
② Apply Canmake's Eye-Bags Concealer above the eyeliner mark, and immediately blend it in with the tips of your fingers to create a naturally plump look with a slight shadow. The end result will give you an extra dose of kawaii, and have you looking like Japan's cutest celebrities!

Canmake's Eye-Bags Concealer is affordable, easy to use, and well-reviewed within the online Japanese beauty community. If you're looking for a product to test out the "aegyo sal" look and cover up those dark circles, pick up this concealer at the drugstore during your next trip to Japan, and try it out!

Other Popular Products

Base Makeup & Finishing Powder
Marshmallow Finish Powder ~Abloom~



The Abloom powder is part of Canmake's Marshmallow Finish Powder series, which means it leaves skin with that same soft matte feeling, just with a particularly bright and translucent finish. The extra-fine powder feels light and airy, and using it to finish a look will add a luminous glow. Japanese beauty lovers are all about that soft, warm effect, quite different from the crisp and simple styles found in Korea, or the dramatic looks favored elsewhere in the world. This powder can help even out your complexion and create clear, radiant skin for those Japanese makeup looks, and at the same time, it protects from dryness with 15 different beautifying ingredients. The long-lasting Abloom products are great at warding off the shiny look of oily skin, but at the end of the day, the powder washes right off with your usual face wash (or soap or body wash) when you use it on its own.

There are currently two different ~Abloom~ colors available. The first, [01] Dearest Bouquet, lends skin a bright and vibrant finish. The second, [02] Sakura Tulle, adds a rosy glow that looks like a happy natural flush on your cheeks. This April, a third ~Abloom~ shade is hitting the market, called [03] Plumeria Wreath. Try it out for a fresh color that adds a touch of extra glamour!

All in all, Canmake's Marshmallow Finish Powder ~Abloom~ is a fantastic addition to your base makeup routine, giving you a soft, natural-looking palette as a backdrop for your makeup to shine!

Mermaid Skin Gel UV



The texture of Canmake's Mermaid Skin Gel UV feels light and refreshing on the skin, and it absorbs quickly too. This sunscreen is made of 85% moisturizing ingredients, which means that it gives the skin a hydrated luster while also helping to prevent sun damage, skin aging, and dark spots. Use it to keep your skin happy and keep the sun and wind at bay!

Mermaid Skin Gel UV sunscreen's UV protection ratings come in at a powerful SPF 50+/PA++++ (defined as "extremely high UVA protection"). That means that this product has just about the highest level of protection you can get in Japan, so a layer on your face, neck, and wherever else the sun hits will create a barrier and protect from the ravages of fierce ultraviolet rays.

The [C01] Cica Mint version of the sunscreen is especially good at color correction, evening out redness or dull skin for a luminous look. It even has added "cica" extract, a natural moisturizer that comes from the Asian pennywort (or centella asiatica) plant, to calm the skin and keep it hydrated. Not only does it help skin to retain moisture and prevent dryness, but it also helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles and fine lines! With additional antioxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients in the formula, the Mermaid Skin Gel UV protects from pollutants in the air, reduces the risk of sensitive and inflamed skin, and generally helps to keep your skin happy and healthy.

Eye Shadow & Blush
Silky Souffle Eyes (Limited-Edition Design)



Big fans of the Japanese makeup scene are bound to have one or two eyeshadow palettes from Canmake easily accessible on the vanity at all times, and of the various different options, the Silky Souffle series is particularly popular. This dewy, lightweight, creamy eyeshadow can be used to put together natural looks, or add a little glam to the everyday.

The velvety texture of the Silky Souffle Eyes eyeshadows includes added pearlescence for a shimmering look, and the silky luster almost seems to melt into the skin. The effect is light and soft, whether you keep it simple with just one color, or stack and blend the colors for a more detailed eye look. That means these convenient palettes can be used for your everyday look, or to dress up for a special event. With this cute seasonal cherry blossom packaging only available for a limited time, you won't want to miss it!

Glow Fleur Cheeks (Blend Type)



This next product is a favorite of some of the Japankuru team members, and a staple on their vanities, with each newly released color soon to become a part of the collection. Because when it comes to the Glow Fleur Cheeks blush, the price is right, and there's plenty of pigment too. The cute transparent cases let you see all the colors inside, which makes it easy to choose your blush color at a glance, and lets you enjoy the aesthetic effect of lining them all up in your drawers. Even when you want to change up your blush color every season, the wide selection of Glow Fleur Cheeks colors won't let you down.

Thanks to the pearl powder, honey extract, and a variety of other moisturizing ingredients, this blush powder won't dry out your skin – but it will help your makeup last even longer!

How to use the Glow Fleur Cheeks for a contoured blush:
① Using two or three circular motions, gently brush the blush onto the cheeks and blend it into the skin for a natural look.
② Take the shimmery color at the center of the palette and add it to the apple of your cheek for a glowy look.

Glow Fleur Cheeks (Blend Type) is a very practical product, so if you've never tried any of Canmake's cosmetics, this blush is a great place to start.

Quick Lash Curler



The Canmake Quick Lash Curler helps lashes bounce up into a defined curl in seconds, and promotes lash growth for long, strong, thick lashes with a natural upward curl. The formula includes squalane and hyaluronic acid, along with honey extract, to protect your lashes, prevent them from drying or falling out, and keep them curled at the same time. Long-lasting even in the face of natural oils, tears, sweat, and humid environments, this formula prevents the dreaded raccoon eyes of a rainy day or a good cry. It comes in a number of different colors, too, including a clear version that gives your lashes a protective curl without any pigment, like a little raincoat. Using the intense curling power of the Quick Lash Curler, your luscious lashes will be charming people with just the wave of a wand.

Canmake: The Makeup Must-Haves of Japan’s Beauty Gurus



Break apart the Canmake brand name and you'll find "can make," which is a message to everyone from makeup beginners to beauty gurus – you "can make" your own looks too! Canmake's lineup includes a wide variety of products, including base makeup, concealer, blush, eyeshadow, and more, with different product lines to choose from too. The cute and simple package design makes it easy to find the right products with just a glance, without opening them up to find exactly what's inside, and it's easy to pick out just the products to meet your needs and perfect your own look!

Plus, with all the Canmake products that look as good to your budget as they do on your face, and high quality that surpasses the price point, the brand is a favorite for cosmetics lovers of all kinds and all ages. It's no surprise the brand is so popular in Japan! If you're looking for some new beauty products on your next trip to Japan, and you're not sure what to try next, don't hesitate to use this article to help you choose!

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!

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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.
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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!

    • 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 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 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

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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.

    • 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 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

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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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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

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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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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.

    • 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

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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.

    • 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.

    • 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 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 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 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

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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.

    • 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.

    • 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).

    • 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.

    • 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

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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.

    • 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.

    • 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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