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Feel the Real Tokyo on This Tokyu Line Tokyo Food Tour (with Amazing Tokyo Coupons)

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Discover Tokyo's hidden gems and get a new taste of Japan on the Tokyu train lines! From trendy restaurants and unique attractions to budget-friendly travel passes and coupons for totally free Tokyo perks, experience Tokyo in a whole new way!

A Tokyu Line Journey to Engage All Your Senses

Ready to escape Tokyo’s packed urban centers and enjoy a fresh new vision of Tokyo, with more local atmosphere and fewer crowds? Join us on this Tokyu Line tour to explore the many different areas connected by these Tokyo train lines, a diverse collection of neighborhoods harmonized by the city’s distinct blend of tradition and modernity. The areas you’ll find along the Tokyu Railways lines, a web stretched across western Tokyo and beyond, are home to everything from stylish cafes and unique boutiques to luxury shopping malls – perfect for travelers looking to dive deeper into Tokyo’s lesser-known neighborhoods.

Join us as we explore just a few of our favorite spots along the major lines of Tokyu Railways (yes, that is Tokyu with a U!) – the Den-en-toshi Line (DT), Oimachi Line (OM), Toyoko Line (TY), and Ikegami Line (IK). Plus, don’t miss out on the coupons for free perks that Tokyu Railways is offering for a limited time to help foreign travelers “Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom” Get amazing freebies using these coupons at select shops near Tokyu train stations, and sick around to uncover Tokyo’s hidden treasures!

Wander Compass Shibuya

Before setting off on a Tokyu Line adventure, Wander Compass Shibuya is the obvious first stop, and it’s conveniently located near Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, in the heart of Tokyo. This tourist information center offers essential services for travelers, like luggage storage and currency exchange, as well as plenty of sightseeing advice and travel recommendations from experts fluent in English. More importantly, you can also purchase railway passes here, including the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass that grants you free travel on all Tokyu lines for a full day. This one-day pass is an affordable way to explore some of our favorite up-and-coming trendy Tokyo areas, and right now you can even get one entirely for free, as part of the Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom campaign!

Wander Compass Shibuya (ワンダーコンパス渋谷)
Shibuya Station B1 Level, 2-1-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 19:00 (open year-round)
Official Website (en)

Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass
Available for Purchase at: Wander Compass Shibuya, ticket machines at Tokyu Line stations
Price: adults 780 yen | children 390 yen
Official Website (jp)

Special Tokyo Coupon Offer
Tokyu Railways Presents: Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom

Once you’ve secured your Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass Pass at Wander Compass Shibuya, it’s time to head out on a Tokyu Line adventure, and the Tokyu Railways “Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom” campaign is here to help things along! This limited-time coupon campaign is not only offering foreign travelers a free transportation pass to explore Tokyo, but also exclusive coupons for perks at four more popular shops easily accessible via the Den-en-toshi Line, Oimachi Line, Toyoko Line, and Ikegami Line!

Participating Stores & Perks:
・Wander Compass Shibuya: One free Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass
・Tanomi Jiyugaoka: One free single scoop of gelato
・Kosugi Curry: One free three-curry plate
・Goto Kamaboko: One free oden croquette and one free menchi-katsu
・Wa Kitchen Kanna: One free topping (200 yen value)

How to Join In:
・Visit a participating store.
・Present your ID to prove your foreign nationality. (Passports, residence cards, foreign driver’s licenses, or health insurance cards are accepted.)
・Scan the QR code.
・Show the staff the screen to receive your perk!

▶︎ This promotional campaign is for foreign visitors only!
▶︎ Dates: March 21, 2025 ~ until all perks have been exhausted

Tokyu Oimachi Line Recommendations

Tanomi Jiyugaoka (*Free Tokyo Coupon)

A visit to Shibuya is on just about any Tokyo itinerary, but if you’re ready to escape the frantic crowds of this busy neighborhood and enjoy a slightly more relaxed atmosphere, we recommend Jiyugaoka, located about 12 minutes away on the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The name of this trendy Tokyo hotspot, which literally means “Hill of Freedom,” matches the area’s breezy vibes, with streets that locals like to say resemble cities overseas, lined with plenty of stylish boutiques and cute cafes. One of these is Tanomi, a cafe with its own shop offering miso, dashi, and other ingredients used to make healthy Japanese food, as well as a wide range of tableware and lifestyle goods.

One of the most popular parts of Tanomi is their gelato corner on the first floor, a branch of Aloha Cafe. The original Aloha Cafe is a gelato specialty shop in Yurihama, Tottori Prefecture, run by a renowned pastry chef. Here at the Tanomi branch, you can try 10 different flavors – if you use the Tokyu Railways Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom Coupon (we’ll call it the Tokyu Coupon), you can get a scoop entirely for free! The gelato is made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Tottori, and many of the flavors are unusual and intriguing, or uniquely Japanese, like sansho pepper, golden sesame, and cassis (black currant). You won’t want to miss this unique sweet treat while you’re in Japan!

Tanomi Jiyugaoka (田ノ実 自由が丘)
1-26-16 Jiyugaoka, Meguro City, Tokyo
Hours:
 1st Floor Shop: 10:30 – 19:00
 2nd Floor Restaurant & Cafe: weekdays 11:00 – 18:00 (last order 17:30) | weekends 11:00 – 18:30 (last order 18:00)
*Hours may be subject to change.
Directions: 3 min on foot from Jiyugaoka Station (Tokyu Oimachi & Toyoko Lines)
Official Website (jp)

The Gotoh Museum

While you’re in the area, Kaminoge Station is only about seven minutes from Jiyugaoka on the Tokyu Oimachi Line, and five minutes from the station you’ll find the Gotoh Museum. This museum offers a chance to admire precious calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, and other artifacts from before the Meiji era (which began in 1868). The collection includes works designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties of Japan, so it’s a must-see spot for anyone interested in Japan’s cultural heritage!

In addition to the art and artifacts, one of the museum’s highlights is its serene Japanese garden, which feels a world away from the crowds of most Tokyo tourist attractions. Tree lovers will be excited to hear that the garden includes trees selected to be part of the 100 Notable Trees of Setagaya (the local Tokyo ward), as well as flower patches that bloom throughout the changing seasons. Make a reservation at the teahouse and you can even enjoy a leisurely cup of tea while enjoying the views! On clear days, this hidden gem of a spot also offers views of Mt. Fuji, making this tranquil garden the perfect place to relax and unwind.

The Gotoh Museum (五島美術館)
3-9-25 Kaminoge, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Hours: 10:00 – 17:00 (admission until 16:30) | closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Admission Fee: general 1,100 yen | high school students 800 yen | children (middle school or below) enter free
Directions: 5 min on food from Kaminoge Station (Tokyu Oimachi Line)
Official Website (jp)

Tokyu Toyoko Line Recommendations

Kosugi Curry (*Free Tokyo Coupon)

Musashi-Kosugi is a key Tokyu transportation hub connecting central Tokyo with Kawasaki and Yokohama, and with so many Tokyo locals passing through every single day, the area has flourished. In recent years the convenient connecting point has become a vibrant neighborhood, full of trendy restaurants and bustling shopping malls. It’s not a big tourist area but it is easy to access using your Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass – visit to enjoy a little glimpse of everyday Tokyo, and while you’re in the area, don’t miss the rich and flavorful curry creations at Kosugi Curry!

Japan has adopted curry and made the dish its own in the past century or so, but unlike most Japanese curry shops, Kosugi Curry has developed over 400 varieties and more than 160 creative combinations to date! The shop blends spices to craft deep, richly flavorful original curry varieties, and complements the sauce dishes with sometimes surprising toppings that maximize umami and will have you wishing you could go back to Japan for more. Right now you can use the Tokyu Coupon to enjoy a three-curry sampler for free, so you can savor multiple tempting flavors in one visit. Since many of the menu items change every two weeks, you can check the Kosugi Curry social media accounts for the latest updates before your visit.

Kosugi Curry
2-897-11 Shinmarukohigashi, Nakahara, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Hours: lunch 11:30 – 15:00 (last order 14:00) | dinner 17:30 PM – 21:00 (last order 20:30) | closed Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Directions: 5 min on foot from Musashi-Kosugi Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)
Official Website (jp)

Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine

After satisfying your worldy needs at Kosugi Curry, head right around the corner to visit the Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine. While Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha is Japan’s most famous fox shrine (known largely for its many, many brilliant vermillion gates), Musashi-Kosugi also boasts its own branch of the shrine, with a similar look on a smaller scale – Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Within the shrine grounds you’ll find 108 enshrined fox statues, which are considered symbols of good fortune. Look down, and you might be able to tell that the shrine is actually built on a foundation of lava rock from Mt. Fuji, which is said to further enhance its auspicious aura. It’s a great spot for a leisurely stroll after a big meal!

Keihin Fushimi Inari Shrine (京濱伏見稲荷神社)
2-980 Shinmarukohigashi, Nakahara, Kawasaki, Kanagawa
Directions: 6 min on foot from Musashi-Kosugi Station (Tokyu Toyoko Line)

Tokyu Ikegami Line Recommendations

Goto Kamaboko (*Free Tokyo Coupon)

Despite the name, Togoshi Ginza is not in the Ginza area, but it is actually Tokyo’s longest shopping street! Accessible via the Tokyu Ikegami Line, you won’t want to miss the 1.3 km stretch, renowned for its diverse array of eateries and long-established shops! Among them, we recommend a visit to Goto Kamaboko, a specialty store dedicated to authentic handmade kamaboko fish cakes. It’s easy to get to using the Tokyu Line 1-Day pass, and it’s beloved by locals thank to its selection of snacks and other prepared dishes, which offer a true taste of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

Goto Kamaboko sells a variety of handmade kamaboko made from fresh fish, as well as mouth-watering fried snacks, and freshly prepared oden (fish cakes and vegetables simmered in a savory broth). Some places only offer oden during the winter, but Goto offers it all year round! Their oden croquettes are particularly popular, made by mixing oden ingredients together, coating them in bread crumbs, and deep-frying the lumps to a delicious golden brown! Their menchi-katsu (a fluffy deep-fried ground meat patty) also has its own fans. With the Tokyu Coupon, you can try both of these beloved local snacks for free! So if you’re ready to savor some indulgent treats while soaking in the nostalgic retro atmosphere of Togoshi Ginza, be sure to head over using your Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass and take advantage of the Tokyu Coupon!

Goto Kamaboko (後藤かまぼこ店)
2-6-8 Togoshi, Shinagawa City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 20:00 | closed Wednesdays
Directions: 8 min on foot from Togoshi-Ginza Station (Tokyu Ikegami Line)
Official Website (jp)

Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line Recommendations

Wa Kitchen Kanna (*Free Tokyo Coupon)

Sangenjaya has been attracting more and more attention in recent years, but the charms of this refreshing neighborhood are still largely undiscovered by foreign travelers, despite its easy accessibility from Shibuya via the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line. Known as one of Tokyo’s iconic “uptown” areas, Sangenjaya is filled with quaint alleys and stylish shops, and the abundance of artistic cafes and unique dining establishment have made it especially popular among those who enjoy leisurely food and cafe tours.

For a taste of Sangenjaya’s unique ambiance, we recommend visiting Wa Kitchen Kanna, a specialty sweets shop with a peaceful atmosphere. While traditional Japanese kakigori is typically made by pouring vibrantly artificial syrups over shaved ice, Kanna elevates the experience by blending seasonal fruit and other ingredients with traditional Japanese confections and surprising modern flavors to deliver a premium shaved ice experience.

The homemade syrups are poured over mountains of delicately soft and fluffy ice for a luxurious dessert experience, with flavors like purple sweet potato, matcha, mitarashi (a sweet-and-salty soy glaze), kinako (roasted soybean), and yuzu. Use the Tokyu Coupon and you can add a topping for free (up to 200 yen), so you won’t want to miss this chance to indulge in a unique shaved ice treat while relaxing in the cozy, aesthetically pleasing, uniquely Sangenjaya space.

Wa Kitchen Kanna (和kitchenかんな)
2-43-11 Coms Shimouma 2F, Shimouma, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 19:00 (kakigori last order 18:30) | July – September: reservations recommended | closed Wednesdays
Directions: 13 min on foot from Sangenjaya Station (Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line)
Official Website (jp)

Futako Tamagawa Rise Shopping Center

Japan’s malls are lively, inviting, and full of interesting shopping choices, and when you’re exploring Tokyo via the Tokyu Railway lines, we recommend checking out the one directly connected to Futako-Tamagawa Station, on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi and Oimachi Lines. Futako Tamagawa Rise is a large-scale multi-purpose facility that combines shopping, dining, and cultural spaces all in one place, with a variety of shops including brands from Japan and overseas, and premium restaurant options to keep you energized during your shopping trip. The spacious, open atmosphere even makes it a nice place for a leisurely stroll, so when you’re looking for a convenient shopping destination, Futako Tamagawa Rise is worth a visit.

Futako Tamagawa Rise (二子玉川ライズ)
2-21-1 Tamagawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo
Hours: find details here
Directions: directly connected to Futako-Tamagawa Station (Tokyu Den-en-toshi & Oimachi Lines)
Official Website (jp)

Try These Tokyo Hidden Gems to See Another Side of the City

Tokyo is full of crowds and mayhem, but if you’re ready to see the city through new eyes, this Tokyu Line Tour offers the opportunity to find a more refined and relaxed side of Tokyo. Take advantage of the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass and make good use of the Enjoy Tokyo Top to Bottom campaign coupons for free perks – not only will it make your trip easier and more affordable, but it might just reveal a new side to the city! Tokyo is a big city with a lot to explore, and every visit is bound to bring fresh and exciting discoveries – find more of Tokyo’s hidden gems here and put together the perfect Tokyo itinerary for you!

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

Follow us @Japankuru on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

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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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