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A Guide to Shibuya, Tokyo! The Best Shopping, Eating, and Entertainment Around Shibuya Scramble

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Ready to meet your friends at Hachiko (the Shibuya dog statue) and head out onto the city streets… but not sure where in Shibuya to stop first? Well, whether you want to spend your time sampling Shibuya eats, singing karaoke and hanging out like a local Tokyoite, or you’re really just looking for a Shibuya shopping guide, check out some of JAPANKURU’s Shibuya destination recommendations!

Tokyo Sightseeing



First things first: if this is your first visit to Shibuya, you probably won't want to miss the go-to, must-see symbols of the area! Unless you get lost wending your way through the train station (and its many, many exits), most of these symbolic images of Shibuya should be apparent as soon as you get outside. One of the most popular train station exits is named after Shibuya's most beloved dog, and the statue of loyal akita Hachiko is right in front of the station building (which is what makes it such a popular meeting point)! If you want to spend a few minutes lining up, you too can get a picture with this pup, memorialized on a pedestal in the middle of the crowds.

Walk away from Hachiko and towards the street corner, and you'll find yourself at the famous Shibuya Scramble! Walk right into the middle of this huge street crossing, surrounded by hundreds or even thousands of other people who all seem to be crossing in different directions at the same time, and soak up the Shibuya atmosphere! In one direction is the famous Shibuya 109 building, in the other is Shibuya's slightly less photographed but equally populated Second Scramble, and everywhere else are shops, restaurants, and plenty of crowds… and this is the point where many travelers get a little lost.

Now that you're in Shibuya, there's so much to do and see, where do you even start!? Well, we've got a few suggestions!

Shopping & Snacks

Shibuya Marui (0101)



Among the many shopping malls and department stores in Shibuya, Marui is a must-see. One of the most popular department store chains in Japan, it's a clear destination in Shibuya, with plenty of clothes, accessories, and even some tasty snacks!

Shibuya Marui (渋谷マルイ)
1-22-6 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: Mon~Sat 11:00 – 21:00/Sun & Holidays 11:00 – 20:30
Official Website (en)



In fact, if you're in the mood for some nibbles, you might just be interested in this window right at the entrance to Shibuya Marui. Milk is a fresh cream specialty shop, and their most popular offering is delicious in its utter simplicity: crepes stuffed and piled high with fresh whipped cream, made with Hokkaido cream! Hokkaido is famous for its high-quality dairy, so it's no wonder this place is always busy.



Their basic whipped cream crepes come in three sizes, which decide exactly how high and majestic the pile of whipped cream on top ends up being: short, standard, and grande.



Fresh, creamy, and sweet without being saccharine, it's a perfect snack during a busy day exploring Shibuya. We certainly felt energized and ready to go. Plus, you can take a commemorative photo with their cows. Very thematic!

Milk Craft Cream
Shibuya Marui 1F, 1-22-6 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: Mon~Sat 11:00 – 21:00/Sun & Holidays 11:00 – 20:30
Official Website (en)



If you want more than just a commemorative photo from your time in Shibuya, we recommend you head upstairs to make your very own mementos at Brooklyn Charm. While they have a selection of premade accessories available for purchase, the real draw here is that you can design and create your very own items: necklaces, earrings, rings – you can even decorate shoes!



One of many options: design pieces like the ones above, featuring delicate wire art, intricately shaped and woven by a local Tokyo artist.

No need to make reservations, just show up whenever you want, and get started! You'll have your own custom piece ready to take home in a matter of minutes.



Those aren't the only charm options, though!



They've got parts of all kinds, using stones, other bits of natural materials, and metals made into charms of all shapes and sizes. Even the accessory bases come in different metals and different colors. Whatever your style, you'll find some bits and pieces that are right up your alley.



Once you've found some pieces you like, it's time to start in on the DIY! The level of detail and difficulty you want to get into is up to you. If you choose a more complex design and get intimidated by some parts of the process, though, the staff are always happy to jump in and take over. You can do exactly as much of the creation, or as little, as you want!



The staff are super helpful, and some are even fluent English speakers, but if nobody at the shop can help you in your language of choice, they always have written instructions you can read through for some hints. And if you fall in love with your new accessory and want to make some more, you can always stop in at their other locations in the Yurakucho Marui and Laforet Harajuku.

Brooklyn Charm WORK SHOP
Shibuya Marui 2F, 1-22-6 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: Mon~Sat 11:00 – 21:00/Sun & Holidays 11:00 – 20:30
Official Website (jp)

Shibuya MODI



Just down the street is MODI, which is a mall with a different kind of vibe. It's a popular place to just chill out for a while and spend some time, with an interesting variety of shops, restaurants, pop-up stores, and even karaoke.

Shibuya MODI
1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
Official Website (en)



We decided to hang out for a while with this guy. His name, apparently, is Tom.

Tom is the barista at Henn na Cafe (変なカフェ), a little coffee shop tucked away on the basement floor of MODI. Tom, as you might have noticed, is a robot, which makes sense when you consider that the "henn" (変) in the cafe's name can mean both "strange" and "change." The use of a robot barista is certainly an unusual change from the norm!



The whole process of obtaining your drink is basically automated, for a cool, futuristic experience. Once you choose your beverage from the vending machine, it gives you a small slip of paper with a QR code on it. You then scan that barcode at the barista station, give Tom a cup to make your drink in, and he gets to work!



His one fancy robot arm gently grips the cup and takes it to all the different stations, making your drink one step at a time.



We grabbed some ice coffees.



But for those who like drinks with a little more pizzazz, the cafe has a little counter where they offer a whole selection of syrups that you can freely add to your drink for extra flavor. They even have simple instructions for some DIY latte art. We actually found it surprisingly doable!

Henn na Cafe (変なカフェ)
Shibuya MODI B1F, 1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: Weekdays 12:00 – 20:00/Weekends & Holidays 11:00 – 20:00
Official Website (en)



To spend the afternoon like a true local, head right up to the 8th floor of MODI after your coffee, to belt out some tunes at Rainbow Karaoke. While they have some compact standard rooms as well, the star of the show at Rainbow Karaoke is… this studio room! Forget microphones and tambourines, this impressive room is designed for bigger groups, and has a guitar, a bass, a drum kit, a keyboard, and even a DJ booth, all at your disposal. Unsurprisingly, it's a popular room for karaoke singers of all ages, so make reservations if you want to stop in! Although, while it's generally reserved for groups of 10 or more, if you arrive at Rainbow Karaoke and the studio room happens to be open and unused, you can actually hop in with any number of people!



Look closely and you'll see that the decorations are their take on New York. Except it's all much more stylish, and cleaner, than a real NYC street!



When going to karaoke in Japan, the general rule is that you have to order one drink per person, but you probably won't have much trouble here. They've got a huge variety of tempting options, alcoholic and not, plus some intriguing snacks. We hear their pizza is pretty good!



They also have VIP rooms, which are a pretty good option for parties, whether you want to sing all night or not. Aside from the karaoke setup, the rooms also have DVD players and nice speakers. Rent a DVD nearby for a little viewing party! If the weather outside is especially chilly, or unbearably hot and humid, escape to the comfy couches for an hour until you're ready to face Tokyo again. Or stay until 5 in the morning, that's fine too!

Rainbow Karaoke
Shibuya MODI 8F, 1-21-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: 11:00 – 5:00 (the next morning)
Official Website (jp)

Shibuya Restaurants

Fishing Restaurant ZAUO



"Fishing restaurant?" You may be thinking. "What does that even mean?"

The answer is that ZAUO is exactly what it sounds like – a restaurant where you can go fishing on the premises, and then eat what you catch then and there! For all those sushi and seafood lovers looking for super-fresh food while they're in Japan, it doesn't get much fresher.



Success! We caught some fish.



Of course, when ordering involves choosing and then successfully catching your fish of choice, it can get a little complicated, so ZAUO set up this simple ordering system for new visitors. Go for the Fishing Set Course, and you'll get a plate of sushi, some tempura and other sides, and 3 "Fishing Cards." Just check the simple table to figure out how many cards each fish is worth, and trade in your cards to go fishing! If you need more cards for your fish of choice, you can always purchase some extras for 418 yen each.

Once you've caught your fish, you can also choose from a few different cooking options. Pick whatever sounds most delicious, and the chefs will get right on it!



You've traded in your cards, and it's time to go fishing! Staff will hand you a rod, get a net ready, and point you towards the right kind of fish. The rest is on you!

Of course, once a fish is caught you can't put it back, so make sure you know what you're going for.



If you've got kids who want to learn a little about sushi while in Japan, stop in for a ZAUO sushi workshop, where they can put on little ZAUO uniforms and get to work! The teachers don't necessarily speak English, so they have a whole pile of explanation cards to help English-speakers follow along. It's a little like having subtitles in real life! At the end, kids receive a sushi class diploma to finish off the experience.

ZAUO Sushi Classes
Reservations Necessary – Available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays
13:00~
Workshop Fee: 3,850 yen
Official Workshop Page (en)



Before you head home, you might just be drawn in by their impressive selection of merchandise. Aside from simple items emblazoned with the shop name and location, they've got a pretty fun selection of items with fish-themed illustrations. The towels printed with fish names in Japanese are especially popular, and we have to agree, all those kanji characters look pretty cool! After you've had fun fishing, you'll be heading out of the shop with a full belly, and probably arms full of souvenirs as well.

For true fans of the experience, or travelers who aren't aiming to visit Shibuya, stop by their Shinjuku and Meguro locations as well.

Fishing Restaurant ZAUO Shibuya Branch
1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Weekday Hours: 17:00 – 23:00
Weekend Hours: 11:30 – 14:30 & 16:00 – 23:00
Official Website (en)Reservations

Insta-Worthy Izakaya – Yonesuke (米助)



If you're more of a meat person, you might want to head towards Yonesuke while you're in Shibuya. Their popular "Meat Volcano Hotpot" arrives in the form of a true mountain of meat and veggies, and a tasty one at that.



And while their flashy hotpot platters are pretty impressive, their Japanese-style grilled skewers go pretty perfectly with a glass of wine.



Head over in the evening with some friends, and party till the early hours of the morning! When in Rome!

Yonesuke (米助)
25-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo
Hours: Mon~Thur & Sun 16:00 – 24:00/Fri~Sat 16:00 – 5:00 (the next morning) 
Official Website (en)

For a Taste of What’s Fresh and New in Tokyo, Head to Shibuya!



Have you been to Shibuya before? Have you been there a thousand times? Let us know about your experiences in Tokyo, and your plans for the big city, on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

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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).

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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!

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      Fukushima Prefecture sits at the southern tip of Japan's northern Tohoku region, and is divided into three parts with their own different charms: the Coastal Area (Hama-dori), the Central Area (Naka-dori), and the Aizu Area. There's Aizu-Wakamatsu with its Edo-era history and medieval castles, Oze National Park, Kitakata ramen, and Bandai Ski Resort (with its famous powder snow). Fukushima is a beautiful place to enjoy the vivid colors and sightseeing of Japan's beloved four seasons.

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      Yamagata 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.

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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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