Sponsored

The Perfect Summer Trip from Tokyo: 7 Great Spots in Tochigi’s Nasu Area

This article contains sponsored content.

  • X
  • line

In Japan, and looking for a summer getaway in the Kanto region? You can’t go wrong with the Nasu area! Even the Japanese Emperor and his family summer in Nasu.

What kind of place is Tochigi?

Tochigi Prefecture is a little north of Tokyo, with popular sightseeing spots just an hour or two away by shinkansen, and it's the largest prefecture in the Kanto region. While the name Tochigi may not be so well known outside of Japan yet, this expansive prefecture is dotted with famous sightseeing destinations and plenty to attract visitors, like Nikko Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, gyoza and cocktails in Utsunomiya, and specialty ramen in Sano. Today we'll go over a few of those popular spots that are just right for a summer trip through the area!

Arriving in Tochigi ・ Tochigi City (栃木市)

Kuranomachi Pleasure Boat Cruises & Historic Canals

Our first stop on this summer excursion is the city of Tochigi, where travelers can take pleasure cruises between the rows of historic old warehouses in Kuranomachi. These short 20-minute boat rides along the Uzuma River (巴波川) are a fun way to set the mood for the rest of the trip, as the boat punter slowly but surely pushes the boat over the cool water, all while explaining the history of the area and even singing local folk songs. It's said that the history of practical boat use along the Uzuma River started back in 1617, when the boats were used as transport during the process of reburying Tokugawa Ieyasu, one of the three "great unifiers" of Japan. Now, the striking white-plaster warehouses with intricate roofs along the riverside all tell the story of hundreds of years of history, moving both passengers and cargo up and down the river.



The Nasu Area (那須エリア)

Charming in All Seasons, But a True Summer Escape

In ancient times, the Nasu area flourished as its own domain, then called Nasukuni (那須国). These days the region still encompasses four different cities (Otawara, Nasushiobara, Nasukarasuyama, Nakagawa) plus the town of Nasu, divided into two geographic areas: the Nasu Highlands in the north-west, and wide prairies fed by mountain streams in the south-east. Thanks to Nasu's volcanoes, plus Takaharayama (or Mt. Takahara) and the Nasu Five Peaks, the area is also famous as a hotspot for onsen (温泉, hot springs). But Nasu's high elevation means that it stays cool throughout the warmer months, which is part of why it's such a popular summer retreat. So let's look at a few of Nasu's summer attractions.



1. Nasushiobara (那須塩原) ・ 1st Stop

Get the Great Outdoors All to Yourself at Onuma Park

After the wooden footpath at Onuma Park leads you through a quiet forest like a scene from a Studio Ghibli movie, the trees come to a sudden stop, and like walking through a magic portal, the sky opens up over the unique Onuma marshlands. Despite the dazzling rays of the summer sun above, a cool breeze wafts over this marshy grass, and it's hard to resist taking a few snapshots of this green panorama.



Onuma Park is fairly well known as a "koyo" (紅葉) spot, meaning the foliage is beautiful in the fall, but in summer it draws visitors thanks to the cool temperatures and some unique local wildlife. Forest green tree frogs hop through the wet grass below, and dragonflies buzz past your ear, including the world's smallest species of dragonfly, the "scarlet dwarf."



Onuma Park / Onuma-Enchi (大沼園地)
1333 Shiobara, Nasushiobara, Tochigi
Official Map (jp)

2. Nasushiobara (那須塩原) ・ 2nd Stop

Blue Waters Like Nowhere Else, in the Kinomata Valley

The waters of Kinomata River, one of the tributaries that leads into Tochigi's Naka River, are so clean and clear that the river shines a brilliant blue in the sunlight. It almost looks like a seam of vibrant turquoise running lazily through the surrounding valley walls.



Children splash on the riverbank and swimmers head to the deeper waters, but many visitors also come to enjoy the foliage growing on either side of the water. In spring the Kinomata River is surrounded by new green growth, and in fall the leaves turn colorful shades of red and yellow. The area is also a hotspot for a particular type of willow tree, called obayanagi in Japanese (オオバヤナギ), or Salix urbaniana.

In recent years, this spot along the river has grown in popularity as a swimming hole thanks to online reviews and word of mouth, so why not join in on a hot summer's day and take a dip in the cool water?



Kinomata River / Kinomata Valley (木の俣川/木の俣渓谷)
Momura, Nasushiobara, Tochigi

3. Nasu (那須)

Legends of the Nine-Tailed Fox at the Sesshoseki

One of the characters found in Japan's traditional tales is the nine-tailed fox, called the "kyubi no kitsune" (九尾の狐) in Japanese, and in one of those stories the creature is turned into a bolder while in Nasu, as punishment for mischievous deeds. That bolder, the "Killing Stone" or Sessho-seki (殺生石), sits surrounded by a stony field known for its uniquely beautiful and desolate atmosphere, which almost looks like a scene from the underworld or Japan's version of hell.



On one side of the raised walkway are piles of stones scattered across the ground, and on the other side are the "senbon jizo" (千本地蔵), a collection of small Buddhist jizo statues that are both cute… and a little scary.

This resting place for the nine-tailed fox isn't far from the hot springs of Nasu Yumoto Onsen, so it's a popular sightseeing spot for guests enjoying the nearby baths.



Recently, the "9B" or "Kyubi" project has created a unique way to learn more about the Killing Stone via the AR app COCOAR2. Scanning the QR codes posted around the area will get you videos on the site's history along with adorable illustrations of the nine-tailed fox to take AR pictures with, drawn by Akira Himekawa, whose past work includes Zelda!



The Killing Stone / Sessho-seki (殺生石)
Yumoto, Nasu, Nasu, Tochigi

4. Nakagawa (那賀川) ・ 1st Stop

Create Your Own Unique Koisagoyaki Souvenir at Fujita Pottery

Koisagoyaki ceramics are known for their particularly elegant coloring, often found painted a warm, gold-tinged yellow or a peachy cinnabar red. At Fujita Pottery, founded 170 years ago, visitors can tour the artisan studios, or even try their hand at making their own Koisagoyaki ceramics. Whether it's painting an item, hand-sculpting the clay, or using a pottery wheel, even beginners can make something to be proud of with a little instruction from one of the expert artisans.



After spending time in the studio, visitors can head over to the shop to pick up some beautiful souvenirs for friends and family. There are plates and cups of all shapes and sizes, but the charming little shop also sells buttons and cute figurines, and fun things like weights to put on top of your cup noodles. It's almost like a mini ceramics museum!



Fujita Pottery (藤田製陶所)
2710 Koisago, Nakagawa, Nasu District, Tochigi
Official Website (jp)

5. Nakagawa (那賀川) ・ 2nd Stop

Face to Face with Ukiyo-e Masterpieces in the Kengo Kuma-Designed Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art

After admiring some artisan crafts, our next stop is an art museum! This museum is just one example of the many structures around Tochigi Prefecture designed by famed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, and even from the outside the building is a calming vision, evoking the traditional Utagawa Hiroshige ukiyo-e paintings inside. The low, spaciously-built museum with its gabled roof blends into the natural scenery of surrounding Nakagawa.



The museum's interiors were also constructed using local materials, like walls of washi paper made in nearby Karasuyama, and stone floors made with Ashino rock. After taking in the renowned works of Utagawa Hiroshige, and admiring the beauty of the building itself, we recommend you explore the rest of the neighborhood too, which has a bit of a retro feel.



Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art (馬頭広重美術館)
116-9 Bato, Nakagawa, Nasu District, Tochigi
Hours: 9:30 – 17:00
Official Website (en)

6. Nasu Karasuyama (那須烏山) ・ 1st Stop

See Cave-Aged Sake in Wartime Tunnels at Shimazaki Brewery

Towards the end of the Second World War, 400 people spent a year and a half carving these tunnels out of the mountain and setting up a tank manufacturing plant inside. These days, the space is used as a sort of "sake storehouse cave," where Shimazaki Brewery ages their sake. Since the cave stays at an average of 10°C (50°F) all year round, it's a perfect place to let the alcohol mature.



The cave is made of three main tunnels, each about 3.5m (11.5ft) wide and tall, and 100m (328ft) long, which are connected by five 60m (197ft) cross-tunnels, meaning about 600m (1969ft) of tunnel altogether. Sake is most commonly drunk fresh, within a year of brewing, and you might hear that it's difficult to age, but in this ideal environment, the sake is aged into a product both smooth and aromatic.

If you're looking for a gift to give a sake-lover you know, the brewery offers some unique products. Their New Year's Bottles are aged until the end of December, and arrive just in time to celebrate new year. For their Owner's Bottles, though, you buy a bottle and contract lasting between 5 and 20 years! The sake is then left to age in the cave for however many years before being delivered, perhaps to celebrate an important anniversary!



Shimazaki Brewery's Sake Storehouse Cave (島崎酒造 どうくつ酒蔵)
1-11-18 Central, Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi
Official Website (en)

7. Nasu Karasuyama (那須烏山) ・ 2nd Stop

Trains, Serpents, and Famous Cherry Blossoms at Ryumon Falls

These broad falls stretch 65m (213ft) across, and pour 20m (66ft) down the cliffside as part of the Egawa River, before the water becomes a part of Tochigi's larger Naka River. The name, which translates to "Dragon's Gate Falls" in Japanese, comes from a legend telling of a giant serpent who made its home at the waterfall. While you're unlikely to see any dragons, you can spend some time relaxing on the viewing platforms nearby, or even climbing down onto the pebbly river islands and getting close to the crashing water.



The cherry blossom trees around the area make it a popular spot during the springtime, but a local train runs behind the waterfall throughout the year, so it's a must-see spot for any railroad fanatics! At the top of the path leading to the falls is the Ryumon Folk Art Center, which not only has a corner dedicated to local Karasuyama legends, but also an observation deck.



Ryumon Falls (龍門の滝)
414 Taki, Nasukarasuyama, Tochigi

Heading Home ・ Mashiko (益子)

A Sunny Side Stop on the Way Home, at Michi-no-Eki Mashiko

Finishing off a Tochigi road trip? On your way out of Tochigi, don't forget to stop at Michi-no-Eki Mashiko, like a rest stop but better! The building is backed up against green grassy lawn and golden fields beyond, a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the blue sky. Inside you'll find local produce and handmade goods, souvenirs and unusual snacks. Grab a treat and spend some time sitting in the sun!



Michi-no-Eki Mashiko (道の駅ましこ)
2271 Nagatsutsumi Mashiko, Tochigi
Official Website (jp)

See You Again Soon, Tochigi!



So, what do you think? The Japankuru team has covered some of Tochigi's most famous sightseeing destinations in the past, but this time we decided to look more deeply at the broader Nasu area, and found some great summer excursions. Next time, we'll be looking at some of the best spots for enjoying fall weather and the changing leaves in Tochigi, but until then, take a look at some articles from the archive!

▶︎ General Tochigi Recommendations
▶︎ Points of Interest in Southern Tochigi Part 1
▶︎ Points of Interest in Southern Tochigi Part 2
▶︎ 3 Things to Do in Utsunomiya
▶︎ A Day Trip to Mashiko
▶︎ Resorts & Seasonal Delights in Nasu

For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don't forget to follow us on twitter, instagram, and facebook!

Details

NAME:Nasu Area, Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県那須エリア)

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

  • facebook
  • line

COMMENT

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

FEATURED MEDIA

VIEW MORE →

A Tokyo Winter Must-See: Tokyo Mega Illumination

Event Period: November 2, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025
 *Closed Nov 4~8, Dec 1~6, Dec 25~ Jan 1. End date may be subject to change.
Hours: 16:30 – 21:00 (final admission 20:00)
 *Opening hours may vary depending on scheduled events or congestion, please check the official website for details.
Directions: 2 min. walk from Tokyo Monorail Oikeibajo-Mae Station, 12 min. walk from Keikyu Tachiaigawa Station

#japankuru #tokyowinter #tokyomegaillumination #megaillumination2024 #tokyocitykeiba #도쿄메가일루미네이션 #tokyotrip #oiracecourseillumination

A Tokyo Winter Must-See: Tokyo Mega Illumination Event Period: November 2, 2024 ~ January 12, 2025  *Closed Nov 4~8, Dec 1~6, Dec 25~ Jan 1. End date may be subject to change. Hours: 16:30 – 21:00 (final admission 20:00)  *Opening hours may vary depending on scheduled events or congestion, please check the official website for details. Directions: 2 min. walk from Tokyo Monorail Oikeibajo-Mae Station, 12 min. walk from Keikyu Tachiaigawa Station #japankuru #tokyowinter #tokyomegaillumination #megaillumination2024 #tokyocitykeiba #도쿄메가일루미네이션 #tokyotrip #oiracecourseillumination

1|8

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, 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

      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.

    • 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

      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.

    • 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

      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 (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

      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 (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

      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 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

      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.

MOST POPULAR

RELATED ARTICLES

PARTNERS