Sponsored

IZUMO | Mythes et Légendes et Ville de l’Amour

This article contains sponsored content.

  • X
  • line



Avez-vous déjà entendu parler de la Préfecture de Shimane (島根県)? Non! … Aucun souci! A vrai dire même les japonais ne sont que très peu familier avec cette préfecture. 

Il s’agit de la préfecture mise en relief sur cette carte! Elle est située dans la région du Chugoku (中国地方) à l’Ouest de l’île principale du Japon et bordée par la Mer du Japon. Même si la population y est très faible et que les environs ne soient pas une zone d’affaires il y a de nombreuses raisons de visiter Shimane! Il y a une multitude de lieux inscrits au Patrimoine Culturel ainsi qu’une forte présence des mythes et légendes.

La 47ème préfecture au classement de Popularité



Pour attirer l’attention et la popularité de la préfecture de Shimane des illustrations promotionnelles ont été créés.

Voilà le genre de slogan qu’elles proposent : 
47ème au classement sur…. 47! 
Shimane c’est près de Trottori, non? 
Du Patrimoine culturel mondiale à Shimane, impossible! 
Non il n’y a pas de sable ni de dune ici! 
‘Souvenez-vous de Shimane!’ c’est pas un peu négatif comme slogan?! 

Pour connaître les auteurs rendez-vous ICI!

Shimane n’est peut-être tout simplement pas mis en avant! A part l'Izumo Taisha (出雲大社), reconnu pour renforcer les liens des couples, qu’y a-t-il de beau à voir dans cette fameuse préfecture? Allons le découvrir ensemble!

Comment s’y Rendre? 

✈️ En Avion (JAL) 
Aéroport de Tokyo Haneda → Aéroport d’Izumo
90 minutes de vol・5 vols par jour

Aéroport International d’Osaka → Aéroport d’Izumo
65 minutes de vol・6 vols par jour

🚈 En Train
Gare de Tokyo → Station d’Izumo Ville
Vous pouvez emprunter le Shinkansen Nozomi et vous arrêtez à Okayama pour un changement sur la ligne rapide Yakumo (environ 6h30 de trajet) 
Vous pouvez également utiliser le train rapide (limited express) jusqu’à Sanraizu (environ 12h de trajet). 

Station d’Osaka → Station d’Izumo Ville
Empruntez le Shinkansen Nozomi et vous arrêtez à Okayama pour un changement sur la ligne rapide Yakumo (environ 4h de trajet) 

🚍 En Bus Rapide
WILLER EXPRESS est une solution judicieuse pour ceux désirant voyager en bus. Vous pouvez visiter la Page Web (Anglais) pour en connaître plus sur leurs services.
 

Les Spots à ne pas Manquer à Shimane!



C’est endroit est parfait pour admirer les couleurs des arbres pendant la période automnale. Nombreux sont les touristes passant pour ici pour se balader et immortaliser ce moment éphémère. 

L’origine du lieu est assez mystique. On dit qu’un moine venait prier régulièrement sous la cascade des lieux afin de soigner les yeux de l’Empereur. Une fois guérit l’Empereur aurait offert le Gakuenji au moine en gage de reconnaissance. 

Gakuenji 
148 Besshochō, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken 691-0022, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-66-0250
⏰: 8h – 17h
🅿️ : 60 places de parking disponibles
💴 : Adultes 500 yens・Lycéens et collégiens 300 yens・Enfants 200 yens
Réduction disponible pour les groupes de plus de 20 personnes.
Page Web



Pour rejoindre le Sanctuaire Karakama vous devrez grimper la montagne et passer par des endroits escarpés. Ce sanctuaire est connu pour souhaiter un bon accouchement. Le sanctuaire n’est pas grand mais on dit que chaque voeu sincère peut voir le jour. 

Si vous passez par la gauche du Torii vous pourrez également apercevoir une chute d’eau. 

Sanctuaire Karakama
408 Ushirono, Karakawacho, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
🅿️ : disponible
Page Web



Tachikuekyō est passé Parc national en 1964. La promenade vous prendra une petite heure. Lors de votre balade dans la zone de Tachikuekyō vous passerez notamment par deux pont surmontant la rivière.  

Tachikuekyō
Tachikue, Ottachichou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
🅿️ : disponible
Page Web (Japonais)

❹ Sanctuaire Hinomisaki (日御碕神社) – Un Sanctuaire protecteur de la Nuit



Entrée du sanctuaire Hinomisaki



Il y a deux bâtiments principaux



Porte-bonheur

Une légende raconte que le soleil se lève à l’Est au Sanctuaire d’Ise pour se coucher à l’ouest au Sanctuaire Hinomisaki. Voilà pourquoi on dit que ce dernier protégerait la nuit! 

Vous pouvez vous procurer des portes-bonheur dit ‘omamori’ (御守り) au sanctuaire pour vous protéger du danger et de la mauvaise chance! Ces omamori contiennent le sable et la pierre des lieux, ils vous garderont en sécurité!
💴 : 500 yens ・Disponible en 3 couleurs.

Sanctuaire Hinomisaki 
 1478 Hinomisaki, Taishachou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
⏰: 8h30 – 16h30
🅿️ : 20 places de parking disponibles
Page Web (Japonais)
 



❺ Phare d’Hinomisaki

En dehors du sanctuaire vous pouvez également passer par le Phare d’Hinomisaki. Il s’agit du phare le plus à l’Ouest de la préfecture de Shimane. D’ici vous pouvez avoir une merveilleuse vue sur la Mer du Japon!

Phare d’Hinomisaki 
1478 Hinomisaki, Taishachou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-54-5341
⏰: 9h – 16h30
🅿️ : Disponible
💴 : Adultes et Lycéens 200 yens・Gratuit pour les plus jeunes
Page Web (Japonais)

Une Préfecture pour Un tas d’Activités! ① Vignoble de Shimane



Vignobles de la région



Dégustation gratuite

Ici à Shimane vous pouvez non seulement goûter les vins mais aussi en apprendre plus sur le processus de fabrication du vin, acheter des souvenirs et du vin. La maison propose également des repas à base de viande pour accompagner votre vin. 

La dégustation gratuite est disponible dans la boutique, bonne nouvelle pour les amateurs de vin! 
Petit rappel, ne buvez pas si vous prenez le volant! 

Vignoble de Shimane
264-2 Taishachouhishine, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-53-5577
⏰: 9h30 – 17h (pour plus d’informations sur les horaires d’ouvertures, rendez-vous ICI)
Brochure en anglais
Page Web (Japonais)
 

② Okamo – Boutique de Sauce Soja



Une boutique ancestrale



Des variantes de Sauce Soja



Prêts pour la dégustation!

La boutique est tenue aujourd’hui par la 8ème génération de la même famille. En voyant la devanture vous comprendrez tout de suite que l’enseigne a une très longue histoire remontant à l’époque Edo

En plus de visiter les lieux de fabrication vous aurez l’opportunité de goûter aux différentes variantes de Sauce Soja. Goûtez-y avec un peu de pain et vos papilles s’occuperont de vous dire celle que vous préférez! 

Boutique de Sauce Soja Okamo
861 Hiratachou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-62-2045
⏰: 9h – 18h (peut varier le week-end et en jour férié) 
Page Web (Japonais)

③ Sakemochida – Boutique de Saké



Devanture en bois



Intérieur Sombre mais Charmant



Poupée mystérieuse

Cette boutique de saké a une histoire de plus de 140 ans. Afin de conserver le vin au maximum, la lumière du jour est bloquée. La boutique est donc un peu sombre et soyez prévenu qu’il fait également relativement froid. 

Nous avons eu la chance d’échanger quelques mots avec le propriétaire pour en apprendre énormément sur la fabrication du saké ainsi que les différentes variétés de riz utilisées. 

Boutique de Saké Sakemochida
785 Hiratachou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-62-2023
Page Web (Japonais)

④ Kurumaya – Boutique de Bonbons au Gingembre



Une devanture traditionnelle



Les emballages sous forme de prescriptions



Des bonbons en forme de coeur

La délicieux thé au gingembre que nous avions déjà goûté nous a donné envie de faire un tour à cette boutique qui propose des bonbons au gingembre! Ces derniers sont d’ailleurs en forme de coeur, parfait pour offrir à votre partenaire. Cependant seules les bonbons acheter à la boutique ont cette forme. Pour les achats en ligne ils seront beaucoup plus classiques. 

Boutique de Bonbons au Gingembre Kurumaya
774 Hiratachou, Izumo-shi, Shimane-ken, Japon
📞 : (+81)0853-62-2115
⏰: 9h – 19h 
Page Web (Japonais)

Comme vous avez pu le voir même si Shimane est annoncée comme 47ème préfecture au classement de popularité elle propose une tonne d’activités et de lieux magnifiques à découvrir. Pourquoi pas vous laisser tenter lors de votre prochain voyage dans l’Ouest du Japon. 

Restez connectés pour de nouveaux articles originaux tous les jours sur JAPANKURU🐶.

N'hésitez pas à nous suivre également sur nos réseaux Facebook et Instagram pour plus d'histoires japonaises!

Details

NAME:Shimane

MAP

ADDRESS:

島根県出雲市平田町774

島根県出雲市別所町148

島根県出雲市唐川町字後野408番地

島根県出雲市乙立町立久恵

島根県出雲市大社町日御碕455

島根県出雲市大社町日御碕1478

島根県出雲市大社町菱根264-2

島根県出雲市平田町861番地

島根県出雲市平田町785番地

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

  • facebook
  • line

COMMENT

S’abonner
Notification pour
guest
0 Comments
Le plus ancien
Le plus récent Le plus populaire
Commentaires en ligne
Afficher tous les commentaires

FEATURED MEDIA

VIEW MORE →

Tokyo Shopping Spot Recommendation: New Balance Kichijoji
#newbalance #newbalancekichijoji #newbalancejapan #japanesesneakerheads #shoppinginjapan #japantrip #도쿄여행 #도쿄쇼핑 #뉴발란스 #일본한정 #일본패션 #日本購物 #日本買衣服 #NB #日本時尚 #東京購物 #รองเท้าnewbalance #นิวบาลานซ์ 
#รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #คิจิโจจิ #japankuru

Tokyo Shopping Spot Recommendation: New Balance Kichijoji #newbalance #newbalancekichijoji #newbalancejapan #japanesesneakerheads #shoppinginjapan #japantrip #도쿄여행 #도쿄쇼핑 #뉴발란스 #일본한정 #일본패션 #日本購物 #日本買衣服 #NB #日本時尚 #東京購物 #รองเท้าnewbalance #นิวบาลานซ์ #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #คิจิโจจิ #japankuru

See Kyoto Clearly With Your New Glasses
#japankuru #kyoto #jins #교토여행 #진즈 #京都 #교토수족관 #가모가와 #kamogawa #kyotoaquarium

See Kyoto Clearly With Your New Glasses #japankuru #kyoto #jins #교토여행 #진즈 #京都 #교토수족관 #가모가와 #kamogawa #kyotoaquarium

The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU
#japankkuru #conversejp_pr #conversejapan #harajuku #tokyotrip #converse #tokyoshopping #匡威 #帆布鞋 #東京購物 #原宿 #日本時尚 #일본쇼핑 #일본컨버스 #일본한정 #하라주쿠 #일본패션 #일본스트릿 #รองเท้าconverse #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง 
#ฮาราจูกุ #คอนเวิร์ส

The First Japanese Converse Flagship: CONVERSE STORE HARAJUKU #japankkuru #conversejp_pr #conversejapan #harajuku #tokyotrip #converse #tokyoshopping #匡威 #帆布鞋 #東京購物 #原宿 #日本時尚 #일본쇼핑 #일본컨버스 #일본한정 #하라주쿠 #일본패션 #일본스트릿 #รองเท้าconverse #รองเท้าผ้าใบ #ช้อปปิ้ง #ฮาราจูกุ #คอนเวิร์ส

Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup
#pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics

Japanese Makeup Shopping • A Trip to Kamakura & Enoshima With Canmake’s Cool-Toned Summer Makeup #pr #canmake #enoshima #enoden #에노시마 #캔메이크 #japanesemakeup #japanesecosmetics

⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon!
🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중
💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀,和你想的不一樣!拿好優惠券去看看~
#tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta

⚔️The Robot Restaurant is gone, but the Samurai Restaurant is here to take its place. Check it out, and don't forget your coupon! 🍣신주쿠의 명소 로봇 레스토랑이 사무라이 레스토랑으로 부활! 절찬 쿠폰 발급중 💃18歲以上才能入場的歌舞秀,和你想的不一樣!拿好優惠券去看看~ #tokyo #shinjuku #samurairestaurant #robotrestaurant #tokyotrip #도쿄여행 #신주쿠 #사무라이레스토랑 #이색체험 #할인이벤트 #歌舞伎町 #東京景點 #武士餐廳 #日本表演 #日本文化體驗 #japankuru #japantrip #japantravel #japanlovers #japan_of_insta

Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon!
用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️
코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기

#pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon

Japanese appliance & electronics shopping with our KOJIMA x BicCamera coupon! 用JAPANKURU的KOJIMA x BicCamera優惠券買這些正好❤️ 코지마 x 빅 카메라 쿠폰으로 일본 가전 제품 쇼핑하기 #pr #japankuru #japanshopping #kojima #biccamera #japaneseskincare #yaman #dji #osmopocket3 #skincaredevice #日本購物 #美容儀 #相機 #雅萌 #日本家電 #일본여행 #면세 #여행꿀팁 #일본쇼핑리스트 #쿠폰 #일본쇼핑 #일본브랜드 #할인 #코지마 #빅카메라 #japankurucoupon

Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the famous real-size 20m-tall Unicorn Gundam, and the popular shopping center has even more Gundam on the inside! Check out the Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor for shelves upon shelves of Gunpla, and the Gundam Base Tokyo Annex on the 2nd floor for cool anime merchandise. Both shops have tons of limited-edition items!
#pr #odaiba #tokyo #tokyotrip #japantrip #japantravel #PR #divercity #divercitytokyoplaza #tokyoshopping #gundam #unicorngundam #gundambasetokyo #anime #otaku #gunpla #japankuru #오다이바 #다이바시티도쿄 #오다이바건담 #건담 #일본건담 #건프라 #건담베이스도쿄

Odaiba's DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is home to the famous real-size 20m-tall Unicorn Gundam, and the popular shopping center has even more Gundam on the inside! Check out the Gundam Base Tokyo on the 7th floor for shelves upon shelves of Gunpla, and the Gundam Base Tokyo Annex on the 2nd floor for cool anime merchandise. Both shops have tons of limited-edition items! #pr #odaiba #tokyo #tokyotrip #japantrip #japantravel #PR #divercity #divercitytokyoplaza #tokyoshopping #gundam #unicorngundam #gundambasetokyo #anime #otaku #gunpla #japankuru #오다이바 #다이바시티도쿄 #오다이바건담 #건담 #일본건담 #건프라 #건담베이스도쿄

|

MAP OF JAPAN

SEARCH BY REGION →

    • HOKKAIDO

      VIEW MORE →

      Hokkaido (北海道) is the northernmost island in the four main islands that make up Japan. Famous for Sapporo Beer, NIKKA WHISKY, and the winter festival "Yuki Matsuri" in Sapporo, Hokkaido is also known for their beautiful national parks. Potatoes, cantaloupe, dairy products, "Genghis Khan", soup curry, and miso ramen are their known famous foods!

    • 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 6 prefectures, the Tohoku region (東北地方) is located in the northeastern part of Japan's main island. Being a beautiful source of nature and agriculture, the region is well known for its 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.

    • Being the most densely populated area, the Kanto region (関東地方) includes the Greater Tokyo Area and 7 prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, Saitama, Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa. It is considered to be the cultural, political, economic heartland of Japan due to each prefecture offering something different from their neighbor.

    • 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) est la capitale animée du Japon et la région métropolitaine la plus peuplée du monde. Alors que la ville dans son ensemble est assez moderne, bondée de gratte-ciel et de foules animées, Tokyo conserve également son côté traditionnel dans des endroits tels que le palais impérial et le quartier d'Asakusa. C'est l'une des meilleures villes du monde en matière de culture, d'arts, de mode, de jeux, d'industries de haute technologie, de transport et plus encore.

    • The Chubu region (中部地方) is located in the center of Japan's main island and consists of 9 prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Gifu, Ishikawa, Nagano, Niigata, Shizuoka, Toyama, and Yamanashi. Being primarily famous for its mountains like Mount Fuji and the Japanese Alps, and ski resorts in Niigata and Nagano, it is a popular winter destination for tourists.

    • 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 (関西地方) is a region that includes Mie, Nara, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo and Shiga prefectures. Gradually becoming one of the most popular areas of Japan, Kyoto's temples and shrines, Osaka Castle, and feeding the deer in Kobe are considered a must. Many say the people in Kansai are more open and friendly, making it a fun place to hang out at night.

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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) has 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki and Kagoshima. Famous for its unique culture and history of Chinese and Dutch trade and Western missionaries, Kyushu offers many historic treasures and beauties. It is also home to some of Japan's most famous natural hot springs due to all the volcanos.

    • 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