EXPLORE ACROSS JAPAN

Japan’s 47 prefectures

Places to visit and travel routes across 47 prefectures. Plan city stops and trips further afield.

47 / 47

Tohoku

Aomori Prefecture

  • Shirakami Sanchi

    A mountainous natural area recognized as a World Heritage site.

  • Hirosaki Castle

    A historic landmark with cherry blossom and snow lantern festivals.

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen; choose among the prefecture’s Shinkansen stops, JR trains and highway buses based on your destination.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Aomori Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Tohoku

Miyagi Prefecture

  • Matsushima Bay

    A scenic bay known for its island-dotted coastline.

  • Zao snow monsters

    Winter brings snow-covered trees to the Zao mountains.

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Sendai, then check local train or bus connections separately for areas such as Matsushima and Zao.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Miyagi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Tohoku

Akita Prefecture

  • Mt. Hachimantai

    Mt. Hachimantai turns vivid with autumn foliage.

  • Yokote Kamakura Snow Festival

    A longstanding winter snow festival held in Yokote.

Use the Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo, Sendai or Morioka; check local trains, buses or driving for other destinations within the prefecture.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Akita Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Tohoku

Yamagata Prefecture

  • Zao Onsen

    A mountain resort known for hot springs, winter skiing and snow monsters.

  • Yamadera (Risshakuji Temple)

    Risshakuji Temple stands on a steep hillside.

Take the Yamagata Shinkansen from Tokyo or fly to Yamagata or Shonai Airport, then plan onward travel by destination.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Yamagata Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Tohoku

Fukushima Prefecture

  • Goshikinuma Ponds

    A group of mineral lakes known for their aquamarine colors.

  • Aizu-Wakamatsu

    A castle town where visitors can explore samurai history and culture.

Take the Tohoku Shinkansen from Tokyo; for Aizu-Wakamatsu or Urabandai, transfer at Koriyama to local trains or buses.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Fukushima Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Ibaraki Prefecture

  • Hitachi Seaside Park

    A park known for expansive seasonal flowers and ocean views.

  • Tsukuba Space Center

    See space exhibits, real spacecraft and simulations.

From Tokyo, use the Joban Line from Ueno toward Mito, or the Tsukuba Express from Akihabara for the Tsukuba area.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Ibaraki Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Tochigi Prefecture

  • Shrines and temples of Nikko

    Nikko’s cultural sites are known for ornate shrines and temples.

  • Ashikaga Flower Park

    A garden known for its wisteria displays.

From Tokyo, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Utsunomiya or Oyama; reach Nikko by direct limited express from Asakusa/Shinjuku or via Utsunomiya.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Tochigi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Gunma Prefecture

  • Kusatsu and Ikaho Onsen

    Historic hot-spring towns for an onsen-focused visit.

  • Tomioka Silk Mill

    A UNESCO-listed site tied to Japan’s historic silk-reeling industry.

Take the Joetsu Shinkansen from Tokyo to Takasaki, then continue to other areas by local train, bus or rental car.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Gunma Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Saitama Prefecture

  • Nagatoro and Chichibu

    The Chichibu area offers outdoor activities among mountains and rivers.

  • Kawagoe

    A historic warehouse district nicknamed “Little Edo.”

From Tokyo, use JR lines such as the Takasaki or Utsunomiya lines via Omiya, then continue on local trains within the prefecture.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Saitama Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Chiba Prefecture

  • Sawara

    A historic town where visitors can explore its preserved old streets.

  • Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

    A Narita temple featured in the Michelin Green Guide Japan.

Use the Keiyo Line from Tokyo Station or the Sobu Line from other Tokyo stations; Narita International Airport is also in Chiba.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Chiba Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Tokyo Metropolis

  • Asakusa and Sensoji Temple

    Visit Sensoji and connect the area with Sumida River ferry routes and the history of Edo’s waterways.

  • Tokyo Islands

    Tokyo Metropolis also includes the Tokyo Islands, which call for a separate island itinerary.

Reach central Tokyo from Haneda or Narita by train or bus; the monorail is another option from Haneda.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Tokyo Metropolis ↗
2026-10-29

Kanto

Kanagawa Prefecture

  • Great Buddha of Kamakura

    Explore Kamakura’s Great Buddha, Zen temples and samurai festivals.

  • Hakone and Lake Ashinoko

    Explore hot springs, museums, ropeways and Lake Ashinoko in the Hakone area.

From Tokyo, use regular trains for Yokohama or Kawasaki; for Hakone, change at Odawara to the Hakone Tozan Railway.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Kanagawa Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Niigata Prefecture

  • Echigo-Yuzawa

    A ski and snowboard resort area served by the Joetsu Shinkansen.

  • Tokamachi rice terraces

    Colorful rice terraces spread across the Tokamachi foothills.

From Tokyo, the Joetsu Shinkansen serves Niigata City and Echigo-Yuzawa, while the Hokuriku Shinkansen serves Myoko; choose by destination.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Niigata Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Toyama Prefecture

  • Ainokura, Gokayama

    A mountain village within the Gokayama World Heritage area, together with Suganuma.

  • Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

    A mountain route with a spring snow corridor and Tateyama trekking.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Toyama; from Osaka or Kyoto, transfer at Tsuruga to the Shinkansen.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Toyama Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Ishikawa Prefecture

  • Kenrokuen Garden

    A garden attraction in Kanazawa’s historic center.

  • Noto Peninsula

    A peninsula known for rugged coasts and fresh seafood.

Take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo to Kanazawa; check separate airport or bus routes for Noto and Komatsu areas.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Ishikawa Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Fukui Prefecture

  • Eiheiji Temple

    A Zen temple set in the mountains.

  • Maruoka Castle

    A Fukui castle with an important place in Japanese architectural history.

Reach Fukui from Kanazawa by Hokuriku Shinkansen, or connect limited express and Shinkansen services from Osaka or Kyoto.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Fukui Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Yamanashi Prefecture

  • Lake Kawaguchi and Fuji Five Lakes

    A lakeside area around Mt. Fuji with views and nearby sights.

  • Yoshida Trail 5th Station

    The mountain-trail starting point for Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Route.

A common route is by train or highway bus from Shinjuku; from Kyoto, Osaka or Nagoya, check the transfer route via Shizuoka.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Yamanashi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Nagano Prefecture

  • Kamikochi

    A nature destination with panoramic mountain views.

  • Tsumago-juku and Narai-juku

    Preserved post towns from the samurai era in the Kiso Valley.

For northern Nagano, take the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tokyo; reach central areas such as Matsumoto by the Azusa from Shinjuku or Shinano from Nagoya.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Nagano Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Gifu Prefecture

  • Takayama

    A mountain town filled with color and music during its spring and autumn festivals.

  • Shirakawa-go

    A World Heritage village known for its thatched-roof houses.

Use JR trains from Nagoya for Gifu City, Gero or Takayama; buses from Takayama serve smaller towns in the north.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Gifu Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Shizuoka Prefecture

  • Izu Peninsula

    White-sand beaches, clear water and a rugged coastline define the peninsula.

  • Atami and Ito Onsen

    Two of Shizuoka’s leading hot-spring resort areas.

From Tokyo, take the Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami or Shizuoka Station; continue around the Izu Peninsula by local transport or car.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Shizuoka Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chubu & Hokuriku

Aichi Prefecture

  • Inuyama Castle

    A National Treasure and one of Japan’s oldest castles retaining its original form.

  • Osu Kannon

    A Nagoya temple known for lively New Year celebrations.

Use Nagoya as the transport hub, arrive by Shinkansen, then reach destinations in Aichi by JR, Meitetsu and bus.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Aichi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Mie Prefecture

  • Ise Jingu Shrine

    A shrine complex in Ise with forested grounds and pilgrimage paths.

  • Kumano Kodo Iseji

    A section of the Kumano pilgrimage route passing through Mie.

Reach Mie by JR or Kintetsu from Nagoya, Kyoto or Osaka, then plan local travel separately for Ise, Tsu or Matsusaka.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Mie Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Shiga Prefecture

  • Hikone Castle

    One of Japan’s few castles that remain largely intact in their original form.

  • Lake Biwa

    Enjoy lakeside scenery and outdoor activities around Japan’s largest lake.

Use Maibara for eastern Lake Biwa; for the south, check the Biwako Line, and for the west, the Kosei Line or other destination-specific routes.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Shiga Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Kyoto Prefecture

  • Shrines and historic streets in Kyoto City

    Kyoto City, the prefectural capital, brings together grand shrines, ancient castles and historic streets.

  • Amanohashidate and Kyoto by the Sea

    A northern coastal area of Kyoto Prefecture, best planned as a separate trip from Kyoto City.

Take the Shinkansen to Kyoto Station; use trains and buses within Kyoto City, and check Sanin Line transfers or buses for Amanohashidate and Miyama.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Kyoto Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Osaka Prefecture

  • Dotonbori and Minami

    A lively southern Osaka City district of neon lights and food spots.

  • Expo Memorial Park

    A park on the former site of Expo ’70.

Take the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka and transfer to Osaka Station, or use Nankai/JR from Kansai Airport toward Namba or Tennoji.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Osaka Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Hyogo Prefecture

  • Himeji Castle

    An iconic Japanese castle noted for its excellent preservation.

  • Kinosaki Onsen

    A hot-spring town with traditional inns and bathing streets.

Use the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Shin-Kobe or Himeji; commuter rail also connects Hyogo with Osaka and Kyoto.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Hyogo Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Nara Prefecture

  • Horyuji Temple

    An ancient temple with some of the world’s oldest surviving wooden structures.

  • Yamanobe-no-Michi

    A pilgrimage and walking route described as Japan’s oldest road.

Travel from Osaka or Kyoto to Nara; JR Nara and Kintetsu-Nara stations serve Nara Park and Naramachi, while buses reach Horyuji and Heijo Palace.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Nara Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kansai

Wakayama Prefecture

  • Mt. Koya

    A mountain temple complex with a quiet spiritual atmosphere.

  • Kumano Kodo

    An ancient pilgrimage route through dense forest.

Use limited express trains from Kyoto or Osaka to Wakayama City; for the southeast coast, check the Nanki service from Nagoya/Mie or local buses.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Wakayama Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chugoku

Tottori Prefecture

  • Mt. Daisen

    Hike and enjoy outdoor activities on this sacred mountain.

  • Uradome Coast

    A rugged coastline of clear water and hidden coves.

Use Tottori City or Yonago as separate hubs: reach Tottori by limited express from Himeji, or take rail from Okayama toward Yonago.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Tottori Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chugoku

Shimane Prefecture

  • Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine

    One of Japan’s oldest Shinto shrines.

  • Iwami Ginzan

    A historic mine that once produced a substantial share of the world’s silver.

For eastern Shimane, take a limited express from Okayama toward Yasugi, Matsue or Izumo; reach western Tsuwano by limited express from Shin-Yamaguchi.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Shimane Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chugoku

Okayama Prefecture

  • Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

    A historic quarter lined with preserved buildings.

  • Okayama Korakuen Garden

    One of Japan’s three celebrated gardens.

Take the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Okayama Station, then use local trains or buses for Kurashiki and northern areas such as Tsuyama or Takahashi.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Okayama Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chugoku

Hiroshima Prefecture

  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome

    The park contains numerous memorials and the iconic Atomic Bomb Dome.

  • Miyajima and Itsukushima Shrine

    The island is known for Itsukushima’s red torii gate standing over the water.

Reach Hiroshima on the Sanyo Shinkansen from Tokyo, Osaka or Fukuoka; an airport limousine bus connects the airport with the city center.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Hiroshima Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Chugoku

Yamaguchi Prefecture

  • Hagi Castle Town

    A former castle town with five World Heritage sites.

  • Karato Market, Shimonoseki

    A Shimonoseki market known for fresh seafood.

Use Shin-Yamaguchi or Shin-Shimonoseki on the Sanyo Shinkansen as entry points, then check local rail and bus connections for places such as Hagi.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Yamaguchi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Shikoku

Tokushima Prefecture

  • Naruto Whirlpools

    Sightseeing cruises offer views of the whirlpools in Naruto Strait.

  • Ohama Beach

    A beach visited by loggerhead turtles to lay eggs.

From distant cities, fly to Tokushima Airport or transfer to a highway bus at Shin-Kobe; ferries also run from Wakayama.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Tokushima Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Shikoku

Ehime Prefecture

  • Dogo Onsen

    A Matsuyama hot spring regarded as Japan’s oldest.

  • Shimanami Kaido

    A cycling route linking islands with views over the Seto Inland Sea.

Take the Shiokaze Limited Express from Okayama to Matsuyama or a jet ferry from Hiroshima; the Shimanami Kaido links Onomichi and Imabari.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Ehime Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Shikoku

Kochi Prefecture

  • Shimanto River

    Shikoku’s longest river, with riverside camping and outdoor activities.

  • Kochi Castle

    One of Japan’s 12 castles with its original keep still standing.

Fly to Kochi Ryoma Airport, or take the Shinkansen to Okayama and transfer to an express train or bus for Kochi.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Kochi Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Fukuoka Prefecture

  • Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

    A Dazaifu shrine known for its annual plum blossom display.

  • Kawachi Fujien Garden, Kitakyushu

    A garden in Kitakyushu known for its wisteria tunnel.

Hakata Station is Fukuoka City’s rail hub. Plan onward trains and buses separately for Kitakyushu, Dazaifu, Yanagawa and other parts of the prefecture.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Fukuoka Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Saga Prefecture

  • Mifuneyama Rakuen

    A Takeo garden with expansive displays of flowers and trees.

  • Ureshino Onsen

    A Saga hot-spring town for a relaxing soak.

Take a limited express from Hakata to Saga Station. Check onward trains and buses separately for Takeo, Arita or Karatsu.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Saga Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Nagasaki Prefecture

  • Dejima and Glover Garden

    Nagasaki City sites connected with the history of foreign merchants in Japan.

  • Goto Islands

    Western Nagasaki islands known for beaches and fresh seafood.

From Hakata, take a limited express such as Relay Kamome and change at Takeo-Onsen to the Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen. Plan Goto Islands travel separately.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Nagasaki Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

JNTO · Nagasaki Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Kumamoto Prefecture

  • Kumamoto Castle

    One of Japan’s best-known castle sites.

  • Kurokawa Onsen

    A traditional hot-spring resort town with Japanese inns.

Fly to Kumamoto or take the Kyushu Shinkansen; local trains and buses serve smaller towns. From Fukuoka Airport, transfer by train or bus.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Kumamoto Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Oita Prefecture

  • Beppu Onsen

    Explore Beppu’s hot-spring culture, including eggs steamed by bubbling onsen water.

  • Kokonoe Yume Grand Suspension Bridge

    A pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking mountain and valley scenery.

From Hakata, take the Shinkansen to Kokura and transfer to the Sonic Limited Express for Oita; local lines from Oita serve Beppu, Yufuin and Hita.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Oita Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Miyazaki Prefecture

  • Aoshima

    A seaside island shrine known for its sunrise views.

  • Takachiho Gorge

    See the gorge by day and kagura dances at Takachiho Shrine at night.

Flying to Miyazaki is the most convenient option from Tokyo; within Kyushu, compare highway buses from Fukuoka and rail/bus links via Kagoshima.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Miyazaki Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Kyushu

Kagoshima Prefecture

  • Sakurajima

    An active volcano across Kinko Bay.

  • Yakushima

    An island with ancient forests listed as a UNESCO natural World Heritage site.

Kagoshima City is the rail and airport hub; plan separate flights or ferries for outlying islands such as Yakushima and Amami.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Kagoshima Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

Okinawa

Okinawa Prefecture

  • Shuri Castle, Naha

    A Naha landmark on Okinawa’s main island, tied to the former Ryukyu Kingdom.

  • Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

    See whale sharks and diverse marine life in northern Okinawa’s main island.

  • Ishigaki Island and Yaeyama

    An island area in the Yaeyama group, separate from Okinawa’s main island.

Use Naha as the base for main-island monorail, bus and road travel. Check flights for Ishigaki, Miyako and Yonaguni; local ferries to smaller islands depart from separate island ports.

Sources & check date

JNTO · Okinawa Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29

JNTO · Okinawa Prefecture ↗
2026-10-29