Japan 47 Prefectures Checklist

Vast nature including Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, and Shiretoko. In winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival (early February, Odori Park venue) and drift ice in Abashiri (late January to March); in summer, lavender in Furano (early to mid-July) and brown bear watching in Shiretoko. Specialties include seafood (sea urchin, crab, salmon roe), jingisukan, miso ramen, and soup curry.

The northernmost tip of Honshu, with the impressive Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2-7) and the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park (late April to early May). The autumn colors of Oirase Gorge and Lake Towada, and the Shirakami-Sanchi, a World Natural Heritage site. Specialties include the No. 1 apple production in Japan, Oma tuna, senbei soup, and Tsugaru soba.

The Golden Hall of Chuson-ji Temple in Hiraizumi (World Heritage site), the hometown of Kenji Miyazawa in Hanamaki, the clear blue underground lake of Ryusendo Cave, and the ria coastline and sea urchin/abalone of the Sanriku Coast. The Morioka three noodles (wanko soba, Morioka reimen, jajatemen) and Maesawa beef are Iwate's flavors.

The islands of Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, and Zuigan-ji Temple; the Sendai Tanabata Festival (August 6-8) in summer; and the emerald green volcanic lake of Okama in Zao. Specialties include Sendai beef tongue, zunda mochi, sasakama, and oysters from Matsushima Bay.

Namahage on New Year's Eve (Oga Peninsula), Akita Kanto Festival (August 3-6), and the samurai residences of Kakunodate with its nationally designated natural monument weeping cherry trees (mid-April to early May). Lake Tazawa, the deepest lake in Japan (423.4m), and the famous hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo. Kiritanpo hot pot, Inaniwa udon, and Hinai Jidori chicken are local dishes.

The 1015 stone steps of Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple) and the footprints of Matsuo Basho, the Taisho-era retro atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen, and the snow monsters of Zao (late December to early March). No. 1 production of cherries and La France in Japan. Specialties include Yonezawa beef, imoni, and tamakonyak.

Tsuruga Castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu and the thatched-roof village of Ouchi-juku, the lake group of Goshikinuma Ponds and Lake Inawashiro, and Bandai-Asahi National Park. Kitakata ramen and Aizu horse sashimi, and a fruit kingdom of peaches and pears.

Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, and the Mito Plum Festival (mid-February to late March); the nemophila flowers (mid-April to early May) and autumn foliage kochia (mid-October) at Hitachi Seaside Park, and Fukuroda Falls. Specialties include the No. 1 natto production in Japan, monkfish hot pot, and Hitachi beef.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine (World Heritage site) and Kegon Falls, the nature and zoos of Nasu Highlands, Kinugawa Onsen, and the Great Wisteria at Ashikaga Flower Park (late April to early May). Utsunomiya gyoza, yuba dishes, and the No. 1 strawberry production.

Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake, which have the largest natural hot spring output in Japan, the stone steps of Ikaho, the Jomo Sanzan mountains (Mt. Akagi, Mt. Haruna, Mt. Myogi), and the mizubasho flowers in Ozegahara (late May to early June). Daruma dolls, konjac, Shimonita leeks, and yakimanju are local flavors.

The Edo-period atmosphere of Kawagoe and its Toki no Kane bell tower, the Chichibu 34 Kannon pilgrimage and the Nagatoro river cruise, and Moominvalley Park (Hanno). Specialties include Soka senbei, Fukaya leeks, and sweet potato sweets from Kawagoe.

Warm climate of Chiba Prefecture, including Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu City), Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Kujukuri Beach, and the Boso Peninsula. Japan's top producer of peanuts and pears, abundant seafood such as namerou and Ise lobster.

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Zoo, Harajuku's pop culture. Monjayaki, Fukagawa Meshi, and Edomae Sushi are the tastes of Edo.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine and the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in Temple) in Kamakura, Yokohama Chinatown and Red Brick Warehouse, hot springs and Lake Ashi in Hakone, Enoshima Island and the Shonan Coast. Yokohama Shumai, Kamakura vegetables, and Shonan raw whitebait are specialties.

Koshihikari rice and Japan's top rice harvest and cultivation area, Toki ibises on Sado Island, hot springs and heavy snowfall region of Echigo-Yuzawa, Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display (August 2-3), Tokamachi Snow Festival. Hegisoba, Sasadango, Nodoguro blackthroat seaperch, and Niigata sake (Hakkaisan, Kubota) are specialties.

Snow Wall (mid-April to late June) and Kurobe Dam of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, Toyama Kansui Park, also called the world's most beautiful Starbucks, Gassho-style houses of Gokayama (World Heritage Site). White shrimp, firefly squid, and winter yellowtail from Toyama Bay, and Masu no Sushi (trout sushi) are specialties.

Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan's three most famous gardens) and Kanazawa Castle in Kanazawa, fresh seafood at Omicho Market, traditional townscape of Higashi Chaya District, Wajima lacquerware and Senmaida terraced rice fields on the Noto Peninsula. Culture of Kaga Hyakuman-goku, Kanazawa Oden, Nodoguro blackthroat seaperch, and Kaga vegetables are specialties.

Zen training at Eihei-ji Temple and the sheer cliffs of Tojinbo, Echizen Coast and Dinosaur Museum, Asakura Family Residence Site in Ichijodani. Winter Echizen crab (November-March) and Wakasa Guzi fish, Echizen soba, and Sauce Katsu-don are local flavors.

Fuji Five Lakes (Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, etc.) and the spring water of Oshino Hakkai, Kofu associated with Takeda Shingen, Kiyosari Plateau and Shosenkyo Gorge. Japan's top producer of grapes, peaches, and plums; Koshu wine, Hoto noodles, Shingen Mochi, and horse meat sashimi are local flavors.

Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto Castle, Azusa River and Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi, summer resort of Karuizawa, ski resorts of Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park. Shinshu soba, Oyaki dumplings, Nozawana pickles, Shinshu salmon, and apples are specialties.

Gassho-style houses of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (World Heritage Site), old townscape and morning market of Hida Takayama, Gero Onsen hot springs, Cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (May 11 - October 15), Sekigahara Ancient Battlefield. Hida beef, Hoba Miso, Kurikinton sweet chestnut paste, and Goheimochi rice cakes are local dishes.

Mt. Fuji and Miho Pine Grove (World Heritage Site), Atami Onsen hot springs, coastlines of the Izu Peninsula, Sakura shrimp fishing in Suruga Bay. One of Japan's leading tea-producing regions and the birthplace of wasabi cultivation; Shizuoka Oden, Fujinomiya Yakisoba, and grilled eel are specialties.

Golden鯱 (Shachihoko) of Nagoya Castle and Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Tokugawa Art Museum, Inuyama Castle (National Treasure), Meiji Mura, Handa's float festival. Abundant 'Nagoya Meshi' (Nagoya cuisine) such as Miso Katsu, Hitsumabushi, Kishimen noodles, Nagoya Cochin chicken, and Ankake Spaghetti.

Shikinen Sengu (rebuilding ceremony) of Ise Jingu Shrine (Geku and Naiku), Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route (World Heritage Site), Suzuka Circuit, ria coastlines and pearl cultivation of Shima. Matsusaka beef, Ise lobster, Tekone Sushi, and Akabuku mochi are specialties.

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake (approx. 1/6 of the prefecture's area), Hikone Castle (National Treasure), Mt. Hiei Enryaku-ji Temple (World Heritage Site), water village of Omihachiman, Shigaraki ware raccoon dogs. Omi beef, Funazushi sushi, and Aka konnyaku (red konjac) are local flavors.

17 World Heritage Sites including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Gion Festival (July), Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge, Sagano Bamboo Forest, Amanohashidate. Kyo Kaiseki haute cuisine, Yudofu (boiled tofu), Nishin Soba (herring soba), Yatsuhashi sweets, and Matcha sweets are specialties.

Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower, Glico Signboard in Dotonbori, USJ, Shinsekai district, Tower of the Sun in Expo '70 Commemorative Park, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Dotonbori, the city of 'Kuidaore' (eating until you drop), offers Takoyaki, Okonomiyaki, Kushikatsu skewers, Kitsune Udon, and 551 Horai pork buns.

Himeji Castle (National Treasure, Japan's first World Heritage Site) and Kobe Chinatown, Arima Onsen hot springs, Naruto Whirlpools off Awaji Island, Kinosaki Onsen hot springs, Kitano Ijinkan foreign residences. Kobe beef, Akashi-yaki dumplings, Izushi soba, and Banshu Ramen are local flavors.

Todai-ji Temple's Great Buddha and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, wild deer of Nara Park, Horyu-ji Temple (world's oldest wooden building, World Heritage site), Mount Yoshino's cherry blossoms, ancient burial mounds of Asuka Village. Persimmon leaf sushi, Miwa somen noodles, and Narazuke pickles are local specialties.

Mount Koya's Kongobu-ji Temple and Kumano Sanzan (World Heritage sites), Shirahama Onsen and Senjojiki, Nachi Falls (133m drop), Adventure World in Shirahama. Wakayama is No. 1 in Japan for production of mandarins, plums, and persimmons. Kishu umeboshi (pickled plums) and mehari-zushi (rice balls wrapped in pickled mustard leaves) are local specialties.

Tottori Sand Dunes (16km east-west) and the Sand Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road (yokai bronze statues), Mount Daisen's Hoki Fuji, Misasa Onsen, Tottori Castle ruins. Matsuba crab (November-March), Nijisseiki pears (No. 1 in production), and Tottori wagyu beef are local specialties.

Izumo Taisha Shrine (god of matchmaking) and Kannazuki, Matsue Castle (National Treasure), Adachi Museum of Art's Japanese garden, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (World Heritage site), sunset over Lake Shinji. Izumo soba noodles, shijimi clam soup, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and zenzai (sweet red bean soup) are local specialties.

Koraku-en Garden (one of Japan's three most celebrated gardens) and Okayama Castle, the white-walled town of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, views of the Seto Ohashi Bridge, the Momotaro legend at Kibi-jinja Shrine. Muscat grapes, white peaches, bara-zushi (scattered sushi), mamakari (small sardines), and hormone udon are local specialties.

Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome (World Heritage site), Itsukushima Shrine's (World Heritage site) torii gate on the sea in Miyajima, the sloping streets and cats of Onomichi, Shimanami Kaido. Okonomiyaki, Hiroshima oysters (No. 1 in production), momiji manju (maple leaf-shaped cakes), and lemons are local specialties.

Akiyoshidai karst plateau and Akiyoshido Cave, Kintaikyo Bridge (five-arched wooden bridge), spectacular views of Tsunoshima Bridge, the castle town of Hagi, Kanmon Straits. Fugu (pufferfish) from Shimonoseki, kawara soba noodles, summer oranges, and Iwakuni sushi are local flavors.

Awa Odori dance festival (August 12-15), Naruto whirlpools, Kazurabashi vine bridge in Iya Valley, the scenic gorges of Oboke and Koboke, the starting point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, sudachi citrus, Tokushima ramen, and Awao chicken are local specialties.

The 785-step approach to Kotohira-gu Shrine, Ritsurin Garden (Special Place of Scenic Beauty), Shodoshima island in the Seto Inland Sea, contemporary art on Naoshima island, Marugame Castle (one of 12 original castles). Sanuki udon noodles, kotsukonitori (bone-in chicken), and olives are local specialties.

Dogo Onsen (one of Japan's oldest hot springs), Matsuyama Castle (one of 12 original castles), Shimanami Kaido, traditional buildings of Uchiko, bullfighting in Uwajima. Citrus fruits like Pon Juice and Iyo-kan oranges, tai-meshi (sea bream rice), and jaco ten (fried fish cakes) are local specialties.

Kochi Castle (one of 12 original castles), Katsurahama Beach and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, submerged bridges of the Shimanto River, Cape Ashizuri, Yosakoi Festival (August 9-12). Pole-and-line caught bonito, sara-bachi ryori (large platter dishes), and Millet biscuits are local specialties.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (god of learning), Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival (July 15 Oiyama), Nakasu yatai (food stalls), Kushida Shrine, Mojiko Retro, the coastline of Itoshima. Hakata ramen, motsunabe (offal hot pot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), mizutaki (chicken hot pot), and the strawberry 'Amaou' are local specialties.

Arita ware and Imari ware (400 years of history), Karatsu Kunchi festival (November 2-4), Yoshinogari historical site, Ureshino Onsen, Niji no Matsubara pine grove. Saga beef, live squid sashimi from Yobuko, Saga nori seaweed, and Sicilian rice are local flavors.

Gunkanjima Island and Oura Cathedral (World Heritage site), Huis Ten Bosch, Glover Garden, night view from Mt. Inasa, Atomic Bomb Museum. Nagasaki champon noodles, sara udon noodles, Sasebo burger, and castella cake are local specialties.

Kumamoto Castle (one of Japan's three great castles), Mount Aso's world-class caldera, Kurokawa Onsen, the sea of Amakusa, the Kuma River in Hitoyoshi. Horse sashimi, karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root), tai-pien (a noodle soup), and ikinari dango (steamed dumplings) are local flavors. Birthplace of Kumamon.

Beppu Onsen and its 'Hells' (Jigoku Meguri), the hot spring town of Yufuin, Kuju Yume Otsurihashi Bridge (highest pedestrian suspension bridge in Japan), Seki Aji and Seki Saba fish, Usa Jingu Shrine (head shrine of Hachiman). Toriten (tempura chicken), dango jiru (dumpling soup), and dried shiitake mushroom production (No. 1 in Japan) are local specialties.

Takachiho Gorge's Mano-i-no-taki, Aoshima's Oni-no-Sentakuiwa, Kirishima Mountains, Nichinan Coast and Sunmesse Nichinan's Moai, Seagaia. Chicken Nanban, Miyazaki Beef, Jidori Sumibiyaki, Mango, and Hiyajiru are specialties.

Sakurajima's active volcano and Kinko Bay, Yakushima (World Heritage site, Jomon Sugi), Kirishima Onsen, Chiran's Samurai Residences, and the blue seas of Amami Oshima. Kurobuta pork, Satsuma-age, Keihan, Shirokuma, sweet potatoes, shochu, and Japan's No. 1 tea production are specialties.

Gusuku (World Heritage sites) of the Ryukyu Kingdom such as Shuri Castle, whale sharks at Churaumi Aquarium, the transparent seas of Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, Himeyuri Monument, and Eisa festivals. Okinawa soba, Goya chanpuru, Sata Andagi, and Umi Budo are specialties.