Japan's 47 Prefectures Checklist

Vast nature including Sapporo, Hakodate, Otaru, and Shiretoko. In winter, the Sapporo Snow Festival (early February, Odori Park) and drift ice in Abashiri (late January to March), in summer, lavender in Furano (early to mid-July) and brown bear observation in Shiretoko. Famous for seafood (sea urchin, crab, salmon roe), Jingisukan (grilled lamb), miso ramen, and soup curry.

The northernmost tip of Honshu, with the Aomori Nebuta Festival (August 2-7) and the cherry blossoms in Hirosaki Park (late April to early May) being spectacular. The autumn foliage of Oirase Stream and Lake Towada, and Shirakami-Sanchi are World Natural Heritage sites. The local flavors include Japan's top apple production, Oma tuna, senbei soup, and Tsugaru soba.

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

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 Okama in Zao. Famous for 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), the samurai residences of Kakunodate and the weeping cherry trees designated as a National Natural Monument (mid-April to early May). Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake (423.4m), and the famous hot springs of Nyuto Onsenkyo. Local dishes include kiritanpo nabe, Inaniwa udon, and Hinai Jidori chicken.

The 1015 stone steps of Yamadera (Risshaku-ji Temple) and Basho Matsuo's footsteps, the Taisho-era retro atmosphere of Ginzan Onsen, and the frost-covered trees of Zao (late December to early March). Japan's top producer of cherries and La France. Famous for Yonezawa beef, imoni, and tamakonyakku.

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

Kairakuen Garden, one of Japan's Three Great Gardens, and the Plum Blossom Festival in Mito (mid-February to late March), the nemophila flowers (mid-April to early May) and kochia (mid-October) for autumn foliage at Hitachi Seaside Park, and Fukuroda Falls. Famous for Japan's top natto production, monkfish hot pot, and Hitachi beef.

Nikko Toshogu Shrine (World Heritage site) and Kegon Falls, the nature and zoo of Nasu Highland, Kinugawa Onsen, and the great wisteria of Ashikaga Flower Park (late April to early May). Utsunomiya gyoza, yuba dishes, and Japan's top strawberry production.

Kusatsu Onsen and Yubatake, with the highest natural hot spring output in Japan, the stone-paved streets of Ikaho, the Three Mountains of Jomo (Akagi, Haruna, Myogi), and the mizubasho flowers in Ozegahara (late May to early June). Local flavors include daruma dolls, konnyaku, Shimomura leeks, and yakimanju.

The Edo-like atmosphere and Toki no Kane bell tower in Kawagoe, the Chichibu 34 Kannon pilgrimage and Nagatoro river boat rides, and Moominvalley Park (Hanno). Famous for Soka senbei, Fukaya leeks, and Kawagoe sweet potato sweets.

Tokyo Disney Resort (Urayasu City) and Naritasan Shinsho-ji Temple, Kujukuri Beach, and the warm climate of the Boso Peninsula. Japan's top producer of peanuts and pears, and abundant seafood such as namerou and spiny lobster.

Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Zoo, and the pop culture of Harajuku. Famous for monjayaki, Fukagawa meshi, and Edo-mae sushi, the flavors of Edo.

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

Japan's top producer of Koshihikari rice in terms of harvest and cultivation area, the toki cranes of Sado Island, the hot springs and heavy snowfall region of Echigo-Yuzawa, the Nagaoka Festival Grand Fireworks Display (August 2-3), and the Tokamachi Snow Festival. Famous for hegi soba, sasadango, nodoguro (blackthroat seaperch), and Niigata sake (Hakkaisan, Kubota).

The Snow Wall of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (mid-April to late June) and Kurobe Dam, the Kansui Park in Toyama, which is called the world's most beautiful Starbucks, and the Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Gokayama (World Heritage site). Famous for white shrimp, firefly squid, and winter yellowtail from Toyama Bay, and masuzushi (trout sushi).

Kenrokuen Garden (one of Japan's Three Great Gardens) and Kanazawa Castle in Kanazawa, the seafood at Omicho Market, the traditional Japanese townscape of Higashi Chaya District, and the Wajima lacquerware and Senmaida rice terraces of the Noto Peninsula. Famous for the culture of Kaga Hyakuman-goku, Kanazawa oden, nodoguro, and Kaga vegetables.

Zen training at Eihei-ji Temple and the cliff formations of Tojinbo, the Echizen Coast and the Dinosaur Museum, and the Asakura Family's Residence Site in Ichijodani. Local flavors include winter Echizen crab (November-March) and Wakasa guchi fish, Echizen soba, and sauce katsudon.

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

Zenko-ji Temple and Matsumoto Castle, the Azusa River and Kappa Bridge in Kamikochi, the summer resort of Karuizawa, the ski resorts of Hakuba and Shiga Kogen, and the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park. Famous for Shinshu soba, obanyaki, Nozawana pickles, Shinshu salmon, and apples.

Gassho-zukuri farmhouses in Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (World Heritage site), the old townscape and morning market of Hida Takayama, Gero Onsen, the cormorant fishing on the Nagara River (May 11 - October 15), and the Sekigahara battlefield. Local dishes include Hida beef, Hoba miso, kurikinton, and goheimochi.

Mount Fuji and Miho no Matsubara (World Heritage site), Atami Onsen, the coastlines of the Izu Peninsula, and the pink shrimp fishing in Suruga Bay. Famous for Japan's leading tea-producing regions and the birthplace of wasabi cultivation, Shizuoka oden, Fujinomiya yakisoba, and grilled eel.

Nagoya Castle's Golden Shachihoko and Atsuta Jingu Shrine, Tokugawa Art Museum, Inuyama Castle (National Treasure), Meiji Mura, and the Handa Festival. Abundant 'Nagoya meshi' including miso katsu, hitsumabushi, kishimen, Nagoya cochin, and an-kake spaghetti.

The Shikinen Sengu (decennial rebuilding) of Ise Jingu Shrine (Inner and Outer Shrines), Kumano Kodo (World Heritage site), Suzuka Circuit, the ria coastline and pearl cultivation of Shima. Famous for Matsusaka beef, spiny lobster, tekkonezushi, and Akabuku mochi.

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest lake (about 1/6 of the prefecture's area), Hikone Castle (National Treasure), Enryaku-ji Temple on Mt. Hiei (World Heritage site), the water town of Omihachiman, and the raccoon dog pottery of Shigaraki. Local flavors include Omi beef, funazushi, and red konnyaku.

17 World Heritage sites including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Kinkaku-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Gion Festival (July), Arashiyama and Togetsukyo Bridge, the bamboo forest of Sagano, and Amanohashidate. Famous for Kyoto kaiseki, yudofu (boiled tofu), nishin soba, yatsuhashi, and matcha sweets.

Osaka Castle and Tsutenkaku Tower, the Glico Running Man sign in Dotonbori, Universal Studios Japan, Shinsekai, the Tower of the Sun in Expo '70 Commemorative Park, and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Famous for takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, kitsune udon, and 551 horai pork buns, the city of 'eating till you drop'.

Himeji Castle (National Treasure, Japan's first World Heritage site) and Kobe Chinatown, Arima Onsen, the Naruto Whirlpools of Awaji Island, Kinosaki Onsen, and the Kitano Ijinkan (foreign residences). Local flavors include Kobe beef, Akashi-yaki, Izushi soba, and Banshu ramen.

The Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine, wild deer in Nara Park, Horyu-ji Temple (world's oldest wooden building, World Heritage site), cherry blossoms in Mt. Yoshino, and the ancient burial mounds in Asuka Village. Famous for kaki no ha sushi (persimmon leaf sushi), Miwa somen, and Nara pickles.

Koyasan Kongobu-ji Temple and Kumano Sanzan (World Heritage site), Shirahama Onsen and Senjojiki, Nachi Falls (133m drop), and Adventure World in Shirahama. Japan's top producer of mandarin oranges, plums, and persimmons, with local flavors including Kishu umeboshi (pickled plums) and mehari sushi.

Tottori Sand Dunes (16km east to west) and the Sand Museum, Mizuki Shigeru Road (bronze statues of yokai), Mt. Daisen (Hoki Fuji), Misasa Onsen, and the ruins of Tottori Castle. Famous for snow crab (November-March), Nijisseiki pears (Japan's top producer), and Tottori wagyu beef.

Izumo Taisha Shrine (Shrine of Matchmaking) and Kannazuki (the month when gods gather), Matsue Castle (National Treasure), the Japanese garden of Adachi Museum of Art, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine (World Heritage site), and the sunset over Lake Shinji. Famous for Izumo soba, shijimi clam soup, nodoguro, and the birthplace of zenzai.

Korakuen Garden (one of Japan's Three Great Gardens) and Okayama Castle, the white-walled townscape of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, the view of the Great Seto Bridge, and the Momotaro legend at Kibi-jinja Shrine. Famous for Muscat grapes, white peaches, bara sushi, mamakari (small sardines), and hormone udon.

Peace Memorial Park and Atomic Bomb Dome (World Heritage site), Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island (World Heritage site) with its floating torii gate, the sloping streets and cats of Onomichi, and the Shimanami Kaido expressway. Famous for okonomiyaki, Hiroshima oysters (Japan's top producer), momiji manju, and lemons.

The karst plateau of Akiyoshidai and Akiyoshido Cave, Kintaikyo Bridge (five-arched wooden bridge), the spectacular view from Tsunoshima Bridge, the castle town of Hagi, and the Kanmon Straits. Local specialties include Shimonoseki fugu (pufferfish), kawara soba, summer oranges, and Iwakuni sushi.

Awa Odori dance festival (August 12-15), Naruto Whirlpools, Kazurabashi vine bridge in Iya Valley, the beautiful gorges of Oboke and Koboke, and the starting point of the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage. Famous for Naruto Kintoki sweet potatoes, sudachi citrus, Tokushima ramen, and Awa Odori chicken.

The 785 stone steps leading to Kotohira-gu Shrine, Ritsurin Garden (Special Place of Scenic Beauty), Shodoshima Island in the Seto Inland Sea, contemporary art on Naoshima Island, and Marugame Castle (one of the 12 original castles). Famous for Sanuki udon, boneless chicken, and olives.

Dogo Onsen (one of Japan's oldest hot springs), Matsuyama Castle (one of the 12 original castles), Shimanami Kaido, the traditional building clusters of Uchiko, and bullfighting in Uwajima. Famous for citrus fruits like Pon Juice and Iyokan, tai-meshi (sea bream rice), and jaco ten (fried fish cakes).

Kochi Castle (one of the 12 original castles), Katsurahama Beach and the statue of Sakamoto Ryoma, the submerged bridges of the Shimanto River, Cape Ashizuri, and the Yosakoi Festival (August 9-12). Famous for pole-and-line caught bonito, sabachi ryori (large platter dishes), and Millet biscuits.

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

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

Battleship Island (Gunkanjima) and Oura Church (World Heritage site), Huis Ten Bosch, Glover Garden, the night view from Mt. Inasa, and the Atomic Bomb Museum. Famous for Nagasaki champon, sara udon, Sasebo burger, and castella cake.

Kumamoto Castle (one of Japan's Three Great Castles), the world's largest caldera of Mt. Aso, Kurokawa Onsen, the seas of Amakusa, and the Kuma River in Hitoyoshi. Famous for horse sashimi, karashi renkon (mustard-stuffed lotus root), tai-pi-en (stir-fried noodles), and ikinadango (steamed dumplings). Birthplace of Kumamon.

Beppu Onsen and the Hells tour, the hot spring town of Yufuin, the Yufuin Suspension Bridge (highest in Japan for pedestrian walkways), Seki Aji and Seki Saba mackerel, and Usa Jingu Shrine (head shrine of Hachiman). Famous for toriten (tempura chicken), dango jiru (dumpling soup), and Japan's top production of dried shiitake mushrooms.

Takachiho Gorge's Manai Falls, the 'Devil's Washing Board' rock formations of Aoshima Island, the Kirishima mountain range, the Nichinan coast and the Moai statues of Sunmesse Nichinan, and Seagaia resort. Famous for chicken nanban, Miyazaki beef, charcoal-grilled local chicken, mangoes, and hiyajiru (cold soup).

The active volcano Sakurajima and Kagoshima Bay, Yakushima Island (World Heritage site, Jomon Sugi cedar), Kirishima Onsen, the samurai residences of Chiran, and the blue seas of Amami Oshima. Famous for Kurobuta pork, Satsuma-age (fried fish cake), Keihan (chicken rice), Shirokuma (shaved ice dessert), sweet potatoes, shochu, and Japan's top tea production.

Gusuku (castles) of the Ryukyu Kingdom including Shuri Castle (World Heritage site), whale sharks at Churaumi Aquarium, the transparent seas of Ishigaki Island and Miyako Island, the Himeyuri Monument, and the Eisa dance festival. Famous for Okinawa soba, goya champuru (bitter melon stir-fry), sata andagi (Okinawan doughnuts), and sea grapes.