See what each prefecture is known for and pick a first stop.
Wide-open landscapes and seafood markets. Sapporo is an easy base for a first visit.
Start here Otaru Canal (小樽運河). Stroll past stone warehouses along the water.
Also visit Hokkaido University Museum (北海道大学総合博物館)
First stop photo · Tan Wei Liang Byorn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Nebuta lantern floats, apple orchards and hot springs by Mutsu Bay.
Start here Nebuta Museum WA RASSE (ねぶたの家 ワ・ラッセ). See the giant festival floats by Aomori Station.
Also visit Asamushi Aquarium (浅虫水族館)
First stop photo · 掬茶 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Morioka’s noodle shops and the mountain temples of Hiraizumi.
Start here Chusonji Temple (中尊寺). Walk the cedar-lined approach to the Golden Hall.
Also visit Morioka Castle Ruins Park (盛岡城跡公園)
Sendai’s gyutan restaurants and the pine-covered islands of Matsushima Bay.
Start here Matsushima Bay (松島湾). See the islands from the waterfront or a sightseeing boat.
Also visit Jozenji-dori Avenue (定禅寺通)
First stop photo · Makoto_Lab · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Samurai streets, mountain hot springs and a strong festival tradition.
Start here Kakunodate Samurai District (角館武家屋敷通り). Walk the lanes of former samurai residences.
Also visit Tsuchizaki Port History Museum (土崎みなと歴史伝承館)
First stop photo · (Hiroshi Sakamoto) 坂本 洋 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Mountain temples, hot spring towns and shogi craftsmanship in Tendo.
Start here Yamadera (山寺（立石寺）). Climb the stone steps for views over the valley.
Also visit Mount Maizuru (Tendo Park) (舞鶴山（天童公園）)
First stop photo · Cp9asngf · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Castle towns inland and orchards around the Fukushima basin.
Start here Tsurugajo Castle (鶴ヶ城). Visit the red-roofed castle in Aizu-Wakamatsu.
Also visit Fukushima Station West Exit Monument (JR福島駅 西口駅前広場モニュメント)
Historic gardens around Mito and seasonal flower fields on the coast.
Start here Hitachi Seaside Park (国営ひたち海浜公園). Check the bloom calendar for the hillside flower displays.
Also visit Kodokan (弘道館)
First stop photo · Miyuki Meinaka · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Nikko’s mountain shrines and Utsunomiya’s gyoza shops.
Start here Nikko Toshogu Shrine (日光東照宮). See the ornate shrine buildings in the cedar forest.
Also visit Gyoza Statue (餃子像)
First stop photo · Jpatokal · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Mountain onsen and a silk-making heritage.
Start here Kusatsu Onsen Yubatake (草津温泉 湯畑). Watch steam rise from the hot-spring channels in the center of town.
Also visit Tomioka Silk Mill (富岡製糸場)
Warehouse streets in Kawagoe and wooded hills around Chichibu.
Start here Chichibu Shrine (秩父神社). Pair the carved shrine with a walk through the old shopping streets.
Also visit Bell of Time (時の鐘)
First stop photo · Suikotei · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Tokyo Bay shoreline, Pacific beaches and a historic temple town near Narita Airport.
Start here Naritasan Shinshoji Temple (成田山新勝寺). Follow the old approach street from Narita’s rail stations.
Also visit Mihama-en Japanese Garden (見浜園)
First stop photo · Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Big-city neighborhoods with very different rhythms, from temple streets to electronics arcades.
Start here Sensoji Temple (浅草寺). Walk from Kaminarimon through Nakamise to the temple grounds.
Also visit Akihabara Electric Town (秋葉原電気街)
First stop photo · Christophe95 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Yokohama’s waterfront, Kamakura’s temples and the Miura Peninsula coast.
Start here Hasedera Temple (長谷寺). Pair Kamakura’s hillside temple with a walk toward the coast.
Also visit Verny Park (ヴェルニー公園)
First stop photo · Urashimataro · Public domain · Resized and framed for this page
Rice and sake country, with a riverfront city and an island off the coast.
Start here Sado Gold Mine (佐渡金山). Explore a former mine on Sado. Check the ferry and island transport together.
Also visit Bandai Bridge (萬代橋)
First stop photo · Asturio Cantabrio · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Trams around Toyama City, seafood from the bay and mountains to the south.
Start here Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route (立山黒部アルペンルート). Cross the mountains on the seasonal route. Check its opening dates first.
Also visit Fugan Canal Kansui Park (富岩運河環水公園)
Kanazawa’s gardens, craft workshops and preserved districts.
Start here Kenrokuen Garden (兼六園). Combine the landscaped garden with a visit to Kanazawa Castle Park.
Also visit Oyama Shrine (尾山神社)
First stop photo · KimonBerlin · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Dinosaur fossils, castle-town ruins and coastal cliffs.
Start here Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館). Visit the fossil galleries in Katsuyama.
Also visit Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins (一乗谷朝倉氏遺跡)
First stop photo · Totti · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Vineyards around Kofu and views of Mount Fuji from the northern lakes.
Start here Lake Kawaguchi (河口湖). Try the north shore for Fuji views when the sky is clear.
Also visit Maizuru Castle Park (Kofu Castle Ruins) (舞鶴城公園（甲府城跡）)
First stop photo · Alpsdake · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
The Japanese Alps, historic temple towns and mountain valleys.
Start here Matsumoto Castle (松本城). See the dark castle keep with the mountains behind it.
Also visit Zenkoji Temple (善光寺)
First stop photo · 663highland · CC BY 2.5 · Resized and framed for this page
Hida’s mountain villages, wooden streets in Takayama and a strong craft tradition.
Start here Takayama Old Town (高山 古い町並). Walk the preserved streets around Sanmachi and the river.
Also visit Air and Space Museum exhibits (岐阜かかみがはら航空宇宙博物館)
First stop photo · 663highland · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Tea fields, the southern side of Mount Fuji and fishing towns along Suruga Bay.
Start here Miho no Matsubara (三保松原). Follow the coastal pine grove for a view toward Fuji on clear days.
Also visit Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium (沼津港深海水族館)
First stop photo · Alpsdake · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Nagoya’s food scene and a long history of manufacturing.
Start here Toyota Commemorative Museum (トヨタ産業技術記念館). See working textile machines and exhibits on carmaking.
Also visit Nagoya Castle (名古屋城)
First stop photo · KKPCW（Kyu3） · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Shrine towns around Ise and seafood along the Shima coast.
Start here Ise Jingu Naiku (伊勢神宮 内宮). Cross Uji Bridge and walk through the wooded inner shrine grounds.
Also visit Ise Jingu Geku (伊勢神宮 外宮)
Lake Biwa’s shoreline and old towns within reach of Kyoto.
Start here Hikone Castle (彦根城). Walk up to the original castle keep for views toward the lake.
Also visit Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park (大津湖岸なぎさ公園)
First stop photo · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Temple neighborhoods, crafts and wooded hills around the old capital.
Start here Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). Follow the torii gates uphill as far as you have time to walk back.
Also visit Keage Incline (蹴上インクライン)
First stop photo · Basile Morin · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Canal-side food streets, busy shopping arcades and big city views.
Start here Dotonbori (道頓堀). Walk beside the canal in the evening and stop for takoyaki.
Also visit Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル)
First stop photo · Ken Eckert · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Kobe’s port, Arima’s hot springs and one of Japan’s best-known castles.
Start here Himeji Castle (姫路城). Follow the main avenue from Himeji Station to the white castle.
Also visit Goshikizuka Burial Mound (五色塚古墳)
First stop photo · Martin Falbisoner · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Early capitals, Buddhist monuments and forested temple grounds.
Start here Todaiji Temple (東大寺). Cross Nara Park to see the Great Buddha hall.
Also visit Gangoji Temple (元興寺)
Pilgrimage trails, temple lodgings and the Kii Peninsula coast.
Start here Okunoin, Koyasan (高野山 奥之院). Walk through the cedar forest to the mausoleum precinct.
Also visit Wakayama Castle (和歌山城)
First stop photo · Josep M. Gracia · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Sand dunes on the Sea of Japan and mountain trails farther inland.
Start here Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘). Walk out toward the sea for the dune ridges and coastal views.
Also visit Warabekan Toy and Song Museum (わらべ館)
First stop photo · Hashi photo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Lakeside Matsue, Izumo’s shrine traditions and a quieter stretch of coast.
Start here Izumo Taisha (出雲大社). Visit the shrine and walk the approach street for Izumo soba.
Also visit Matsue Castle (松江城)
Landscaped gardens, canal towns and fruit growing in the Setouchi region.
Start here Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter (倉敷美観地区). Follow the canal past white-walled storehouses and museums.
Also visit Okayama Korakuen Garden (岡山後楽園)
First stop photo · Malaiya · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Peace history, okonomiyaki and islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Start here Itsukushima Shrine (嚴島神社). Take the Miyajima ferry and check the tide for the waterfront view.
Also visit Peace Memorial Park (平和記念公園)
First stop photo · Ian G Shingler · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Old castle towns, limestone landscapes and two very different coastlines.
Start here Kintaikyo Bridge (錦帯橋). Cross the five-arched wooden bridge in Iwakuni.
Also visit Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church (山口サビエル記念聖堂)
First stop photo · Jakub Hałun · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Awa Odori dance, river valleys and a coastline facing the Naruto Strait.
Start here Naruto Whirlpools (鳴門の渦潮). Check the tide table before choosing a boat or bridge viewing time.
Also visit Mount Bizan Ropeway (あわぎん眉山ロープウエイ)
First stop photo · "EMPe" · Public domain · Resized and framed for this page
Sanuki udon, classical gardens and islands known for contemporary art.
Start here Ritsurin Garden (栗林公園). Walk the ponds and pine-lined paths in Takamatsu.
Also visit Takamatsu Central Shopping Arcades (高松中央商店街)
First stop photo · Mason tang photography · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Matsuyama’s trams and hot springs, citrus farms and island cycling.
Start here Matsuyama Castle (松山城). Take the ropeway or walk up for views over the city.
Also visit Dogo Onsen Main Building (道後温泉本館)
First stop photo · Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Pacific surf, mountain rivers and seared bonito in the city’s markets.
Start here Kochi Castle (高知城). Climb to the castle keep and continue to the market streets below.
Also visit Ryuga Cave (龍河洞)
First stop photo · Suicasmo · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Hakata ramen, evening food stalls and a compact subway network.
Start here Ohori Park (大濠公園). Walk the lakeside loop and add the nearby art museum.
Also visit ACROS Fukuoka Step Garden (アクロス福岡 ステップガーデン)
First stop photo · Hirho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Ceramics towns, tea country and views across the Ariake Sea.
Start here Arita’s Uchiyama district (有田内山地区). Walk the historic porcelain district and browse ceramics shops.
Also visit Mount Asahi Park (朝日山公園)
First stop photo · Pekachu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
A hillside harbor shaped by overseas trade and several distinct historic districts.
Start here Dejima (出島). Visit the reconstructed trading post and its museum rooms.
Also visit Glover Garden (グラバー園)
First stop photo · Jakub Hałun · CC BY 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Castle-town streets and the wide volcanic landscapes of Aso.
Start here Mount Aso (阿蘇山). Start at Kusasenri for open views. Check volcanic access before heading to the crater.
Also visit Kumamoto Castle (熊本城)
First stop photo · STA3816 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Resized and framed for this page
Steam rising over Beppu and smaller hot spring towns inland.
Start here Beppu’s Hells (べっぷ地獄めぐり). See the colorful geothermal pools around Kannawa.
Also visit Takegawara Onsen (竹瓦温泉)
Pacific coast drives, subtropical scenery and mountain mythology.
Start here Aoshima Shrine (青島神社). Cross the footbridge to the island and look for the ridged rock formations at low tide.
Also visit Tenman Bridge (天満橋)
First stop photo · そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
A volcano across the bay, gardens facing the water and a distinctive food culture.
Start here Sakurajima (桜島). Ride the ferry across the bay and explore from the island’s ferry terminal.
Also visit Tenmonkan shopping district (天文館)
First stop photo · Douglas Perkins ( Douglaspperkins ) · Public domain · Resized and framed for this page
Ryukyu history, markets in Naha and islands surrounded by coral seas.
Start here Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (沖縄美ら海水族館). See the large ocean tank in Motobu on a separate outing from Naha.
Also visit Shurijo Castle Park (首里城公園)
First stop photo · そらみみ · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Resized and framed for this page
.jpg){kind=link}
_(2443616689).jpg){kind=link}
_in_Beppu.jpg){kind=link}
