JAPANESE PREFECTURES LIST

Aichi Prefecture is located in Chubu Region on the island of Honshu. The capital of Aichi Prefecture is Nagoya. Aichi Prefecture is famous for being the home of Toyota Company. In addition to the many attractions in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture also features Inuyama Castle, which is thought to be the oldest Japanese Castle and one of the four best preserved.

Akita Prefecture is located along the Sea of Japan Coast in the Tohoku region in the north eastern part of the island of Honshu. The capital city of Akita Prefecture is Akita city. Akita Prefecture is famous for its Onsen (hot springs) particularly around the picturesque Lake Tazawa. Akita Prefecture also has many ski fields. Other Akita Prefecture attractions include the old town of Kakunodate, which is sometimes referred to as Little Kyoto as it features many preserved samurai houses.

Aomori Prefecture lies at the north end of Honshu in the Tohoku region. The capital of Aomori Prefecture is Aomori City, which is major point of interconnection between the island of Honshu and the island of Hokkaido to the north via the Seikan Tunnel. The major attractions of Aomori Prefecture include museums, the Hakkoda Mountains, which are a popular hiking location and the many Onsen.

Chiba Prefecture is located to the east of central Tokyo, but includes part of the greater urban area of Tokyo and particularly the main international airport for Tokyo: Narita Airport. The capital of Chiba Prefecture is Chiba city. Chiba Prefecture attractions include Chiba Port Tower which includes an observation deck at 120m, the modern reconstruction of Chiba Castle, Chiba Urban Monorail which is the world's longest suspended monorail and Makuhari Messe, the site of the Tokyo Motor Show.

Ehime Prefecture is located on the north western side of Shikoku Island on the Seto Inland Sea. The capital of Ehime Prefecture is Matsuyama. Ehime Prefecture is famous for its Dogo Hot Spring area and Matsuyama Castle, but also feature the ski resort in Kumakogen (near Matsuyama). Ehime Prefecture is also famous for its citrus fruits, fish and cultured pearls.

Fukui Prefecture is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Chubu Region. Fukui City is the capital city of Fukui Prefecture. Fukui Prefecture attractions are the Ichijodani Asakura Family Historic Ruins, Fukui Castle, Kitanosho Castle and cherry blossom along Asuwa River.

Fukuoka Prefecture is located on the north east corner of Kyushu Island and is separated from the main island of Honshu by the Kanmon Straits. The capital of Fukuoka Prefecture is Fukuoka city. Other cities of note in Fukuoka Prefecture are: Dazaifu; the former capital of Kyushu, which features the Kyushu National Museum, beautiful gardens and shrines and Kitakyushu, which is famous for the Kokura Castle.

Fukushima Prefecture is located in Tohoku Region on the island of Honshu. The capital of Fukushima Prefecture is Fukushima City. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant which was involved in the nuclear incident after the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake, is located in Fukushima Prefecture, 63km south east and around 250km north of Tokyo.

Gifu Prefecture is located close to the center of island of Honshu in the Chubu region. The capital of Gifu Prefecture is Gifu city, however the prefecture includes two cities which are popular with tourists: Takayama, a historic town hidden in the Japanese Alps which features many old buildings and Shirakawa-go which is a historic village and World Heritage Site.

Gunma Prefecture is located in the mainly mountainous region of north western Kanto. The capital of Gunma Prefecture is Maebashi. Gunma Prefecture attractions include Onsen (hot springs) and ski resorts.

Hiroshima Prefecture, located in in the western of Japan in Chugoku region. Hiroshima Prefecture is of course famous for the atomic bombing and there are many memorials relating to this in and around Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park including the World Heritage Site of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. Hiroshima has other attractions including Hiroshima Castle, Skukkeien Garden and the World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine with its famous Miyajima Torii, on the island of Miyajima.

Hokkaido is the northernmost of Japan's four main islands. Hokkaido is dominated by its climate (cold) and geography. Hokkaido includes the cities of:
Asahikawa, the coldest city in Japan (literally), Furano is famous for its remarkably light and dry powder snow, Hakodate historical city and the capital of the short-lived Ezo Republic.
Otaru, Hokkaido's largest port, Sapporo, the capital and by far the largest city in Hokkaido, Niseko ski destination that is very popular with Australians, Noboribetsu which is Hokkaido's largest hot spring resort.

Hyogo Prefecture is located at the western edge of the Kansai region of Japan. The capital of Hyogo Prefecture is Kobe. Hyogo Prefecture is most famous for Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Listed Japanese castle.

Ibaraki Prefecture is located along the eastern coastline of the main island of Honshu in the Kanto region. The capital city of Ibaraki Prefecture is Mito, which is famous for Kairakuen, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan.

Ishikawa Prefecture is located in the Chubu region on Honshu island, Japan. Ishikawa is on the Sea of Japan coast. The northern part of the Ishikawa Prefecture consists of the narrow Noto Peninsula, while the southern part is wider and consists mostly of mountains, with the prefecture's capital city, Kanazawa, located in the coastal plain. Ishikawa Prefecture has many great attractions focused around Kanazawa including one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan, Kenrokuen Garden and several still active Geisha districts.

Iwate Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region on Honshu island. Iwate Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean to the east, and borders Aomori Prefecture on the north. The capital of Iwate Prefecture is Morioka. Iwate Prefecture attractions include three temples which are World Heritage Sites: Chusonji Temple, Kanjizaio-in Temple and Motsuji Temple. These are part of the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi listing and are located in Hiraizumi.

Kagawa Prefecture is located on the north eastern side of Shikoku Island on the Seto Inland Sea. The capital of Kagawa Prefecture is Takamatsu. Kagawa Prefecture is the smallest prefecture in Japan by area and is dominated by the city of Takamatsu. Kagawa Prefecture attractions include Ritsurin Garden, a famous Japanese garden which is a designated Special Place of Scenic Beauty, Konpira Shrine and Takamatsu Castle.

Kagoshima Prefecture is located at the southern tip of the island of Kyushu and includes the chain of islands to the south. The capital of Kagoshima Prefecture is Kagoshima City. Kagoshima Prefecture features the World Heritage Site of Yakushima, an ancient forest with some 2100 year old Japanese cedar trees.

Kanagawa Prefecture is located in the southern Kanto region of Honshu, Japan. The capital of Kanagawa Prefecture is Yokohama, thus part of Kanagawa Prefecture is in the greater urban area of Tokyo. Kanagawa Prefecture also includes the popular town of Hakone and Kamakura with its many beautiful temples and shrines including the statue of the Great Buddha.

Kochi Prefecture is located on the south coast of Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's Big 4 islands. The capital of Kochi Prefecture is Kochi City. Kochi Prefecture is a very rural prefecture with 40% of the population living in the capital city of Kochi. Kochi Prefecture is famous for Kochi Castle and cherry blossom at Kagamino Park and Makino Park.

Kumamoto Prefecture is located in the center of the island of Kyushu. The capital of Kumamoto Prefecture is Kumamoto city, which is famous for its landmark Kumamoto Castle and Suizenji Park. Kumamoto Prefecture attractions also include Tsujun Bridge, the largest stone aqueduct in Japan and Mt Aso, one of the world's largest active volcanoes.

Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on the main island of Japan, Honshu. While Kyoto city, a former capital of Japan, dominates Kyoto Prefecture from the point of attractions, the prefecture extends all the way north to the Sea of Japan to include Amanohashidate (Bridge to Heaven) Scenic Area, one of the Three Views of Japan.

Mie Prefecture is part of the Kansai region on Honshu island. Mie Prefecture forms the eastern part of the Kii Peninsula. The capital of Mie Prefecture is Tsu, which is close to Nagoya and has a number of suburbs of Nagoya. Mie Prefecture most famous attraction is Ise Shrine complex, which is considered to be Shinto's most important sites. Other attractions in Mie Prefecture include Miyagawa-Tsutsumi Park and the small village of Mitake which feature beautiful cherry blossom in spring and are both considered to be one of Japan's Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.

Miyagi Prefecture is located along the Pacific Ocean coast line in Tohoku Region on the island of Honshu. The capital of Miyagi Prefecture is Sendai. Miyagi Prefecture is famous for having one of the Three Most Scenic Views of Japan, Matsushima.

Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the island of Kyushu, Japan. Miyazaki Prefecture is located on the eastern coast of the island of Kyushu. Surrounded by the Pacific Ocean to the south and east. The capital of Miyazaki Prefecture is the city of Miyazaki.

Nagano Prefecture is a mountainous region, located in the Chubu region of central Japan. The capital of Nagano Prefecture is Nagano City. Other major cities include Matsumoto and Azumino. Nagano Prefecture attractions include some of the best ski resorts in the world at Hakuba and Shiga Kogen. Other attractions include the "snow monkeys" which are located at Jigokudani Monkey Park, Matsumoto Castle and Zenkoji Temple, a famous 7th century Buddhist temple.

Nagasaki Prefecture is located on the south-western coast of Kyushu Island, and includes several small islands as well as the land around the long peninsula (Nagasaki literally means long peninsula). The capital of Nagasaki Prefecture is Nagasaki city which is famous for being the second city to have an atomic bomb dropped on it, however much of Nagasaki's earlier history and influence can still be seen. Nagasaki was one of the few cities in Japan that was allowed to have trade with the outside world during the middle ages. Nagasaki Prefecture attractions include the museums and monuments relating to the atomic bomb, Megane Bridge, Glover Garden, Kofukuji Temple, Kushima Castle and Shimabara Castle.

Nara Prefecture is located in Kansai region on the main island of Honshu. The capital of Nara Prefecture is the former capital of Japan, Nara city. Nara Prefecture attractions include 15 World Heritage Sites from three World Heritage listings.

Niigata Prefecture covers the area of central Japan from the Sea of Japan coast inland into the Japanese Alps within the Chubu region. The capital city of Niigata Prefecture is Niigata city. Niigata Prefecture features many historical sites and buildings with Niigata city still having an active Geisha district. Niigata Prefecture attractions include many ski resorts including the world class Naeba Ski Resort.

Oita Prefecture is located on the north eastern coastline of Kyushu island. The capital of Oita Prefecture is Oita City. Oita Prefecture attractions include no less than seven Japanese Castles, the Umi-tamago aquarium, Mount Takasaki Monkey Park and Harmonyland (Hello Kitty - Sanrio theme park). Oita Prefecture is most famous for the many Onsen (hot spas), many of which are located in Beppu.

Okayama Prefecture is located on the southern coast of Honshu in the Chugoku region. The capital city of Okayama Prefecture is Okayama which is famous for Korakuen Garden, one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and Okayama Castle. Okayama Prefecture attractions include the historical town Kurashiki, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle and Tsuyama Castle.

Okinawa is Japan's southernmost prefecture, and consists of hundreds of islands known as The Ryukyu Islands or Ryukyu's, in an island chain over 1,000 km long, which extends southwest from Kyushu (the southwestern most of Japan's main four islands) to Taiwan. Okinawa is said to have the most beautiful beaches in all of Japan. Okinawa normally enjoys above 20 degree Celsius weather for most of the year. Many coral reefs are found around Okinawa and wildlife is abundant. Sea turtles return yearly to the southern islands of Okinawa to lay their eggs. Okinawa's capital, Naha, is located in the southern part of the largest and most populous island, Okinawa Honto. Okinawa is famous for its distinct history and culture, but popular because it is tropic resort region.

Osaka Prefecture is located in the Kansai region on the main island of Japan, Honshu. Osaka Prefecture is dominated by the capital city of the prefecture Osaka city with the urban area almost completely covering the prefecture. Osaka Prefecture is located on the coastline of Osaka Bay, with Wakayama Prefecture to the south, Nara Prefecture to the east, Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto Prefecture to the north. Osaka Prefecture is the second smallest prefecture in Japan.

Saga Prefecture is located in the northwest part of the island of Kyushu, Japan. Saga Prefecture touches both the Sea of Japan and the Ariake Sea. The western part of Saga Prefecture is a region famous for producing ceramics and porcelain, particularly the towns of Karatsu, Imari, and Arita. The capital is the city of Saga. The city of Karatsu is famous for its Karatsu Castle which looks over the city. Karatsu is famous for its Karatsu Kunchi festival, which runs annually from November 2 to November 4 and is visited by approximately 500,000 visitors from all over Japan. The festival consists of 14 hikiyama (floats made of paper mache) being carried around the city's narrow streets to chants of "Enya! Enya" or "Yoisa!", from the members of Karatsu Kunchi.

Saitama Prefecture is located in the Kanto region and most of the prefecture forms part of the greater urban area of Tokyo. The capital of Saitama Prefecture is Saitama City. Saitama Prefecture attractions include the Railway Museum, Omiya Bonsai Village, Chichibu Shrine and Kitain Temple.

Shiga Prefecture is located to the North West of Kyoto in the Kansai region. The capital of Shiga Prefecture is Otsu, but the prefecture is dominated by Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. Much of the history of Shiga Prefecture revolves around Kyoto, particularly when it was the capital of Japan. Shiga Prefecture attractions include Hikone Castle (one of the four best preserved Japanese Castle), Enyakuji Temple complex (World Heritage Site), Chikubushima Island, the town of Nagahama and Lake Biwa.

Shimane Prefecture is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Chugoku region of Honshu. The capital city of Shimane Prefecture is Matsue. Shimane Prefecture attractions include the Garden of the Adachi Museum of Art in Yasugi, Izumo Taisha Shrine one of the most important Shinto Shrines, Matsue Castle and the World Heritage Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine.

Shizuoka Prefecture covers the area from the Pacific Ocean coastline inland to the Japanese Alps including part of Mt Fuji in the Chubu region. The capital city of Shizuoka Prefecture is Shizuoka city, which features views of nearby Mt Fuji. Shizuoka Prefecture attractions include the coastal and onsen resort town of Atami and Fuji Speedway.

Tochigi Prefecture is located in the Kanto region on the island of Honshu, Japan. The capital city of Tochigi Prefecture is Utsunomiya. Utsunomiya is famous for its many delicious gyoza specialist shops. Also located in Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the largest shopping malls in the North Kanto region, Bell Mall.

Tochigi Prefecture attractions include the three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the historic town of Nikko. Other famous parts of Tochigi Prefecture include a region called Nasu known for onsen and local sake and ski resorts. The Imperial family has a villa in Nasu. Nasu Shiobara is a major Shinkansen station. Another onsen resort is at Kinugawa.

Tokushima Prefecture is located on the eastern side of Shikoku Island. The capital of Tokushima Prefecture is Tokushima City. Tokushima Prefecture is famous for its Awa-odori Dance Festival, which is held every year from 12th to 15th of August, and features shamisens (traditional Japanese guitar), drums and gongs playing music to go with the tradtional dance. Prior to the Meiji Restoration, Tokushima Prefecture was known as Awa Province.

Tokyo Prefecture is unusual in that it is the same as Tokyo city, the capital of Japan. Technically the capital of Tokyo Prefecture is Shinjuku.

Tottori Prefecture is located along the coastline facing the Sea of Japan in the Chugoku region on Honshu island. The captial of Tottori Prefecture is Tottori City. Tottori Prefecture has the distinction of being the least populous prefecture in Japan. Tottori Prefecture is famous for its sand dunes and castle ruins, but Tottori is very beach focused with hang gliding, paragliding, camel rides and sandboarding.

Toyama Prefecture is located along the coastline facing the Sea of Japan in the Chubu region on Honshu island. The capital of Toyama Prefecture is Toyama City. Toyama Prefecture attractions include the World Heritage Site of Gokayama, Toyama Castle, Museum of Modern Art (Toyama), Botanica Gardens of Toyama, ski fields and Onsen.

Wakayama Prefecture is located to the south of Osaka on the Kii Peninsula in the Kansai region. The capital city of Wakayama Prefecture is Wakayama city. Wakayama Prefecture attractions include ten World Heritage Sites from the of "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range" listing. Other attractions include Wakayama Castle which is located on Mt Torafusu.

Yamagata Prefecture covers the area from the coast of the Sea of Japan in the west to the mountains midway across the island of Honshu in the Tohoku region. Yamagata city is the capital of Yamagata Prefecture. Yamagata Prefecture attractions include the famous Risshakuji Temple, world class skiing on Mt Zao and many Onsen (hot springs).

Yamaguchi Prefecture is located in the Chugoku region on Honshu island. The capital of Yamaguchi Prefecture is Yamaguchi city, but the most popular tourist destinations are Shimonoseki city and Kintai Bridge in the town of Iwakuni. The famous five arched wooden bridge is considered a symbol of Western Honshu. The area on the banks of the Nishiki river close to the Kintai Bridge are considered among the best places in Japan for Hanami, when groups of family and friends gather in early April to view cherry blossom.

Yamanashi Prefecture is located near Mt Fuji in the Chubu region on the island of Honshu. The capital city of Yamanashi Prefecture is Kofu. Yamanashi Prefecture includes Fujiyoshida, the largest city on the northern slope of Mt Fuji. Fujiyoshida makes a great base for viewing Mt Fuji and exploring the Fuji Five Lakes system.