Cities in Japan
With long-standing tradition and history coexisting with a unique and creative one of a kind culture in Japan, Japan is one of the counties that many people want to visit from around the world. Japan is a small island country stretching from north to south but has various climates, characteristics, food culture, and traditional culture in each city.
Sapporo (Hokkaido)
It is the farthest north prefecture of Japan and is known for its cold climate. Many skiers and snowboarders gather here, attracted to the best snow quality called “powder snow”. Moreover, “Sapporo Snow Festival” is held in Sapporo which is famous worldwide for its numerous ice and snow sculpture exhibits. Every year, approximately 2 million people visit the festival. Hokkaido is the largest prefecture in Japan which has 25% of Japan’s agricultural land. Since it is surrounded by ocean, Hokkaido has abundant agricultural products and seafood products where we can enjoy “food”.
Sendai (Miyagi Prefecture)
Miyagi prefecture is the center of Tohoku region and is located about 300km northeast of Tokyo. Sendai is the most developed city in Miyagi prefecture. Matsushima, one of the three beautiful sights of Japan, also belongs in this area. “Sendai Tanabata Festival”, one of the Tohoku Three Great Festivals, is held in summer, coloring the city with gorgeous Tanabata decorations. Shiogama port and Ishinomaki port, both one of the best fishing ports in Japan, are near the city center and people are able to enjoy the outstandingly fresh various seafood all four seasons.
Tokyo (Tokyo Prefecture)
The most famous city of Japan, Tokyo, has a population of 13.9 million people which is more than 10% of entire Japan’s population. Not only the fact that companies and commercial facilities are concentrated in Tokyo and transportation system is developed but there are many attractive sites such as cultural facilities and tourist spots, leading to numerous domestic and international travelers to visit Tokyo. Akihabara is the center of Otaku culture with many specialized shops for games, anime, and manga. At the same time, Akihabara is Japan’s greatest electric town with various electronic appliances sold. Tokyo is also known to the world as a source of fashion and “kawaii” culture.
Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)
Aichi is located almost in the middle of the Japan islands and is the place where famous military commanders during the age of provincial wars such as Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu were born. It is also the center of heavy chemical industry such as automobile, represented by Toyota, aircrafts, sewing machines, machine tools, video cameras, and electrical parts. Nagoya’s food culture is unique, using miso and plenty of spices. Miso Nikomi Udon, Hitsumabushi, Kishimen, Tenmusu, Ogura Toast, Miso Oden, Miso Katsu, and Tebasaki Karaage are called “Nagoya Meshi”, meaning Nagoya food.
Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)
Kyoto is the ancient city representing Japan and popular to both domestic and international tourists. The capital of Japan was in Kyoto for more than 1,000 years and there are more than 2,000 temples and shrines in the city such as Kinkakuji, Kiyomizudera, Ryoanji which is famous for its rock garden, and Fushimi Inari Shrine with its 5,000 vermilion torii gates. Kyoto is also known for its many high-tech industries and venture companies. High-tech companies such as Kyocera, Omron, Rohm, and Murata Manufacturing Company are all in Kyoto. Moreover, Kyoto is also famous as a city for students with 1 in 10 of the population being a university student and has the highest percentage of students of the population in Japan.
Hiroshima (Hiroshima Prefecture)
The world’s first nuclear bomb was dropped over Hiroshima in 1945. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park is the symbol of a reborn city and there are many other facilities dedicated to peace and group harmony. Moreover, with 6 beautiful rivers in the city, Hiroshima is called “City of Water”. There are many tourist spots such as Itsukushima Shrine, the impressive floating torii gate, Hiroshima Castle, and Shukkeien Garden. Hiroshima has beautiful nature such as the islands in the Seto Inland Sea, fascinating those vising these sites. These sites are used as filming locations or scenes in numerous movies, dramas, and anime.
Fukuoka (Fukuoka Prefecture)
Fukuoka Prefecture is located in the northern part of Kyushu Island and serves as a gateway to Asia with its extremely close location to the Korean Peninsula and Mainland China. Fukuoka Prefecture is famous for its delicious food. Surrounded by Genkainada, Hibikinada, Suonada, and the Sea of Ariake, each having its distinctive characteristic, people can enjoy fresh seafood. You can also enjoy local cuisine of Fukuoka such as Ramen, Mizutaki, and Motsunabe. Fukuoka has the highest number of food stalls in Japan and many people enjoy the numerous food stalls with short split curtains as the night scenery.
Naha (Okinawa Prefecture)
Okinawa Prefecture is the southernmost prefecture of Japan and is the only prefecture belonging to subtropical climate where we can enjoy warm climate all year long. It is made up of 160 islands and the blue sea is a treasure trove of creatures such as colorful tropical fish and coral reef. People enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. Additionally, the islands also formerly known as “Ryukyuu” still have a unique culture in which you can see traditional culture that is different from other places in Japan.
