Regional Divisions of Japan
This page is not just a list of cities and facts. We invite you to discover the heart and soul of Japan’s 47 prefectures through the unique lens of rural life and local traditions. From the stunning landscapes of Hokkaido to the rich cultural heritage of Kyushu, we go beyond the typical tourist spots to highlight the local charm, unique agricultural practices, and warm-hearted communities that make each region special.
Additionally, we also introduce traditional local dishes from various regions of Japan on the following page.
Hokkaido
Hokkaido (北海道 ほっかいどう)
Hokkaido is known for its magnificent nature and a culture that encourages new challenges. You can enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and hiking and cycling in the summer. Surrounded by the sea, the region is also rich in fresh seafood and agricultural products. While cities like Sapporo and Hakodate are centers for gourmet food and sightseeing, untouched nature stretches out just a short distance away. Support systems for young people to try new things and consultation services for new residents are well-established, making it a place many people consider their “second home.”
Tohoku Region
Iwate Prefecture (岩手県 いわてけん)
Iwate Prefecture is where rich nature and tradition coexist. In its mountainous areas, a collaborative system has been used for generations to protect fields, reservoirs, and forests to prepare for natural disasters. This wisdom has been recognized as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” The prefecture is also focused on agriculture, forestry, and fisheries, promoting the appeal of local food and communities through processing and selling their own produce and organizing rural exchange events.
Miyagi Prefecture (宮城県 みやぎけん)
Miyagi Prefecture’s climate is characterized by its Pacific coast, which can have harsh, cold winds. However, the region has developed unique agricultural practices to overcome these conditions. The “Osaki region” is particularly known for its thriving paddy field agriculture, where a traditional water management system to protect rice fields from cold weather and floods is highly valued as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). Trees planted around homes to block the wind, known as “ikune,” also serve as habitats for various creatures, enriching the local ecosystem.
Akita Prefecture (秋田県 あきたけん)
Akita Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan coast, and it gets a lot of rain and snow in the winter. People who have moved out of the prefecture often feel a stronger sense of attachment to their hometown, perhaps because they realize its value after living away.
Yamagata Prefecture (山形県 やまがたけん)
Yamagata Prefecture is also on the Sea of Japan coast and experiences heavy rain and snow in the winter. For about 450 years, the technology to cultivate and process safflower, used as a dye, has been passed down here. This has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site” and is an important source of income for the region. People also have a deep attachment to their local food culture, which is highly praised, especially by those who have moved away.
Fukushima Prefecture (福島県 ふくしまけん)
Fukushima Prefecture has diverse climates and terrains, with a region facing the Pacific Ocean and an inland area surrounded by mountains. Although the number of unused farmlands has increased due to an aging population and labor shortages, the prefecture is working to revitalize its agriculture by fostering new farmers and supporting local agricultural corporations. It also actively provides support for people who want to relocate, helping them find jobs and housing.
Kanto Region
Ibaraki Prefecture (茨城県 いばらきけん)
Ibaraki Prefecture’s inland area is characterized by dry winter winds, while its coastal area has a mild climate. Recently, the prefecture has been focusing on developing cycling roads, attracting many tourists and cyclists. It is also actively adopting new technologies like robots and IoT to revitalize the region.
Tochigi Prefecture (栃木県 とちぎけん)
Tochigi Prefecture is located in the inland part of the Kanto region, with hot summers and dry winter winds. It’s actually a “Strawberry Kingdom,” boasting the top strawberry production in Japan for 50 consecutive years. Recently, the prefecture has established a support center for people moving in from outside, actively assisting with job hunting and daily life. A trend shows that people who have moved away feel a stronger attachment to their hometown than those who still live there.
Gunma Prefecture (群馬県 ぐんまけん)
Gunma Prefecture is located inland and experiences dry winds in the winter. It’s rich in hot springs and ski resorts, and regions that are popular tourist destinations, like “Tsumagoi Village,” tend to have a slower population decline. The prefecture is also focusing on tourism promotion by utilizing historical sites, such as the “Tomioka Silk Mill,” which is a “World Heritage Site.”
Saitama Prefecture (埼玉県 さいたまけん)
Saitama Prefecture is close to the Tokyo metropolitan area and is home to many people. A unique farming technique of using fallen leaves from forests as fertilizer has been passed down for generations here, and it has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). The prefecture is also a major producer of vegetables like taro and spinach, and its taro shipments are the highest in Japan.
Chiba Prefecture (千葉県 ちばけん)
Due to the warm Kuroshio Current from the Pacific Ocean, Chiba Prefecture has a relatively mild climate even in winter. Tourist farms where you can pick flowers in the winter are also popular. Recently, the prefecture has been leveraging its unique characteristics to attract people and entrepreneurs from outside the prefecture, promoting initiatives to create a new flow of people and jobs.
Tokyo (東京都 とうきょうと)
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and a massive metropolis. However, efforts are also being made to protect nature; for example, Minami-Iwo Island in the Ogasawara Islands has been designated as a special protected area where untouched nature remains. Furthermore, planting greenery on building rooftops and grounds is being promoted to make the city greener.
Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県 かながわけん)
Kanagawa Prefecture has a relatively mild climate in winter, with many evergreen broadleaf trees like Camellia japonica. It’s characterized by a mix of urban areas and abundant nature, and locals have a strong attachment to their city. The prefecture is also advancing projects that utilize local resources, such as the “MIBYO Valley BIOTOPIA” facility, which is centered around health.
Chubu Region
Niigata Prefecture (新潟県 にいがたけん)
Niigata Prefecture is a “Heavy Snowfall Zone” that gets a massive amount of snow in the winter. A farming system that uses this melted snow to grow delicious rice and raise beautiful koi carp has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” Additionally, on Sado Island, a farming system that coexists with the Japanese crested ibis, an endangered species, has been recognized as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS).
Toyama Prefecture (富山県 とやまけん)
Toyama Prefecture gets a lot of snow in the winter. Toyama Bay has a unique seabed that attracts fish, and for centuries, a sustainable “fixed net fishing” method has been used to avoid overfishing. This practice has also been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” Recently, the number of young people moving to the prefecture has increased significantly, making it a popular destination for relocation.
Ishikawa Prefecture (石川県 いしかわけん)
Ishikawa Prefecture, including the Noto Peninsula, is on the Sea of Japan coast and gets heavy snowfall in the winter. The Noto region has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS) for its harmonious coexistence of rich nature and local life, known as “Satoyama and Satoumi.” Traditional ways of life, such as terraced rice fields on steep slopes, salt production by boiling seawater, and charcoal making, still exist here.
Fukui Prefecture (福井県 ふくいけん)
Fukui Prefecture also gets a lot of snow and rain in the winter. It has a unique system of five lakes where fresh and saltwater mix, and a traditional fishing method, developed over 400 years ago to prevent overfishing, is still practiced. This has been recognized as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” The prefecture also offers one-stop support for people considering relocation, with specialized agencies assisting with job hunting and finding housing.
Yamanashi Prefecture (山梨県 やまなしけん)
Yamanashi Prefecture is located in an inland area surrounded by mountains. The region’s sunny and well-drained land has long been used for growing fruits like grapes and peaches. This fruit-growing system has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS), and its high-quality fruits are widely exported overseas.
Nagano Prefecture (長野県 ながのけん)
Nagano Prefecture is surrounded by the “Japanese Alps,” a mountain range with peaks of up to 3,000 meters. It’s known as a cool summer retreat. The prefecture’s rich nature and beautiful scenery are highly praised by both locals and visitors. Recently, the prefecture has been focusing on attracting the aviation industry and developing educational programs to foster local talent.
Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県 ぎふけん)
The clear Nagara River flowing through the center of Gifu Prefecture is a symbol of the region’s identity. Traditional cormorant fishing, known as “ukai,” is still practiced here, and efforts to protect the river have led to the “Ayu of the Nagara River” being certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). This clear water is also essential for producing local crafts like “Mino washi” paper. The prefecture also promotes historical sites like the “Battle of Sekigahara” and the export of its brand of beef, “Hida beef.”
Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県 しずおかけん)
Shizuoka Prefecture is a Pacific coastal region blessed with a mild climate and abundant nature. Along the coast, citrus and tea cultivation are popular, and the “Chagusaba” method of using cut grass as fertilizer for tea fields has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” This method not only produces delicious tea but also protects the habitats of rare creatures. Additionally, a traditional method of growing wasabi using spring water has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS), and Shizuoka is the top producer of wasabi in Japan. The prefecture is also actively attracting companies in manufacturing, healthcare, and food industries, creating many job opportunities.
Aichi Prefecture (愛知県 あいちけん)
Aichi Prefecture is a major industrial hub in Japan, with a particularly strong automotive industry. It is proactive in adopting advanced technology, working on autonomous driving experiments and promoting “plant factories” managed by computers. Through the operation of the “Aichi Museum of Flight,” the prefecture also promotes the aviation industry to tourists and trains the next generation of talent. It is a dynamic region where tradition and innovation coexist.
Kansai Region
Mie Prefecture (三重県 みえけん)
Mie Prefecture is surrounded by mountains and the sea and has a climate with frequent rainfall. A unique forestry technique, “Owase Hinoki Forestry,” has been passed down on its steep mountains, producing high-quality lumber while protecting the connection between the forests and the sea. In the ocean, traditional “ama fishing” and sustainable pearl cultivation have been certified as “Japan Agricultural Heritage Sites.” “Ume” (plum) cultivation on slopes has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS), and trees that serve as raw materials for high-quality “Kishu Binchotan” charcoal are also grown here. The prefecture is creating a future for the region in various fields, including childcare support and tourism promotion.
Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県 しがけん)
At the center of Shiga Prefecture is Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. People have cherished Lake Biwa for centuries, and environmental protection awareness is very high. These efforts are reflected in various initiatives, such as “environment-friendly farming” and the “fish cradle paddy field project” which turns rice fields into spawning grounds for fish. New attempts to link agriculture and welfare are also underway, using abandoned farmlands for sweet potato cultivation and combining it with solar power generation. “Biwaichi,” a cycling tour around Lake Biwa, is a popular tourist attraction.
Kyoto Prefecture (京都府 きょうとふ)
Kyoto is known as the ancient capital of Japan, where historical townscapes and culture are still treasured. Both locals and those who have moved away have the strongest attachment to their “local culture and climate” in all of Japan. While it’s a famous tourist destination, each area within the prefecture has its own unique character, such as “Kyoto by the Sea” with its abundant seafood, “Kyoto by the Forest” with its beautiful woods, and “Otokuni, the Bamboo Village” known for its charming bamboo groves. The prefecture leverages these diverse tourist resources to promote its regional charm.
Osaka Prefecture (大阪府 おおさかふ)
Osaka Prefecture is one of Japan’s economic and commercial centers and a lively metropolis. People here tend to be friendly, sociable, curious, and express their opinions clearly. Projects connecting local small and medium-sized businesses with highly skilled professionals are also underway, creating many jobs. As a city known for its food, gourmet dishes like takoyaki and okonomiyaki are very popular.
Hyogo Prefecture (兵庫県 ひょうごけん)
Hyogo Prefecture has diverse nature, stretching from the Seto Inland Sea to the Sea of Japan. On Awaji Island, a farming system combining rice, onions, and livestock farming using reservoirs has been passed down to overcome the climate’s water shortages. This has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” In the mountainous areas, “Tajima beef” cattle farming is thriving, and the history of their over 100-year-old bloodline management has also been recognized as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” The prefecture is actively supporting people moving in or returning to the area, creating an environment where younger generations can settle down.
Nara Prefecture (奈良県 ならけん)
Nara Prefecture has steep mountains in the Kii mountain range, and the number of abandoned farmlands has been increasing. However, residents’ healthy life expectancy is among the highest in the country, and initiatives to support their health are underway. With abundant historical tourist resources like “Todai-ji Temple” and “Nara Park,” the number of tourists has increased due to the promotion of high-quality hotels and events. In particular, the number of foreign visitors has grown significantly.
Wakayama Prefecture (和歌山県 わかやまけん)
Located in the rugged terrain of the Kii mountains, “ume” (plum) cultivation is popular in Wakayama Prefecture. A unique agricultural system of growing plums on slopes and preserving the trees for high-quality “Kishu Binchotan” charcoal nearby has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). Additionally, “Shimo-tsu kuradashi mikan” cultivated on terraced fields on slopes and the “Arita mikan system,” which has produced numerous excellent varieties, have been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” The prefecture is also focusing on childcare support, such as free nursery school fees, and is a pioneer in proposing new ways of working and tourism, such as “workation” (combining work and vacation).
Chugoku Region
Tottori Prefecture (鳥取県 とっとりけん)
Tottori Prefecture is located on the Sea of Japan coast and gets a lot of rain and snow in the winter. In recent years, the number of people moving into the prefecture has been steadily increasing due to active information dissemination. Foreign tourist attraction is also a focus, and the number of visitors has increased significantly by accepting more international charter flights and large cruise ships. They have also successfully branded local agricultural products, and the value of agricultural production is growing.
Shimane Prefecture (島根県 しまねけん)
Shimane Prefecture is on the Sea of Japan coast and has a lot of rain and snow in the winter. An agricultural system that efficiently uses natural resources, based on the ancient “tatara iron-making” technology, has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” A life of coexistence with nature remains here, where land cleared for iron-making was turned into terraced rice fields, cow dung is used as fertilizer, and forest resources are utilized to grow mushrooms. The prefecture is also actively supporting people who are returning or moving to the area to increase the number of residents.
Okayama Prefecture (岡山県 おかやまけん)
Okayama Prefecture, facing the Seto Inland Sea, is known for its many clear days and low rainfall throughout the year. For this reason, agricultural reservoirs and waterways have long been built to manage water usage. The northern part of the prefecture also has natural grasslands, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery.
Hiroshima Prefecture (広島県 ひろしまけん)
Hiroshima Prefecture faces the Seto Inland Sea and is characterized by a mild climate with little rain. Oyster farming is thriving in its calm waters, and it’s one of Japan’s main oyster producing regions. Locals have a very strong attachment to their professional sports teams, such as baseball and soccer, ranking among the highest in the country. The number of people moving into the prefecture is also increasing, and the number of tourists has reached a record high, making it a popular destination for many visitors.
Yamaguchi Prefecture (山口県 やまぐちけん)
Yamaguchi Prefecture faces both the Seto Inland Sea and the Sea of Japan, giving it diverse climates and terrains. Blessed with rich nature, you can enjoy a variety of seafood and mountain delicacies, such as “Shimonoseki fugu” and “sake.” There are also many tourist spots that blend history and nature, such as “Kintai Bridge” and “Akiyoshido Cave.” It is a region full of various charms, including historical sites, beautiful natural landscapes, and fresh seafood.
Shikoku Region
Tokushima Prefecture (徳島県 とくしまけん)
Tokushima Prefecture is characterized by a warm climate with frequent rain. In the “Nishi-Awa region” in particular, a “steep-slope farming system” that uses steep slopes as they are without leveling them has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). In this area, traditional crops like soba (buckwheat) have been cultivated for over 400 years, with techniques like mixing eulalia grass into the soil to prevent erosion. The prefecture is also attracting satellite offices of many companies, creating jobs for locals.
Kagawa Prefecture (香川県 かがわけん)
Kagawa Prefecture has many clear days and little rainfall throughout the year. For this reason, many reservoirs have been built for centuries to secure water for agriculture. The number of people moving to the prefecture is also increasing, with the number of consultations and new residents reaching record highs. The prefecture is also focusing on tourism, and the number of foreign tourists staying overnight has increased significantly.
Ehime Prefecture (愛媛県 えひめけん)
Ehime Prefecture has a mild climate, and “mikan” (mandarin orange) cultivation is very popular. Mikan grown on the steep mountain slopes along the ria coast get a lot of sun and are of high quality. This “Ehime/Nanyo Citrus Farming System” has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” The prefecture is also actively working to solve regional issues, such as promoting organic farming and linking agriculture with welfare by using abandoned farmlands to employ people with disabilities.
Kochi Prefecture (高知県 こうちけん)
Kochi Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean and has a warm climate with frequent rain. Locals tend to be curious, optimistic, and express their opinions clearly. They have a strong attachment to their food culture, such as “katsuo no tataki” (seared bonito), which is highly praised by both locals and those who have moved away. The prefecture is also focusing on promoting the sales of local products, expanding business opportunities outside the prefecture.
Kyushu Region
Fukuoka Prefecture (福岡県 ふくおかけん)
Fukuoka Prefecture is a central city in the Kyushu region and is blessed with a mild climate. “Double cropping” of barley or wheat after rice harvest is popular, making it one of Kyushu’s leading grain producers. Both locals and those who have moved away have a strong attachment to their city, ranking among the highest in the country. People here are sociable and ambitious, and initiatives to create a society where seniors can continue to work are also underway.
Saga Prefecture (佐賀県 さがけん)
Saga Prefecture has a mild climate, and the number of people moving in has been steadily increasing. It promotes relocation by collaborating with municipalities to hold consultations and actively disseminating information. The prefecture is also working to revitalize the region by leveraging the porcelain culture of the “Hizen Ceramic Region,” which spans Saga and Nagasaki prefectures. They are also focusing on childcare support and training the next generation of farmers.
Nagasaki Prefecture (長崎県 ながさきけん)
Nagasaki Prefecture is characterized by a mild climate and a beautiful landscape of many islands. It has historically played an important role as a port city, and manufacturing industries such as shipbuilding are thriving. The prefecture has created many jobs by attracting companies and supporting local manufacturing. It is also working to increase the number of international visitors, aiming to revitalize the regional economy.
Kumamoto Prefecture (熊本県 くまもとけん)
Kumamoto Prefecture has vast grasslands created by the volcanic activity of the majestic “Mount Aso.” These grasslands have been protected for over 1,000 years by a traditional method called “noyaki” (controlled burning), and the practice has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). “Aka-ushi” cattle are grazed on these grasslands, supporting the local food culture. The local mascot, “Kumamon,” is extremely popular among locals.
Oita Prefecture (大分県 おおいたけん)
“Onsen” (hot springs) are very famous in Oita Prefecture, and they are highly praised by people who have moved away, ranking among the highest in the country. In areas with little rain, a unique agriculture and forestry system combining many small “reservoirs” with “konara” forests for growing shiitake mushrooms has been certified as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS). This system allows for sustainable living while protecting the natural cycle.
Miyazaki Prefecture (宮崎県 みやざきけん)
Miyazaki Prefecture is characterized by a mild climate and long hours of sunlight throughout the year. The traditional practice of making “dried vegetables,” known for the winter sight of “daikon yagura” (radish drying racks), has been certified as a “Japan Agricultural Heritage Site.” This system, which combines vegetable cultivation and processing, also helps with resource recycling. In mountainous areas, a complex agricultural system that effectively utilizes forest resources has been recognized as a “Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System” (GIAHS).
Kagoshima Prefecture (鹿児島県 かごしまけん)
Kagoshima Prefecture is characterized by a mild climate and volcanic activity, symbolized by Sakurajima. Locals have a very strong attachment to “onsen” (hot springs), which is rated among the highest in the country. Additionally, “Yakushima Island” has been designated as a special protected area where untouched nature remains. The prefecture is also focusing on revitalizing the food industry and developing programs to train young people, leading to an increase in domestic and international tourists.
Okinawa Region
Okinawa Prefecture (沖縄県 おきなわけん)
Okinawa Prefecture consists of beautiful islands with a subtropical climate. Both locals and those who have moved away have a very strong attachment to their hometown, ranking among the highest in the country. As the spirit of “ichariba chodee” (once we meet, we are all family) suggests, people here are said to be optimistic and kind-hearted. Sugarcane cultivation is popular, and many flowers, such as chrysanthemums, are also grown.