I Visited All 47 Prefectures in Japan: Here’s What I learned
There are few travel experiences quite like exploring every corner of Japan. From the snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical beaches of Okinawa, each prefecture has its own history, culture, and cuisine.
Most visitors that come to Japan visit famous cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, but I wanted to experience the country beyond the typical tourist route, and over the years, that journey led me to visiting all 47 prefectures in Japan.
Visiting every prefecture in Japan was not something I set out to accomplish overnight. It took me 7-years to accomplish this goal.
In this guide, I’m sharing what I learned from traveling across all 47 prefectures in Japan. I’ll highlight the destinations that surprised me, places I’d happily visit again, incredible food, and travel tips along the way.
From the snowy landscapes of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Okinawa, I spent years exploring every corner of Japan. Along the way, I discovered hidden gems, delicious food, and lessons that completely changed how I travel. Here's what I learned after visiting all 47 prefectures.
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Japan's 47 Prefectures
Aichi
Akita
Aomori
Chiba
Ehime
Fukui
Fukuoka
Fukushima
Gifu
Gunma
Hiroshima
Hokkaido
Hyogo
Ibaraki
Ishikawa
Iwate
Kagawa
Kagoshima
Kanagawa
Kochi
Kumamoto
Kyoto
Mie
Miyagi
Miyazaki
Nagano
Nagasaki
Nara
Niigata
Oita
Okayama
Okinawa
Osaka
Saga
Saitama
Shiga
Shimane
Shizuoka
Tochigi
Tokushima
Tokyo
Tottori
Toyama
Wakayama
Yamagata
Yamaguchi
Yamanashi
I have been living in Japan since 2019 and have lived in two different prefectures – Yamaguchi and Okinawa.
During my time in Yamaguchi prefecture, it was during the height of Covid-19. Although we were on lockdown, I was able to explore a lot of Japan, especially some of the more rural prefectures like Tottori, Shimane, and Kochi.
By the time Covid was over, I already visited around 30 prefectures, so I made it a personal goal to visit all 47 prefectures of Japan while I live here.
It took me 7 years to visit all of Japan’s 47 prefectures. Of course, I did a lot of international travel during those 7 years and visited numerous prefectures more then once.
Was it Worth It?
For my personal travel goals and accomplishments, visiting all of Japan’s prefectures was well worth the journey.
Many visitors come to Japan and have the same itinerary, they visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although I highly recommend these cities, there is so much more to Japan.
Visiting every prefecture in Japan allowed me to visit small mountain towns like Shirakawa-go, try the best food in Japan in Fukuoka, and scuba dive around the beautiful islands of Okinawa.
Every prefecture was unique, with its own special attractions, local cuisine, and abundance of things to do. Of course, I have my favorites and ones I keep going back to. In the end, I am grateful to have visited every prefecture in Japan.
Things That Surprised Me Most
After traveling across all 47 prefectures in Japan, I expected the country to be the same from one prefecture to the next. Instead, I was surprised by how drastically the country changed between prefectures.
These were some of the moments that stood out the most.
Rural Japan became my favorite Japan
I expected to enjoy cities like Tokyo and Osaka the most.
I discovered that some of my most memorable journeys within Japan came from driving around small towns, mountain villages, and quiet coastal communities.
Why it surprised me: Places I had never heard of prior to living in Japan left a bigger impression on me then popular destinations found in every guidebook.
Every prefecture genuinely feels different
I expected regional differences, but nothing like the variety I I came across.
I discovered that food, landscapes, traditions, architecture, and attractions, changed drastically from one prefecture to the next. Some prefectures like Hokkaido and Okinawa, feel like completely different countries.
Why it surprised me: Before living in Japan, I underestimated just how diverse Japan really is. Just stopping at local Michi-no-Eki’s on road trips, gave me a sense of regional differences.
Driving unlocked a different side of Japan
I expected trains to be enough.
I discovered that many of my favorite trips in Japan were during road trips.
Why it surprised me: I always thought travel by train is the best way to experience Japan, but in reality, the road trips created my most memorable times.
The food changes more then I imagined
I expected great food everywhere. So many people think of Japan cuisine as just sushi or ramen, but it is so much more complex than that.
I discovered that regional specialties are a huge part of the experience. I went to Miyazaki prefecture to try chicken nanban or Fukuoka prefecture for Japan’s best ramen.
Why it surprised me: Visiting every prefecture in Japan felt like I tried 47 different regional dishes.
The famous places weren’t always the most memorable
I expected Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka to be my main highlights given their popularity and abundance of things to do.
I discovered that many of the places I still think about were in some of the more rural prefectures, like Takayama in Gifu prefecture or Iriomote in Okinawa prefecture.
Why it surprised me: Some of the best travel experiences and stories I encountered in Japan were some of the ones I knew least about or never planned.
If I had to summarize the biggest surprise in one sentence, it would be this: Japan became more interesting the farther I moved away from places I already knew.
My Favorite Prefectures
Is a favorite prefecture even a thing? Every one of Japan’s 47 prefectures had something memorable to offer and I have fond memories of each one, each prefecture with its own unique experience, beautiful nature, and kind people.
These prefectures aren’t necessarily the “best” prefectures, they are simply my favorites and left the biggest impression on me and are places I find myself wanting to return to again and again.
| Prefecture | Why I Love It | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Gifu | Mountains and Takayama | Food and Culture |
| Nara | Nara Park | History and Deer |
| Okinawa | Beaches and Island Culture | Beaches and Diving |
| Tochigi | Nikko and Mountains | Temples and Nature |
| Yamaguchi | Iwakuni and Coastal Views | History and Ice Cream |
Gifu Prefecture
I had one of my best travels in Japan while driving around Gifu Prefecture and I absolutely love the town of Takayama.
Why I Love Gifu Prefecture
Takayama
Hida Beef
Shirakawa-go
Don’t Miss
Gujo Hachiman Castle
Sanmachi-dori in Takayama
Discovering Beautiful Waterfalls
Nara Prefecture
I’ve visited Nara Prefecture several times. Nara Park is still one of my favorite places in Japan, seeing the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall) at Tōdai-ji is one of the most spectacular sites in all of Japan.
Nara is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Buddhist Monuments in the Horyu-ji Area.
Why I Love Nara Prefecture
Nara Park and the Daibutsuden
Horyu-ji Area
Don’t Miss
Tōdai-ji
Feeding the Deer
Okinawa Prefecture
Okinawa is like its own country. There are more differences then similarities when comparing Okinawa with mainland Japan.
Okinawa is unique, I love the island culture, the diverse food, and the abundance of water activities here.
Why I Love Okinawa Prefecture
Island Vibes
Diving and Snorkeling
Food Scene
Don’t Miss
Taking a ferry to the Kerama Islands
Wander around Kokusai-dori
Eating Okinawa Soba
Tochigi Prefecture
The town of Nikko in Tochigi Prefecture is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Japan. Visiting the Shrines and Temples of Nikko along with driving around Nikko National Park, it’s a place that I keep coming back to.
Last time I visited Nikko, I also discovered the Four Seasons Bamboo Forest near the town of Utsunomiya and it’s a bamboo forest that outshines Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, with little to no tourists.
Why I Love Tochigi Prefecture
Easy Nature Escape from Tokyo
Nature and History
Small Town Vibes
Don’t Miss
Nikko National Park
Shrines and Temples of Nikko
Four Seasons Bamboo Forest
Yamaguchi Prefecture
Yamaguchi Prefecture will always be a special place to me. My first time living in Japan, I was in Iwakuni for nearly 2 years.
Iwakuni is an amazing town, home of the famous Kintaikyo Bridge and Iwakuni Castle. There are many other amazing towns in Yamaguchi – Hagi, Shimonoseki, and Yanai to name a few.
Why I Love Yamaguchi Prefecture
Coastal Drives
Little to no Tourists
Iwakuni
Don’t Miss
Iwakuni’s Kintaikyo Bridge
Oshima Island (Yashiro Island)
Visiting Hagi
Most Underrated Prefectures
Some of my favorite places and most memorable locations didn’t come from Japan’s most famous destinations. Instead, they happened i prefectures that many visitors overlook.
These underrated prefectures in Japan may not appear on every first-time itinerary, but these prefectures surprised me with its scenery, food, and hidden gems.
If you are looking for off the beaten bath type places in Japan, I’d start here.
Miyazaki Prefecture
Miyazaki was my second to last of the 47 prefectures in Japan that I visited. My main goal for Miyazaki was to visit Takachiho Gorge and it did not dissapoint.
In fact, Miyazaki as a whole surprised me. The views along the roads we traveled were stunning. From misty valley’s to jagged mountains covered in lush greenery, I was in awe the whole time.
Highlights
Takachiho Gorge
Ama-no Iwato-Shrine
Chicken Nanban
Shizuoka Prefecture
I’ve visited Shizuoka Prefecture at least four times now. Of course, it’s known because it shares Japan’s famous Mount Fuji with Yamanashi Prefecture.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the days when you see Mount Fuji while in Shizuoka Prefecture, but that is not why this prefecture is underrated.
The Izu Peninsula is just to the south of Hakone is one of the prettiest parts of Japan with its beautiful waterfalls, amazing food, and authentic towns hardly explored by tourists.
Highlights
Shuzenji Onsen
Baird Brewery Gardens Shuzenji
Joren Falls
Wasabi
Shimane Prefecture
Shimane Prefecture is a part of Japan that still feels untouched by tourists. When I lived in Iwakuni, I took multiple road trips to Shimane Prefecture.
There are no big cities or major tourist attractions in Shimane Prefecture.
Instead, this prefecture is full of hidden gems like Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, the towns of Izumo and Matsue, and beaches at Hamada.
Highlights
Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine
Izumo Taisha
Matsue Castle
Tokushima Prefecture
Tokushima Prefecture is located on the island of Shikoku, which I feel is an underrated destination in itself.
Tokushima Prefecture is home to the Iya Valley Vine Bridges and one of my favorite Japanese Gardens in the city of Tokushima.
Highlights
Iya Valley Vine Bridges
Tokushima Castle and Gardens
Oboke Gorge
Tottori Prefecture
Tottori Prefecture is one of those prefectures I visited early on when I first moved to Japan and haven’t been back to sense but I am itching to go back.
I visited Tottori Prefecture mainly to hike Mt. Daisen and it did not disappoint. After hiking the mountain I found one of the coolest breweries I’ve still to this day been to in Japan – Bier Hof Gambarius.
There are still other attractions I’ve yet to discover that are on my radar, like the Tottori Sand Dunes.
Highlights
Mt. Daisen
Bier Hof Gambarius
Yamagata Prefecture
For nature, hiking, and mummies – that’s right, mummies, Yamagata ranks up there with one of Japan’s most underrated prefectures.
Yamagata is not that easy to reach, we visited while doing a road trip in Japan and it instantly became one of my favorite prefectures.
One of the best hikes in Japan that I’ve done was the Risshaku-ji to Yamadera Temple. For one of the more unique experiences, you can learn more about the Sokushin-Butsu, or Buddhist mummies in the area.
Most Beautiful Places
One thing that surprised me the most while traveling through all 47 prefectures in Japan was just how diverse the country is. I always remind people that Japan is so much more then just Tokyo and Kyoto.
Once you get outside the cities, Japan is nothing but small villages and nature with towering mountain ranges, beautiful coastlines, tropical islands, and peaceful countrysides.
These are the places that stopped me in y tracks and reminded me why Japan is one of my favorites countries in the world.
⛰️ Most Beautiful Mountains
- Mount Fuji (Shizuoka & Yamanashi)
- Mount Daisen (Tottori)
- Hida Mountains (Gifu, Nagano & Toyama)
🌊 Most Beautiful Coastlines
- Yashiro Island (Yamaguchi)
- Cape Hedo (Okinawa)
- Irabu Island (Okinawa)
🏝️ Best Beaches
- Hanaguri Beach (Yamaguchi)
- Hoshizuna Beach (Okinawa)
- Atsuta Beach (Okinawa)
🌋 Most Dramatic Landscapes
- Samurajima (Kagoshima)
- Mt. Aso (Kumamoto)
- Mount Yotei (Hokkaido)
🍂 Best Autumn Colors
- Nikko National Park (Tochigi)
- Kyoto (Kyoto)
- Beech Forest (Aomori)
📜 Most Interesting History
- Peace Memorial Park (Hiroshima)
- Kyoto (Kyoto)
- WWII Sites Naha (Okinawa)
⛩️ Best Temples & Shrines
- Ise Grand Shrine (Mie)
- Tōdai-ji (Nara)
- Yutoku Inari Shrine (Saga)
Best Food Experiences
One of the best parts of visiting every prefecture in Japan was discovering how much the food changes from one prefecture to the next.
Every destination seems to have its own speciality, whether it’s fresh seafood, comforting noodles, local sweets, or even dishes I’ve never heard of.
These are not necessarily the most famous meals I ate in Japan, but they are the ones that I contantly think about.
| Experience | Where |
|---|---|
| Best Seafood | Hokkaido |
| Best Ramen | Fukuoka |
| Best Sushi | Okinawa |
| Best Street Food | Kanagawa |
| Best Dessert | Kyoto |
| Best Western Food | Tokyo |
| Best Hamburgers | Okinawa |
| Best Local Speciality | Hiroshima |
The Meal I’ll Never Forget
There is a Tonkatsu restaurant in Okinawa called Ajihiro that will forever remain one of my favorite meals in Japan.
It’s a very local joint, perhaps enough room inside for 6 tables and the lady who runs the shop is elderly but sweet and runs the show.
Her tonkatsu is pretty much perfect and plentiful, all under ¥1000.
Best Bowl of Ramen
I am going to cheat a little on this one. I’ve yet to have a bad ramen experience in Japan but there are two ramen experiences that stand out above the rest.
Ramen Unari
When I first visited Japan in 2017, I flew from South Korea to Fukuoka. Right near my hotel was this local ramen joint called Ramen Unari and it remains my favorite ramen spot in Japan.
Now, they have several locations, including at Fukuoka Airport, but I’ve had it several times now and it’s just the perfect bowl of Hakata Ramen.
Sashida Store
My next ramen experience is a ramen restaurant in Okinawa called Sashida Store. This place has the most unique and delicious ramen. Get the Exiting Ramen, it comes with fried chicken, you’ll thank me later!
The Biggest Surprise
Before visiting Japan, I was naive. I though Japanese food was just sushi and ramen. Boy was I wrong.
When I moved to Iwakuni and traveled to Hiroshima, I discovered a dish called Okonomiyaki. This still remains one of my favorite meals in all of Japan, especially Hiroshima-style.
I’m not a fan of calling it a Japanese pancake or pizza, because it’s not. It’s a layered dish with cabbage, seafood, bacon, egg, scallions, noodles, and sauces. Ingredients vary, but that is my go to Okonomiyaki.
It’s more then just a meal, it’s all about the atmosphere, the chef cooks it in front of you, hands you spatulas, and your own your own for eating it, it’s such a fun experience.
Best Western Food
If I were visiting any other country, I would avoid eating western food. Not because I don’t like it or think it’s good in other countries, but I eat it all the time and want to experience all the delicious food in the country I am visiting.
But, since I live in Japan, I think it’s an exception, I can take a break from eating local dishes here and there and indulge in a mouthwatering burger or satisfying pizza.
Almost every time I travel to Tokyo, I have to go to a Chicago-style pizza joint called DevilCraft. Both their pizza and craft beers are excellent! The Chicago-style pizza is just as good if not better, then anything I’ve had in the States.
Biggest Travel Lessons
Traveling through all 47 prefectures in Japan taught me far more than just where to find great food or seeing typical touristy destinations. It changed the way I approach travel in Japan altogether.
Some lessons came from careful planning, while others came from getting lost, learning from mistakes, or by visiting places I knew very little about.
If I were to start my journey across Japan again today, these lessons are ones I wish I knew from the start.
Don’t visit Kyoto as a day trip from Tokyo – Kyoto deserves time
I personally haven’t visited Kyoto from Tokyo as a day trip but the reason I am bringing it up is because I’ve talked to people who have and see people do it or recommend it on social media.
First off, you are loosing about 4-5 hours just getting to and from Kyoto. Second off, you need a minimum of 2-days in Kyoto to even scratch the surface.
So why not just explore more of Tokyo or do an easy day trip from Tokyo if you are short on time?
Slow down and spend more time in fewer places
This goes hand in hand with my recommendation about getting to Kyoto from Tokyo. Instead of just ticking boxes just to say you’ve done it, why not slow down and really immersive yourself in one place.
I’ve done this a handful of times and regret it. I visited Tokyo the first time for one day and barely saw anything. Afterwards, I told myself that I would spend more time in the city and I have such a better appreciation for Tokyo now.
Renting a car changed everything
Not everyone can or wants to rent a car in Japan. But, in case you are debating whether or not driving in Japan is worth it, I think road trips in Japan are the best way to explore Japan.
The first few years while I was in Japan, I relied on public transportation. I decided to take a road trip from Nagoya and it changed everything. Now, I go on at least two to three a year.
Don’t only visit during cherry blossom season
I do recommend visiting Japan during Cherry Blossom season, but Japan is beautiful no matter what season you visit.
I prefer fall over spring here just because the fall foliage in the mountains are incredible.
I always look forward to Cherry Blossom or Sakura season in Japan, but the truth is it’s not easy to time. There have been times where I visited mainland Japan a week to early or to late and completely missed out on blooms.
I just tell myself, Japan is beautiful no matter what time of year, Sakura is just a bonus if you time it perfectly.
Don’t let bad weather ruin your trip
It’s Japan, it’s going to rain. When I was new to Japan, the rain got to me. Sometimes it would rain for weeks on end and I just stayed indoors.
As a visitor, don’t let the bad weather ruin your trip to Japan. Instead embrace it, change your itinerary, or apprecaite it for what it is.
A rainy day in Japan means you can spend time in the arcade streets, visit an interesting museum, or hang out in the underground malls.
If you are in nature, the mountains become majestic with low clouds, really bringing out the greenness of the trees, perfect for photography.
FAQs About Visiting Japan's Prefectures
There are a total of 47 prefectures in Japan, each with its own unique history, culture, landscapes, and cuisine. From the snowy wilderness of Hokkaido to the tropical islands of Okinawa, each prefecture is worth visiting.
It definitely was not a single trip or planned challenge at the beginning. I've lived in Japan since 2019 so I've had many opportunities to explore this amazing country. That being said, I did a lot of international travel during my time in Japan and have visited many prefectures several times.
For me, absolutely! While more prefectures are more popular than others, every one had something amazing to offer. Some of my most memorable experiences happened in prefectures I knew little about.
That is one of the hardest questions to answer because I really enjoyed every prefecture. Every prefecture in Japan has beautiful landscapes, amazing food, and unique attractions. I do have a few prefectures that stand out though like Nara. I've visited Nara several times and can't wait to visit again.
My last prefecture, Saga. I was blown away by the sites I saw. I visited Yutoku Inari Shrine, easily one of the prettiest shrines in the country and I walked around Okawachiyama Village, an amazing small town with hardly any tourists.
Not necessarily, but having a rental car or my own car made exploring many rural areas much easier. Japan's train network is excellent and technically you can get to every prefecture, but it might take time and a little extra planning.
My recommendation is to treat it like a long term adventure and not a race. We are all on our own journey and instead of just racing through Japan, slow down and enjoy the ride. Stay flexible, try as much food as possible, don't overlook the small towns, and take it all in.
Conclusion: So What Did I Learn?
When I first visited Japan in 2017, I never thought I would come back. Two years later, I moved to Japan. Even then, I never imagined I Would visit all 47 prefectures.
What began as a desire to see as much of Japan as possible I started venturing into more secluded prefectures and made it a goal to visit all of Japan’s 47 prefectures over time.
I learned that Japan is so much more then just Tokyo and Kyoto and that Japan is so underrated when it comes to nature. Japan has some of the world’s best beaches, prime dive spots, world-class ski resorts, and multi-day hiking.
Thank you for following along on my journey across all 47 prefectures. I hope my experience and recommendations inspire you to explore more of Japan.
Do you have a desire to visit all of Japan’s 47 prefectures? I’d love to hear from you – which prefecture has been your favorite, which one is at the top of your to do list and any other places in Japan that I might have missed? Safe Travels!
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