By prefecture and throughout Japan! Food & Experience Part 2

update date 2024/02/15

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All over Japan, there are a variety of sightseeing spots and delicious foods to enjoy the local culture and cuisine.

Part 1In this issue, we will continue to introduce unique and fascinating experiences and delicious food in each of Japan's prefectures, as in the previous issue. This timePart 2The Kinki, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa Prefectures are as follows.

Please refer to the following information to help foreign visitors enjoy Japan's diverse culture and delicious cuisine.

Click here for Part 1▼

By prefecture and throughout Japan! Food & Experience Part 1

Kinki region (inc. Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Mie and Shiga prefectures)

Kyoto Prefecture: Tour of Ancient Capitals and Matcha Green Tea

Kyoto Prefecture is a must-see destination for foreigners who want to enjoy traditional Japanese culture and beautiful scenery. The city is home to historical architecture and traditional culture, including many historic temples and shrines, and a stroll through Gion and Kiyomizu-dera is not to be missed. Kiyomizu-dera in particular is located on a hill and offers a great view of the city, so you can see beautiful gardens and Buddhist statues as you make your way along the approach to the temple. Especially if you visit at dusk, you can enjoy the fantastic atmosphere.

It is also known for its unique Japanese tea experience called matcha. Matcha is a traditional Japanese tea, and there are unique rules for its production method and drinking method. In Kyoto Prefecture, visitors can experience matcha at many tea stores and matcha specialty stores, where they can also enjoy matcha sweets. You will be able to experience traditional Japanese culture through visiting temples and experiencing matcha tea.

Osaka: Urban Exploration and Takoyaki

Osaka is known as the kitchen of Japan, and visitors can enjoy shopping and exploring gourmet food in Namba and Shinsaibashi. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are especially popular among foreigners as Osaka's specialties.

Shiga Prefecture: Lake Biwa Sightseeing Tour and Funazozushi

A sightseeing tour of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, is not to be missed. It is also recommended to try funa-zushi, a local Shiga dish of fermented, salted fish and rice.

Hyogo Prefecture: Sightseeing at Himeji Castle and Tajima beef

Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, is said to be the most beautiful castle in Japan and is known as a masterpiece of Japanese castle architecture. In terms of food, the local "Tajima beef" is famous as a specialty. Its tender meat and deep flavor are highly appreciated.

Nara Prefecture: Deer, Big Buddha, and Nara Pickles

A visit to Nara Park to see the deer and the Great Buddha is not to be missed. In addition, local Nara pickles are made using an age-old traditional method, giving them a unique and deep flavor.

Wakayama Prefecture: Kimiidera Temple and pickled plums

Kimiidera Temple is known as one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan. Wakayama is also famous for its ume (plum) production, and visitors can enjoy umeboshi (pickled plums), one of the most popular foods in Japan, as well as umeshu (plum wine).

Mie Prefecture: Ise Jingu Shrine and Matsuzaka Beef

Ise Jingu Shrine is a representative tourist attraction, where visitors can feel the sacred atmosphere and Japanese traditions and culture. Mie Prefecture is also home to Matsuzaka beef, which is characterized by its soft and mild fat, and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including yakiniku, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu.

Chugoku region

Tottori Prefecture: Spectacular views of sand dunes and crab dishes

Tottori Prefecture faces the Sea of Japan, and along its coastline are the Tottori Sand Dunes, a spectacular sight. At first glance, the vast sand dunes appear to be an exotic landscape, a place where visitors can experience a space that is almost otherworldly. Especially early in the morning and at dusk, the contrast of light and shadow is further emphasized, making it look like a painting.

It is also known for the fresh crabs that line the market in winter. The rich sweetness of snow crabs, in particular, has become a seasonal tradition in winter that attracts many food lovers, and cooking with fresh snow crabs is one of the great pleasures of travel.

Shimane Prefecture: The divine Izumo-taisha Shrine and Shimaneko

Izumo-taisha Shrine in Shimane Prefecture is one of the oldest shrines in Japan and has long been worshipped as a sacred place where many gods gather. Try "shimanekko," a local dish loved by the locals for its unique flavor.

Okayama Prefecture: Strolling in Korakuen Garden and peaches

Korakuen Garden is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan, and visitors can enjoy the seasonal beauty of the garden. Okayama is also known for its peaches, especially in summer when you can taste their sweet and juicy flavor.

Hiroshima Prefecture: Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Okonomiyaki

The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Museum are a collection of facilities that convey the tragedy of war, and are places where many people feel the importance of peace. Enjoying unique Hiroshima okonomiyaki made with noodles is also recommended.

Yamaguchi Prefecture: Akiyoshidai and High-class Fugu Cuisine

Akiyoshidai is the largest karst plateau in Japan, and Akiyoshido Cave is particularly beautiful, offering visitors the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of nature's formations. Yamaguchi is also famous for its fugu (blowfish), a luxury food, especially during the winter season.

Shikoku region (inc. Tokushima, Kagawa, Ehime and Kochi prefectures)

Kagawa Prefecture: Sanuki Udon and Olive Garden

Kagawa Prefecture is known throughout Japan for its "Sanuki Udon" as well as its name, and has many fans for its firm texture and simple flavor. There are countless udon restaurants scattered throughout the prefecture, each with its own unique production process and taste, so be sure to visit a Sanuki udon restaurant to find the one that best suits your taste.

Shodoshima, on the other hand, has beautiful olive groves. Here, visitors can see olive trees swaying in the wind and learn about the olive oil production process. It is also worth a visit to enjoy the food and products made with the fresh olive oil.

Tokushima Prefecture: Awa Odori Dance Tradition and Sudachi

Held in summer, the "Awaodori" dance, known as one of the three major Bon Odori dances in Japan, brings the whole town to life with dancing and music. Visitors can also enjoy Tokushima's famous sudachi cuisine with its refreshing aroma and sour taste.

Kochi Prefecture: Yosakoi Festival Energy and Bonito Tataki

The summer "Yosakoi Festival" is filled with excitement as many teams enchant visitors with their own original music and choreography. Kochi Prefecture is also known for its famous "dried bonito tataki," which has a unique flavor and texture.

Ehime Prefecture: Dogo Hot Springs and Sweet and Sour Mandarin Oranges

Japan's oldest hot spring resort, Dogo Onsen, cannot be missed. Its historical architecture and the atmosphere of the hot spring resort have been featured in many literary works. Ehime is also famous throughout Japan for its sweet and sour mikan oranges, especially in the fall and winter.

Kyushu region (incl. Southwestern Islands)

Fukuoka Prefecture: Hakata Night Market and Ramen

Hakata, the center of Fukuoka Prefecture, is known for its long-standing yatai culture. At night, many yatai stalls line the streets, crowded with locals and tourists alike. At these yatai stalls, visitors can enjoy a variety of local delicacies, most notably tonkotsu ramen. The combination of the rich broth and thin noodles is sure to be addictive once you try it. In addition, there are numerous types of tonkotsu ramen in Hakata, and many restaurants allow you to choose your own noodle hardness. You can enjoy Hakata ramen with noodles that are hard to experience, such as "raw," "harigane," and "balikata.

Saga Prefecture: Historic Arita-yaki porcelain and Saga beef

Traditional Arita-yaki ceramics are attractive for their beautiful colors and delicate painting. In addition, Saga beef, a premium Japanese beef, melts in the mouth and is especially exquisite when eaten in sukiyaki.

Nagasaki Prefecture: Glover Garden and sponge cake

The historic Glover Garden, a fusion of the West and the East, overlooks Nagasaki Port and allows visitors to enjoy the scenery while experiencing the unique culture of the area. Nagasaki's famous sponge cake is moist and sweet, and is recommended as a souvenir.

Kumamoto Prefecture: Magnificent Kumamoto Castle and the Flavor of Horse Sashimi

Kumamoto Castle is one of Japan's most famous historical castles, characterized by its grandeur and stone walls. Kumamoto Prefecture is also known for its essential "horse sashimi. This dish, made by thinly slicing fresh horse meat and served with special sauce or soy sauce, is characterized by its unique tenderness and deep flavor.

Oita Prefecture: Jigoku Meguri and Toriten in Beppu Onsen

Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, and the "Jigoku Meguri" tour is an otherworldly scene of boiling hot springs and rising steam. Toriten," deep-fried chicken in a crispy batter, is a local B gourmet dish with an exquisite flavor.

Miyazaki Prefecture: Aoshima Beach and Chicken Nanban

Miyazaki Prefecture faces the Pacific Ocean and has a beautiful coastline, especially Aoshima Beach with its white sandy beach and crystal clear waters. Also, try the Miyazaki dish "Chicken Nanban". The crispy texture and the sourness of the sauce are exquisite.

Kagoshima Prefecture : Sakurajima Sightseeing and Kurobuta Pork

Sakurajima is known as an active volcano, and its majestic appearance and occasional eruptions overwhelm visitors. Kagoshima Prefecture is also famous for its "Kurobuta" (black pig), which you should definitely try as shabu-shabu or pork cutlet.

Okinawa Prefecture: Churaumi Aquarium and Okinawa soba

Okinawa Prefecture is famous for its beautiful ocean, which is acclaimed for its clarity. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling experiences in the beautiful emerald green waters, but what is especially recommended is the Churaumi Aquarium. It has one of the world's largest giant aquariums and exhibits a wide variety of rare creatures. The sight of various types of coral and colorful tropical fish swimming around is breathtaking. There are also shows and performances by dolphins and sea lions, which are sure to entertain both children and adults.

And if you visit Okinawa Prefecture, you must try Okinawa soba. Okinawa soba has a characteristic shape with thin and curly noodles. The soup is pork bone-based and has a strong, rich, umami taste, giving it a unique flavor. There are also some unusual toppings, so be sure to try authentic Okinawan soba at a local restaurant.

Since Okinawa Prefecture is the most southerly prefecture in Japan, visitors can experience a culture and climate different from those of other regions. In addition to the Churaumi Aquarium and Okinawa soba noodles, there are many attractive spots and gourmet foods such as "Shuri Castle," "sea grapes," and "sataa andagi," as well as various other experiences such as taking pictures wearing traditional Ryukyuan costumes. Another attraction of Okinawa is its mild climate, which allows visitors to spend their time without feeling the four seasons very much. We hope you will visit Okinawa Prefecture and enjoy its charms to the fullest!

summary

In this issue, we introduced Part 2, featuring experiences and food by prefecture. How was it?

The experiences and foods of each of the nation's prefectures are diverse and attractive elements of Japan tourism. Foreign visitors will be able to fully enjoy the unique culture and flavors of Japan through these experiences.

We hope that this feature will encourage foreigners to visit these fascinating areas of Japan and enjoy the local culture and cuisine.