Has anyone ever asked you, “What kind of music do people like in Japan?” or, “What kind of food is eaten in Japan?”?
Perhaps you’ve even asked yourself these questions.
Well, while Google may give you the name of popular J-Pop singers and information on foods like ramen or sushi, there’s so much more to Japan than what meets the eye.
In fact, it would almost be wrong to classify the entirety of Japan as being a certain way or liking a certain thing. It would be like saying all Americans like to eat McDonalds.
Japan is made up of 47 prefectures, or regions, much like how the United States is made up of 50 states.
Each prefecture is unique, which means that different areas of Japan may like or do different things!
Perhaps you’ve even asked yourself these questions.
Well, while Google may give you the name of popular J-Pop singers and information on foods like ramen or sushi, there’s so much more to Japan than what meets the eye.
In fact, it would almost be wrong to classify the entirety of Japan as being a certain way or liking a certain thing. It would be like saying all Americans like to eat McDonalds.
Japan is made up of 47 prefectures, or regions, much like how the United States is made up of 50 states.
Each prefecture is unique, which means that different areas of Japan may like or do different things!
Japan's 47 Prefectures
Much like how states in the US are organized into different regions (like New England, the midwest, the deep south, etc.), Japanese prefectures are organized into eight regions (as colored on the map above).
Below, I will reference a few of Japan’s more well-known prefectures.
See how many you recognize!
Below, I will reference a few of Japan’s more well-known prefectures.
See how many you recognize!
Tokyo
You probably know that Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
But did you know that Tokyo is not a city?
Tokyo is in fact a prefecture of Japan.
If Tokyo were in America, it would be its own state. (Although, maybe more like Washington D.C. if it were to remain a capital)
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, at the northernmost part of Japan, is a bit colder in temperature, making it popular for activities like snowboarding and skiing.
Hokkaido has a rich history.
Kyoto
Home to some of Japan’s larger cities, Kyoto is popular with the tourists.
Additionally, Kyoto houses tons of shrines and temples to sightsee.
Osaka
Like Kyoto, Osaka has one of Japan’s largest cities, also making it a popular tourism destination.
Between all the shopping, street food, theatres, zoos, and castles, Osaka is a place you’d never find yourself bored.
Nara
An absolutely beautiful prefecture filled with history.
Nara is best known for its temples and deer.
Deer from Nara are very tame and are not afraid to approach humans.
Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see people feeding the deer like people in America would feed pigeons.
Okinawa
An island prefecture with a unique culture from mainland Japan.
Okinawa is a popular travel spot for those who love beaches or scuba diving!
Okinawa is also rich in history, home to some famous World War II battles.
You probably know that Tokyo is the capital of Japan.
But did you know that Tokyo is not a city?
Tokyo is in fact a prefecture of Japan.
If Tokyo were in America, it would be its own state. (Although, maybe more like Washington D.C. if it were to remain a capital)
Hokkaido
Hokkaido, at the northernmost part of Japan, is a bit colder in temperature, making it popular for activities like snowboarding and skiing.
Hokkaido has a rich history.
Kyoto
Home to some of Japan’s larger cities, Kyoto is popular with the tourists.
Additionally, Kyoto houses tons of shrines and temples to sightsee.
Osaka
Like Kyoto, Osaka has one of Japan’s largest cities, also making it a popular tourism destination.
Between all the shopping, street food, theatres, zoos, and castles, Osaka is a place you’d never find yourself bored.
Nara
An absolutely beautiful prefecture filled with history.
Nara is best known for its temples and deer.
Deer from Nara are very tame and are not afraid to approach humans.
Therefore, it’s not uncommon to see people feeding the deer like people in America would feed pigeons.
Okinawa
An island prefecture with a unique culture from mainland Japan.
Okinawa is a popular travel spot for those who love beaches or scuba diving!
Okinawa is also rich in history, home to some famous World War II battles.
Above information sourced from Japanvisitor.com