Welcome, Japanese learners! To truly connect with the language, it’s essential to explore the diverse culture and geography of Japan. Today, we’re embarking on a tour of Japan’s eight unique regions (地方, ちほう, chihō). Each region boasts its own distinct history, landscapes, and even dialects.
This guide will introduce you to the essential information about each region, from famous sights (名所, めいしょ, meisho) and specialty foods (名物, めいぶつ, meibutsu) to useful vocabulary (便利な単語, べんりな たんご, benri na tango) that will enrich your travel and learning experience. Let’s explore them together!
Hokkaido (北海道 – ほっかいどう)
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost and largest prefecture, a vast island known for its magnificent nature (雄大な自然, ゆうだいなしぜん, yūdai na shizen). It’s famous for its cold, snowy winters (雪, ゆき, yuki), which create the perfect conditions for skiing and the world-renowned Sapporo Snow Festival. In summer, its landscapes transform with vibrant flower fields and lush national parks. Hokkaido’s cool climate is also ideal for dairy farming and agriculture.
Must-see sights include:
- Sapporo (札幌): The region’s capital, famous for its Snow Festival, ramen, and beer.
- Daisetsuzan National Park (大雪山国立公園): Japan’s largest national park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.
- Furano and Biei (富良野・美瑛): Known for their picturesque rolling hills and stunning lavender fields in summer.
For food, try:
- Fresh Seafood (新鮮な魚介類): Especially crab (カニ), sea urchin (ウニ), and scallops (ホタテ).
- Miso Ramen (味噌ラーメン): This rich, hearty noodle soup originated in Sapporo.
- Jingisukan (ジンギスカン): A grilled mutton dish, named after Genghis Khan, cooked on a special domed skillet.
— Language Corner Hokkaido —
自然 (しぜん, shizen) – Nature
雪 (ゆき, yuki) – Snow
農業 (のうぎょう, nōgyō) – Agriculture
雄大 (ゆうだい, yūdai) – Grand, magnificent
Tohoku (東北 – とうほく)
The Tohoku region, meaning “North-East,” covers the northeastern part of Japan’s main island, Honshu. It’s a land of scenic beauty, with rugged mountains, dramatic coastlines, and a deep connection to tradition. Tohoku is famous for its vibrant summer festivals (祭り, まつり, matsuri) and numerous hot springs (温泉, おんせん, onsen), offering a glimpse into a more rural and traditional side of Japan.
Key sights:
- Aomori Nebuta Matsuri (青森ねぶた祭): A spectacular summer festival featuring enormous, illuminated paper floats.
- Matsushima Bay (松島湾): Considered one of Japan’s three most scenic views, with hundreds of pine-clad islets.
- Yamadera (山寺): A stunning temple complex built into a steep mountainside in Yamagata.
Local food specialties include:
- Kiritanpo (きりたんぽ): Pounded rice skewers, often cooked in a hot pot, a specialty of Akita.
- Gyutan (牛タン): Grilled beef tongue, a famous delicacy from Sendai.
— Language Corner Tohoku —
田舎 (いなか, inaka) – Countryside
祭り (まつり, matsuri) – Festival
温泉 (おんせん, onsen) – Hot spring
東北弁 (とうほくべん, Tōhoku-ben) – Tohoku dialect
Kanto (関東 – かんとう)
The Kanto region is Japan’s political, economic, and cultural hub. It is the most populous (人口, じんこう, jinkō) region, dominated by the sprawling metropolis of Tokyo. While known for its modern (近代的, きんだいてき, kindaiteki) cityscapes, Kanto also offers coastal towns, mountainous national parks, and historical sites just a short train ride from the capital.
Must-See Sights:
- Tokyo (東京): Japan’s capital, offering endless options from the Imperial Palace and Senso-ji Temple to the trendy districts of Shibuya and Shinjuku.
- Hakone (箱根): A famous mountain resort area with hot springs, art museums, and iconic views of Mt. Fuji.
- Kamakura (鎌倉): A coastal city known for its giant bronze Buddha statue and numerous temples and shrines.
Local delicacies:
- Monjayaki (もんじゃ焼き): A savory pancake with a gooey texture, famous in the Tsukishima area of Tokyo.
- Utsunomiya Gyoza (宇都宮餃子): Utsunomiya City is famous across Japan for its delicious pan-fried dumplings.
— Language Corner Kanto —
首都 (しゅと, shuto) – Capital city
都会 (とかい, tokai) – Metropolis, large city
人口 (じんこう, jinkō) – Population
近代的 (きんだいてき, kindaiteki) – Modern
Chubu (中部 – ちゅうぶ)
Located in the “middle” (真ん中, まんなか, mannaka) of Honshu, the Chubu region is geographically diverse. It is home to the majestic Mount Fuji and the towering Japanese Alps, earning it the nickname “the roof of Japan.” The region is also a major center for industry (産業, さんぎょう, sangyō), particularly around the city of Nagoya.
Key attractions:
- Mount Fuji (富士山): Japan’s tallest and most iconic mountain, straddling the border of Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures.
- Shirakawa-go and Gokayama (白川郷・五箇山): UNESCO World Heritage sites famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses.
- Kanazawa (金沢): A beautifully preserved castle town known for Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s best landscape gardens.
Local Delicacies
- Miso Katsu (味噌カツ): A specialty of Nagoya, this is a deep-fried pork cutlet served with a rich red miso sauce.
- Hoto Noodles (ほうとう): A hearty, flat udon noodle and vegetable stew from Yamanashi Prefecture.
— Language Corner Chubu —
山 (やま, yama) – Mountain
真ん中 (まんなか, mannaka) – Middle, center
産業 (さんぎょう, sangyō) – Industry
景色 (けしき, keshiki) – Scenery, view
Kansai (関西 – かんさい)
The Kansai region (also known as Kinki) is considered the historical and cultural (文化, ぶんか, bunka) heart of Japan. For centuries, it was the seat of imperial power. It is home to the ancient capitals of Kyoto and Nara, as well as the vibrant, food-loving city of Osaka. The people of Kansai are known for being outgoing, and their dialect, Kansai-ben (関西弁), is famous throughout Japan.
Must-See Sights
- Kyoto (京都): The former imperial capital, filled with stunning temples, shrines, gardens, and the traditional Gion geisha district.
- Osaka (大阪): A bustling city famous for its neon-lit Dotonbori district, Osaka Castle, and incredible street food.
- Nara (奈良): Japan’s first permanent capital, home to the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple and hundreds of free-roaming sacred deer.
Local delicacies:
- Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki (たこ焼き・お好み焼き): Osaka’s most famous savory snacks, often referred to as “soul food.”
- Kaiseki Ryori (懐石料理): A traditional multi-course artistic meal, which has been perfected in Kyoto.
— Language Corner Kansai —
歴史 (れきし, rekishi) – History
文化 (ぶんか, bunka) – Culture
関西弁 (かんさいべん, Kansai-ben) – Kansai dialect
おおきに (ōkini) – Thank you (Kansai dialect)
Chugoku (中国 – ちゅうごく)
The Chugoku region makes up the westernmost tip of Honshu. Its name means “middle country,” stemming from its historical position between the Kansai region and Kyushu. It is perhaps best known for Hiroshima, a city reborn from its tragic past into a symbol of peace (平和, へいわ, heiwa), and the iconic “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima island (島, しま, shima).
Key sights:
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park (広島平和記念公園): A poignant park dedicated to the memory of the atomic bombing, promoting peace.
- Itsukushima Shrine (厳島神社): Located on Miyajima Island, this shrine and its grand torii gate appear to float on water at high tide.
- Tottori Sand Dunes (鳥取砂丘): A large coastal sand dune system, offering a desert-like landscape unique to Japan.
Local delicacies:
- Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (広島風お好み焼き): Different from the Osaka version, it is layered with noodles and a generous amount of cabbage.
- Oysters (牡蠣, カキ): Hiroshima is the top producer of oysters in Japan, best enjoyed grilled or raw.
— Language Corner Chugoku —
平和 (へいわ, heiwa) – Peace
神社 (じんじゃ, jinja) – Shinto shrine
島 (しま, shima) – Island
砂丘 (さきゅう, sakyū) – Sand dune
Shikoku (四国 – しこく)
Shikoku, meaning “four countries,” is Japan’s smallest main island. It’s a peaceful and rural destination, renowned for the 88 Temple Pilgrimage (お遍路, おへんろ, o-henro), a circular route that connects 88 Buddhist temples. The island is blessed with beautiful coastlines, rugged mountains, and winding rivers, making it a favorite for those seeking to get off the beaten path and experience Japan’s pristine nature.
Most iconic sights are
- The 88 Temple Pilgrimage (四国八十八箇所): A famous pilgrimage route that circles the island, which can be completed on foot or by vehicle.
- Dogo Onsen (道後温泉): One of Japan’s oldest and most famous hot springs, located in Matsuyama.
- Iya Valley (祖谷): A remote, mountainous region with thrilling vine bridges (かずら橋) spanning deep gorges.
Shikoku’s cuisine:
- Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん): A type of udon noodle famous nationwide for its chewy texture, originating from Kagawa Prefecture.
- Katsuo no Tataki (鰹のたたき): Seared bonito (skipjack tuna), a specialty of Kochi, served with garlic and citrus-based soy sauce.
— Language Corner Shikoku —
巡礼 (じゅんれい, junrei) – Pilgrimage
遍路 (へんろ, henro) – Pilgrim (specifically for the Shikoku pilgrimage)
橋 (はし, hashi) – Bridge
田舎 (いなか, inaka) – Countryside
Kyushu & Okinawa (九州・沖縄 – きゅうしゅう・おきなわ)
This region comprises Japan’s third-largest island, Kyushu, and the subtropical island chain of Okinawa. Kyushu is a land of dramatic volcanic landscapes (火山, かざん, kazan), abundant hot springs, and historic cities like Fukuoka and Nagasaki. Far to the south, Okinawa offers a completely different experience with its own unique Ryukyuan culture (独自の文化, どくじのぶんか, dokuji no bunka), stunning coral reefs, and pristine white-sand beaches by the emerald green sea (海, うみ, umi).
Key sights:
- Fukuoka (福岡): A vibrant city known for its delicious food, especially Hakata ramen and its open-air yatai food stalls.
- Beppu (別府): One of Japan’s most famous hot spring resorts, featuring various types of baths, including sand, steam, and mud baths.
- Okinawa’s beaches and islands: Offering world-class diving, snorkeling, and a relaxed, subtropical atmosphere.
Local delicacies:
- Hakata Ramen (博多ラーメン): Famous for its rich and creamy pork bone broth (tonkotsu).
- Goya Chanpuru (ゴーヤチャンプルー): An Okinawan stir-fry dish featuring bitter melon, tofu, egg, and pork.
— Language Corner Kyushu & Okinawa —
火山 (かざん, kazan) – Volcano
温泉 (おんせん, onsen) – Hot spring
海 (うみ, umi) – Sea, ocean
独自の文化 (どくじのぶんか, dokuji no bunka) – Unique culture
Read More:
