Prefectures ranked! Ranking the 12 prefectures I have been to so far! My longest blog yet!

Disclaimer: The amount of time I have spent in each prefecture varies; some prefectures on this list need a revisit for a better exploration. This is just for fun and should not be taken too seriously. Additionally, I tend to prefer smaller cities, so please take this list with that in mind.

To celebrate hitting my 10th prefecture over my birthday I decided I wanted to rank the prefectures I have visited so far. I will include a short summary explaining my thoughts on each prefecture based on experience.  

12th – Yamaguchi

Yamaguchi is the last prefecture in Honshu before crossing the bridge to Kyushu. It is a very rural area. During my trip back from Hiroshima, I explored the Shimonoseki region and took a local train through the prefecture to enjoy some of the beautiful scenery. The views here are a lovely mix of flatlands and smaller mountains. There are many small villages and farms, on the way back from Hiroshima I also noticed the cup noodle factory which can be visited.

There is a tower in Shimonoseki that you can visit for a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings. The area also has some hidden gems worth exploring, making me eager for a return visit. One highlight is the Ferris wheel, which offers stunning views of the sea I would love to experience that at night.

I plan to revisit to explore more of its attractions, as it is the prefecture I've spent the least amount of time so far. I believe that once I give it a fair chance, it may rise higher on my list of favourite places.

11th – Chiba

Although I have spent little time in this prefecture, I might be biased because of my New Year's sunrise experience. I stayed overnight in Chiba to welcome the new year and was able to witness my first sunrise of the year there. I also had a positive interaction with a local as we worked together to navigate the long queue at the Lawson convenience store. The airport was enjoyable as well, featuring some nice dining options. I intend to explore Chiba more thoroughly at some point, particularly due to my interest in the sky rails and Ghibli. There are many hidden gems in this prefecture beyond just the airport, and I want to give it a fair chance when I eventually rank all 37 prefectures.

10th -Tokyo

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and often the first place that comes to mind for Westerners when they think of the country. It is the most populous city in the world and is large enough to be seen from space. Tokyo consists of various wards and presents an expansive cityscape that seems to stretch on forever. I spent about three days here after my arrival in Japan, but those days are somewhat of a blur because my trip was primarily business focused. I haven't had the chance to explore the city in-depth; I believe it would take months to truly discover all its hidden gems amidst the towering skyscrapers.

While I typically dislike capital cities, I recognize that Tokyo has a unique charm. To genuinely experience a country, I believe it's essential to venture to smaller towns and the countryside. Tokyo is fun in its own way, and I plan to spend more time there during my stay in Japan. However, for now, compared to the other prefectures I want to visit, it feels like a tourist hotspot—busy and crowded. My perspective may change as I explore more of the city.

9th – Aichi

I spent a few days in Nagoya for my birthday and was pleasantly surprised by how quickly it turned into a food holiday. The city offers a wide variety of cuisines, the station itself features a huge array option, I would love to explore more of what it has to offer. During my visit, I was able to enjoy German, Turkish, and American cuisine. Additionally, there are many shopping malls with smaller chains selling giant cookies and other regional specialties.

I plan to revisit so I can explore Meiji Mura, a living museum that takes a few days to explore thoroughly. I visited the Studio Ghibli Park and enjoyed everything it had to offer in the warehouse. I found myself immersed in the worlds of the movies I loved whilst growing up. I went to the science museum and had fun with the interactive nature of the exhibits. So far, my experiences of science museums in Japan has been a bit lacklustre, but this one was enjoyable. Nagoya itself is the fourth largest city in Japan and has many places to eat and shop.

There are three towers for those seeking panoramic views and there is a beautiful castle which I sadly did not get to see. I visited the beautiful temple at Osu and explored the maze of stores in the Osu shopping district which is all undercover. There I visited the most modern temple I have seen where contactless payment was accepted, electronic displays and neon lights adorned the temple. There is surely more to do in Aichi outside of Nagoya and I would love a chance to explore more in the future. But it is certainly worth a stopover.

8th – Hiroshima

Hiroshima is a city that many people include on their travel lists, and I had the pleasure of visiting it last year. I spent a long weekend exploring its attractions, including Miyajima with its deer inhabitants and floating tori, and the Peace Memorial Museum. The city is well-connected through a tram system, subway, and various other means of transportation.

Hiroshima has its own charm, with wide streets that sometimes make it feel less cramped than Tokyo. I enjoyed walking along the river and indulging in a fantastic yakiniku experience. I was able to converse in English with other tourists, which made discovering the city's hidden gems even more enjoyable. There are green spaces and plenty of walking opportunities. There are plenty of opportunities for shopping and a variety of cuisines on offer.

Although it was a busy trip and I felt a bit tired by the end, I found it inspiring to witness how Hiroshima has rebuilt itself in the face of tragedy. The city truly has its own unique vibe.

7th – Hyogo

The prefecture I’ve spent the least amount of time in holds special significance for me, I am also aware of what I still need to see and enjoy. On my way back from my birthday trip, I stopped in Kobe to indulge in the city’s most famous delicacy: Kobe beef. Renowned as one of the finest types of beef in Japan, there are countless videos online showcasing people enjoying it and highlighting just how steep the prices can be. If you want to try this luxury, be prepared to part with a considerable amount of yennies. On average, Kobe beef costs around 10000 yen per person on the lower end of the spectrum.

I had the pleasure of enjoying a yakiniku course featuring various cuts of meat displayed on a wooden step tower. The presentation was stunning, and the experience will remain with me forever. The view was nice as the restaurant was on the 8th floor and I was able to see the sunset over the city. Each step on the tower introduced a new cut, and each piece melted in my mouth like butter. For two people, the total cost was just under 20000, and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to try it at least once.

I didn’t see much of Kobe, but it seemed like a laid-back city, I would be eager to explore more of it in the future. This prefecture is home to many famous tourist attractions, including Himeji, Kyoto, and Kobe itself. I believe it would take at least a few days to explore all that it has to offer. My memories of Kobe will stay with me for a long time and the taste of that beef will be etched into my memory.

6th – Gifu

On a whim, I took a day trip to Gifu from Nagoya, the local train taking only 40 minutes. Gifu is very different from its neighbouring city, Nagoya, is the fourth largest city in Japan and characterized by tall skyscrapers. In contrast, Gifu is less built-up, featuring wider roads, green spaces, and fewer high-rise buildings. The city reminded me a lot of Saga. Gifu is surrounded by a beautiful mountain range and offers many hiking trails for those who enjoy outdoor activities.

Gifu Castle overlooks the city from its mountaintop perch, which is accessible via a ropeway. I highly recommend taking the ropeway to explore the castle and enjoy the panoramic views. Unfortunately, when I visited, there was construction work going on, so my view wasn't as panoramic as I had hoped. There's also a squirrel village with many curious inhabitants eager for food, and I recommend checking out the restaurant at the top.

After enjoying the view, you can head back to explore a nearby historical street that rivals Kyoto in charm. This street features traditional Japanese-style buildings, with even the vending machines designed in dark colours to match the aesthetic. I visited late in the day and had the entire street to myself, allowing me to take photos I could have never imagined capturing in Kyoto due to the larger volume of people.

There is a river cruise and plenty of restaurants along this road, but they do close early, so plan accordingly. I only spent a day here, but the prefecture is large, and there is much more to explore, such as the bear farm where you can see some larger inhabitants. My brief trip was enjoyable, and I tried the local Hida beef at a restaurant in the mountains. I was very pleased with the generous portion of beef on top of my donburi, and I felt it was well worth the 2000 yen I paid. The Hida beef had a great flavour and was very tender. The view was beautiful, and if you are a history enthusiast, Gifu is the prefecture for you. Oda Nobunaga’s castle is in Gifu, and there is a lot of homage to the man who unified Japan throughout the city. There is plenty of promotion for the Warring Kingdoms games, which was fun to see. I recommend adding Gifu to your list, especially if you love the outdoors, have an interest in Japanese history, or want to try the local wagyu Hida beef.

5th – Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a prefecture that I still need to explore more and is also my neighbour to the east. Hakata is largest city in Kyushu, it offers much beyond just urban attractions. It is a growing city offering plenty of job opportunities to those moving to the country.  I plan to visit Kitakyushu at some point to see the beautiful wisteria, and I also want to explore more of the coastline. Fukuoka is full of hidden gems and fun surprises for visitors, the big cities provide all anyone could ask for whilst its smaller towns and rural areas provide a break from the cities hustle and bustle.

From English bars and a Christmas market to an American-style beach near Itoshima, the city has a variety of foreign retailers and restaurants, as well as an impressive aquarium. The city is a cultural hub and is friendly for tourists as many of its signs include English. It was also the first place where I experienced a festival and saw fireworks, which has left me with fond memories of the location. The food options here are fantastic and I even found a great soup curry place for when I long for a bowl of spicy Hokkaido goodness.

The city is well-connected by subway and buses, and its airport is conveniently located close to the city centre. There's even a ferry service to South Korea; in fact, Hakata is closer to South Korea than it is to Tokyo, which is evident as many signs feature Korean characters. Fukuoka is a bustling city, but it also boasts beautiful walkways along its canals and serene parks. In some ways, it reminds me of London because it feels like there is still room for nature and open spaces. I have much more to explore in this prefecture, and I look forward to discovering what I may encounter.

4th – Saga

I may be biased in sharing this perspective since I live in Saga Prefecture and have spent the most time here. However, Saga truly has a wealth of hidden charm and a variety of places to explore, especially if you're willing to travel a little further.

The prefecture is home to the beautiful coastal town and castle in Karatsu, the stunning rural landscapes of Arita and Imari, to the unique geographical features of the Kashima mud flats, which also host a remarkably entertaining event called the Mud Olympics, where competitors tackle challenges while getting covered in mud.

For modern conveniences, Tosu is a great spot, featuring shopping outlets and serving as a station for the Kagoshima Shinkansen allowing tourists to explore southern Kyushu with ease. Saga boasts two of the largest festivals in Japan: Karatsu Kunchi and the Saga Balloon Festival. The Yoshinogari Historical Park offers visitors engaging experiences, including the chance to dress like a ninja and throw shuriken.

Takeo Onsen is another highlight, featuring a beautiful planetarium, a science museum, a flower garden which has light displays all year round, and traditional onsens for relaxation. Saga is known for its own wagyu beef, and I can confidently say that I’ve had the best bowl of ramen in all of Japan right here. I’ve written several blogs about Saga, but it deserves a spot on your Kyushu bucket list!

3ard – Nagasaki

Another prefecture I have spent a considerable amount of time in is Nagasaki, a prefecture which needs no introduction. However, I would like to highlight some of its lesser-known attractions. Nagasaki is stunning and often appears on many lists ranking the best skylines, views, and romantic places to propose. One particularly picturesque spot is Inasa, which overlooks the city—it's where a friend of mine proposed to his partner.

Nagasaki is a bustling city that retains a lot of rural charm. It features a tram system and a busy harbour. Being a mountainous prefecture, it may require a bit more stamina for walking, especially since many of its schools are located up in the hills. It is also the prefecture voted least bike friendly due to all the hills.

I have a special fondness for the port town of Sasebo and hope to return to explore more and take a cruise around the 99 surrounding islands. Nagasaki also boasts Hashima Island and Itoshima Island, which are paradises for urban exploration enthusiasts.

The region is rich in beautiful historic locations, such as Shimabara, located in the shadow of the infamous active volcano Unzen, which has a fascinating history. Moreover, there are plenty of islands for those interested in exploring and island hopping. A few of the islands boast resorts and beaches.

Nagasaki features its own version of Europe in Huis Ten Bosch, although it can be somewhat overpriced and overrated. Like many prefectures on this list, it also has its own wagyu that should be tried at least once. There are many beautiful shrines tucked away off the beaten path and so much more to discover. While Nagasaki is a prefecture that requires little promotion, the lesser-known attractions should be included in your itinerary when you visit.

2nd – Oita

My first vacation in Japan was to Oita, and I will never forget the experience. In Oita, I visited the Hells of Beppu, explored Bungo Mori, and wandered around Oita city itself. The region boasts beautiful rural scenery and stunning local train lines that are truly remarkable the Yufuin local trainline is viral for being picturesque and Ghibli-like. The coastline is lovely, and the volcanic activity makes a trip to Beppu must-see. Oita has a charm that really captivated me, and its city doesn’t feel overly urban.

Visiting the Hells of Beppu was a delightful experience, and exploring Beppu itself was peaceful, even though it’s a popular spot for tourists. The town offers plenty of onsens, making it a great place to unwind and relax. My trip to Bungo Mori included one of the most scenic train rides I’ve ever taken Bungo Mori feels like a town straight out of a Ghibli movie. Anime fans should visit, especially if the name "Suzume" rings a bell, as the roundhouse inspired the famous first door scene from the film. I was thrilled to see a replica Sota chair could posed with by the door, which pays homage to the movie.

There’s still so much more I want to explore in this prefecture, but for me, Oita is a place that should not be overlooked.

1st - Hokkaido

Hokkaido undoubtedly tops my rankings, and this may come as no surprise to regular blog readers. I had the pleasure of visiting this remarkable prefecture during the Sapporo Snow Festival. My itinerary also included stops at the Ainu Museum in Shiraoi, the Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival, Otaru, and an unexpected trip to Hokuto. I have written many blog entries about this trip, but to summarize: Hokkaido deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Hokkaido is stunning. To fully explore its beauty, you need a car and ample time. The landscape is breathtaking, featuring beautiful coastlines and majestic mountains. In winter, it’s a paradise for snow enthusiasts, while in spring and summer, it transforms into a floral haven, hosting the largest tulip festival in Japan.

Culinary-wise, Hokkaido has its own unique flavours and specialties. One of my new favourite dishes is soup curry, which will forever hold a special place in my heart. As the largest prefecture in Japan, Hokkaido stands out with its distinct cultural differences and food, as well as its cities designed to withstand the extreme climate.

There is still so much I want to explore in Hokkaido, such as the beautiful star fortress in Hakodate, Abarashi Prison Museum, and even more of its delightful cuisine. A trip to Japan is not complete without visiting its northernmost prefecture.

This list is not complete, and I hope to add more prefectures to it in the future. If you had told me a year ago that I would have visited ten prefectures by my next birthday, I would never have believed you. I never thought it was possible for me to even see Tokyo, let alone more than one prefecture. So, reaching my first milestone in just seven months is truly amazing, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had so far. I want to continue exploring the world and everything Japan has to offer. I may not be the richest ALT financially, but I am the richest ALT when it comes to memories and experiences. I feel incredibly lucky to have this opportunity.