Prefectures of Japan and What They Are Famous For

January 18, 2024

Japan is divided into 47 administrative divisions known as "prefectures." Each prefecture has its own unique characteristics, culture, and attractions. 

Here are some of the prefectures of Japan along with what they are famous for... and the SushiSushi products that come from that prefecture.

Tokyo:

• The capital city of Japan and a bustling metropolis.
• Known for its modern architecture, shopping districts like Shibuya and Ginza, cultural landmarks, and vibrant nightlife.
• Hosted the 2020 Summer Olympics.
• Home to S&B and Hinode!

Kyoto:

• A historic city known for its numerous temples, shrines, and traditional tea houses.
• Famous for cultural attractions such as Kiyomizu Temple, Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Gion district.
• SushiSushi products from Kyoto - Tsuki No Katsura 10 year aged Koshu Jumnai Daiginjo , Amanoya Himemaru Arare, Tsuki No Katsura Mild Sake!

Kiyomizu Temple

Osaka:

• Known as the "Kitchen of Japan" due to its culinary scene.
• Famous for its street food, vibrant nightlife, Universal Studios Japan, and Osaka Castle.
• Home of Sakai Takayuki and Youki!
• Why not try our Osaka Style Okonomiyaki recipe? 

Hokkaido:

• The northernmost prefecture known for its beautiful landscapes, ski resorts, and hot springs.
• Famous for the Sapporo Snow Festival, lavendar fields, and fresh seafood.
• SushiSushi products from Hokkaido - Kombu Dashi Concentrate, Ma Kombu A Grade, Kobayashi Meromero Hokkaido Melon Sake, Kombu Soy Sauce, Kombu Dashi Concentrate, Hokkaido Salmon Dashi, Hokkaido Scallop Dashi, and Potato Starch!

Hiroshima:

• Known for its historical significance as the site of the atomic bombing during World War II.
• Home to the Peace Memorial Park and Hiroshima Peace Memorial, designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Home of the Shibanuma Wooden Barrel Soy Sauce and Shibanuma Shiho Raw Soy Sauce.

 

Okinawa:

• A tropical prefecture consisting of numerous islands.
• Famous for its stunning beaches, coral reefs, traditional culture, and the unique Ryukyuan cuisine.
• SushiSushi products from Okinawa - Kokuto Okinawan Powdered Brown Sugar, Kokuto Okinawan Brown Sugar Blocks

Aichi:

• Home to Nagoya, Japan's fourth-largest city.
• Famous for Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine, and the automotive industry, with Toyota's headquarters located here.
• SushiSushi products from Aichi - Ajinoichi Artisan Hon Mirin, Sekiya Jozo Houraisen Junmai Daiginjo Kuu!

Fukuoka:

• Located on Kyushu island and known for its vibrant street food culture.
• Famous for its yatai (food stalls), historic temples, and annual Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival.
• SushiSushi products from Fukuoka - Tsurumiso, Barley koji Moromi Miso with Ume Plum, and Kobayashi (flavoured sake liqueur)!

 

Hokuriku Region (Ishikawa, Toyama, Fukui):

• Known for its scenic landscapes and traditional crafts.
• Ishikawa is famous for Kanazawa's Kenrokuen Garden and historic samurai districts.
• Toyama is known for the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route and the Toyama Glass Art Museum.
• Fukui is known for its Eiheiji Temple and the Dinosaur Museum.
• SushiSushi products from Hokuriku region - Toyama Koshihikari Rice, Yoshioka Tosazu (Dashi Vinegar), Tobaya Umeboshi Vinegar (plums)!

Shizuoka:

• Known for Mount Fuji, Japan's iconic mountain.
• Famous for tea plantations, hot springs, and the Izu Peninsula's coastline.
• Home of Kameya Real Shredded Shizuoka Wasabi, Shizuokake Dark Soy Sauce, Shizuoka Genmaicha Green Tea Bags, Shizuoka Hojicha Green Tea Bags, Haruna Sencha Green Tea and Shizuoka Sencha Tea.

 Tochigi:

• Tochigi is known as the "Strawberry Kingdom" in Japan! 
• Home to Nikko Toshogu. 
• SushiSushi products from Tochigi - Shimazaki Auzuma Strawberry Liqueur, Yuzushu and Umeshu. 

 Nikko Toshogu

Yamagata:

• Famous for its lush cherry orchards, producing some of Japan's finest cherries.
• Picturesque landscapes, including the iconic "snow monsters" during winter at Zao Onsen ski resort.
• Home of 10 Sheet Nori A* Grade, Kizami Julienne Nori, Roasted Ultimate Snack Nori, Wasabi Snack Nori, Butter Snack Nori, 10 Sheet Nori B Grade, Powdered Japanese Nori, Shokunin Nori 100 Half Sheets B Grade, Sake Hundred, Waiting for Love Sparkling Sake. 

 Akita: 

• Native Akita Inu dogs, known for their loyalty and distinct appearance.
• Vibrant Kanto Festival where performers balance giant paper lanterns on their bodies, creating a mesmerising spectacle!
• SushiSushi product from Akita - Akita Tonburi (Land Caviar)

Kanto Festival

Ibaraki: 

• Home to Tsukuba Science City, a major research and academic hub with advanced scientific facilities.
• Its stunning Kairakuen Garden in Mito, known for its plum blossoms and traditional Japanese landscaping.
• SushiSushi products from Ibaraki - Shibanuma Yuzu & Katsuobushi  Ponzu, Ponzu Yuzu Katsuo, Ohitachi Raw Soy Sauce, Mochi Rice,  

Chiba: 

• Hosting Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea, two of Japan's most popular theme parks.
• Its extensive coastline, beautiful beaches.
• Home of the Chiba Peeler S, Chiba Tsuma Vegetable Slicer, Chiba Peeler S Spare Parts, Ichihara Ao Hono Bowl, Ichihara Sunaji Plate, Ichihara Sunaji Bowl. 

 Niigata: 

• Its high-quality rice and sake production, considered some of the best in Japan.
• Hosting the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine, which was a significant source of gold during the Edo period and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• SushiSushi products from Niigata - Kanzuri (Red Yuzu Kosho), all Yoshikawa Kitchenware Products, Kikusui Junmai Ginjo.

Nagano:

• Hosting the 1998 Winter Olympics and having numerous ski resorts, making it a popular destination for winter sports!
• Being home to Matsumoto Castle, also known as the "Crow Castle," one of Japan's most well-preserved historic castles.
• Home to the Nihon Shizen Tomato Dashi, Isogoro Ichimi Togarashi, Kinjirushi Wasabi Powder and Marukome White Miso with Dashi.

 

Matsumoto Castle

Shiga:

• Its stunning Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, offering recreational activities and scenic beauty.
• The historic city of Otsu and the beautiful Hikone Castle, one of the few original castles remaining in Japan!
• SushiSushi products from Shiga - Shigaraki Oribe Brown Side Dish, Shigaraki Chopstick Rest, Shigaraki Oribe Bowl, Ramen Bowl, Oribe Side Plate. 

Hyōgo:

• Kobe, a major port city known for its international influence, Kobe beef, and picturesque waterfront.
• Himeji Castle, often called the "White Heron Castle," renowned for its pristine white appearance and status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Home of Hakutsuru Sake Brewery and Shiroita White Kombu.  

Himeji Castle

 Shimane:

• Its rich cultural heritage and historical sites, including Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest and most important Shinto shrines!
• The scenic Oki Islands, a UNESCO Global Geopark known for their unique geology, landscapes, and local traditions.
• SushiSushi products from Shimane - Kokki Shuzo Black Folded Sake and Okuizumo Nitamai Rice

Yamaguchi:

• Being the birthplace of famous Japanese historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Mori Motonari.
• Its scenic beauty, including the Akiyoshidai Plateau and Akiyoshido Cave, one of Japan's largest limestone caves.
• SushiSushi products from Yamaguchi - Dassai 39 Junmai Daiginjo, Dassai 23 Junmai Daiginjo. 

Akiyoshido Cave

Saga:

• Traditional pottery, particularly Arita ware, which is renowned for its craftsmanship and history of porcelain production.
• The Yoshinogari Archaeological Site, which offers insights into ancient Japanese civilization, particularly during the Yayoi period.
• Home to Amabuki.

Ōita:

• Its abundant hot springs and onsen resorts, including the well-known Beppu and Yufuin.
• The Usa Jingu, a Shinto shrine with historical significance and connections to mythology, attracting many pilgrims and visitors!
• SushiSushi product from Ōita - Japanese Log-Grown Shiitake.

Miyazaki:

• Famous for its beautiful natural landscapes, including stunning coastlines, lush forests, and mountains, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities.
• Aoshima Island, known for its unique "Devil's Washboard" rock formations along the shore and its serene beaches.
• SushiSushi product from Miyazaki - Momiki Black Garlic, Katsuo, Kombu and Shiitake Sauce.

Aoshima Island

Kagoshima:

• Has an active volcano, Sakurajima, which is an iconic symbol of the prefecture and a popular natural attraction.
• Producing high-quality sweet potatoes known as "Satsuma-imo," which are a staple ingredient in various local dishes and snacks.
• Home to the Kisaichi, Kurozu and Apple Concentrate.

Ehime:

• Home to Dogo Onsen, one of Japan's oldest hot springs, with a history dating back over a thousand years and a unique wooden bathhouse.
• Uwajima Castle, also known as "Chirashigoten Castle," a picturesque hilltop castle with a striking white exterior and panoramic views of the city and sea.
• SushiSushi products from Ehime - Tomato Ponzu! 

Kagawa:

• The smallest prefecture in Japan and the setting for the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a famous 88-temple pilgrimage route.
• Its udon noodles, known as "Sanuki udon," which are a local specialty and enjoyed throughout the prefecture and beyond.
• SushiSushi product from Kagawa - Sanuki Inari Pouches

 Gifu:

• The iconic Inuyama Castle, one of Japan's oldest surviving castles and a National Treasure, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
• The cobbled streets and traditional atmosphere of Takayama, a well-preserved town known for its festivals and Edo-period architecture.
• Home to the majority of our Japanese Sakeware, tableware and tea ware... as well as Kozaemon Junmai Umeshu, Daruma Masamune Aged Sake 10 Years, Daruma Masamune Aged Umeshu 3 Years.

Inuyama Castle 

 

Link to all products - https://www.sushisushi.co.uk/collections/all-food-products

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