History of the Prefecture

The settlement of people from Honshu in Hokkaido began in 1604 in the early Edo period.
It began with the opening of the Matsumae Domain by the first feudal lord, Matsumae Yoshihiro, by order of the Tokugawa Shogunate.
Since then, the people have coexisted with the indigenous Ainu people and developed a unique culture that differs from that of Honshu.
After the Meiji Restoration, the name of the region was changed from Ezo to Hokkaido along with the modernization of Japan.
The Meiji government began full-fledged pioneering of Hokkaido, and the island developed into one of the largest cities in Japan.

Tourist Attractions in the Prefecture

Sapporo Clock Tower
The oldest existing clock tower in Japan, which symbolizes Sapporo.
It was built in 1878 as a demonstration hall for the Sapporo Agricultural College (the predecessor of Hokkaido University), based on Dr. Clark's concept.
It is designated as an important cultural property of Japan.

Sapporo Beer Museum
A museum of Sapporo Beer, a brand originated in Hokkaido.
It is famous as the only beer museum in Japan, where visitors can experience the history of beer.
The premium beer tasting tour is especially popular.

Traditional Crafts of the Prefecture

Nibutani Ita
A wooden artifact in the shape of a flat tray used among the Ainu.
The surface is painted with patterns unique to the Ainu people, and the designs vary.

Otaru Music Box
Otaru's most popular folk art.
It is said that the origin of Otaru music boxes dates back to 1852, when Dutch people introduced them to Japan.

History of the Prefecture

Okinawa was once a foreign country independent of Japan, known as the "Ryukyu Kingdom."
It prospered through diplomacy and trade with other Asian countries, centering on Shuri Castle, and formed its own unique culture.
Later, after the invasion by the Satsuma Clan in 1609, it changed to a distinctive culture that blended with Japanese culture.
In the Meiji period (1868-1912), the 450-year-old Ryukyu Kingdom was transformed into Okinawa Prefecture and a new start was achieved.

Tourist Attractions in the Prefecture

Shurijo Castle
This castle was the residence of the king of the Ryukyu Kingdom, which was established in 1429.
It once flourished as a hub of overseas trade and was the center where political and economic functions were concentrated.
Today, it is an urban park in the Shurijo district of the National Okinawa Memorial Park.

Churaumi Aquarium
The Churaumi Aquarium is Okinawa's main aquarium and also the largest aquarium in Japan.
One of Okinawa's leading tourist attractions, boasts more than 3 million visitors annually.
It is also famous for being the first aquarium in the world to successfully breed whale sharks and Nanyoma manta rays for a sustained period of time.

Traditional Performing Arts of the Prefecture

Eisa
One of Okinawa's traditional performing arts, equivalent to Bon Odori on the mainland.
It is held on the last day of the old Bon Festival (July 15), and people dance and parade through the town while beating drums.
It has a history of more than 500 years, and each area has its own unique dance.

Hari
A traditional event in Okinawa.
It is held to pray for safe voyages and a prosperous catch (of fish), and is performed in a traditional fishing boat called a "Sabani".

県の歴史

Formerly known as "Edo," this area became the center of Japan when Ieyasu Tokugawa established the Edo shogunate in 1603.
For the past 400 years, it has continued to serve as the center of Japan.
The name "Tokyo" came into use in 1868, after the Meiji Restoration.
Since then, the city has grown to become a world-class, cutting-edge city by quickly adopting advanced Western technology and other innovations.

県の観光地

Sensoji Temple
The oldest temple in Tokyo is located in Asakusa, Taito-ku.
It is said that the temple was founded in 628.
It is famous for the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) at the entrance and receives one of the largest numbers of worshippers in Japan.

Meiji Jingu Shrine
Located in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, this shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji.
The shrine boasts one of the largest grounds in Japan, and the nature park on it is a popular spot for citizens to relax.
The shrine attracts tourists from Japan and abroad every New Year, and is usually ranked No. 1 in terms of the number of visitors for Hatsumode (New Year's visits to the shrine).

県の伝統工芸

Edo Kiriko Cut Glass
A generic name for glassware produced in Tokyo from the Edo period to the present day.
The beautiful patterns are created by cutting into the surface of the glass.

Edo Tortoiseshell
One of Tokyo's traditional artisan crafts.
It is made from the shells of sea turtles that inhabit the tropical seas.
It has a pale yellowish-white shine and is characterized by its beauty and is pleasant to the touch.

県の歴史

Kyoto was established as the capital of Japan and the residence of the emperor in 794 during the Heian-kyo period.
Since then, Kyoto was the political and cultural center of Japan for 1,100 years until the Meiji Restoration.
Even after the political center was transferred to Tokyo with the Meiji Restoration, its culture and history have remained unchanged.
To this day, it is loved around the world as a symbol of Japanese “Wa” which means harmony.

県の伝統芸能・文化

Gion Festival
A festival held every July at Yasaka Shrine in Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto.
Together with Tenjin Festival in Osaka and Kanda Festival in Tokyo, it is one of the three major festivals in Japan.
It is designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Gozan-no-Okuribi (Bonfire of Five Mountains)
A traditional event to send off the spirits of ancestors at the end of the Bon Festival.
The five mountains surrounding Kyoto are lit with flames in the kanji characters of "Dai," "Myoho," "Torii," and "Funagata.
This bonfire, which colors the summer night sky of Kyoto, is designated as an intangible cultural property of Kyoto City.

県の伝統工芸

Nishijin Silk Fabrics
Traditional dyed textiles produced in the Nishijin area of Kyoto.
It is characterized by beautiful patterns woven using 12 various techniques.
And is considered the most sophisticated type of kimono.

Kyoto Folding Fan
The fans are produced exclusively in Kyoto and Shiga.
There are as many as 88 processes involved in the making of these fans, most of which are done by hand and require a high level of skill.

県の歴史

Osaka has been called "the kitchen of the world" since ancient times, and prospered as a center of commerce where rice and other specialty products gathered from all over Japan.
It is also the birthplace of the "dashi" culture that is indispensable for Japanese food, and a variety of food has developed in the city, which is also known as the "town of the foodies."
Today, "konamon" (flour based food) such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki are very popular, pleasing the palates of many visitors.
Agriculture and fishing, which support the food culture, are also flourishing, and many traditional crafts, such as knives and other cutlery and tinware, are also famous.

県の伝統芸能・文化

Esashi Ubagami-Daijingu Togyo-Sai
This is the oldest festival in Hokkaido and has been held since ancient times in gratitude for a good catch of herring.
It has a tradition of more than 370 years and is held annually from August 9 to 11.

Matsumae Kagura
The oldest traditional performing art in Hokkaido.
The lord of the Matsumae Clan gathered at the Shinto shrine and began to perform the dance in the castle.
The origin of this dance is said to date back to about 550 years ago, when it was performed to pray for victory in a battle against the Ainu, a native tribe.

県の伝統工芸

Naniwa Tinware
One of Osaka's traditional crafts.
Tableware made of tin is popular and characterized by its extremely high durability.
Each piece is handmade by skilled craftsmen, and although it is made of metal, you can feel the warmth of the metal.

Sakai Knives
A traditional craft of Osaka.
Sakai knives are made using the same process as Japanese swords, known as "hammered blades," and boast outstanding sharpness and durability.
Each knife is handmade by craftsmen, and the share of the domestic market for professional chefs' knives is over 90%.

県の歴史

Known in ancient times as "Owari" and "Mikawa," this area has prospered as an important transportation hub connecting the east and west sides of Japan.
It is also famous for having been the birthplace of many of the most famous generals of the Warring States period, such as Nobunaga Oda, Hideyoshi Toyotomi, and Ieyasu Tokugawa.
There are many places associated with warlords, such as Nagoya Castle, built by Ieyasu, and Toyokuni Shrine, dedicated to Hideyoshi, that history buffs definitely need to check out.
The food culture is also unique, and visitors can enjoy unique gourmet foods such as stewed udon noodles and miso pork cutlets made with Aichi's own "Hatcho Miso."

県の伝統芸能・文化

Inuyama Festival
This festival is held on the first Saturday of April every year at Inuyama Castle in Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture.
Thirteen three-tiered carriages (Yama) are paraded through the streets around the castle, and karakuri puppets are used with flutes and drums.
In 2016, the festival was designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Toyohama Sea Bream Festival
This festival is held every July in Minamichita Town, Aichi Prefecture.
The festival prays for the safety of the sea in Toyohama, and a giant sea bream made of bamboo and wood measuring 10 to 18 meters and weighing about 1 ton is paraded through the town.
It is famous all over the world for its quirkiness, and in 1970 it was used on a postage stamp of the State of Qatar.

県の伝統工芸

Owari Cloisonné
One of the traditional crafts of Aichi Prefecture.
It refers to pottery made in the cities of Nagoya and Ama.
It is said that the process of making cloisonne enamel ware was first discovered and improved in 1830, when a Dutch ship imported cloisonne enamel ware plates.

Nagoya Yuzen
A traditional dyed fabric produced in the Nagoya area of Aichi Prefecture.
It is said that the technique was introduced in 1730 when Yuzen masters from Kyoto and Edo (Tokyo) came to Japan.
It is characterized by the use of subdued colors and a chic finish, without the flamboyant decorations of other Yuzen styles.

県の歴史

Known since ancient times as "Shinshu-Shinano," this area flourished as a major transportation hub connecting the central region of Japan.
It is also famous as one of Japan's most famous power spots, and since the Heian period, it has been a place of longing for worshippers from all over Japan.
Also has one of the most famous hot spring resorts in Japan, Suwa Onsen with many legends about the healing of illnesses and injuries.
The natural beauty created by a series of 3,000-meter-high mountains is truly spectacular.
As a sacred place for touring and outdoor activities, it is also visited by backpackers from all over Japan.

県の伝統芸能・文化

Nozawa Onsen Dosojin Festival
This festival is held annually on January 15 in the Nozawaonsen Village, Nagano Prefecture.
It has been held since ancient times as an event to burn New Year's decorations and ornaments, to pray for a good harvest, to drive away evil spirits, and to wish for the growth of the first born child.
Since 1993, it has been designated as a national important intangible folk cultural property.

Mikabashira Matsuri (Pillar Festival)
This festival is held once every seven years from April to June in Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture.
The sacred tree called "Oobashira," which is dedicated to Suwa-taisha Shrine, is cut from the mountain, and people ride it down the slope of the mountain.
The festival has a history of more than 1,200 years and is one of the three most bizarre festivals in Japan.

県の伝統工芸

Azumino Glass
One of Nagano's fine crafts.
Made using the "blown glass method" and is characterized by its clear, bubbled design.
There are many workshops in Azumino City, where visitors can experience making their own glassware.

Kiso Lacquerware
A traditional craft of Nagano.
Kiso lacquerware is made mainly in Shiojiri City, Nagano Prefecture.
It is characterized by its extremely sturdy construction, and is said to have a more softer glaze the more it is used.
It is also in great demand from an artistic standpoint, as it is used in the high-class furnishings of inns and hotels throughout Japan.

県の歴史

Hyogo Prefecture, called "Settsu" in ancient times, prospered as a vital point connecting the Chugoku and Kinki regions.
As a port town, it has an exotic atmosphere, such as Nankinmachi, with its blend of Japanese and Western influences, which cannot be found in other prefectures.
It is also known as a land that was quick to open up to Western culture, and it was here that Japan's first teahouse cafe was established.
The prefecture has a variety of tourist resources, including the World Heritage Sites of Himeji Castle and Arima Hot Springs, and has become dramatically more recognized in recent years.

県の伝統芸能・文化

Kobe Luminarie
A festival held every December in the former foreign settlement area of Kobe City.
This event was started in the wake of the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that occurred in 1995, and is held as a memorial service for the victims of the disaster.
The illuminations are composed of unique geometric patterns, and is displayed on a large scale to create a magical scenery.

Tokaebisu Grand Festival
This festival is held at Hiruko Shrine in Hyogo Ward, Kobe City, for three days from January 9 to 11 every year.
More than 300,000 visitors come to the shrine to pray to Ebisu, the god of commerce, for a prosperous year.
The scene of the dedication of a large tuna from the Kobe Central Wholesale Market is a powerful sight.

県の伝統工芸

Banshu Abacus
A traditional craft of Hyogo.
It is said to have been introduced from China via Nagasaki at the end of the Muromachi period (1333-1573).
The abacus is widely produced in Ono City, Hyogo Prefecture, and accounts for more than 70% of the abacus market in Japan.

Himehaku-zaiku (Leatherworking)
Another traditional craft of Hyogo.
It has a tradition of more than 1,500 years.
The characteristic feature of this product is the beautifully colored stamped patterns on pure white cowhide, which is not bleached or dyed.
Because they are lightweight and very durable, they are popular as gifts for tourists.

県の歴史

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県の観光地

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県の伝統芸能・文化

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県のお土産

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