Akita Prefecture is located in the Tohoku Region, the northern area of the main island of Honshu. Bordered by Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata prefectures, and also facing the Sea of Japan, Akita is the 6th largest prefecture of Japan, with slightly over 900,000 residents. Historically a part of Dewa Province and receiving high amounts of snow during the winter, Akita is a great spot to experience a wealth of snowy adventures. Steeped in history, and full of culture, the prefecture has a multitude of seasonal activities, and stunning beauty throughout the year.

Visited by less than 1% of overseas tourists (0.8% to be exact), Mie Prefecture lies on the eastern side of the Kii Peninsula and is steeped deeply in Japan’s mythology and legends. Easily accessible from Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and Wakayama, Mie is a great reason to extend one’s trip through the Kinki/Kansai region and learn more intimately of Japan’s people and folklore.

With winter snow piling up in Japan, and the sun setting earlier, it’s time to be bundled up and with plenty of warm, delicious food. Wintertime in Japan also means that there is a great deal of mouthwatering food coming into season in the country. From crab to sushi, you could spend weeks exploring and not try all the amazing dishes in winter.

Just a stone’s throw from Tokyo and Chiba, and while technically not a neighbour of Tokyo, Ibaraki Prefecture is very accessible, and makes for a wonderful day trip or even multi-day trip to explore all the amazing things that the prefecture has in it. From waterfalls to famous gardens, mountains and shrines, make sure to keep Ibaraki in mind when visiting Japan!

Wakayama Prefecture is another of the 4 prefectures that make up the Kii Peninsula of central Japan. Home to one of the most famous pilgrimage trails of the country, Wakayama is not too far from Tokyo and other large cities. Exploring the prefecture will showcase some of Japan’s most beautiful scenery, offering a side of Japan that is off the beaten path, but not to be missed.