More Than Cities – Understanding Japan’s Regional Identity
If you’re planning a trip to rural Japan—perhaps looking for an authentic experience beyond Tokyo or Kyoto—this blog is for you.
My name is Nodoka Kato. I left Tokyo 20 years ago and settled in Shikoku, one of Japan’s lesser-known islands, where I now run a traditional Japanese farmhouse Airbnb.
This blog shares insights into Japanese culture that most travelers miss, including one concept that deeply influences how people live, travel, and even cheer at sports events: prefectures.
What Is a Prefecture in Japan?
Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, similar to U.S. states or European regions. But for Japanese people, prefectures are more than just administrative zones—they’re tied to regional pride, identity, and even emotion.
Kōshien: Where Teen Baseball Meets National Sentiment
Take baseball, Japan’s most beloved sport. Every summer, nearly 4,000 high schools compete in a single-elimination tournament known as Kōshien, named after the iconic stadium in Hyōgo Prefecture.
Before a team can reach the national finals, it must first win its prefectural tournament. Each prefecture sends just one champion to Kōshien. And when they do, they carry the hopes and dreams of their local people.
Locals cheer for their team not just because they love baseball—but because that team represents their home prefecture.
If you’re traveling through Japan in the summer, catch a local Kōshien qualifier. It’s intense, emotional, and unforgettable. For many of these students, this game is the end of their baseball journey—and yes, there will be tears.
So, Where Am I in Japan Right Now?
Most foreign travelers think of Japan in terms of islands (like Shikoku or Kyushu) or regions (like Kansai or Tohoku). But Japanese people think in prefectures.
I live in Shikoku, which literally means “four countries.” These are now the four prefectures of:
- Kagawa
- Tokushima
- Ehime
- Kochi (where I live)
Ask a local where they’re from, and you’ll rarely hear “I’m from Shikoku.”
Instead, they’ll say:
“I’m from Kochi Prefecture.”
or
“I grew up in Ehime.”
Even when traveling within Japan, Japanese people book trips by prefecture, not by island.
Bonus Trivia: Tokyo Disneyland Is… Not in Tokyo?!
Here’s a fun example of how much prefectural identity matters in Japan.
Tokyo Disneyland is one of Japan’s most famous attractions. But guess what?
It’s not in Tokyo. It’s in… Chiba Prefecture.
Same with Narita Airport, officially named “New Tokyo International Airport.”
Yes—also in Chiba.
Why? Because “Tokyo” sounds cooler than “Chiba.”
Ask any Japanese person, and they’ll chuckle—there’s a bit of shared embarrassment about the name.
It’s a national inside joke.
If you enjoyed this post, feel free to bookmark this blog or share it with fellow Japan lovers—it really helps!
And if you ever find yourself in Shikoku, I’d be delighted to welcome you to my countryside Airbnb.
It’s a 80-year-old renovated farmhouse by the beautiful Sameura Lake in Kochi Prefecture, where you can experience the slower, quieter side of Japan.
Here’s the link to the listing:
👉 https://airbnb.jp/h/sameura
If you stay, I’ll happily share local tips, help you find hidden spots, and introduce you to the charm of rural Japanese life.
Thank you for reading, and I hope to see you in Shikoku someday!
Hidden Japan Journal 