Nara Prefecture

Nara Prefecture (奈良県 Nara-ken^?) is a prefecture in the Kansai region of Japan.^[2]

The capital is the city of Nara.^[3]

Nara Prefecture has the distinction of having more UNESCO World Heritage Listings than any other prefecture.^[4]

The present-day Nara Prefecture was created in 1887, making it independent of Osaka Prefecture.
Historically, Nara Prefecture was also known as Yamato-no-kuni or Yamato Province.^[5]

Nara Prefecture is part of the Kansai, or Kinki, region of Japan, and is located in the middle of the Kii Peninsula on the western half of Honshu. Nara Prefecture is landlocked. It is bordered to the west by Wakayama Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture; on the north by Kyoto Prefecture and on the east by Mie Prefecture.

The climate of Nara Prefecture is overall warm, while there are important differences between the north-western basin area and the rest of the prefecture, that is, in the mountains.

• Tourism is treated by the prefectural government as one of the most important features of Nara, because of its natural beauty and historical significance.
• Nara is famed for its Kaki persimmon. Strawberry and tea are some other popular products of the prefecture, while rice and vegetables, including spinach, tomato, eggplants and others are the dominant in terms of amount of production.
• Nara is a center for the production of instruments used in conducting traditional Japanese artforms. Brush and ink (sumi) are the best known products from Nara for calligraphy. Wooden or bamboo instruments, especially from Takayama area (in Ikoma city) are famous products for tea ceremony.
• Goldfish from Yamatokoriyama in Nara have been a traditional aquacultural product since the 18th century.
• Due to its rich history, Nara is also the location of many archeological digs, with many famous ones being located in the village of Asuka.

Because of its background, the better part of Nara's culture can only be described through learning the history of Japan, notably in Nara Period.

Nara is currently in its preparation to celebrate the 1300th anniversary of the opening of Heijō Palace.

Yamato Province (大和国 Yamato no Kuni^?) was a province of Japan, located in Kinai, corresponding to present-day Nara Prefecture in Honshū.^[1] It was also called Washū (和州^?). Kinai (畿内 Capital Region^?) is a Japanese term denoting an ancient division of the country. Kinai is a name for the ancient provinces around the capital Nara and Heian-kyō.^[1]
Heijō Palace (平城宮 Heijō-kyū^?) in Nara, was the Imperial Palace of Japan (710-784 AD), during most of the Nara period.

The "Firsts" of the New Year in Japan

Celebrating the new year in Japan also means paying special attention to the first time something is done in the new year.

Hatsuhinode (初日の出) is the first sunrise of the year. Before sunrise on January 1, people often drive to the coast or climb a mountain so that they can see the first sunrise of the new year.

Hatsumōde is the first trip to a shrine or temple. Many people visit a shrine after midnight on December 31 or sometime during the day on January 1. If the weather is good, people often dress up or wear kimono.
 
"first sun" (hatsuhi) or "first sunrise",

"first laughter" (waraizome—starting the New Year with a smile is considered a good sign),

first dream (初夢, hatsuyume),

"first letter" (hatsudayori—meaning the first exchange of letters),

"first calligraphy" (kakizome),

"first brush" (fude hajime).
 
other "firsts" that are marked as special events include shigoto-hajime (仕事始め, resuming work after the New Year's vacation, the first work of the new year),  

keiko-hajime (稽古始め, the first practice of the new year),  

hatsugama (the first tea ceremony of the new year),

and the hatsu-uri (the first shopping sale of the new year).

There is also an associated festival of Little New Year (小正月 koshōgatsu^?), traditionally celebrating the first full moon of the new year, on the 15th day of the first lunar month (approximately mid-February). This is now sometimes celebrated on January 15th, in various respects. The main events of Koshōgatsu are rites and practices praying for a bountiful harvest, and 小豆粥  (Azukigayu: rice gruel with adzuki beans) is traditionally eaten in the morning. Further, New Year decorations are taken down around this date, and some temples hold events, such as at Tōrin-in; see also festivals at List of Important Intangible Folk Cultural Properties. This corresponds to the Chinese Lantern Festival.

Joya No Kane (Bell Ringing On New Year's Eve)

At midnight on December 31, Buddhist temples all over Japan ring their bells a total of 108 times (除夜の鐘 joyanokane) to symbolize the 108 human sins in Buddhist belief, and to get rid of the 108 worldly desires regarding sense and feeling in every Japanese citizen.

A major attraction is The Watched Night bell, in Tokyo.

Japanese believe that the ringing of bells can rid off their sins during the previous year. After they are done ringing the bells, they celebrate and feast on soba noodles.^{[citation needed]}

Symphony No. 9 in Japan (aka Daiku)

The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125, is the final complete symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827).

The Symphony No. 9, with accompanying chorus, is traditionally performed throughout Japan during its New Year's celebrations. In December 2009, for example, there were 55 performances of the symphony by various major orchestras and choirs in Japan.^[39]

The Ninth was introduced to Japan by German soldiers held at Bandō Prisoner of War camp during World War I. Japanese orchestras, notably the NHK Symphony Orchestra, began performing the symphony in 1925. During World War II, the Imperial government promoted performances of the symphony, including on New Year's Eve, to encourage allegiance to Japanese nationalism. The symphony was considered appropriate in this regard because Germany was an ally of Japan. After the war, orchestras and choruses, undergoing economic hard times during the reconstruction of Japan, promoted performances of the piece around New Year because of the popularity of the music with the public. In the 1960s, performances of the symphony for the New Year became more widespread and included participation by local choirs and orchestras, establishing the tradition which continues to this day – and which includes, since 2003, a concert of all nine symphonies.^[39][40]

Hyōgo Prefecture

Hyōgo Prefecture (兵庫県 Hyōgo-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region on Honshu island.^[1]  The prefecture's name was previously alternately spelled as Hiogo.

The capital is Kobe.^[2]


Present-day Hyōgo Prefecture includes the former provinces of Harima, Tajima, Awaji, and parts of Tamba and Settsu.^[3]

Hyōgo has coastlines on two seas: to the north, the Sea of Japan, to the south, the Inland Sea. The northern portion is sparsely populated, except for the city of Toyooka, and the central highlands are only populated by tiny villages. Most of Hyōgo's population lives on the southern coast, which is part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto (Keihanshin) metropolitan area. Awaji Island is an island in the Inland Sea, lying between Honshu and Shikoku.

Summertime weather throughout Hyōgo is hot and humid. As for winter conditions in Hyōgo, the north of Hyōgo tends to receive abundant snow, whilst the south receives only the occasional flurry.

Hyōgo borders on Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture and Okayama Prefecture.

Hyōgo Prefecture has many heavy industries, metal and medical, and Kobe Port is one of the largest ports in Japan.

Kobe remains a popular tourist destination. The region symbolizes Japan's earliest contact with the outside world. Many homes of early foreign visitors still stand on the bluff overlooking the harbor.

The vista of the Inland Sea remains a "million-dollar view". The Kobe port is one of the ports which are the most famous in Japan. A popular troupe of Takarazuka Revue plays in Takarazuka.

Himeji Castle receives this praise from UNESCO: "masterpiece of construction in wood, combining function with aesthetic appeal... ." Together with its historical significance and its easy access from Kyoto or Osaka by Shinkansen, Himeji Castle receives tremendous numbers of visitors annually.

As for the Hyogo Prefecture northern part, sands where the coast is beautiful and a dynamic rock are consecutive. In the vicinity, there are a lot of famous sightseeing spots such as Kinosaki Onsen, Izushi and Yumura Onsen.

Kikuseidai (掬星台^?) is a view point and a park just aside of the top of Maya-san in Kobe, Japan. It has one of three major Night Views of Japan and is called ten million dollar night view.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle (大坂城 or 大阪城, Ōsaka-jō^?) is a Japanese castle in Chūō-ku, Osaka, Japan.

Originally called Ozakajō^{[citation needed]}, it is one of Japan's most famous castles, and played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century of the Azuchi-Momoyama period.^[1]

The main tower of Osaka Castle is situated on a plot of land roughly one kilometer square. It is built on two raised platforms of landfill supported by sheer walls of cut rock, using a technique called Burdock piling, each overlooking a moat. The central castle building is five stories on the outside and eight stories on the inside, and built atop a tall stone foundation to protect its occupants from sword-bearing attackers.
The Castle grounds, which cover approximately 60,000 square meters (15 acres)^[2] contain thirteen structures which have been designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government,^[3] including:

• Ote-mon Gate
• Sakura-mon Gate
• Ichiban-yagura Turret
• Inui-yagura Turret
• Rokuban-yagura Turret
• Sengan Turret
• Tamon Turret
• Kinmeisui Well
• Kinzo Storehouse
• Enshogura Gunpowder Magazine
• Three sections of castle wall all located around Otemon Gate.

The castle is open to the public, and is easily accessible from Osakajōkōen Station on the JR West Osaka Loop Line. It is a popular spot during festival seasons, and especially during the cherry blossom bloom (hanami), when the sprawling castle grounds are covered with food vendors and taiko drummers. The large indoor arena Osaka-jo Hall is also located within the grounds of the castle park.
  
The Azuchi-Momoyama period (安土桃山時代 Azuchi-Momoyama jidai^?) came at the end of the Warring States Period in Japan, when the political unification that preceded the establishment of the Tokugawa shogunate took place. It spans the years from approximately 1573 to 1603, during which time Oda Nobunaga and his successor, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, imposed order upon the chaos that had pervaded since the collapse of the Ashikaga Shogunate. The name of this period is taken from Nobunaga's castle, Azuchi Castle, in the present-day town of Azuchi, Shiga Prefecture and Hideyoshi's castle, Momoyama Castle (also known as Fushimi Castle), in Kyoto.^[1]
Osaka-jō Hall (大阪城ホール Ōsaka-jō Hōru^?), is a multi-purpose arena, in the Kyōbashi area, of Osaka, Japan. It is used for some sports, such as judo championships and is popular for concerts, with many native and international pop and rock music artists. Each year, 10,000 people come to the hall to participate in a performance of Beethoven's Symphony No. 9.

Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture (大阪府 Ōsaka-fu^?) is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshu, the main island of Japan.^[1]

The capital is the city of Osaka.
It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area.^[2]


Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Osaka prefecture was known as Kawachi, Izumi and Settsu provinces.^[3] Osaka Prefecture was created in 1868, at the very beginning of the Meiji era.[4]

Osaka Prefecture neighbors the prefectures of Hyōgo and Kyoto in the north, Nara in the east and Wakayama in the south. The west is open to Osaka Bay. The Yodo and Yamato Rivers flow through the prefecture.

Prior to the construction of Kansai International Airport, Osaka was the smallest prefecture in Japan. The artificial island on which the airport was built added enough area to make it slightly larger than Kagawa Prefecture.^[6][7]

There are many electrical, chemical,pharmaceutical, heavy industry, food, and housing companies in Osaka Prefecture.

Osaka Prefecture has three airports (Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport, and Yao Airport).

 The first conveyor belt sushi originated in Higashiosaka in Osaka Prefecture.^[21][unreliable source?]

Keihanshin (京阪神^?, "Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe") is a Japanese metropolitan region encompassing the metropolitan areas of the cities of Osaka in Osaka prefecture, Kobe in Hyōgo Prefecture, and Kyoto in Kyoto prefecture.

Kintsugi

Kintsugi (金継ぎ^?) (Japanese: golden joinery) is the Japanese art of fixing broken pottery with a lacquer resin sprinkled with powdered gold.^[1][2]

Kintsugi may have originated when shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa sent a damaged Chinese tea bowl back to China for repairs in the late 15th century. When it was returned repaired with ugly metal staples, it may have prompted Japanese craftsmen to look for a more aesthetic means of repair.

Collectors became so enamored of the new art that some were accused of deliberately smashing valuable pottery so it could be repaired with the gold seams of kintsugi.^[1]

Kintsugi became closely associated with the ceramic utensils used for Japanese tea ceremony.^[2]

Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Prefecture (京都府 Kyōto-fu^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Kansai region of the island of Honshu.^[1]

The capital is the city of Kyoto.^[2]

Until the Meiji Restoration, the area of Kyoto prefecture was known as Yamashiro.^[3] For most of its history, the city of Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan.

Kyoto Prefecture is located almost in the center of Honshū and of Japan.To the north, it faces the Sea of Japan and Fukui Prefecture. To the south, it faces Osaka and Nara Prefectures. To the east, it faces Mie and Shiga Prefectures. To the west, it faces Hyōgo Prefecture. The prefecture is separated in the middle by the Tanba Mountains. This makes its climate very different in the north and south.

The city of Kyoto is largely dependent on tourism. Northern Kyoto on the Tango Peninsula has fishing and water transportation, and midland Kyoto has agriculture and forestry.

Nintendo is headquartered in the city of Kyoto.

Kyoto has been, and still remains to this day, the cultural center of Japan. For over 1000 years it was Japan's capital. When the capital was changed to Tokyo, Kyoto remained Japan's cultural capital.

The city of Kyoto is one of the most popular tourist spots in Japan, and many people from far and wide visit there. Along with Nara, Kyoto is a favorite location for the graduation trip of Elementary and Junior High schools.

Some of the festivals held in Kyoto are Aoi Matsuri from 544, Gion Matsuri from 869, Ine Matsuri from the Edo-era, Daimonji Gozan Okuribi from 1662, and Jidai Matsuri from 1895. Every shrine and temple holds some sort of event, and many of them are open for public viewing.

Shiga Prefecture

Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県 Shiga-ken^?) is a Japanese prefecture, which forms part of the Kansai region in the western part of Honshu island.^[1]

Its capital is Ōtsu.^[2]

Shiga was known as Ōmi Province or Gōshū before the prefectural system was established.^[3]
Omi was a neighbor of Nara and Kyoto, at the junction of western and eastern Japan.

Shiga borders Fukui Prefecture in the north, Gifu Prefecture in the east, Mie Prefecture in the southeast, and Kyoto Prefecture in the west.

Shiga's most prominent feature is Lake Biwa.
The many mountains around the lake offer beautiful views.

Lake Biwa, Japan's largest, is located at the center of this prefecture. It occupies one-sixth of its area. The Seta River flows from Lake Biwa to Osaka Bay through Kyoto. This is the only natural river that flows out from the lake. Most other natural rivers flow into the lake.

Shiga's climate sharply varies between north and south. Southern Shiga is usually warm, but northern Shiga is typically cold with high snowfall and hosts many skiing grounds.

Cultivated areas occupy nearly one-sixth of the prefecture. Rice is the principal crop: over 90 percent of the farmlands are rice fields.

Biwa town (now a part of Nagahama) is a home of The Tonda Traditional Bunraku Puppet Troupe. Founded in the 1830s, the group is one of the most active traditional Bunraku puppet theaters in Japan outside the National Theater in Osaka. Toyosato and Higashiomi are known to a mecca of Goshu ondo.
Museums include the Sagawa Art Museum in Moriyama, the Lake Biwa Museum in Kusatsu and the Miho Museum in Kōka.

In Kōka, a ninja house (the Kōka Ninja House) is preserved as a visitor center.^[10]

Shiga has many tourism resources, but Shiga is overshadowed by its much more famous neighbor Kyoto.

Unique festivals include the hikiyama festival (floats parade festival), held in ten areas such as Nagahama, Otsu, Maibara, Hino and Minakuchi.

Kadomatsu

A kadomatsu (門松^?, literally "gate pine") is a traditional Japanese decoration of the New Year placed in pairs in front of homes to welcome ancestral spirits or kami of the harvest.

They are placed after Christmas until January 7 (or January 15 during the Edo period) and are considered temporary housing (shintai) for kami.

Designs for kadomatsu vary depending on region but are typically made of pine, bamboo, and sometimes ume tree sprigs which represent longevity, prosperity and steadfastness, respectively.

The central portion of the kadomatsu is formed from three large bamboo shoots, though plastic kadomatsu are available. Similar to several traditions of ikebana (Japanese flower arrangement), the shoots are set at different heights and represent heaven, humanity, and earth with heaven being the highest and earth being the lowest. Some kadomatsu place the humanity and earth shoots at the same height.

 Kadomatsu are placed in pairs on either side of the gate, representing male and female.

"The fundamental function of the New Year ceremonies is to honor and receive the toshigami (deity), who will then bring a bountiful harvest for farmers and bestow the ancestors' blessing on everyone."

After January 15 (or in many instances the 19th) the kadomatsu is burned to appease the kami or toshigami and release them.

Toshigami (年神^?) is a Kami of the Shinto religion in Japan. The term consists of two Chinese characters, toshi (年 year^?) and kami (神^?), meaning a deity or spirit.

Otoshidama, Pochibukuro and Shūgibukuro

On New Year's Day, Japanese people have a custom of giving money to children. This is known as otoshidama (お年玉^?).

It is handed out in small decorated envelopes called 'pochibukuro,' similar to Shūgi-bukuro or Chinese red envelopes and to the Scottish handsel.

In the Edo period large stores and wealthy families gave out a small bag of mochi and a Mandarin orange to spread happiness all around.

The amount of money given depends on the age of the child but is usually the same if there is more than one child so that no one feels slighted. It is not uncommon for amounts greater than ¥10,000 (US$120) to be given.

A shūgi-bukuro (祝儀袋^?) is a special envelope in which money is given as a gift at weddings in Japan.^[1]
It is very common in Japan to give a gift of money at weddings. The giver inserts the money into a shūgi-bukuro on which they have written their name. The shūgi-bukuro is handed to the receptionist of the reception party. Shūgi-bukuro are sold at supermarkets and stationery stores.

Mie Prefecture

Mie Prefecture (三重県 Mie-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan which is part of the Kansai region on Honshu island.^[1]

The capital is the city of Tsu.^[2]

Until the Meiji Restoration, Mie prefecture was known as Ise Province, Shima Province, Iga Province and Kii Province.^[3] 

Mie Prefecture forms the eastern part of the Kii Peninsula, and is bordered by Aichi, Gifu, Shiga, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. It is considered to be a part of the Kansai and Tōkai regions due to its geographical proximity to Aichi Prefecture and its cultural influence from Kansai, such as the fact that Kansai dialect is spoken in Mie. Traditionally, though, the Iga region of Mie is considered to have always been a part of Kansai.

Mie Prefecture has traditionally been a link between east and west Japan, thanks largely to the Tokaido and Ise Pilgrimage Roads. Traditional handicrafts such as Iga Braid, Yokkaichi Banko Pottery, Suzuka Ink, Iga Pottery and Ise Katagami flourished. With 65% of the prefecture consisting of forests and with over 1,000 km (600 mi) of coastline, Mie has a long been associated with forestry and seafood industries. As well as this, Mie produces tea, beef, cultured pearls and fruit, mainly mandarin oranges. Food production companies include Azuma Foods.^[6][7]
    
Famous places:

• Ise Grand Shrine - Japan's holiest Shinto shrine.
• Kumano Kodō - World Heritage Site. Ancient road in southern Mie once used by pilgrims.
• Iga-Ueno - Birthplace of the ninja and home to the Iga Ninja Museum.
• Ise-Shima National Park
• Yoshino-Kumano National Park
• Sakakibara Onsen - Famous onsen near Tsu. Rumored to be the 3rd best onsen in Japan.
• Yunoyama Onsen - Famous onsen near Yokkaichi that sits atop Mount Gozaisho.
• Nagashima Spa Land - One of the largest amusement parks in Japan, located in Kuwana.
• Mikimoto Pearl Island - Museum in Toba that is dedicated to Kōkichi Mikimoto, inventor of pearl cultivation.
• The Wedded Rocks of Okitama Shrine in Futami (now part of the city of Ise)
• Suzuka Circuit - Japan's most famous racetrack.
• Saikū - Site of Heian Imperial residence, with modern museum and reconstructed Heian building.

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture (愛知県 Aichi-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region.^[1]

The region of Aichi is also known as the Tōkai region.

The capital is Nagoya. It is the focus of the Chūkyō Metropolitan Area.^[2]

Originally, the region was divided into the two provinces of Owari and Mikawa.^[3] After the Meiji Restoration, Owari and Mikawa were united into a single entity.

Located near the center of the Japanese main island of Honshu, Aichi Prefecture faces the Ise and Mikawa Bays to the south and borders Shizuoka Prefecture to the east, Nagano Prefecture to the northeast, Gifu Prefecture to the north, and Mie Prefecture to the west.

Notable sites in Aichi include the Meiji Mura open-air architectural museum in Inuyama, which preserves historic buildings from Japan's Meiji and Taishō periods, including the reconstructed lobby of Frank Lloyd Wright's old Imperial Hotel (which originally stood in Tokyo from 1923 to 1967).

Other sites in Aichi include the tour of the Toyota car factory in the city by the same name, the monkey park in Inuyama, and the castles in Nagoya, Okazaki, Toyohashi, and Inuyama.

Because of Aichi's location along the Eastern seacoast, there are some scenic spots, but other than the Atsumi Peninsula surf beaches there are no significant beach destinations when compared to neighboring Shizuoka Prefecture. Most attractions are man-made destinations, dealing with the region's history or modern marvels.

The Tōkai region (東
地方 Tōkai-chihō^?) is a sub-region of the Chūbu region in Japan that runs along the Pacific Ocean.
Chūkyō (中京圏 Chūkyō-ken^?), sometimes called the Chūkyō region (中京地方 Chūkyō-chihō), is the name of a major metropolitan area in Japan that is centered on the city of Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture. The area makes up the most urban part of the Tōkai region.

Pan Desuyo!

Pan Desuyo! (read as "Pan Des-yo!") is effectively bread in a can.

It was created with the help of a pastry chef named Eiji Kato.

Pan Desuyo! (This is Bread!) is manufactured by a group of six physically disabled residents of the Nagoya Light House Kowa dormitory. The factory they use was completed in early April in Nagoya's Koei district.

This innovative product came about because of the idea that canned food is perfect for emergency situations because of its long shelf life. Kato was able to create a product without preservatives or additives that would stay fresh in a can for three years.

Pan Desuyo! comes in three varieties; chocolate chip; raisin and fruit; and a coffee, fruit and nut concoction.

Senbei and Arare

Senbei (煎餅^?, alternatively spelled sembei) are a type of Japanese rice crackers.

They come in various shapes, sizes, and flavors, usually savory but sometimes sweet. Senbei are often eaten with green tea as a casual snack and offered to visiting house guests as a courtesy refreshment.

Senbei are usually cooked by being baked or grilled, traditionally over charcoal. While being prepared they may be brushed with a flavoring sauce, often one made of soy sauce and mirin. They may then be wrapped with a layer of nori. Alternatively they may be flavored with salt or "salad" flavoring, among others.

Modern senbei versions are very inventive and may include flavorings which range from kimchi to wasabi to curry to chocolate.

Kansai senbei tend to use glutinous rice and have a lightly seasoned and delicate in texture (saku saku). Kantō senbei were originally based on uruchimai, a non-glutinous rice, and they tend to be more crunchy (kari kari) and richly flavored.

Arare (あられ^?, which is named after graupel "snow pellets") is a type of bite-sized Japanese cracker made from glutinous rice and flavored with soy sauce. The size and shapes are what distinguish arare from senbei. The name is chosen to evoke snow pellets – smaller arare are similar in size and shape to snow pellets, though others can vary significantly in size, flavor and shape.

Arare is also called kakimochi or mochi crunch in Hawaii where it was introduced in the 1990s.

Japanese typically consume arare to celebrate the Doll Festival (Hinamatsuri), on March 3, Girls' Day in Japan. The arare made during the festival are very colorful - pink, yellow, white, brown, light green, and so on. Regular arare can be bought throughout the year, but the colorful ones are only available around January to March in anticipation of the Doll Festival.

Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture (静岡県 Shizuoka-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of Honshu.^[1]

The capital is the city of Shizuoka.^[2]

Shizuoka prefecture was formed from the former Tōtōmi, Suruga and Izu provinces.^[3]

The area was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun.^{[citation needed]} Tokugawa Ieyasu held the region until he conquered the lands of the Hōjō clan in the Kantō region and placed land under the stewardship of Oda Nobunaga.

Shizuoka prefecture is an elongated region following the coast of the Pacific Ocean at the Suruga Bay. In the west, the prefecture extends deep into the Japan Alps. In the east, it becomes a narrower coast bounded in the north by Mount Fuji, until it comes to the Izu Peninsula, a popular resort area pointing south into the Pacific.

Famous festivals and events:

• Shimoda Black Ship Festival, held in May
• Shimizu Port Festival, held on August 5 to 7
• Shizuoka Festival, held in April
• Daidogei World Cup in central Shizuoka City, held in November
• Enshu Daimyo Festival in Iwata, held in April

Gifu Prefecture

Gifu Prefecture (岐阜県 Gifu-ken^?) is a prefecture in the Chūbu region of central Japan.^[2]

Its capital is the city of Gifu.^[3]
 
Located in the center of Japan, it has long played an important part as the crossroads of Japan, connecting the east to the west through such routes as the Nakasendō. During the Sengoku period, many people referred to Gifu by saying, "control Gifu and you control Japan."^[4]

The area of Gifu Prefecture consists of the old provinces of Hida and Mino, as well as smaller parts of Echizen and Shinano.^[5]

Gifu has many popular tourist attractions, bringing visitors to all parts of the prefecture. The most popular places are Gifu, Gero, Shirakawa and Takayama.

One of the few landlocked prefectures in Japan, Gifu shares borders with seven other prefectures: Aichi, Fukui, Ishikawa, Mie, Nagano, Shiga and Toyama. Japan's postal codes all start with a three-digit number, ranging from 001 to 999. Part of Gifu has the 500 prefix, reflecting its location in the center of Japan.

Gifu has five unofficial regions, which allows local municipalities to work together to promote the surrounding area. The five regions are Seinō,^[9] Gifu,^[10] Chūnō,^[11] Tōnō^[12] and Hida.^[13] The borders of the regions are loosely defined, but they are usually delineated among major cities.

Traditional industries such as paper-making and agriculture are found in Gifu, but its economy is dominated by manufacturing including aerospace and automotive, with industrial complexes extending from the Nagoya area.

The Mino region has long been known for its high-quality paper called Mino washi, which is stronger and thinner than most other papers in Japan. Other paper-based products include Gifu Lanterns and Gifu Umbrellas, made in the prefectural capital of Gifu.

The Sengoku period (戦国時代 Sengoku jidai^?) or the Warring States Period^[1] in Japanese history was a time of social upheaval, political intrigue, and nearly constant military conflict that lasted roughly from the middle of the 16th century to the beginning of the 17th century.

Miso and Hatchō Miso

Miso (みそ or 味噌^?) is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting rice, barley, and/or soybeans with salt and the fungus kōjikin (麹菌^?), the most typical miso being made with soy.

The result is a thick paste used for sauces and spreads, pickling vegetables or meats, and mixing with dashi soup stock to serve as miso soup called misoshiru (味噌汁^?), a Japanese culinary staple.

High in protein and rich in vitamins and minerals, miso played an important nutritional role in feudal Japan.

Miso is still widely used in Japan, both in traditional and modern cooking, and has been gaining world-wide interest. Miso is typically salty, but its flavor and aroma depend on various factors in the ingredients and fermentation process. There is a wide variety of miso available. Different varieties of miso have been described as salty, sweet, earthy, fruity, and savory.

The traditional Chinese analogue of miso is known as dòujiàng (豆酱).

The earliest form of miso is known as "Hishio". Hishio is a kind of salty seasoning which is made from grain.

Hatchō Miso is a dark miso paste made using a process of steaming soybeans (instead of boiling) followed by maturation in cedar barrels under the weight of 3 tons of carefully stacked river stones for at least 2 years. Located 8 chō (Hatchō, or approximately 900m) west of Okazaki Castle near the Yahagi river, the old tiled buildings are heritage listed and one company (Kaku) has been a family business for 18 generations. It is one of the most famous miso producers in Japan, supplying the Emperor by appointment, and popular as a health food. The 2006 NHK morning drama serial, Junjo Kirari (Sparkling Innocence) was largely filmed in and around the Hatchō Miso grounds. Tours are available every 30 minutes and free samples are provided. Hatchō Miso's health properties are so great^{[citation needed]} that it was donated to Chernobyl's citizens following the disaster, to help prevent and treat radiation sickness.

Nagano Prefecture

Nagano Prefecture (長野県 Nagano-ken^?) is a prefecture of Japan located in the Chūbu region of the island of Honshu.^[1]

The capital is the city of Nagano.^[2]
Due to the abundance of mountain ranges in this area, the land available for inhabitance is relatively limited.

Nagano was formerly known as the province of Shinano.^[3] This province was divided among many local daimyo during the Sengoku period.

Nagano is an inland prefecture and it borders more prefectures than any other in Japan. Nagano contains the point furthest from the sea in the whole of Japan - this point lies within the city of Saku. The province's mountains have made it relatively isolated, and many visitors come to Nagano for its mountain resorts and hot springs. Nine of the twelve highest mountains in Japan can be found in Nagano and one of its lakes, Lake Kizaki, is a beach resort popular for its water attractions and games.

Shinano no Kuni (信濃の国) is a prefecture song of Nagano Prefecture, Japan, created for educational purposes. Because of its popular appearance in public areas such as train stations and TV programs, a large segment of the prefecture's population can remember the song.

The nagano area is the largest producer of miso in Japan accounting for 40% of the miso produced nationally.

Tourist spots:

• Lake Kizaki
• Lake Suwa
• Mount Kirigamine
• Suwa Taisha, one of the oldest shrines in Japan
• Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan's national treasures.
• One of the world's highest geysers (about 40 to 50 meters) in Suwa.
• Zenkō-ji temple in Nagano city

Miso (みそ or 味噌^?) is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced by fermenting rice, barley, and/or soybeans with salt and the fungus kōjikin (麹菌^?), the most typical miso being made with soy.