For many people outside of Japan, they may only think of Tokyo when they are imagining the country – and with this image, they imagine bustling cities with giant high-rise buildings and millions of people crowding landmarks like the Shibuya crossing. But anyone who has visited or lived in Japan will know that there is much more to the country outside of Tokyo.  

Japan is a country full of surprises, with far-reaching beauty and natural wonders from the furthest north in Hokkaido, to the southern tip of the Okinawa prefecture. From towering mountains to beautiful seas with coral reefs and astonishing marine life – there is an abundance of exciting and beautiful things to see in the country.  

If you want to find somewhere new to live, then you can begin looking at some great properties all over the country through Village House. 

Hokkaido Prefecture 

The most northern part of Japan is the island of Hokkaido. Aside from its biggest city, Sapporo, Hokkaido prefecture has become known for its ski and snowboard resorts which attract visitors from all over the world. Hokkaido’s powder snow is praised by skiers and snowboarders worldwide as the best quality snow in the world and has been described as a “paradise for Skiers and Snowboarders.” However, there are many more great things to do in Hokkaido once the snow has melted.  

In June, Hokkaido will be much cooler than the southern parts of Japan, and you can still enjoy being in the great outdoors and going on long hikes, and witnessing some of the natural beauty and mountainous landscapes. Hokkaido is perhaps best known through the end of Spring and into Summer for its flower fields. Some of the most popular flower farms/fields include Farm Tomita, Shikisai no Oka, Flower Land Kamifurano, Saika no Sato, Kanno Farm, Hill of Zerubu & Hill of Atoms, just to name a few. 

Okinawa Prefecture 

From the frozen north to the tropical south – Okinawa prefecture is on Japan’s most southerly points, and home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Okinawa has become one of Japan’s number one tourist destinations – and for good reason, there is something for everyone in the vast and diverse prefecture. The main island of Okinawa is popular for beach resorts, and has the biggest city in the prefecture – which means people who love to shop, and dine will get to experience Okinawa’s great food and drink culture. The islands are most known for their raw natural beauty, with secluded coves and white sand beaches, as well as the vibrant reefs and clear waters of the Kerama and Yaeyama islands. There is also a rich cultural heritage of Okinawa, and you can see these from the many castle ruins and heritage sites across all of the Okinawan islands. 

Yoron Island 

If you are wanting to find somewhere a little more remote and off of the beaten track, then Yoron Island might be the place for you. Although not technically in the Okinawa prefecture, Yoron Island is only 22 kilometres north of Hedo Point, the northernmost part of the Okinawa prefecture. A tropical paradise, Yoron Island is surrounded by beautiful beaches and immaculate coral reefs. Except to see clownfish, blue tangs and most of the cast of Finding Nemo swimming around the waters of Yoron. With only 5,000 people living on the island, it is a small, secluded and quiet paradise: some would even call it a hidden treasure.  

Nagano Prefecture  

Nagano is another prefecture perhaps best known for its skiing and snowboarding, but there are plenty of other reasons to visit Nagano in June and through Spring and Summer. With the cooler weather than in metropolitan areas, many people like to see Nagano in June and go trekking in the mountains, following mountain trails and finding remote shrines. or boating in the beautiful lakes.  

One of the most popular features in Nagano today is the Shiraito-no taki waterfalls. In Japanese, Shiraito has been translated to mean “many fine threads”, and this reflects the delicate and gentle waterfall. Recently, this place has become a trendy Instagram spot.  

As the snow melts on the ski resorts, many of these places become hotspots for other forms of extreme sports. If you’re feeling brave, you could even visit the Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort and try paragliding! 

Osaka Prefecture  

The final stop on our mini-tour of Japanese highlights is the Osaka prefecture. Located in Kansai, the Osaka prefecture is full of great attractions to visit this June, with the most popular being the city of Osaka itself. Many people describe a lively and enjoyable atmosphere when walking around the city, and unlike Tokyo, the people of Osaka are said to be open-minded and frank. As well as being a great place to go shopping, Osaka is also known in Japan for its food scene, as it has some of the country’s best street food including okonomiyaki (a savoury pancake), takoyaki (octopus wrapped in rice flour balls), and kushikatsu (fried meat and vegetables on a stick). 

Osaka is also known for being the comedy capital of Japan. So if you want to experience some modern culture, you could try going to a comedy night – although your Japanese will have to be of good quality! There are many opportunities to see traditional comedy styles such as Manzai and Rakugo if you want an authentic experience.  

Japan is a wonderful place to visit in June – whilst it’s tropical in the south, it’s still fairly cool in the north, so you will be able to plan activities for everyone to enjoy.  

If you love coming to Japan and want to find somewhere to live, then you can begin looking at some great properties all over the country through Village House.