• Hiroshima and Nagasaki are no longer Radioactive due to the fact that bombs reach up to 500+ meters
• After the U.S had surrendered, the U.S had already prepared 7 more Atomic Bombs!
• After the Atomic bomb a 16 year old boy survived being within 1,800 meters away from the center of the bomb!
• Many women near zero gave birth to babies with smaller heads than usual
• After the bombs that hit Nagasaki and Hiroshima The U.S had planned to hit a third place, it was probably going to be Tokyo
• After the bombs the U.S had created roughly about 125,000 nuclear weapons, with the U.S with Russia carrying more than 97% of weapons.

• Cattle are raised in Gifu prefecture 
• One of the best beefs in Japan(Kobe, Matsusaka)
• Many restaurants serve this dish

• Local food
• Used to be eaten in the holiday of the dead(Obon- Buddhist event celebrating the ancestors)
• Chicken marinated in miso, shoyu, and garlic
• Grilled with vegetables

• Miso paste, mixed with vegetables(leek, shiitake mushrooms, and pickles) on dried hoba leaf
• Heated over charcoal fire

• Aka “chuka soba” Chinese style ramen
• Gujo Ayu, or Ayu sweetfish
• Farmed from Nagara River(one of cleanest rivers in Japan)
• Usually eaten grilled over open flame and sprinkled with salt

• Capital: Osaka
• Population: 8.863 million (as of October 1st, 2012)
• The economic powerhouse of the Kansai region
• Formerly known as Naniwa

• Was once Japan's capital city
• Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a preeminent daimyō (powerful Japanese feudal lords), chose Osaka as the location of his castle, which is the famous Osaka castle.
• Would’ve been Japan’s political capital if Tokugawa Ieyasu, a powerful political figure in Japan after Hideyoshi died, didn’t move the capital to Tokyo

• Universal Studios
  • The first Universal Studio theme park outside of the U.S.
  • Has eight sections
    • Ex. Hollywood, Waterworld, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, etc.
• Osaka Aquarium
  • The second largest aquarium in the world 
• Minami (Namba)
  • One of Osaka’s two major city centers
  • The most famous entertainment district
    • Dotonburi: a food destination
    • Nation Bunraku Theater: nation’s most prestigious
      • Bunraku: the old art of Japanese puppet theater
• Tenjin Matsuri
  • One of Japan’s top three festivals
  • Takes place on July 24th and 25th
    • Main event on the 25th
      • 3:30 PM: the red-hatted drummer lead the land procession from Tenmangu Shrine through the streets of Osaka.
      • Features costumed characters, lion dancers, umbrella dancers, etc.
• Osaka Castle
  • A reconstruction
    • Burnt down → rebuilt → struck by lightning → rebuilt
  • Modern interior (elevator)
  • Nishinomaru Garden
    • 600 cherry trees
    • Teahouse
    • Former Osaka guest house

• Takoyaki
  • Ball-shaped dumplings
  • Filled with sliced octopus, ginger, spring onions, and tempura crumbs
• Okonomiyaki
  • Literal translation is “grilled stuff you like.”
  • Savory pancake topped with pork, squid, shrimp, cheese, tomato, etc.
  • Dressing of brown sauce, mayonnaise, powdered nori seaweed, and dried bonito flakes
• Fugu
  • Blowfish or puffer fish
  • Usually eaten raw
  • Poisonous if not prepared properly
• Kushikatsu
  • Skewered kebabs of meat, seafood, or vegetables which are breaded and deep fried
    • Typical items are pork, beef, shrimp, pumpkin, sweet potato, onion, lotus root, quail’s eggs, asparagus wrapped in bacon, and shiitake mushrooms.
  • Believed to originated in Osaka 1929
• Yakiniku
  • Barbecued beef

• “Nation’s Kitchen” --- well-known for delicious food
• People from Osaka are said to be the most outgoing in Japan.
  • Many famous comedians came from Osaka.
• Osaka translates to “large hill” or “large slope”.
  • Mountains surround the three sides of the prefecture, with the Osaka Bay on the other one.
• The birthplace of Bunraku, the old art of Japanese puppet theater
• Kansai dialect is very different from the Tokyo dialect.
  • Also known as “Western Japanese”

"Tokyo may have the money and Kyoto more culture; Nara may have more history and Kobe more style. But, Osaka has the biggest heart"
- Vikas Swarup

• Osaka Travel Guide

• Five Famous Foods in Osaka & Where to Eat Them

• Facts About Osaka
• 12 Interesting Facts About Osaka

• Made up of 2 kanji 
• 千葉
• 千 - thousand
• 葉 - leaves

• Can compound to Keiyo Line, Keiyo Road, etc.

• Kaki no Ha Zushi
  • Pressed mackerel sushi
  • Wrapped in persimmon leaves
• Miwa Somen
• Yamato no Chagayu
  • Tea porridge

• Nara Park
  • Deer wander freely
  • Toda-ji temple
    • World's largest Buddha statue 
• Yamanobe no Michi
  • Japan's oldest road
  • Sacred pilgrimage routes
• Dorogawa
  • Hot spring town
  • Mt. Omine
    • Sacred mountain off-limits to women
    • Shugendo practitioners make pilgrimage to Ominesanji Temple
• Mitarai Valley
  • Famous for autumn leaves
  • Scenic hiking courses
  • Summer: swimming and fishing
  • Limestone Caves
  • Campgrounds

• called "cherry kingdom"
  • produce 70% of cherries produced in Japan
  • #1 cherry land
• 3 streets called "Soba Street"
  • many delicious soba restaurants gather on a single street

• Atsushi Kaneko (manga artist)
• Yoshihiro Togashi (manga artist)
• Kenjirō Abe (professional shogi player)
• Ai-Girls (musical group)
• Katsumi Suzuki (soccer player)

• Imoni
  • a stew made of taro root, beef, and onions
• Tama konnyaku
  • made from the plant known as devil's tongue
  • often grilled and served on a stick
• Cold ramen (Hiyashi Ramen)
• Cold meat soba (Tsumetai Nikusoba)
• Yonezawa Beef
  • one of "the three great wagyu" with Matsuzaka Beef and Kobe beef
  • various ways to enjoy: sukiyaki, Japanese barbeque, shabu-shabu, steak

• during summer
• variety of cherry themed activities
• e.g. cherry filled baked goods and cherry stone splitting contests

• during summer
• traditional dancing

• during Autumn
• outdoor bash serving generous amounts of imoni
• imoni is a popular regional beef stew

• known for its highly acidic waters that cure skin and gastrointestinal conditions
• 6 public baths (2 are open-air rotemburo)
• hot springs attached to ryokan and hotels
• footbaths (ashiyu)
• view the "Ice Monsters", trees coated with ice and snow
• surrounded by mountains and wildreness
• trekking, climbing, strolling, skiing, snowboarding, etc.

• Yamadera means "mountain temple"
• nickname for Risshaku-ji
• was visited by famous haiku poet Matsuo Basho on his journey to Japan's northern reaches
• 1,100 step climb to enjoy stunning views
• in front of the Okuno-in temple on the summit is believed to be one of Japan's 3 largest lanterns

• spectacular views
• excellent hiking
• Okama crater lake (aquamarine body of water that sits in the basini of an old volcanic crater)
  • known as the Go-shiki (five colors) because it changes hues during the day
• peaks are reached by ropeway or trails

•  rural area
• close to the center of Japan
• located on the island, Honshu
• varies from mountainous regions to seafront beaches

• Mie University
• Tsu Castle
• Mie Prefectural Art Museum 
• Ise Shima (most sacred Shinto shrine)
• Iga Ueno (former castle town, known for ninjas)
• Akame 48 Waterfalls 

• closely connected to the central government
• flourished as a key land and water transportation hub
• one of three major ancient ports (Nihon Sanshin)

• forestry: dense forests (Suzuka Mountains to the Odai Mountain Range)
• fishery: rich fishing grounds (Ise Bay and Kumano Sea)

• Iga rice
• Ise tea
• Matsusaka beef
• Ise lobster
• abalones
• oysters
• pearls

1. Hiyajiru Udon – A cold soup udon from Saitama that has sesame seeds, cucumbers, and other awesome things.
2. Igamanjuu – The rice is cooked with azuki beans and put around a steamed bun with sweet bean jam. Tasty and sweet.
3. Niboutou – This is pretty much the same as Okkirikomi (noodles drenched in soup and brimming with flavor) but… Saitama-ified.

• Chichibu
  • Rural city known for its festival and shrines.
• Kawagoe
  • Former castle town known as the Little Edo.

• Ayaka Miyoshi
  • Singer 
  • Omiya, Saitama Prefecture
• Mamoru Miyano
  • Film Actor
  • Saitama Prefecture

• Saitama City (さいたま市) is the only prefectural capital in Japan whose name is always written in hiragana

• Sister relationships
  • Saitama Prefecture has a number of sister city relationships with states and a province as listed below (in chronological order):

1. Mexico Mexico State, Mexico, affiliated on October 2, 1979
2. China Shanxi province, China, affiliated on October 27, 1982
3. Australia Queensland, Australia, affiliated on October 27, 1984
4. United States Ohio, United States, affiliated on October 22, 1990
5. Germany Brandenburg, Germany, affiliated on August 26, 1998

• Mascot
  • Kobaton (コバトン) is the prefectural mascot, a Eurasian collared dove, which is also the prefectural bird. Kobaton was made originally as the mascot of the fifty-ninth annual national athletic meeting held in the prefecture in 2004, and was inaugurated as mascot of the prefecture in 2005 with an inauguration ceremony and a letter of appointment from the governor. A wheelchair-using version of Kobaton also exists.

1. Aizu Soba: Because of the way these buckwheat noodles are handmade, they have a unique, sweet taste not common in soba in other areas.
2. Nishin-No-Sansho-Zuke: This is another delicacy only found in the Aizu region. It is herring pickled with sansho pepper.
3. Kozuyu: Kozuyu is a traditional soup. Components include carrots, mushrooms, jelly noodles, wheat croutons, and more! The soup is usually served in Teshio-Zara- a kind of red lacquer made in the Aizu region.
4. Kitakata Ramen Burger: For those of you with a taste for more modern fusion foods, you may just appreciate this burger from Kitakata city, famous for its ramen. The ‘bun’ is dried noodles, and the fillings include fishcake, green onion, and other typical ramen ingredients.
5. Shirakawa Daruma Burger: Found in its namesake city of Shirakawa, this burger is full of symbolism. The bun is shaped like a heart, and is printed with the city’s symbol. The fillings include curry- for good finances- and cheese with tomatoes- for some luck in romance!

• Shizuoka Green tea
• Kuro Hanpen ( Black Fish Cakes)
• Shizuoka Oden (Dark colored Oden made with soy sauce)
• Sakura Ebi (Mini sakura sized shrimp)
• Fujinomiya Yakisoba ( Stir fried noodles steamed with beer)
• Mikkabi Mikan (premium Mandarin Orange variety from Mikkabi) 
• Tatami Iwashi ( Sun dried baby sardine crackers)
• Dried horse mackerel (Sun dried horse mackerel) 
• Abekawa Mochi (Mochi Rice cakes dusted in soy bean powder) 
• Shizuoka Wasabi ( Wild wasabi from the  mountains of Shizuoka)
• Hamamastu Gyoza ( Pan Fried Dumplings arranged in a circle and garnished with bean sprouts)

• Land area: 1,640 square miles
• Lies along the Sea of Japan (East Sea)
• Numerous rivers (Sho, Jinzu, Kurobe)
• The mountainous interior rises to 9,892 feet in Mt. Tate
• Mountains are a source of hydroelectric power

• Former castle town
• 17th century - Historically a centre of medicine
• 1964 - Toyama was joined with Takaoka to form Toyama-Takaoka New Industrial City
  • Important chemical, educational, textile centre

• Black ramen (well known)
  • Strong soy sauce flavor, which makes soup base appear black
  • Toyama black ramen has won 3 years in a row at the Tokyo Ramen Show

• Toyama is a popular stop for tourist on the way to other attractions in the area
  • Northern Japan Alps, Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
• Famous for their glasswork

• Alpine Route
• Shiwakarago & Gokayama 
  • Mountainous region
  • Known for farmhouses
• Kurobe Gorge 
  • Scenic gorge with sightseeing train
• Takaoka
  • Famous for bronze casting industry

• 1.537 million (2015)

• Kobe was founded in 1889 and its name actually comes from kanbe/神戸 which is an archaic title for supporters of the city's Ikuta Shrine. Kobe became one of Japan's major designated cities in 1956.

• Kobe is known for having a very exotic atmosphere by Japanese standards.
• Which is mainly focused on the its history as a port city. 
• The city is widely associated with cosmopolitanism and fashion, encapsulated in the Japanese phrase, "If you can't go to Paris, go to Kobe."

• Some lively festival in Hyogo/Kobe are...
• The 40th Ashiya Summer
• Carnival
• Miki Summer Festival 2018 Firework Display 
• The 40th Keino Matsubara Fireworks Festival
• 48th Takeno Sea Fireworks Festival
• 48th Kobe Minato Fireworks Festival
• The 40th Sanda Fireworks Festival and more!

• One major food that Kobe is known for and all people love and know about is Kobe beef!
• Kobe beef: Kobe's signature beef because it is juicy, plentiful/filling and super tasty!
• Some other foods that Kobe loves to serve is for example Akashiyaki!
• Akashiyaki: Soft balls of grilled batter with octopus in the middle
• Ikanago no Kugini: A simmered Japanese sand lance
• Izushi Soba Noodles: A cold noodle dish (no soup just sauce)
• Butaman: Steamed pork buns
• Takomeshi: An octopus rice dish
• Taimeshi: A sea bream rice dish
• Delicious juicy crab of course and more! 

• There are many beautiful shrines in Kobe including the Ikuta Shrine which dated all the way back to the 3rd century!
• The Ikuta Shrine is actually one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines! Isn't that neat!
• Antique cable cars that which connect Kobe to Mt. Rokko (a very famous mountain in Japan beside Mt. Fuji) offers beautiful panoramic views!
• Beyond Mt. Rokko hills, there are many outdoor hot springs of Arima Onsen!

• You should definitely go bathe yourself in the beautiful, warm, relaxing, Onsen's in Kobe!
• It's a MUST to try Kobe beef, it's absolutely delicious!
• Try all the other tasty foods in Kobe as well! Don't leave them out.

• Kobe is known for its signature marbled beef and scenic setting of mountains framing the harbor which is quite lovely to see indeed!
• There are also many popular Onsen's in Kobe!
• One very popular Onsen is the Arima Onsen, which are outdoor hot springs!

• One of the major things that Kobe is known for is their beef
• That’s why it is called “Kobe Beef”
• There is a lot of sightseeing places in Kobe like for example Himeji-jo castle. 
• Sightseeing in Kobe is very plentiful. 

• https://osaka-info.jp/en/page/around-kansai-hyogo
• https://en.japantravel.com/hyogo/kobe-city
• https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/hyogo/kobe-and-around/
• https://travel.rakuten.com/campaign/ranking/cuisine/hyogo/
• https://www.hisgo.com/us/destination-japan/hyogo/kobe_highlights.html
• http://www.travelhyogo.org.e.aas.hp.transer.com/
• https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiXuNyJ_MfeAhWO-VQKHYlID3AQFjABegQIBRAG&url=https%3A%2F%2Fprojectkobe.com%2Ftop-10-summer-firework-festivals-in-hyogo-2018%2F&usg=AOvVaw3owOmX0fqSPELVd2mVmW_G

• Location:
  •  Along the coast of the Sea of Japan in Chubu Region 
• Known for quality rice, mountains, fireworks display in the summer, skiing in the winter, and hot spring bathing around the year 
  • 4 distinct season 
• Capital: Niigata City 
  • the third largest city 
  • Population: 800,000
• Total Population: 
  • 2.365 million
• Nicknames: 
  • Rice basket

• Every year, around the last ten days of July
• fireworks are seen over the Japan sea
• nicknamed "Kingdom of Fireworks" 

• heart of "snow country" 
• great place for skiing is Gala Yuzawa- most popular ski resort

• during springtime 
• viewing @ Takada Park 

• biggest tourist attraction in Niigata 
• 6 arches stretching crosses the Shinano River 
• constructed in 1929
• designated as the National Important Cultural Property in July 2004 

• Hakusan 
• Founded 400 years ago 
• One of the oldest monuments

• Gokoku Shrine
• Popular for young couples
• Temple is dedicated to god who protects families 

• 100 meter high Rainbow Tower
• Deck rotates 
• Japan Sea Tower

• Clean water
• Rare species of trees and plants

• 35 km from Niigata’s coast
• Important historical site
• Served as banishment for enemies of the state

• Mt.Yahiko
• Can see sado island in the distance

• Koshihikari rice 
  • One of the best grades in the country 

• Roast Rice Cracker 
  • (Senbei Okoku) “kingdom of rice crackers)
  • One of the largest producers of senbei 

• Wappa Meshi 
  • Rice cooked in thin stock
  • Steamed and topped with local seasonal ingredients like salmon, salmon roe, oysters, eel, and chicken 
  • Wappa is made of thin wooden sheets

• Sushi
  • Ebi, nodoguro, yanagi-garei, yari-ika, funabeta
  • Kiwami
  • Course that provides ten pieces of high grade sushi

• Sake
  • Best sake in the country like Kubota, Koshinokanbai, and Hakkaisan
  • Spring water is used
  • Filtered through Niigata mountains 

https://www.japan-guide.com/list/e1207.html
http://enjoyniigata.com/en/about/index.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niigata_Prefecture
http://trip-n-travel.com/listicle/9915/https://fastjapan.com/en/p119253http://www.orangesmile.com/travelguide/niigata/index.htm

1. Hitachi Seaside Park
2. Fukuroda Falls
3. Mount Tsukuba
4. Kairaku-en
5. Ushiku Daibutsu
6. Aqua World
7. Mito Castle
8. Tsukuba Wanwan Land
9. Mount Mantai
10. Kashima Jinju
11. Hitachi City Kamina Zoo
12. Tsuchiura all Japan fireworks competition - 1 of the 3 biggest fireworks displays in Japan 

1. Ibaraki University
2. University of Tsukuba
3. Ibaraki Christian University
4. Ryutsu Keizai University
5. Tokiwa University
6. Prefectural University of Health Sciences
7. Tsukuba International University
8. National University Corporation Tsukuba University of Technology
9. Tsukuba Gakuin University
10. Ibarki Women’s Junior College
11. Nihon Wellness Sports University
12. Tsukuba International Junior College
13. Tokyo University of the Arts, Toride (in Ibaraki)

1. Mayumi Gojo - Japanese singer
2. Juri Takahashi - member of AKB48 Captain of team B
3. Fact - Rock band

• Karate was invented in Okinawa
• Island chain south of mainland Japan
• Special art: Bingata

• Shuri Castle
• Nakijin Castle
• Nakagusuku castle
• zakimijo castle
• Okinawa Peace Memorial
• Gyoku Sendo (Giant cave)
• Okinawa World
• Churaumi Aquarium 
• Heiwa Dori
• Beaches
• Mori Glass museum 

• Shisa (lion dog)
• Kajimunaa (sprite)

• Yamaguchi 

• 1,445,000 

• 2,359 sqmi

• about 7,539,185 (was taken in 2018)

• Nagoya (population of             2, 311, 132, taken in 2018)

• Population: around 425, 848 (taken in 2018)
• Currently one of the world's largest carmaker 
• location: east of Nagoya
  
  

• Aichi Prefecture is surrounded by Mie Prefecture, Shizuoka Prefecture, Gifu Prefecture, and Nagano Prefecture. Comparing it to the Japanese archipelago, it is located around the center of it. The weather is usually a mild temperature but in Nagoya, the summer season can have very high temperatures. 

• Nagoya Castle- Was built in 1521 by Ieyasu Tokugawa and well-known for its shachihoko statues on top of the caste. Shachihoko is a fictional animal with the body of a carp and a head of a tiger.
• Inuyama Castle- Translates to "Dog Mountain" and was built in 1537 by Nobuyasu Oda. The Inuyama castle is also one o the four national treasure castles in Japan.
• Atsuta Shrine- this shrine holds  Kusanagi no Tsurugi. Kusanagi no Tsurugi is a sword that is one of the three imperial symbols. 

• Miya Kishimen- the restaurant is located next the Atsuta Shrine and is the only place in Japan that sells this particular dish. The noodles of this dish is called Kishimen which is a flat type of noodle from Aichi.
• Goheimochi- This is mochi that is covered in red miso sauce. These are made in Toyota City of Aichi.
• Red Miso- Not to be eaten by itself, the red miso, which is made out of soya beans, is very famous/well-known in Aichi. With this you can put it over your goheimochi, chicken katsu, and many more.

1. http://www.citypopulation.de/php/japan-admin.php?
2. adm1id=23http://www.city.nagoya.jp/en/page/0000014120.html
3. http://ml.inuyama.gr.jp/en/must-see-sight-en/2042
4. https://www.tsunagujapan.com/13-things-to-do-in-aichi/
5. https://visitjapan2019.com/venues/interest/toyota/aichi-history/
6. https://www.atsutajingu.or.jp/en/intro/
7. https://www.businessinsider.com/afp-toyota-city-symbol-of-japans-auto-rise-2015-5
8. http://www.citypopulation.de/php/japan-admin.php?adm2id=23211
9. https://www.tsunagujapan.com/14-foods-you-must-try-in-aichi/
10. https://planetyze.com/en/japan/nagoya/akamiso

• Kaisen-don (like a seafood donburi) rice topped with fresh seafood
• Ishikari nabe (like hot pot) named after the Ishikari river because after they would catch the fish they would cook it in a clay or cast iron pot near the river (people nowadays just cook it at home so that they can fight the cold weather).
• Hokkaido Ramen In diferent parts of hokaido they make there ramen differently with diferent bases and different types of toppings.
• Place | Base | Noodles  | Toppings
  Sapporo | Miso Ramen | Thick & wavy | Hokkaido butterSweet cornFresh scallops
  Hakodate | Shio Ramen | Thin straight & served soft | Salty chicken broth with a hint of pork added
  Asahikawa | Shoyu Ramen | Thin wavy & chewy | soy-bean broth with chicken seafood and pork bone, with a layer of oil floating on top.
  Muroran  | Curry Ramen | Thick wavy slightly chewy noodles | Mostly the ingredients you find in curry I am assuming
• Soup curry (like curry Ramen) this also gained popularity. Japanese-style curry combined with a strong soup broth usually served with rice. Mainly has herbs spices and huge slices of vegetables, making it a little healthier than the Curry Ramen. Some places will let you choose the spice level and toppings.
• Jingishukan (Genghis Khan BBQ) Largee consumer of mutton and lamb. Lamb vegetables (Kabocha pumpkin, cabbage, and bean sprouts) cookedin a specisl sauce. There is a theory that this dish comes from the mongolian warriors, that would grill meat in there helmets.
• Hokkaido Ice cream. WIth its cold climate and expensivecountryside make it ideal for dairy farming (including milk, cream, and butter)

• Farm Tomita- Largest lavender field. Numerous tourist come and visit. The peak months for the lavender farms is in july, this field is a little more than 37 acres
• Shikisai-no-oka-- over flowing flower fields with lovely blossoms yearly. A great place to take pictures. Tourist area to calm the body and soul with its never-ending horizon. 
• Shiroi Koibito Park- If you have a sweet tooth this is the place for you. You can make your own original sweets. 

• Iwami Ginzan Silver mine
  • The mine produced a lot of silver in the 1700s when Japan was producing 1/3 of the world's silver. Most of the silver came from that mine. People go to take guided tours through the tunnels.
    Food:
    
    Fun Facts:

• Hakata Ramen
  • Local ramen dish that uses thin noodles in thick, creamy pork bone (tonkotsu) soup, with slices of chashu.
•  Mizutaki 
  • Hot pot dish 
  • Simmering chicken chunks with seasonal vegetables in chicken broth
  • Served with citrus sauce (Ponzu)
  • Created around the middle of the late 19th century
• Yakitori
  • Chicken skewers 
  • Pairs well with beer
• Festival in Kurume dedicated to yakitori every October
• Amaou Strawberry 
• Baked Curry
• Hakata Bite-Sized Gyoza 

• Kabuso limes
• Dried shiitake mushrooms
• Saffron
• Galingale
• Madake bamboo
• Bungo beef

• Leeks
• Strawberries
• Scallions
• Kabosu limes
• Greenhouse tangerines
• Prairie gentian Roses
• Chrysanthemums
• Pears

• Dried shiitake mushrooms
• Oita-style seasoned timber

• Cultured flatfish
• Cultured yellow jack
• Cultured yellowtail
• Cultured loach
• Pearl
• Cultured puruma prawn
• Cuttlefish
• Hairtail
• Butterfish
• Blue crab
• Conger eel
• Clam
• Japanese mitten crab

• Takisakiyama Natural Zoological Garden
• Umitamago aquarium　うみたまご
• City spa てんすう
• Hamawaki Hot Spring はまわき
• Takasakiyama たかさきやま (mountain, zoo, river)

• Estimated Population (2018): 466,029 people

• Tokyo has served as the capital of Japan since 1869, formerly named Edo.
• Edo became a prominent city under shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu, who made it his center of ruling.
• Tokyo houses the Emperor of Japan, as well as the seat of the Japanese government and National Diet.
• In 1943, the former Tokyo Prefecture and city of Tokyo merged into Tokyo Metropolis.
• Tokyo is officially known as a "metropolitan prefecture" which combines elements of a city and a prefecture. This characteristic is unique to Tokyo.

• Imperial Palace 
• Known as "Kokyo" (皇居), this is the seat of the Emperor of Japan, formerly Edo Castle.
• Rainbow Bridge
• One of Tokyo's most famous sightseeing landmarks, the Rainbow Bridge is a suspension bridge crossing northern Tokyo Bay.
• Tokyo Skytree
• One of Japan's newest and most iconic landmarks, Tokyo Skytree offers a spectacular view over the Tokyo area.
• Shinjuku
• Tokyo's most bustling business and entertainment district, housing famous sites such as the Metropolitan Government Office and Kabukicho.
• Shibuya
• The center of Japanese youth culture, Shibuya is home to famous sites such as Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue.
• Harajuku
• Harajuku is home to the eccentric street art and fashion scene in Japan.
• Akihabara
• Akihabara is the electronics capital of not only Japan, but the whole world. It is also known as a center for otaku and cosplay subculture.
• Toyosu Market
• Replaced the former Tsukiji Fish Market in October 2018 as Japan's busiest market, and the largest fish market in the world.
• Tokyo Dome and Nippon Budokan
• Two of Japan's most famous stadiums are located in Tokyo. These arenas are used to house some of the largest events in sports, martial arts, and music.
• Ueno Park
• The grandfather of all Tokyo parks, Ueno Park is packed with more attractions than any other and has the longest history in Japan.
• Tokyo Disneyland
• Disney's first theme park outside of the United States.
• Famous people: 
• Yoko Ono (Singer, artist)
• Masako Owada (Crown Princess)
• Yukio Mishima (Author, director)
• Kenji Kawai (Composer)
• Shota Matsuda (Actor)
• Yui Horie (Actress, singer)
• Junichi Suwabe (Voice Actor)
• Ken Sugimori (Game designer, director)

1. Monja Yaki – A pan-fried batter with various ingredients in it, similar to Okonomiyaki. The difference is that monjayaki has more liquid and is more runny.
2. Fukagawa Don – Short-neck clams and hard clams deep fried and mixed with onions and miso on rice.
3. Kusaya – A drinking snack consisting of salted and dried fish.

• As of 2014, the Greater Tokyo Area ranked as the most populous metropolitan area in the world.
• Tokyo hosted the summer Olympics in 1964, and will do so again in 2020.
• Tokyo's flower is Somei Yoshino, the Yoshino cherry blossom (Prunus x yedoensis)
• Tokyo's tree is the Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
• The bird of Tokyo is the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
• Tokyo's official symbol comprises of three green arcs forming the letter T in the shape of a ginkgo leaf. It symbolizes Tokyo's growth, prosperity, and tranquility. It was adopted in June 1989.
• Tokyo has 11 sister cities/states: New York City, Beijing, Paris, New South Wales, Seoul, Jakarta, Sao Paulo State, Cairo, Moscow, Berlin, and Rome.

• https://www.nationsonline.org/oneworld/japan_prefectures.htm
• https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-from-tokyo/reference
• https://www.japanvisitor.com/tokyo/tokyo-facts
• https://www.japanvisitor.com/japan-city-guides/tokyo-attractions
• https://www.tofugu.com/japan/japanese-food-by-prefecture/
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo

• Located in northern region of Tohoku on island of Honshu
• Capital: Akita City
• Population: 1.086 million (2012)

• The Akita breed was named after Akita prefecture 
  • Known as hunting and snow dogs
    • Bred in Odate region
• Akita has the oldest population in the country (1/3  of residents over the age of 65)
• Largest growing prefecture of rice in Japan
  • Highest consumption rates of sake 

• Nyuto Onsen: Hot spring bath located near Mount Nyuto
  • Well-known for its rustic feeling and beautiful scenery
• Kakunodate: Former castle town of a samurai
  • Famous for the hundreds of weeping cherry blossom trees and the best samurai architecture in Japan 
  • Has not changed much since founding in 1620
• Shirakami Sanchi: Mountain range with several hiking trails that lead to various waterfalls, beaches, lakes, and mini canyons 
  • Examples: Anmon Falls, Juniko (set of 12 lakes), and Nihon Canyon (miniature version of Grand Canyon

• Kiritanpo: Rice mashed and put on skewers similar to dango 
  • Common street food that can be flavored many different ways or eat with hot pot
  • Common snack during winter
• Inaniwa udon: Thin and chewy type of udon that is normally uncommon in Japan (hand kneaded to trap air in dough)
  • Elusive food of the imperial family 
  • Only found in Akita prefecture
• Jumonji ramen: Semi-thick noodles served in a clear sardine broth with a soy sauce base
  • Simplicity resembles the relaxed and rural lifestyle of Akita

• Kanto Matsuri Festival (pole lantern festival): Held annually from August 3-6
  • Displays and features performers who balance long bamboo poles (kanto) with attached to paper lanterns 
  • Performers dance to beat of drums and flute while crowd chants words “dokkoisho dokkoisho”
  • Poles weigh around 110 pounds and hold around 46 lanterns that are lit with fire
  • Parades for performers can last up to 90 minutes

•  https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3627.html
• https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3790.html
• http://www.washokulovers.com/blog/akita-prefecture-regional-foods/
• https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2018/07/11/national/aging-japan-akita-prefecture-provides-glimpse-countrys-graying-future/#.W-v0UpNKgWo
• http://mentalfloss.com/article/80301/12-trusty-facts-about-akita
• https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298239-Activities-Akita_Akita_Prefecture_Tohoku.html