Japan's Prefectures Explained
Japan—a country rich in culture, driven by a dynamic economy, and offering a unique lifestyle—is increasingly attracting the attention of international investors and property seekers. Whether you're considering the purchase of a modern apartment in a bustling metropolis, a traditional home in the peaceful countryside, or a promising investment opportunity, the first essential step is to understand how this fascinating country is organized. This article introduces the basics of Japan's administrative division system—an indispensable foundation for navigating the local real estate market with confidence.
Why Administrative Divisions Matter in Real Estate In real estate, location is everything. In Japan, understanding the country's division into prefectures is key. Each of the 47 prefectures presents different market conditions, demographic characteristics, lifestyles, and—most importantly—varied property types and price ranges. From densely populated global business hubs to scenic agricultural regions and tourist destinations, your choice of prefecture will directly affect your experience and investment potential. Familiarity with this structure enables you to filter listings more effectively and focus on areas that align with your goals and preferences.
Prefectures: Japan’s Primary Administrative Units Japan is divided into 47 prefectures, which function similarly to states, provinces, or regions in other countries. Each prefecture has its own locally elected government—led by a governor and an assembly—that oversees regional matters, including urban planning, infrastructure development, education, and public services. In real estate terms, local policies and regulations at the prefectural level can influence construction trends, zoning laws, and available incentive programs.
The “To-Dō-Fu-Ken” System (都道府県): What It Means for Property Seekers Although all 47 units are generally referred to as "prefectures," the Japanese classification system distinguishes them more specifically using the “To-Dō-Fu-Ken” model. Understanding these categories can offer a first impression of each region’s nature and potential:
To (都) – Metropolis: This category is exclusive to Tokyo, the nation’s capital and largest financial and business center. Tokyo offers a dynamic and diverse real estate market, from luxury central apartments to suburban homes. Property prices here are typically the highest, but so are liquidity and rental potential.
Dō (道) – Territory: The only prefecture in this category is Hokkaidō, Japan’s second-largest island. It features low population density, expansive land areas, and a strong tourism sector (notably winter sports and natural attractions). Real estate here tends to be more spacious and affordable, making it attractive for vacation homes or larger plots.
Fu (府) – Urban Prefectures: This designation applies to Osaka and Kyoto—two historically and economically significant urban centers. Osaka is a vibrant commercial and business hub, with a real estate market comparable to Tokyo’s, albeit often with slightly lower prices. Kyoto, the former capital, is rich in cultural heritage and offers unique properties, including traditional “machiya” townhouses as well as modern developments.
Ken (県) – Standard Prefectures: The remaining 43 prefectures fall into this category. This is the most diverse group, encompassing everything from major industrial and port cities to rural farming areas, mountain resorts, and coastal towns. Here you'll find the widest range of property types and price points, offering opportunities for various investment strategies and lifestyle preferences.
Complete List of Japan’s Prefectures by “To-Dō-Fu-Ken” System
1. To (都) – Metropolis (1):
- Tokyo
2. Dō (道) – Territory (1):
- Hokkaidō
3. Fu (府) – Urban Prefectures (2):
- Kyoto
- Osaka
4. Ken (県) – Standard Prefectures (43):
- Aichi
- Akita
- Aomori
- Chiba
- Ehime
- Fukui
- Fukuoka
- Fukushima
- Gifu
- Gunma
- Hiroshima
- Hyōgo
- Ibaraki
- Ishikawa
- Iwate
- Kagawa
- Kagoshima
- Kanagawa
- Kōchi
- Kumamoto
- Mie
- Miyagi
- Miyazaki
- Nagano
- Nagasaki
- Nara
- Niigata
- Ōita
- Okayama
- Okinawa
- Saga
- Saitama
- Shiga
- Shimane
- Shizuoka
- Tochigi
- Tokushima
- Tottori
- Toyama
- Wakayama
- Yamagata
- Yamaguchi
- Yamanashi
How This Knowledge Helps You Search for Property Understanding Japan’s administrative structure is the first step toward narrowing your property search. Are you drawn to the fast-paced lifestyle and global connectivity of Tokyo or Osaka? Or do you prefer the tranquility and natural beauty found in Hokkaidō or one of the many rural “Ken” prefectures? Is proximity to industrial hubs, universities, or tourist attractions important to you? Each prefecture has its own unique character that directly shapes the local real estate market.
Our platform features carefully curated property listings from all 47 of Japan’s prefectures—including apartments in urban centers, countryside homes, development lots, commercial spaces, and guesthouses. With this range, you can easily compare locations and find a property that perfectly suits your investment objectives or lifestyle.
In upcoming publications on our website, we’ll explore each prefecture in more detail, helping you make informed investment decisions and discover the ideal property for your needs in the Land of the Rising Sun.