Can You Name the 8 Landlocked Prefectures of Japan?

Japan has 47 prefectures, but only eight of them are completely landlocked, meaning they have no coastline at all. Because they don’t touch the sea, these prefectures tend to border many others, creating interesting patterns in geography, culture, and travel. Some are known for mountains and lakes, others for historic towns or famous hot springs, but all share the unique trait of being surrounded entirely by land. 

The 8 Landlocked Prefectures

• Tochigi (Kantō): Known for Nikkō’s shrines and natural scenery, plus Utsunomiya’s famous gyoza.
• Gunma (Kantō): A hot‑spring powerhouse with places like Kusatsu and Ikaho, and a strong mountain culture.
• Saitama (Kantō): A highly connected prefecture bordering many others, known for historic towns and easy access from Tokyo.
• Yamanashi (Chūbu): Home to Mt. Fuji views, vineyards, and hearty hoto noodles, with deep samurai history.
• Nagano (Chūbu): A mountainous prefecture known for soba, winter sports, Zenko‑ji Temple, and beautiful highland landscapes.
• Gifu (Chūbu): Rich in history, with sites like Shirakawa‑go, Hida beef, and traditional river cormorant fishing.
• Shiga (Kansai): Despite being landlocked, it contains Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest lake, and has strong castle‑town heritage.
• Nara (Kansai): Famous for ancient temples, the Great Buddha, and the iconic deer of Nara Park.

These eight prefectures may not have coastlines, but they offer some of Japan’s richest cultural, historical, and natural experiences. From mountain lakes and hot springs to ancient temples and UNESCO‑listed villages, each landlocked prefecture has its own character and charm. Learning them is also surprisingly useful; landlocked prefectures tend to border many others, making them key players in geography quizzes and travel planning alike.