Texas, nicknamed the Lone Star State because of the single white star on its flag, is located in the American Southwest. With 2.2 times the area of Japan and 26.4 million residents, Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population. The state boasts a wide variety of attractions, including vast landscapes, spectacular nature, cowboy culture, Texas BBQ, and Tex-Mex food. The generous people of Texas warmly welcome travelers looking to experience the good old days of the American West.

Here are the five main cities;

Austin: A city bursting with live music　

Austin, the capital of Texas, is located on the Colorado River and has several lakes in and around the city, providing visitors with excellent swimming, boating, fishing, and marine sports. Austin is known as the live music capital of the world. Many venues, especially on historic Sixth Street, offer live music performances every day. The world-famous music festival South by Southwest is held every March.

Lake Austin is a popular spot for swimming and boating

Dallas: World-class preforming arts and museums

Dallas is located in the north and is a center for business and finance. The downtown area has a redeveloped shopping mall and many high-end restaurants. Dallas also has many casual restaurants, including excellent Tex-Mex options, showing the rich food culture of Texas. Additionally, the Sixth Floor Museum exhibits historic films, photographs, artifacts, and interpretive displays about the Kennedy assassination. Travelers can learn about recent American history with a Japanese audio guide.

Cattle drive sculpture at Pioneer Plaza

Fort Worth: Where the real West begins

Visitors to the Stockyards National Historic District can witness daily cattle drives, where a cowboy leads a parade of cattle. Rodeos are held every weekend for the enjoyment of both local people and visitors.

Longhorn cattle drive demonstration at Stockyards National Historic District (AP Photo/Ronald Martinez)

Houston: The largest city in Texas and NASA's Space City

Houston, the fourth-most populous city in the United States, is famous as the home of NASA Space Center Houston. Space Center Houston is one of the only places on Earth where visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour of NASA and see astronauts in training, a full-scale shuttle replica, and a real moon rock. Nearby Galveston, a barrier island in the Gulf of Mexico, is the departure point for many Caribbean cruises. Vacationers often enjoy excursions on Galveston Island before or after their voyage.

Space Center Houston

San Antonio: A historic World Heritage city 　

San Antonio is the second largest city in Texas. In July 2015, the city's historic missions were selected as the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Texas. The five missions are located close to each other along the spring-fed San Antonio River, spanning just over several miles. Nearby, travelers can take a stroll along the lovely River Walk, enjoying shops, restaurants, museums and attractions along the way.

San Antonio Missions UNESCO World Heritage site

※Provided by Texas Tourism