prefectural capital
Refers to the city where the prefectural government offices are located. Used in administrative, geographic, and everyday contexts.
The prefectural capital of Aomori Prefecture is Aomori City.
県庁所在地 is the specific Japanese term for a prefectural capital, whereas 州都 is used for states or provinces, typically outside Japan.
Compound of 県庁 (prefectural office) + 所在地 (location). The reading is standard on'yomi.