Mount Daisen
Known as the 'Mt Fuji of the San'in Region', Mount Daisen is a striking volcanic peak offering ex...
Mount Tsurugi
Shikoku's Mythical Sword Mountain with Ancient Forest
The second-highest peak in Shikoku at 1,955 meters, steeped in mythology as the hiding place of a...
Obuse
A charming small town in northern Nagano famous for the Hokusai Museum, beautifully landscaped st...
Shiogama Shrine
Tohoku's Most Revered Shrine Overlooking Matsushima Bay
One of the most important shrines in the Tohoku region, perched on a hilltop overlooking Matsushi...
Tono
A rural town in the mountains of Iwate known as the birthplace of Japanese folklore studies, wher...
Usuki Stone Buddhas
National Treasure Stone Carvings from the Kamakura Period
A designated National Treasure, the Usuki Stone Buddhas comprise over 60 Buddhist figures carved ...
Biei
Biei Patchwork Hills
Rolling patchwork hills of lavender, wheat, and wildflowers set against the Tokachi mountain rang...
Geibikei Gorge
A River Gorge Adventure by Traditional Boat
Geibikei is a spectacular river gorge where visitors glide through two kilometers of towering cli...
Gokayama
UNESCO Thatched-Roof Mountain Village
Secluded UNESCO World Heritage village with traditional gassho-zukuri thatched-roof farmhouses, a...
Izumo Taisha
Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
One of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. Dedicated to Okuninushi, god of marriage, so couples come h...
Kimono Forest
An Art Installation of 600 Illuminated Kimono Pillars
600 pillars wrapped in Kyo-Yuzen fabric at Randen Arashiyama Station. Glows at night. Free, open ...
Kurobe Gorge
Japan's Deepest V-Shaped Gorge
Japan's deepest V-shaped gorge traversed by a scenic trolley train through sweeping mountain scen...
Kushida Shrine
Hakata's Most Important Shrine and Festival Hub
Hakata's central shrine and starting point of the famous Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, with a ye...
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon
A 42-Meter Goddess of Mercy Watching Over the City
A striking 42-meter white Kannon statue built in 1936, standing on a hilltop overlooking Takasaki...
Tochoji
Hakata Temple with a Large Wooden Buddha
A Shingon temple in Hakata that houses the Fukuoka Daibutsu, a large seated wooden Buddha, along ...