Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hanamaki Onsen (Hanamaki Onsenkyo) is the collective name for the hot spring resort area in Hanamaki City, Iwate Prefecture, and is home to several inns, hotels, and day-trip bathing facilities. Hanamaki is known as the birthplace of poet and children's story writer Kenji Miyazawa, and the hot spring resort has developed into a tourist destination.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Biwako Valley is a leisure facility located on a mountain in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, known as a spectacular spot offering panoramic views of Lake Biwa. The Biwako Valley Ropeway, a ropeway that connects the base of the mountain to the summit, takes you to a high-altitude observation area...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Osu Kannon is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Osu, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Its official name is Kitanosan Shinpukuji Osu Kannon. The principal image of the temple is Nyoirin Kannon Bodhisattva. It is said to have been founded in the Kamakura period and moved to its current location in the early Edo period. The temple's...

Higashi Chaya District (Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Higashi Chaya District is one of the most representative streets that conveys the culture of Kanazawa Castle Town to the present day, and is a historic district where teahouses (tea houses and geisha houses) that were established during the Edo period remain. With wooden buildings with lattice doors, cobblestone alleys, and rows of red lanterns...

Katsuren Castle Ruins (Uruma City, Okinawa Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Katsuren Castle Ruins are the remains of a castle (gusuku) from the Ryukyu Kingdom era, located in Uruma City in central Okinawa Island. Built on a hill about 100 meters above sea level, the site is renowned for its beautiful curved stone walls and layout, as well as the panoramic views of the East China Sea and surrounding islands beyond the castle...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Usui Pass Railway Cultural Park is a cultural facility located near the former Yokokawa Station that preserves and exhibits the railway equipment and rolling stock that once crossed the Usui Pass. Usui Pass is known for its steep gradient of up to 66.7 per mille, and the auxiliary railroads developed for running over this section...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kurobe Dam is one of Japan's largest arch concrete dams, located in Kurobe City, Toyama Prefecture. Approximately 186 meters high, construction began in 1956 (Showa 31) and was completed in 1963 (Showa 38) with the aim of generating electricity using meltwater from the Tateyama mountain range.

Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum (Aizuwakamatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum is a facility showcasing the life and achievements of bacteriologist Hideyo Noguchi (1876–1928). Noguchi was a world-renowned medical scientist born in Inawashiro Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and is known for his research on infectious diseases such as yellow fever....

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Itako Iris Garden (Itako City) is a famous spot for irises (irises) located in the waterside region of Ibaraki Prefecture. Colorful irises are planted in the garden, which makes the most of its waterfront location, and are usually at their best from late May to June. The garden boasts a wide wetland, walking trails, and a traditional atmosphere...

Irabu Bridge (Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Irabu Bridge, located in Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture, connects Miyakojima (Hirara) and Irabujima. It opened on January 31, 2015. At approximately 3,540 meters in length, it is known as one of the longest toll-free bridges in Japan...