Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Beppu Onsen (Beppu City, Oita Prefecture) is one of Japan's leading hot spring areas, boasting the highest volume of hot spring water and the largest number of springs in the country. It has long been a popular hot spring resort, and its foundation as a tourist destination was established from the Edo period through the Meiji and Taisho periods. The "Eight Hot Springs of Beppu" (Beppu...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Sannai-Maruyama Site is the remains of a large Jomon period settlement in Aomori City. The site is a dwelling site that existed from the middle to late Jomon period, and includes a wide range of remains, including pit dwellings, mounded earth, large post-hole buildings, and grave pits. A rich variety of pottery, stone tools, bone and horn implements, and ornaments have been excavated...

Zao Onsen (Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Zao Onsen is an ancient hot spring located on the outskirts of Yamagata City, with records of its discovery dating back to the Heian and Edo periods. Its sulfate and hydrogen sulfide springs, characterized by their strong acidity and sulfurous aroma, are said to be effective in treating skin ailments and relieving fatigue.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kurama-dera Temple is an ancient temple located on the slopes of Mount Kurama in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. It is a place where mountain worship and esoteric Buddhism remain strongly associated. Its founding dates back to ancient times, and the entire mountain has been worshipped as a sacred place since before the Heian period. Mount Kurama is home to a unique deity called "Souten"...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Sengan-en (also known as Iso Teien) is a scenic spot consisting of a traditional Japanese garden and the former Shimazu family villa, stretching along the Kinko Bay in Kagoshima City. Developed by the Shimazu clan since the Edo period, its greatest feature is its strolling pond garden, which takes advantage of the panoramic views of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Cape Tappi is a cape at the northern tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, located in Sotogahama Town (formerly Minnaya Town), Aomori Prefecture. Located at a strategic point where the Sea of Japan and the Tsugaru Strait meet, the area is known for its windy cliffs, expansive ocean, and magnificent views of Hokkaido across the shore (including the Matsumae Peninsula, depending on the weather). History...

Nagahama Castle (Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Located northwest of Lake Biwa, Nagahama Castle is known for its castle ruins and restored castle tower (Nagahama Castle Historical Museum) located in a corner of Nagahama Castle Park. It is said that Hideyoshi Hashiba (later Toyotomi) built the castle here during the Sengoku period, and has a long history of subsequent abandonment and relocation.

Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse (Aomori City, Aomori Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse is a museum where you can experience the charm of the Aomori Nebuta Festival year-round. Opened in 2011, the museum features exhibits of large nebuta floats that were actually paraded in the festival, as well as the techniques of nebuta artists, and the music and dancers...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Tomonoura is an old port town in Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It offers a calm view of the Seto Inland Sea and is a tourist destination that retains the townscape from the Edo to Meiji periods. Its prosperity stems from its history as a merchant shipping port, and stone streetlights, old merchant houses, and temples and shrines dot the bayside.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Suzuka Circuit is an international-standard comprehensive motorsports facility located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture. It was opened in 1962 by the founders of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. The circuit features a unique "figure eight" (multi-level intersection), and has hosted many events, including the F1 Japanese Grand Prix and the Suzuka...