Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Tsukuba Expo Center is a large science museum and planetarium facility in Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Located in an area known as Tsukuba's science city, the facility offers exhibits and hands-on programs that allow people of all ages to become familiar with science, as well as a dome-shaped planetarium...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Natadera Temple is an ancient temple in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, said to have been founded in the Nara period (8th century). Its location in a mountain valley and its distinctive features include the placement of its buildings against a backdrop of strangely shaped rocks and cliffs, creating a unique landscape where natural scenery and Buddhist architecture blend in harmony...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kashihara Shrine is a shrine located in Kashihara City, Nara Prefecture, dedicated to Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor of Japan. Founded in 1890 under the Imperial Japanese view of history in the Meiji era, it is said to be the shrine where Emperor Jimmu ascended to the throne.

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.