Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Kyoto Railway Museum is a large railway-themed museum located in Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City (within Umekoji Park). Opened in 2016, the museum utilizes the former Umekoji Locomotive Depot site to display preserved trains and provide a life-size display of trains. From steam locomotives to modern electric trains and Shinkansen bullet trains...

Meotoiwa Rocks (Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Meotoiwa Rocks are two rocks located on Futamiura Beach in Futami-cho, Ise City, Mie Prefecture. They are a scenic spot and a place of worship, tied together in the middle by a thick shimenawa rope. They are associated with faith in Mount Fuji and the creation myth of Japan (Izanagi and Izanami)...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Oura Cathedral is a Catholic church located in Higashiyamate-cho, Nagasaki City. Built in 1864, it is one of the oldest wooden Gothic churches in Japan. It was constructed for the foreign settlement in Nagasaki, which opened its port to foreigners from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji era, and...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Jogasaki Coast, located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a scenic coastal spot representative of the Izu Peninsula. It features sheer cliffs stretching for approximately 1-2 km and a group of unusual rock formations formed by the erosion of dark basalt and lava. The contrast between the rough sea and the cliffs is captivating...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Katori Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Katori City, Chiba Prefecture, and is the head shrine of the Katori Shrines that are spread across the Kanto and Tohoku regions. The main deity enshrined there is Futsunushi-no-Mikoto, who has long been worshipped as the guardian deity of military fortune, navigation, and industry. According to the shrine's legend...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Zentsuji is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple located in Zentsuji City, Kagawa Prefecture. It is said to have been built on the birthplace of Kobo Daishi, or Kukai. Believed to have been founded in the early Heian period, the temple has preserved many buildings and cultural assets over its long history. Its spacious grounds and...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Yakushiji Temple is an ancient temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture, with origins dating back to the end of the 7th century (tradition says it was founded around 680 at the request of Emperor Tenmu). It is a representative temple that still preserves the layout and architectural style of Nara-era temples, and is known for its "healing of illness and good health" and its principal deity, Yakushi Nyorai.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ena Gorge is a scenic spot in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. Its charm lies in its gorge landscape, dotted with oddly shaped rocks and small islands formed by the erosion of the Kiso River. Its sheer cliffs, folding screen-like rock formations, and lush mountain streams change appearance with the seasons, especially during the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn foliage.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Zamami Island (Zamami Village) is one of the central islands of the Kerama Islands, located west of Okinawa's main island. It is known for its crystal clear waters, known as "Kerama Blue," and its abundant coral reefs. In ancient times, it prospered as part of the Ryukyu Kingdom through fishing and trade, and during World War II, it was part of the Kerama Islands...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago" is a popular aquarium located along Beppu Bay in Oita City, Oita Prefecture. Since opening in 1999, the aquarium has exhibited mainly creatures from the waters off Kyushu, and also focuses on educational and conservation activities. Taking advantage of its location facing the bay, the aquarium features a large water feature...