Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Kawagoe Kura-zukuri district is a district in the center of Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, where a series of "kura-zukuri" architecture, modeled after merchant houses and earthen storehouses (kura) from the Edo to Meiji periods, remain. Kawagoe flourished as a castle town and commercial city that supported "Edo's Kitchen" during the Edo period, and its fire prevention measures...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hakone Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Motohakone, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is a stately shrine standing with the Hakone Mountains and Lake Ashi in the background. It has long been worshipped as a shrine for mountain worship and protection of traffic, and since the Kamakura period has been revered by military commanders and travelers. Its vermilion-lacquered...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Iriomote Island (Taketomi Town, Okinawa Prefecture) is the largest of the Yaeyama Islands and a natural treasure trove of some of Japan's finest subtropical virgin forests and mangroves. Island culture has thrived here since ancient times, and village life has continued to be based on fishing and agriculture. The island's inland area is dominated by steep mountains...

Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Temple, Nageiredo Hall (Misasa Town, Tottori Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mitokusan Sanbutsu-ji Temple is an ancient temple located in Misasa Town, Tottori Prefecture. Among its many buildings, the Nageiredo Hall is known as one of Japan's most miraculous architectural wonders. Built into a recess in a sheer cliff, it is a small Buddhist temple, and according to legend...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ito Onsen (Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture) is one of the most famous hot spring resorts located on the east coast of the Izu Peninsula. It has long been popular as a therapeutic hot spring resort, and since the Edo period it has developed as a seaside resort and tourist destination. Ryokan (traditional Japanese inns) and hotels are concentrated around Ito Port and Ito Station...

Lake Suwa (Suwa City, Nagano Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, Attractions) Lake Suwa is a shallow freshwater lake in the Suwa region of Nagano Prefecture, surrounded by hot spring resorts, historic shrines, and castle ruins. It has long been a place of worship associated with Suwa Taisha Shrine, and in winter, it is famous for the "Omiwatari" ice cracks that can be seen...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Chiran Special Attack Peace Museum (Chiran, Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture) is a museum that preserves and exhibits the belongings, photographs, and wills of the members of the kamikaze (kamikaze) special attack units that took part in the final stages of the Pacific War, and conveys the horrors of war and the value of peace. Thanks to the cooperation of bereaved families and the local community...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ishigaki Island (Ishigaki City, Okinawa Prefecture) is the central island of the Yaeyama Islands, and is a tourist destination where you can enjoy crystal clear waters, abundant coral reefs, and the unique Yaeyama culture. In ancient times, it was part of the Ryukyu Kingdom, where trade and cultural exchange took place, and its unique dialect and traditional events remain. The island...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Genbikei Gorge is a scenic spot in Ichinoseki City, Iwate Prefecture, known for its varied landscapes, created by its strange rock formations, rapids, and deep V-shaped valley. The rock faces and pools, as well as waterfalls of various sizes, formed by faults and erosion, change their appearance with each season, making it a popular spot for those visiting the area long ago.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mikimoto Pearl Island, located in Toba City, Mie Prefecture, is a tourist spot associated with the world-famous pearl brand "Mikimoto." It began when founder Kokichi Mikimoto successfully commercialized cultured pearls, and the island has since become a place where people can learn about pearl farming techniques and production processes...