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...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ginzan Onsen is a hot spring town in Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, named after the silver mine that was discovered there during the Edo period. Its development as a hot spring town took place mainly between the Taisho and early Showa periods, and it is characterized by a retro landscape with wooden inns lined along the river. The small stone-paved streets...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Mausoleum of Emperor Nintoku (commonly known as Daisen Kofun), a keyhole-shaped tumulus located in Sakai Ward, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture, is one of the largest ancient tombs in Japan. It is believed to have been constructed during the Kofun period (around the 5th century) and is generally believed to be the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, the 16th emperor of Japan.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Mitsukejima is a small, monolithic island jutting out from the coast of Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture. It is also known as Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) because it resembles a battleship when viewed from afar. It is an independent reef formed by erosion caused by the waves and winds of the Pacific Ocean, and boasts a rugged seascape and island...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Museum Meiji-Mura is an open-air museum that preserves and exhibits architecture and lifestyles from the Meiji period (late 19th century to early 20th century). Valuable buildings that were at risk of demolition or destruction have been relocated and restored from all over Japan, bringing them together in one place, allowing visitors to experience the townscape and lifestyle of the time.

Overview (History, Features, Attractions) The Naruto Whirlpools are large whirlpools found in the Naruto Strait, which flows between Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, and Awaji Island, Hyogo Prefecture. They are created when the tidal currents of the Seto Inland Sea and the Kii Channel collide in the narrow strait, and are often influenced by the tides and the position of celestial bodies (especially the spring tides that occur around the new moon and full moon).

Omiwa Shrine (Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Omiwa Shrine (commonly known as Miwa Myojin) is an ancient shrine located in Sakurai City, Nara Prefecture, and is considered one of the oldest shrines in Japan. The enshrined deity is Omononushi-no-Okami, and the shrine is located on Mount Miwa (467m above sea level)...