Akiyoshido Cave (Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Akiyoshido Cave, located in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, is one of Japan's largest limestone caves and a popular tourist destination, stretching underground beneath the Akiyoshidai Karst Plateau. Visitors can see the vast underground chambers, stalactites, and underground rivers...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ine Funaya (Ine Town, Yosa District, Kyoto Prefecture) is a fishing village known for the two-story boathouses that line the indented coastline of Ine Bay. The first floor of each boathouse is a garage where boats can be loaded and unloaded, and the second floor is a residence, making it a popular fishing and...

Sanjusangen-do (Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Sanjusangen-do (official name: Rengeo-in) is one of Kyoto's most representative temples, conveying the history of the Heian to Kamakura periods. Its name comes from the number of spaces between the pillars of the main hall, which is 33 ken...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Takayama Jinya is a historic building that served as a magistrate's office and jinya for governing Hida Province (present-day northern Gifu Prefecture) during the Edo period. As the base for local administration during the Edo period, it was responsible for inspecting taxes, litigating lawsuits, and coordinating civil affairs...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for eight spring-fed ponds in Oshino Village, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture, where meltwater from Mount Fuji filters through lava layers and springs forth. Since ancient times, these ponds have been treasured for their water needs and as religious sites, and the crystal clear water and the beautiful view of Mount Fuji reflected in the ponds are a major draw...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Ryogoku Kokugikan is the central sumo stadium in Sumida Ward, Tokyo. The current building opened in 1985, and since then it has been a popular venue for honbasho (official sumo tournaments) held in Tokyo. It features a traditional sumo ring (dohyo)...

Katsurahama (Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Katsurahama is a coastline facing the Pacific Ocean located at the southern tip of Kochi City. It is known for its ever-changing seascape and the majestic scenery created by rough waves. In particular, the view of the "Sakamoto Ryoma Statue" gazing out to sea is one of Kochi's iconic sights, and a staple tourist photo spot.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) The Sapporo Clock Tower (Chuo Ward, Sapporo) is a historic wooden structure built during the Meiji period. It was originally used as a training hall (auditorium) for the former Sapporo Agricultural College. The white wooden exterior and the large mechanical clock mounted on the symbolic turret...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Inuyama Castle (Inuyama City, Aichi Prefecture) is one of Japan's famous castles with a surviving wooden keep, and is a historic structure designated as an Important Cultural Property (or National Treasure). The current keep is believed to have been built between the end of the Muromachi period and the Sengoku period (around the 16th century), and is one of only 12 remaining keep towers.

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Yufuin Onsen (Yufu City, Oita Prefecture) is a hot spring resort located at the foot of Mount Yufu, known for its abundant nature and relaxing atmosphere. It developed as a tourist destination from the Meiji to Taisho periods, and in recent years has become known as a "scenic hot spring resort" that combines a charming hot spring town with an art museum, cafe, and gallery.