Kikuchi Valley (Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Kikuchi Valley, located in Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, is a natural scenic spot with a beautiful landscape of clear mountain streams, large and small waterfalls, and deep forests. Characterized by topography created by volcanic activity and years of erosion, and featuring crystal-clear water, it has been a popular destination since ancient times...

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (Shimamoto-cho, Mishima-gun, Osaka Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Appeal) Suntory Yamazaki Distillery is Japan's first full-scale malt whisky distillery, founded in 1923 by Shinjiro Torii, the "father of whisky." Located on the border between Osaka and Kyoto, it enjoys a favorable climate and water quality...

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is a botanical garden that protects and exhibits mainly wetland plants that spread across the Hakone plateau. Taking advantage of Hakone's natural environment, the garden features marshes, small ridges, and boardwalks, allowing visitors to see wetland plants in their natural, seasonal appearance.

Tsubaki Okami Shrine (Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture) Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Tsubaki Okami Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, where many people visit to pray for blessings such as clear roads, traffic safety, and protection from disasters. It has long had a quiet shrine grounds with a mountain forest as its backdrop, and as the shrine's name suggests...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Onogawa Onsen (Onogawa Onsenkyo) is a historic hot spring town located in the northern part of Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture. It has long been popular as a quiet hot spring resort nestled in the mountains, and even today it is a tranquil hot spring resort with charming inns and public baths. Though small in size, each inn offers its own unique charm...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Miyakojima (Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture) is a southern island located approximately 300km southwest of the main island of Okinawa. Its greatest attractions are its white sandy beaches surrounded by coral reefs and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for marine activities such as diving, snorkeling, and SUP. Historically, it was the home of the Ryukyu Kingdom...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Seimei Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Abe no Seimei, a famous onmyoji (magician) from the Heian period. Located in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, it is said to have been built on the site of Abe no Seimei's former residence and has attracted worshippers since shortly after his death (during the Heian period).

Chubu Centrair International Airport (Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture) — Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Chubu Centrair International Airport (commonly known as Centrair, IATA: NGO) is an international airport located on an artificial island off the coast of Ise Bay in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. It opened in 2005 and serves the Chubu region (including Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture)...

Unkai Terrace (Shimukappu Village, Hokkaido) Overview (History, Features, Attractions) Unkai Terrace is a spot for viewing the sea of clouds located in Shimukappu Village (Tomamu District), Yufutsu District, Hokkaido. Its greatest attraction is the opportunity to see the "sea of clouds" up close from the observation deck at the top of the mountain. Originally a resort...

Overview (History, Features, and Attractions) Hottarakashi Onsen (Yamanashi City, Yamanashi Prefecture) is an open-air hot spring facility located on a hilltop offering a panoramic view of the Kofu Basin. Since opening in 2006, it has gained popularity with its concept of "soaking in a hot spring while watching the sunrise," and its early morning "Gokaiko Bath" has become a local specialty. The baths are open-air...