Matsushima

Collective designation for Japan's representative scenic sites: Matsushima (Miyagi), Miyajima (Hiroshima), and Amanohashidate (Kyoto). Selected by Edo-period scholar Lin Shunzai. Each location holds significant tourist value, attracting domestic and international visitors year-round. Represents Japan's natural beauty with extremely high cultural value. Internationally recognized as symbolic of Japanese landscape aesthetics.

One of Japan's three most scenic views in Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture. Approximately 6,700 pine trees grow on a 3.6km sandbar extending into Miyazu Bay. The name derives from viewing it upside down through one's legs, creating the illusion of a bridge to heaven. Activities include viewpoint visits, cycling across the sandbar, and temple visits.

A castle with a National Treasure keep, nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its striking black lacquered exterior. It houses Japan's oldest existing five-story, six-floor castle tower, and its beautiful setting against the Northern Alps backdrop attracts visitors year-round.

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall in Wakayama, known for its sacred landscape unified with Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. As a destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it embodies the fusion of nature worship and faith in Japanese spiritual culture.

One of Japan's Three Scenic Views in Miyazu, Kyoto. A 3.6km sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay lined with pine trees creates a unique landscape. Its name — 'Bridge to Heaven' — comes from the illusion of a heavenly bridge when viewed upside-down between one's legs.

One of Japan's oldest shrines, visited by worshippers from across the country as the deity of matchmaking. Distinctive for its massive shimenawa rope and unique two-bow, four-clap, one-bow prayer etiquette, it is believed that all the gods of Japan gather here in the tenth lunar month.

A renowned temple in Shinano where it is said every Japanese should visit at least once. Open to all Buddhist denominations, it enshrines what is believed to be the oldest Buddhist image in Japan. Millions flock to the once-every-seven-years Gokaicho unveiling ceremony.