Matsushima Bay Scenic Beauty

A spectacular alpine route through the Tateyama-Kurobe Mountains in Toyama spanning approximately 90 kilometers with elevation changes of roughly 2,500 meters. Utilizing diverse transportation modes including cable cars, ropeway, trolleybuses, and highland buses, it traverses the terrain. The spring snow walls reaching approximately 20-meter heights are particularly renowned, attracting about 1 million visitors annually to this iconic Japanese mountain tourism destination.

Located in Higashi-Matsushima and Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, one of Japan's Three Great Scenic Views. More than 260 small islands dot the bay, presenting different appearances with daily tidal fluctuations. Recognized as a tourist destination from the 17th century, it was registered among Japan's Three Great Views in the Edo-period tourism guide 'Nihon Sankei.' Island-hopping by excursion boats remains popular, attracting over three million annual visitors. Winter morning mist, autumn foliage, spring cherry blossoms, and seasonal variations showcase Japan's coastal landscapes at their finest.

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.