Shirakawa-go Village

Historic district of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, with townscapes continuing from the Edo period. The Honmachi Street, stretching approximately 2 kilometers, preserves buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods. Demonstrates architectural techniques used by Hida craftsmen. Known for morning markets and four annual Takayama Matsuri festivals, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually, representing Japan's traditional townscapes.

A memorial to war and peace in Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Concentrates the Atomic Bomb Dome, Peace Memorial Park, and Peace Memorial Museum. A crucial center for post-war peace education, registered as UNESCO World Heritage. Local cuisine like okonomiyaki adds appeal. Attracting over 12 million visitors annually, it stands as a symbol of peace recognized internationally.

The ancient capital of Japan in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. It served as the political and economic center for 1,200 years. Numerous historic structures including temples, shrines, and gardens remain, many registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Attracting over 35 million visitors annually, it represents Japan's premier tourist destination and is globally recognized as Japan's cultural heritage center.

A village in Shirakawa, Gifu Prefecture, renowned for its gassho-zukuri (hand-joined) thatched-roof architecture. These structures, adapted for heavy snowfall regions, feature centuries-old thatch and steeply angled roofs. The settlement landscape, formed from the Edo through early Meiji periods, remains intact and was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Winter night illuminations create magical scenery amid snow, attracting over two million international and domestic visitors annually. The village maintains active thatch-roof preservation crafts and community conservation activities.

A historic district in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, preserving townscapes from the Edo to Meiji periods. Approximately 3 kilometers of old streets feature traditional inns, sake breweries, and craft shops. Attracts about 2 million visitors annually and has become a standard school excursion destination.

Preserved Edo-period town in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture. The 'sanmachi' district features merchant houses and sake breweries on both sides of narrow streets. Designated as a National Important Traditional Building Preservation District. Preserves history as former center of Hida's political and economic power. Attracts over 2 million visitors annually as the heart of Hida region tourism.

Historic district of Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, with townscapes continuing from the Edo period. The Honmachi Street, stretching approximately 2 kilometers, preserves buildings from the Edo to Meiji periods. Demonstrates architectural techniques used by Hida craftsmen. Known for morning markets and four annual Takayama Matsuri festivals, attracting approximately 2 million visitors annually, representing Japan's traditional townscapes.