Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)

A complex of Heian-period cultural heritage sites in western Iwate Prefecture, including Konjikudō (Golden Hall) and Mōtsū-ji gardens, showcasing the prosperity of the Ōshū Fujiwara clan in the 12th century. UNESCO World Heritage listed in 2011, it represents the pinnacle of Japanese Buddhist culture and serves as an ideal destination for meditation and historical study.

A cultural city in Hokuriku that flourished as the castle town of the Kaga domain, where tradition and modernity coexist at Kenroku-en Garden, the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, and Higashi Chaya District. The 2015 Hokuriku Shinkansen dramatically improved access from Tokyo, triggering a tourism surge.

One of Japan's premier mountain scenic spots at approximately 1,500m elevation in the Northern Alps. Views from Taisho Pond and Kappa Bridge reflecting the Hotaka Range are sometimes called 'Japan's Switzerland.' Private car restrictions preserve the natural environment, making it a popular base for mountaineering and trekking.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage archipelago roughly 1,000km south of Tokyo. Called the 'Galapagos of the East,' the islands are a treasure trove of endemic species. Accessible only by a 24-hour ferry, this remote paradise is popular for whale watching and diving.

The largest island in the Sea of Japan, off the coast of Niigata. Sado Kinzan gold mine was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, and unique traditions like tub boats and Noh theater persist. Also known for the reintroduction of the crested ibis (toki), it blends nature and history.

A magnificent volcanic region in Kumamoto centered on Mount Aso, which has one of the world's largest calderas. The vast grasslands of Kusasenrigahama and the plume of Nakadake crater offer dynamic landscapes where one can feel the earth's breath. Rich tourism resources include hot springs and Aso red beef.

Japan's largest sand dunes stretching roughly 16km east-west and 2.4km north-south along the Sea of Japan coast. Natural formations including wind ripples and sand curtains have earned the nickname 'Japan's desert.' Activities like camel riding and paragliding are also available.