Oirase Gorge

A roughly 14km stream flowing from Lake Towada in Towada, Aomori Prefecture. The valley beauty of mossy rocks, clear water, and 14 waterfalls is most stunning during fresh green and autumn foliage seasons. Well-maintained walking trails allow trekking and cycling. New tourism experiences are emerging, including Hoshino Resort's moss-themed rooms.

A national park in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Centered on Nikko Toshogu, it blends natural scenery with historic structures. Famous for autumn foliage and spring growth, it is also popular for trekking. Attracting over 7 million visitors annually, it represents Tochigi Prefecture tourism.

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.