Awaji Puppet Theater

An accumulation of diverse tourism resources on Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea. Regional tourism model combining puppet theater, ayu fish cuisine, and agritourism/seafood experiences. Balances the island's historical geographical advantage as a transportation hub with preservation of traditional culture, embodying sustainable tourism practices.

An accumulation of diverse tourism resources on Awaji Island in the Seto Inland Sea. Regional tourism model combining puppet theater, ayu fish cuisine, and agritourism/seafood experiences. Balances the island's historical geographical advantage as a transportation hub with preservation of traditional culture, embodying sustainable tourism practices.

A port city in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture, with a distinctive cosmopolitan atmosphere. Notable attractions include the Kitano Ijinkan (foreign house district). Kobe Beef is world-famous. Known for beautiful night views and panoramic vistas from Port Tower. Attracting over 22 million visitors annually, it is an internationally renowned tourism city.

One of Tohoku's largest summer festivals held annually in August in Aomori City. Massive illuminated human figure floats are carried through streets by participants. Continuing from the Edo period with over 2000 years of nebuta culture history, it represents the pinnacle of this tradition. Registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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.