Kyoto Region

A Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Kita Ward. Built in 1397, this three-story pavilion is entirely covered in gold leaf, earning it the name 'Golden Pavilion.' It represents the pinnacle of Japanese aesthetic beauty. Registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it is Kyoto's most visited temple with over 2 million annual visitors.

The center of ancient Japanese capital culture in Nara City. Nara Park concentrates temples representing the Nara period, including Todai-ji with its famous Great Buddha. Interaction with Nara's sacred deer is also a tourist draw. Registered as UNESCO World Heritage for its historic cultural assets. Welcoming over 12 million visitors annually, it ranks alongside Kyoto as a premier destination.

A Shonan-area tourist destination with 800 years of history as the ancient capital of the Kamakura Shogunate. Beyond historic sites such as the Great Buddha, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, and the bamboo groves of Hokokuji, the scenery of sea and mountains along the Enoden railway adds to its charm.

A gassho-zukuri (steep-thatched roof) village in Shirakawa, Ono District, Gifu Prefecture. Approximately 100 traditional houses remain, famous internationally for winter snowy scenery. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in 1995. Preserving traditional village life, it attracts about 1.5 million visitors annually and represents Japanese traditional culture.

Nara City served as Japan's capital from 710 to 794 during the Nara period, functioning as the political and economic center. Concentrates historic cultural heritage including Todai-ji Temple and symbiosis with sacred deer in Nara Park. Nara's temples and shrines are designated two UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Attracting approximately 20 million visitors annually, it represents Japan's ancient capitals.

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.

Nara's old quarter developed around the former precincts of Gangoji Temple. Atmospheric streets lined with Edo-to-Meiji-era machiya townhouses now blend with cafes and boutiques, creating an area where visitors can stroll while sensing the rhythms of ancient capital life.