Matsushima Bay

Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost region, features magnificent nature. Winter sports at Asahidake ski resorts, Furano lavender fields, Shiretoko wildlife observation, and Sapporo urban tourism are popular. Attracts over 20 million domestic and international visitors annually. Seasonal natural beauty is stunning, representing one of Japan's premier tourism regions.

One of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, with over 260 islands dotting Matsushima Bay. The breathtaking seascape — said to have left Matsuo Basho speechless — has been cherished for over a millennium, best enjoyed from a sightseeing cruise.

Islands in Miyagi Bay off Shiogama and Higashimatsushima, Miyagi Prefecture. Over 260 small islands create a picturesque seascape. One of Japan's Three Greatest Views. Island-hopping boat tours are popular. Numerous temples built within the bay. Famous tourist destination since the Edo period. Attracts over 3 million visitors annually. Represents Japanese natural scenery.

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.