Nikko

The Kanto region's premier autumn foliage destination centered on Lake Chuzenji, Kegon Falls, and Irohazaka Winding Road in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture. Elevation differences allow about one month of autumn colors, with Irohazaka's foliage tunnel being breathtaking. The combination of World Heritage Nikko Toshogu's golden decorations with autumn leaves symbolizes Japan's fall.

An opulently decorated shrine enshrining Tokugawa Ieyasu, registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Famous for intricate carvings including the 'See No Evil, Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil' three monkeys and the Sleeping Cat. Its polychrome ornamentation preserves the aesthetic splendor of the Momoyama period.

A magnificently ornate shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the centerpiece of the UNESCO World Heritage 'Shrines and Temples of Nikko.' Its elaborate carvings including the Yomeimon Gate, Sleeping Cat, and Three Wise Monkeys showcase the pinnacle of Edo-period craftsmanship and authority.

Japan's tallest free-standing mountain, revered since ancient times as a subject of faith and art. Registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2013, it symbolizes Japan and attracts roughly 300,000 climbers annually.

A collection of temples and shrines including Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera, and Ryoan-ji, encompassing the UNESCO World Heritage 'Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.' They embody the aesthetic and historical essence of Japan's thousand-year imperial capital.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site that bears witness to the devastation of the 1945 atomic bombing. The Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park serve as enduring symbols advocating for nuclear disarmament and lasting world peace, drawing visitors from around the globe each year.

Known affectionately as the 'White Heron Castle,' Himeji Castle was one of Japan's first UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites. Combining an elegant white-plastered exterior with sophisticated defensive architecture, it is regarded as the finest surviving example of Japanese castle construction. After major restoration in 2015, it attracts around two million visitors annually.