Hiraizumi

An ancient temple founded in 860 in Yamabe, Yamagata Prefecture. Famously visited by Matsuo Basho in 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North,' climbing 1,015 steps reveals stunning views from the main hall perched on a rocky plateau. Autumn foliage and winter snow scenes are particularly beautiful, and it remains a pilgrimage destination for spiritual seekers.

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.

The central city of Harima, home to World Heritage Himeji Castle. Beyond the castle, it offers appealing tourism resources and food culture including Mount Shosha's Engyo-ji Temple and Himeji-style oden.

An island in Kagoshima Prefecture, home to Yakusugi cedars over 7,000 years old. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Famous for giant cedars like Jomon Sugi. Excellent trekking trails. Approximately 300,000 visitors annually, an important place for experiencing Japan's primordial nature. Believed to inspire the setting of the film 'Princess Mononoke.'

Vast virgin beech forests spanning Aomori and Akita prefectures. With a protected area of 16,971 hectares, it was Japan's first natural property registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Known for courses like the taxi-accompanied trekking route, it attracts about 200,000 visitors annually. A treasure of ecosystems representing Japan's primeval nature.

A national park on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, featuring pristine old-growth forests and rich marine ecosystems. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, it is a haven for rare wildlife including brown bears and Blakiston's fish owls. Visitors experience nature tourism at its finest through trekking and cruise excursions.