Kiso River Valley Heritage

A castle standing along the Kiso River in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture. Its main tower, built in 1537, is Japan's oldest existing castle structure and is designated a National Treasure. The castle's picturesque setting integrated with the river landscape has captivated many literary figures. It represents a quintessential example of wooden tower architecture.

A tourist destination in Tochigi known for UNESCO World Heritage shrines and temples. Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, is famous for its ornate carvings, and the 'see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil' three monkeys have become a global icon. Also popular for autumn foliage.

A castle with a National Treasure keep, nicknamed 'Crow Castle' for its striking black lacquered exterior. It houses Japan's oldest existing five-story, six-floor castle tower, and its beautiful setting against the Northern Alps backdrop attracts visitors year-round.

Japan's tallest single-drop waterfall in Wakayama, known for its sacred landscape unified with Kumano Nachi Taisha shrine. As a destination on the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route, it embodies the fusion of nature worship and faith in Japanese spiritual culture.

One of Japan's Three Scenic Views in Miyazu, Kyoto. A 3.6km sandbar crossing Miyazu Bay lined with pine trees creates a unique landscape. Its name — 'Bridge to Heaven' — comes from the illusion of a heavenly bridge when viewed upside-down between one's legs.

One of Japan's oldest shrines, visited by worshippers from across the country as the deity of matchmaking. Distinctive for its massive shimenawa rope and unique two-bow, four-clap, one-bow prayer etiquette, it is believed that all the gods of Japan gather here in the tenth lunar month.

A renowned temple in Shinano where it is said every Japanese should visit at least once. Open to all Buddhist denominations, it enshrines what is believed to be the oldest Buddhist image in Japan. Millions flock to the once-every-seven-years Gokaicho unveiling ceremony.