Shirakawa-go Village

A mountainous region spanning Nagano, Gifu, and Toyama prefectures. Comprising the Northern, Central, and Southern Japanese Alps with multiple peaks exceeding 3,000 meters. The climbing season runs June through October, attracting over one million annual visitors. Concentrated attractions include Shirakawa-go, Takayama's historic town, and Kamikochi, representing harmonious integration of cultural and natural landscapes. Distinctive autumn foliage begins late September, creating iconic alpine scenery.

A mountain village in Gifu Prefecture whose gassho-zukuri (hands-in-prayer style) thatched-roof houses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The steep thatched roofs harmonize with deep winter snow, and the winter illumination event creates a magical scene that draws visitors from around the world.

A mountain village in Gifu where the gassho-zukuri thatched-roof settlement is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. The steeply pitched thatched buildings create a magical snow scene during winter illumination events, attracting visitors from around the world.

A UNESCO World Natural Heritage island home to ancient Yakusugi cedars thousands of years old. The Jomon Cedar trek and Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine are known as inspirations for the forests in Miyazaki's 'Princess Mononoke.' Its vertical vegetation zones from subtropical to subarctic earn it the nickname 'Alps of the Ocean.'

An exotic port city that served as Japan's sole window to the West during the period of national isolation via Dejima. Western-style architecture at Glover Garden and Oura Church, Chinatown, Peace Park, and Hashima Island (World Heritage) create a uniquely layered historical tourism destination.

A major Tochigi tourism area offering not only World Heritage shrines and temples but also abundant natural attractions such as Kegon Falls, Lake Chuzenji, and Senjogahara marshland. Autumn foliage drives along the Irohazaka switchbacks are especially popular.

An island of Japan's Three Most Scenic Views, home to World Heritage Itsukushima Shrine. The floating great torii, Momijidani Park, momiji manju, and grilled oysters — faith, nature, and food are compactly condensed in this destination.