Tottori Sand Dunes

Approximately 1,200 wild deer inhabiting Nara Park in Nara, Nara Prefecture. Revered as sacred beings since ancient times, they are a symbol of ancient Nara. Interaction with deer is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors annually. The harmonious coexistence with Nara's environment represents Japan's traditional nature philosophy.

Japan's largest sand dunes stretching roughly 16km east-west and 2.4km north-south along the Sea of Japan coast. Natural formations including wind ripples and sand curtains have earned the nickname 'Japan's desert.' Activities like camel riding and paragliding are also available.

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.