Shimanami Kaido

The Seto Inland Sea area with its gentle multi-island seascape. Tourism combining nature and art — from cycling the Shimanami Kaido to the Setouchi Triennale — has drawn increasing attention. The islands are sometimes called 'Japan's Aegean Sea' for their beautiful waters.

A contemporary art mecca in the Seto Inland Sea. Centered on the Benesse Art Site, works by Yayoi Kusama and museums designed by Tadao Ando are scattered across the island. As a core venue of the Setouchi Triennale, Naoshima has become a global model for art tourism.

An art museum island in the Seto Inland Sea off Naoshima, Kagawa Prefecture. Internationally renowned contemporary art museums including Benesse House and Lee Ufan Museum. Architecturally designed by Tadao Ando. A major venue for the Setouchi International Art Festival. Attracts over 500,000 visitors annually, a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts. Symbolizes Japan's contemporary art success and art island development.

Japan's southernmost prefecture, with a distinct culture rooted in the history of the Ryukyu Kingdom. With its emerald seas, the World Heritage Shuri Castle ruins, unique cuisine and music, Okinawa draws visitors from home and abroad as a resort island offering charms different from mainland Japan.

Japan's northernmost island, celebrated for its vast natural landscapes and rich food culture. From the lavender fields of Furano to the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of Shiretoko and world-class powder snow ski resorts, Hokkaido offers year-round tourism appeal complemented by acclaimed seafood and local cuisine.

A castle town in Gifu Prefecture known as 'Little Kyoto of Hida.' Edo-period streetscapes, the ornate festival floats of the Takayama Festival, and Hida beef cuisine make it enormously popular with international tourists. It earned three stars in the Michelin Green Guide.