Things to Do

World Heritage Sites

Kinkaku-ji

A golden pavilion nestled in the greens of Kitayama.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Himeji Castle

A World Heritage Site and one of Japan's most famous castle buildings. Also known as "Hakuro Castle”.

Hyogo / Tourist Attractions

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

A World Heritage Site that Offers Views of Japan’s Historic Scenery.

Gifu / Famous Places

• 17 Jan 2023

  [Encounter an overwhelmingly beautiful natural landscape] Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route Tourist Guide

  On the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route, which runs through the 3,000-meter-high mountains of the Northern Alps, you can easily enjoy the dynamic scenery of the four seasons. This section provides all the information you need to enjoy the scenery of the Kurobe Tateyama Alpine Route, as well as highlights and recommended accommodations.

• 13 May 2021

  Recommended Photo Spots in Shirakawa-go

  Shirakawa-go is a World Heritage Site located in Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa Village. Many “gassho-zukuri” style buildings still stand in the area, creating stunning scenery reminiscent of Japan’s olden times. This article will introduce our recommended spots for taking beautiful photos.

• 12 May 2019

  See Remnants of Japan’s History Through Gassho-Zukuri Architecture at the World Heritage Site of Gokayama in Toyama Prefecture

  Gokayama is located in Nanto City, Toyama Prefecture, and is home to two gassho-zukuri settlements, Ainokura and Suganuma. “Gassho-zukuri” is the name of a historically valuable and unique type of architecture with pitched roofs that are similar in shape to hands clasped in prayer. Gassho-zukuri settlements can only be found in these snowy and mountainous areas. The Gokayama Settlement and Gifu Prefecture’s Shirakawa-go were registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1995.

Nikko Toshogu

Japan’s Iconic World Heritage Site and Shrine Dedicated to the Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Tochigi / Shrines & Temples

• 3 Feb 2019

  Day 2 of Winter Travel in Nikko ~Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine~

  This article will introduce day 2 of my winter trip to Nikko. Starting off with breakfast at my hotel, I also visited Mt. Nikko Rinno-ji and Nikko Toshogu Shrine.

• 5 Nov 2016

  Reporting back on Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture’s stunning autumn leaves!

  When I heard that Nikko’s autumn leaves were in their prime, I knew I had to go!

• 30 May 2015

  Day trips from Tokyo by train! Immerse yourself in the fun of Nikko, where you can enjoy World Heritage and hot springs!

  The appeal of Nikko includes Nikko Toshogu Shrine and other World Heritage sites, as well as Kegon Falls, plentiful nature and hot springs.

Tenryu-ji Temple

This Zen temple was once ranked first among Kyoto's Five Mountains, and it is also designated as a World Heritage Site. There are many things to see in the precincts, including Sogenchi Teien (Sogen Pond Garden) and Unryuzu (Cloud-Dragon Painting).

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

A place that should be visited when traveling to Kyoto, the temple selected as a World Cultural Heritage.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Todaiji Temple

The temple was built in the Nara period (710-794) and is registered as a World Heritage Site as a "cultural asset of the ancient capital Nara”.

Nara / Shrines & Temples

• 3 Jan 2023

  See the Ancient City of Nara via 19 Top Historic Sites

  Nara Prefecture, once the capital of Japan, is home to a full repertoire of World Heritage Sites, including treasured cultural properties and buildings, Buddha statues and other coveted tourist destinations. Set just next door to Kyoto, many travelers enjoy an itinerary that allows them to explore both Kyoto and Nara together. Here are a few hand-selected, must-visit spots in Nara, a city with an ancient history even older than Kyoto, along with unforgettable souvenirs to shop plus remarkable food and stays.

• 11 Feb 2019

  Nara Prefecture’s Todai-ji – Nigatsu-do Shuni-e

  First held in the year 752, this event has been held every year without fail for over 1260 years! Held by the temple’s monks in front of Nigatsu-do’s figure of the Eleven-Headed Kannon, the temple’s idol, the event exists to repent for the everyday sins of humanity and wish for everyone’s happiness.

Itsukushima Shrine

A Shrine Registered as a World Heritage Site as of 1996.

Hiroshima / Shrines & Temples

Washoku Home Cooking Machiko

"Washoku," Japan’s unique food culture born in close connection with nature

Osaka / Experiences Facilities

• 8 Apr 2021

  Experience Japanese life through washoku cooking!

  In this class, students will make the most popular Osaka gourmet classic, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki. Before starting cooking, your washoku instructor-certified teacher will explain about washoku and give students lessons on Japanese ingredients and the cultures of soup stocks in each region.

Kumano Kodo Path

Designated as the World Cultural Treasure. The historic path leading to the holy Three Kumano Mountain shrines.

Wakayama / Tourist Attractions

• 27 Mar 2022

  Kansai, where you can “Experience the Real Japan” that you have been looking for.

  The Kansai region is a “treasure house of Japanese culture” with a rich cultural resource remaining from its history as a former prosperous capital. There is a new, high-quality cultural tour that offers multiple cultural experiences in special settings with top-notch people who have mastered culture, art, or faith rooted in the Kansai region. Here are some travel reports from actual tour participants. Take part in this tour that is sure to become a once-in-a-lifetime precious trip.

• 27 Mar 2022

  Meet "real Japan" in Kansai - an exclusive experience.

  Kansai Region hosted a capital city in ancient times and has served as the nation’s hub. It has produced many types of culture, which are handed down to this day. Touring the Kansai Area allows you to trace back the source of Japanese culture. The guide by the Japanese-culture-and-arts expert and the exclusive space are woven together into this acclaimed video. Enjoy a simulated cultural experience in the space usually closed off from the public.

Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine

112-feet-tall shrine gate is the landmark. The sacred place for Kumano Pilgrimage

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Chuson-ji Temple

A Temple Famous for the Glistening National Treasure “Konjikidō Golden Hall” and Lotuses.

Iwate / Shrines & Temples

• 26 Aug 2023

  In Awe of Sheer Nature: Top 18 Autumn Foliage Spots in Tohoku

  Tohoku is a destination replete with unbeatable nature and remarkable spots to catch vibrant leaves in autumn. Across the region you’ll find an array of foliage spots so vast it may be hard to pick, with anything from mountains blanketed in autumn colors, beautifully tinted valleys and mountain roads perfect for a drive amidst the autumn scenery, to lakeshores adorned in seasonal hues and more.

• 10 Dec 2016

  Visiting Iwate Prefecture’s World Heritage Site, “Hiraizumi”

  “Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land” was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2011. It is composed of five parts, all located within Hiraizumi Town of Iwate Prefecture: Chuson-ji Temple, Motsu-ji Temple, Kanjizaioin Ato, Muryokoin Ato, and Mt. Kinkeisan. This article will introduce each of these five locations.

Byodoin

Amazing perfect symmetry! Heavenly architecture is truly enchanting.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Atomic Bomb Dome
(Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park)

An esteemed building artifact that stands in remembrance of the bombing of Japan. The Peace Bell stands at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Hiroshima / Museums

Nishinomiya Noh (Nogaku) Theatre

Noh is the oldest theatrical performance in the world with a history of over 700 years.

Hyogo / Museums

Kumano-Nachi Taisha

One of the three major shrines on Kumano mountains that is believed to help with relationships and wishes. There is an 850-year-old giant camphor tree and many other spots to see.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Nijo-jo Castle

This is a symbol of the power of Tokugawa Ieyasu in Kyoto. There are numerous valuable remains and attractions, including the national treasure Ninomaru-goten Palace.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Mt. Fuji

World Heritage Site and Japan’s tallest mountain at 3,776 meters tall.

Yamanashi,Shizuoka / Nature Spots

• 23 Jul 2019

  One day trip to Shizuoka prefecture centering on Mishima!

  Only 90 minutes from Tokyo. In Shizuoka prefecture, there is a small river called Kakitagawa at the bottom of Mt. Fuji. It’s a short river only 1.2 km long total, but with its water so transparent, you can clearly see the bottom of the river.

• 6 May 2018

  Climbing Mount Fuji, a World Heritage! (A Complete Guide to the Yoshida Trail)

  If you have climbed Mount Fuji (at an elevation of 3,776 m), the symbol of Japan, you definitely have a pleasant memory. And if you have seen the sunrise at the summit of Mount Fuji, it is absolutely an unforgettable experience! People hike up Mount Fuji usually between early July and early September, outside which climbing Mount Fuji is not permitted. Here we recommend the Yoshida trail that is safe and convenient even for first-time climbers.

Ginkaku-ji

The serene atmosphere is the essence of Higashiyama culture.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Shirakami Sanchi

The World Heritage with an undisturbed primitive forest.

Aomori,Akita / Nature Spots

Kongobuji

The whole Mt. Koya is the premise! The head of Japan’s buddhist temples.

Wakayama / Shrines & Temples

Ryoanji Temple

A Zen temple is listed as a world heritage site famous for its dry landscape garden "Stone Garden '' of 15 stones. The strolling garden, which retains the remnants of the Heian period, is a spectacular sight known as a famous spot for autumn leaves.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Jishu Jinja

World heritage site, said to have been built in the earliest history in Japan, that enshrines the gods of love.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Kamigamo Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi Shrine)

This is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, with a history of more than 2,600 years since the arrival of its god in the Kamishiro period. The shrine grounds are lined with more than 60 shrines and temples, including two National Treasures and 41 Important Cultural Properties.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples

Shimogamo Shrine (Kamomioya-jinja)

Having been enshrined since BC, it is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto.

Kyoto / Shrines & Temples