Tottori Sand Dunes

This is a 15km stretch of Ria type coastline along the norther Tottori prefecture area. There are various cliffs, rock and cave formations, with various sea birds inhabiting the area. It is also known as the "Matsushima of the Sanin area" as the area is said to resemble Matsushima in Miyagi prefecture. There is also a beach area which attracts visitors looking to enjoy beach and water activities.

This is a hot spring in the centre of Tottori prefecture. With 900 years of history, the onsen was loved by writers such as Yosano Akiko, Nogushi Ujo and Shiga Naoya. The area was known as a place of healing - so much so, that it was known as the place "where illness disappears by the third day of being here". Along both sides of Mitoku River, there are various traditional Japanese Ryokan, making this a popular onsen town to experience the nostalgia of the Japan of times past.

This is an old hot spring in the northern part of Hyogo prefecture. The onsen opened 1300 years ago. It has been consistently been recorded as a highly ranked and regarded onsen. During the Meiji era(1868-1912), it was a place of healing for wounded soldiers during the Russo-Japanese war, and was also the setting for Shiga Naoya's "Kinosaki nite". It is a popular destination for those visiting the 7 hot springs along Otani River, and the willows trees along the river make for a magical landscape.

This is a highland area in Norther Okayama prefecture of an altitude of 500-600 meters. It has Japan's largest jersey cow field as well as numerous camping facilities, and attracts many visitors that wish to escape from the heat. It is said that the area inhabits a ghost known as "Suiton" which is said to appear, and statues of it exist around the area.

These are the remains of the Takeda castle built by Yamana Sozen in 1431. The castle fell during the Tanba district attack of Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the "Battle of Takeda Castle" and was destroyed completely during the battle of Sekigahara. The castle was originally built at the top of Mount Koga, and due to its geographical location and stunning views, would often be shrouded in clouds, giving it the name of the "Heaven castle" or "Japan's Machu Picchu".

This is a bay area in the northern area of Kyoto, facing the Japan Sea. This is an ideal photo spot with its sunning sunset views. Visitors can also enjoy snorkeling in the shallow beach, for which the area is popular.

This is a waterfall in central Okayama prefecture. It has a height of 110m, making it the highest in Western Japan. The area is also habitat to wild Japanese monkeys. The area is also popular for autumn leaf (momiji) viewing.

This is a 3.6 km sand dune that separates Miyazu Bay and Aso Sea from north to south and is one of the three major scenic spots in Japan. Over thousands of years, around 8,000 pine trees have grown here, and creates a mysterious landscape on the eastern side with the white sand scape. It is also said that if you bend down and look between your legs, the landscape will resemble a dragon rising up to the sky.

This is Japan's only world heritage castle built in 1346 under the instruction of Akamatsu Sadanori. It is one of Japan's 12 castle towers and one of 5 registered as a national treasure in Japan. It is also known as one Japan's three greatest castles. It was expanded by its respective castle owners such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Ikeda Terumasa during the Sengoku era(1467-1600), to become the impressive castle that it is today. Due to its impressive white appearance, it is also known as the "White Egret castle".

This is a type of traditional unique to the area, in Kyoto Ine Town. The building consists of a ship storeroom with living quarters above. The first floor has a ship warehouse as well as a storeroom and workship, with a living room on the second floor. It is thought that there are around 200 of these arbor shops in existence from the Edo era(1603-1868).

This is a castle built in 1240 by Akiba Saburo Shigenobu. It is situated at the top of the 430 meter tall Mount Gagyu, and among Japan's remaining castle towers, is located at the highest location in Japan. During the battle of Bicchu in 1574, the large castle walls were built, and became a great fortress stronghold. During the months of October to April, it is possible to see the clouds below, giving it the alternate nickname of "The heavenly castle".