This is Japan's largest silver mine, located in Shimane prefecture, and is a world heritage site. It is said that from the Sengoku to the Edo era(1467~1868), that this mine produced one third of the world's silver. The area is characteristic for its environmentally friendly approach to the surrounding area, which ensures minimum damage to mountains, no cutting of forests or digging narrow tunnels or other mining.
This is Japan's oldest shrine, built before 0 BC. It is said that that it houses the great God Okuninushi no Mikoto, which is said to have surrounded the country to the God Amaterasu. On Kannazuki (October) all of the 8 million Gods, (excluding the two aforementioned Gods) are said to gather at this place and hold a ceremonial discussion regarding the destiny of the humans on the planet. For this reason, it has been revered and worshipped as a place of good fortune since its inception.
This is an onsen in the northern part of Shimane prefecture. It has 1300 years of history, and was registered as a "Kami no Yu" (God's hot spring) by the Izumo Kuni Fudoki (which is an ancient report on provincial culture). The area has been historically famous for the three sacred imperial treasures, which includes various jewelry items which were made in this area. Along the Tamayu River, there are lines of cherry blossom trees, as well as "Sukiyazukuri" (a refined, well cultivated traditional Japanese architecture style) Japanese Ryokan, which creates a calm and stately atmosphere.
This is a canyon of 18 km in length in the eastern part of Hiroshima prefecture. It is famous for its natural bridge, Onbashi, formed by the erosion of limestone over the years by river water. In addition, in Lake Shinryu, there are numerous stunning views such as the greenery in spring, the autumn leaves, and the numerous water birds that inhabit the area.
This building was the victim of the world's first atomic bomb during the World WarⅡ. It was originally opened as an establishment to display products of the prefecture. The bombing on August 6th led to the tragic destruction of 13.2 million square meters of land, a death toll of about 140,000 people, and is registered as a World Heritage Site in commemoration and remembrance of the tragedy, with the wish that such a tragedy will never happen again.
A shrine built in 593 AD, by Saeki Kuramoto, and registered as a world heritage site. The main Gods are known as the Munakata three goddesses Ichiki Shima Hime, Takiribine no Mikoto and Tazukihime no Mikoto. It was famous for being worshipped by the Taira clan, and under the instruction of Taira Kiyomori, a military leader, large Torii gates were built which appear to float in the water. It is known as the "Aki no Miyajima" and is known as one of Japan's three greatest viewpoints. Along with Kasuga Taisha and Kehi Jingu shrines, the Torii gates are officially classified as one of the three greatest in Japan.
This is a mountain registered as a World Heritage Site along with Itsukushima Shrine. In 806 AD, the great teacher and poet Kukai opened this mountain as a place of reverence and worship. There were also several stones known as Iwakura which were objects of Shinto worship, and has therefore been known as a long standing place of reverence and worship, consistently drawing in visitors.