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 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.
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".
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 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.
A shrine whose construction date is unknown. The main shrine God is known as Ookibitsu no Mikoto, and was revered as the great shrine of the Kibikuni area (which included Okayama, Hiroshima and parts of other areas). Ashikaga Yoshimitsy, who instructed the construction of the shrine, is said to have used the "Hiyoku Irimoya Zukuri" style, which a traditional Japanese Shinto architectural style characterized by four dormer gables, two per lateral side, on the roof of a very large main shrine. The place was designated as a national treasure and is famous for its 398 meter long passageway It is also famous for being the setting of the legend of "Ura Taiji" featured in Japanese folt tale "Momotaro(The peach boy)".
This is one of Japan's three great parks, created in 1700 under the instruction of Ikeda Tsunamasa, as a representation of the "Genroku" culture of the Edo period(1603-1868). The garden has the "Enyotei" area as the center of the garden, where views of Okayama Castle and the surrounding area can be enjoyed. The park boasts an area of 133,000 square meters, with many amazing sites such as a Noh theatre stage, Mount Yuishin, a plum grove as well as Chishio forest.
This is a 16km coastal sand dune, the largest in Japan, situated in Tottori prefecture. The three sand dunes are lined more or less in parallel with the Japan Sea, and the second middle sand dune, known as "the horse's back" is the most famous photo spot. The area is also popular for paragliders, hangglidesr and sand boats.
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.
A 133m high mountain situated in Kurashiki City. Facing the Seto Inland Sea, it has an observation platform with views of the entire Great Seto bridge as well as numerous islands. It was named due to its resemblance to an eagle spreading its wings There is an ancient tomb between the middle of mountain and the summit which is a particular highlight.
This is an island in Kagawa prefecture, that is situated in the Setouchi coast. This island is in fact famous for art exhibits, and hosts many art museums and exhibits, such as the "pumpkin" exhibition of Kazuyo Kusama, and attracts many art enthusiasts from around the world.
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 mountain that protrudes out into the Setouchi coast, located in Kagawa prefecture. The name originates from a Chinese legend, and there are five mountains named with the colors of red, yellow, blue, black and white, hence the name "Go-iro" which means "5 colors". The Shiromine Temple and Negoro Temple, which were recognized by the Japanese poet and author Kukai as one of the "88 holy places of Shikoku" is also nearby. The mountain and coastal area also give way to stunning views.
This is a castle which was built in 1602 by Ikoma Chikamasa. It is one of Japan's 12 remaining castle towers, and is famous for being built on Japan's tallest castle stone hill of 66 meters, giving it the name of the "stone castle". Visitors can also see a wooden model of the castle which was originally created as a proposal submitted to the Edo Bakufu Shogunate.
This is a famous park in Takamatsu city. With Mount Shiun in the background, there are 6 ponds and 13 man made mountain areas, which boasts 400 years of history. There are various seasonal flowers that bloom from the trees in this areas, making it a park that constantly changes with the seasons, and its sheer variety of flora has meant that it has become known as a park with a "new view with every step taken".
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 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".