Kehi Jingu Shrine

This is a small uninhabited island at the tip of Tsuruga Peninsula. The area is surrounded by shallow beaches and rock formations, and due to the beauty of the clear waters, it is known as the "Hawaii of Hokuriku". The island is only accessible during the 2 month period from Mid July until the end of August.

This is a shrine that is said to have been built in 5 BC. The shrine God is known as Sarutahiko no Mikoto, with the red/orange Torii gates appearing to float in Lake Biwa, which is known as "Itsukushima Shrine of Omi". It is a particularly good photo spot for photographers. The Torii gates were originally on dry land, but it is said that due to the increasing water levels of the lake, the Torii gates ended up being in the lake area.

This is a castle that was built by Ii Naokatsu in 1622. It is famous as one of Japan's only 12 remaining castles, and is one of five that is designated as a national treasure. From the top of the tower, visitors can see magnificent views of Lake Biwa, There is also a moor boat that is still in use, from which Hikone Castle can be viewed, and whose views can be enjoyed along with the seasons.

Here we can witness historical traces of the "Battle of Sekigahara" which is said to be one of the greatest and fiercest battles in Japan's history after the political strife following the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1600. The East Army (Tokugawa Ieyasu, Tokugawa Hidetada, Yuki Hideyasu, Kuroda Nagamasa) and the West Army (Mori MototeruIshida MitsunariUkita HideieUesugi Kagekatsu) fought and Tokugawa Ieyasu ultimately obtained ultimate power. In 1603 he established the Edo Shogunate. There are numerous historical walking courses where visitors can see the battle paths and underground paths used.

This is a temple of the Soto sect built in 1244 by Dogen. The temple is named after the Buddhas ShakanyoraiMirokubosatsuAmidanyorai, with the wish for eternal peace. It is situated deep in the forest of around 600 cedars, and there are around 200 priests here that strictly follow the buddhist teachings. The temple is also famous for being admired by Steve Jobs, who was famously a believer in God.

This is a lake with the largest reservoir capacity in Shiga prefecture. It is said that the lake formed from around 4,000,000 to 6,000,000 years ago and provided a water supply to those that lived in the area from the Jomon period. The name comes from the fact that the shape of the lake resembles a Japanese musical instrument known as the Biwa.

This is a Tendai sect temple that was built in 619 AD under the instruction of Prince Shotoku. The objects of worship are Senju Kannon(1000 Armed), Juichimen Kannnon(11-faced) and Sho Kannon and is a hidden temple not normally well known. From the Lake Biwa coast up to the main temple hall there are about 800 steps, known as the "808 steps". The temple is said to bring long life as the pronunciation of the name "Choumei" which is the name of the temple, means "long life" in Japanese.

A Tendai sect temple built by Sanshu in 834 AD. The primary object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, and Minamoto Yoritomo is said to have come here to pray for war victory. Along with the temples Kongorinji Temple and Hyakusaiji Temple, it is one of the "Koutousanzan" destinations (east lake three mountains). It is also famous for autumn leaf viewing, attracting numerous visitors each year.

This is a Tendai sect temple built in 741 by Gyoki. The object of worship is Sho Kannon and after it became assigned as a holy place of Buddhist training by the Ennin Priest who practiced at Mount Hiei, it became the branch temple of Enryakuji Temple. It is famous for the countless Ksitigarbha (buddha that looks over children, travelers and the underworld) known as the "Thousand Jizou". As the main hall is separated from the main gate, it is thought that it escaped burning down from the attack of Oda Nobunaga.

This is a castle that was built by Shibata Katsutoyo in 1576. It is famous for being the oldest of the 12 castle towers (known as Tenshaku) There are around 400 Yoshino cherry plants planted in the nearby garden, which gives the castle its alternative moniker of "Kasumiga-jo", and the summer views of the cherry blossoms in full view are a particular highlight.

This is a plateau located at the foot of Mt.Kyogatake mountain range and extends to an altitude of about 400 to 700 m. It forms a gentle fan-shaped terrain, and the night sky is ideal for star gazing. In addition, visitors can enjoy seeing the dairy cattle grazing, barbecues, and outdoor baths etc.

This is the head shrine of the Kifune Shrine group, of which there are around 450 in Japan, although the construction date is unknown. The main shrine God was historically known as a rain God named "Takaokami no Kami", and worshipped as a bringer of rain and bountifulness. It is also said that drawings of horses were made on wood here, giving birth to the "Ema" which are the wooden plaques that one can see at many shrines with prayers written on them. Around 300 meters away from the main hall, one can visit "Yui Shrine", where there is another God that is said to bring destined couples together, known as Iwanagahime no Mikoto. The area is popular amongst couples.

This is a reservoir in Nezu Shrine, in Gifu. From 1999, various species of waterlily such as the pygmy lily and spatterdock lily were planted here, and koi carp, which were initially not available in the area, were brought over and bred in this area. Due to this series of events over time, the area ended up resembling the lily ponds illustrated by Claude Monet.

This is a shrine built in 91 BC. The western hall contains the main powerful God with the eastern hall contains the Mount Hiei guardian God. This is the main hub shrine of the 3,800 Hiyoshi, Hie and Sannno Shrines in Japan. There are numerous cultural items associated with monkeys, as they are considered as underlings to the shrine Gods. The area is also famous for autumn leaf viewing with around 3000 autumn leaf trees.

This is a temple of Tendai that was founded by Saicho in 788 AD. It is also registered as a World Heritage Site. Along with Mount Koya Kongobuji Temple, it became the centre for Heian Buddhism and a place of training for figures such as Honen (founder of the Jodo sect), Shinran (founder of the Jodoshin sect), Eisai(Founder of the Rinzai sect), Dogen (founder of the Soto Sect), Nichiren (Founder of Nichiren Sect). Because of this it is also known as the "Mother Mountain of Japanese Buddhism" and sacred buddhist teachings still continue to this day.

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 traditional bath in Kaga City. It boasts 1,300 years of history and was known as an Onsen loved by Matsuo Basho. The spa town is located along the "Kakusenkei" valley of the Daishoji River, where you can enjoy the countryside landscape with its mountains, valleys and rivers.※Credit：石川県観光連盟

This is a shrine built in 1940 to commemorate the 2600th year of the Emperor Jinmu, who was crowned in 660 BC. The temple God is known as Emperor Tenji, who made the trip from Asuka to Omi in 667 AD. After the Emperor Tenji wrote the Ogura Anthology of One Hundred Tanka‐poems by One Hundred Poets, it became a venue for playing Karuta (a variety of card games, normally played around new years). It is also the setting for the anime "Chihayafuru", and many fans of the anime make the pilgrimage here.

This is a temple that was built in the 7th century under the instruction of Prince Yota. It is the head temple of the Tendai-jimon sect. From ancient times, battles and conflicts were waged with Hiei mountain Enryakuji Temple, and was confiscated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. It is known as the "Phoenix Temple" due to overcoming numerous hardships and being rebuilt each time. Starting with the main hall, the temple contains 10 national treasures and 42 items of designated cultural importance.

This is a traditional bath in Kaga City. It boasts 1,300 years of history and was visited by prominent figures such as Akechi Mitsuhide during the Sengoku era(1467-1600), and Kitaoji Rosanjin and Yosano Akiko during the Meiji era(1858-1912). After the war it developed quickly into a recreational bath house. Soyu and Kosoyu are two of its famous public baths.　※Credit：石川県観光連盟