Treasures on Land, Riches from the Sea
Studded with small bays and inlets, the peninsula known as Ise-Shima—the venue for the 2016 G7 Summit—is a utopia for those seeking a glimpse of classical Japan, from the expansive environs of the sacred shrine of Ise Jingu to the bounty of the ocean.
Tour Ise-Shima with the KINTETSU RAIL PASS
While the Ise-Shima area is best known for Ise Jingu, the area also offers picturesque scenery and gourmet food. And you can access this resort region easily from Osaka using the KINTETSU RAIL PASS!
Feel the Flower Power at Meigetsu-in Temple
Nicknamed the hydrangea temple, 2,500 hydrangeas bloom every June in profusion at this Michelin-starred Kamakura temple.
Living Heritage: Ise Grand Shrine
With more than 1,500 years of history, this complex of Shinto shrines nestled in the forests of Ise is a living piece of Japanese culture.
8 Amazing Days on a JR Kyushu Rail Pass
Discover the beauty of four Kyushu prefectures by rail! Wander castle towns, stroll through samurai residences and visit historic shrines tied to the founding of Japan, all surrounded by delicious local cuisine!
Hidden Gems in Emerald-Green Yakushima!
See if you already know about these five interesting things to look out for while hiking in Yakushima.
Full List: Japan’s UNESCO Shrines & Temples!
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Japan is home to thousands of historic shrines and temples, and a good few of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A visit to just one can give insight into Japanese culture.
16 Superb Views Found in Kyushu
Introducing the natural landscapes and gorgeous harmony you'll find only in Kyushu!
A Road that Runs Above the Sea
Running on this bridge high above the waters, you just might experience the strange illusion that you're really flying over the sea!
UNESCO's Historical Monuments of Ancient Nara
Once the capital of Japan, the historical monuments of Nara include temples, a shrine, a palace, a forest and lots of deer!
Tour Miyazaki through 6 Incredible Videos
Ancient shrines, traditional crafts, horseback riding, surfing, golf, great food and more all crammed against some of the most picturesque coastline you could hope to see. This is Miyazaki!
Japan's 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
World Heritage Temples & Shrines
Every traveler to Japan should be sure to visit at least a few of the nation's stellar World Heritage Sites, ranging from 1,000-year-old temples and shrines to breathtaking natural biospheres.
An 8-Day Journey Through the 'Rising Dragon'
Travel through the 'Rising Dragon' region of Japan, where you'll find ancient shrines, exquisite gold leaf, top-ranked gardens, incredible festivals, panoramic mountain views, plus markets, museums, kabuki and more!
9 Gorgeous Out-of-the-Way Spots in Kyushu
Kyushu is home to beautiful beaches, smoking volcanoes, bubbling hot springs—and a whole lot more!
Zen Pilates & Yoga Retreat at Lake Biwa
Practice Pilates near the serenity of Lake Biwa.
3 Magical Ghibli Hikes
Hayao Miyazaki’s animation has touched the hearts of old and young time and time again. The films produced by his incomparable Studio Ghibli often depict beautiful countryside scenes, some of which were inspired by real hills and mountains in Japan.
Lesser Known But No Less Beautiful
No matter what the season, the stunning Bijinyashi Forest certainly lives up to its name: 'beautiful woods!'
Visiting the Cradle of Japan
Miyazaki occupies a special place in Japanese history for a mountain town called Takachiho. For it was here the deity Ninigi-no-Mikoto, grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, is said to have descended to Earth.
The 3 Dragon Gates of Tokyo
Historical Site Temples & Shrines
Who needs Dragon Balls? There are three Dragon Gates in Tokyo said to grant the wish you make while touching them!
