白浜

和歌山城

Perched above Wakayama city, Wakayama Castle showcases the grandeur of Tokugawa-era power with its stately keep, massive stone walls, and sweeping grounds. Visitors can climb to panoramic viewpoints, explore exhibits about the Kishū Domain, and stroll through seasonal gardens and cherry blossoms that bring the history to life.

高野山

Perched in a cedar‑clad mountain south of Osaka, Mount Koya is a living temple town and the spiritual headquarters of Shingon Buddhism at Kongōbu‑ji. Wander ancient temple streets, follow the mossy path to Okunoin, sample temple cuisine and even spend the night in a monastery lodging to join morning prayers and meditate in silence.

吉野山

Mount Yoshino is an eight-kilometer mountain ridge in central Nara stretching from the Yoshino River to the Ōmine Mountains, with shrines and temples clustered around Kinpusen-ji. Visitors can wander historic paths, soak up the spiritual atmosphere around the temple, and enjoy panoramic mountain views and gentle hikes.

住吉大社

Sumiyoshi Taisha is Osaka’s venerable coastal shrine and the head of all Sumiyoshi shrines, famed for its rare Sumiyoshi-zukuri style with simple, elegant lines. Wander cedar‑lined grounds, cross the photogenic arched bridge and catch traditional Shinto rituals that feel suspended in time.

明石海峡大橋

Spanning the turbulent Akashi Strait, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge links Kobe on Honshu with Awaji Island and was the world’s longest suspension bridge central span when it opened in 1998. Visitors can drive the Kobe–Awaji–Naruto Expressway or admire the bridge from the shore, taking in the sheer scale of its nearly 2‑kilometre span and the steady stream of ships below.

金閣寺

Kinkaku-ji’s gleaming Golden Pavilion, its top two floors sheathed in thin gold leaf, appears to float above a mirror-like pond — an image that defines Kyoto’s timeless beauty. Stroll the peaceful paths, soak up the Zen atmosphere, and capture seasonal moments from cherry blossoms to fiery autumn leaves reflected in the water.

伏見稲荷大社

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is the chief shrine dedicated to the kami Inari, set at the foot of Mount Inari. Walk through its famous vermilion torii gates and follow the mountain trails that span about 4 km — a roughly two-hour route that leads to dozens of smaller shrines and an unforgettable, atmospheric hike.

清水寺

Set on the eastern slopes of Kyoto, Kiyomizu-dera is a centuries-old Buddhist temple devoted to Jūichimen Kannon and one of the few temples that predate Heian‑kyō—now part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO site. Wander the atmospheric precincts with pilgrims, learn about its hibutsu (hidden) Kannon image, and if you visit in winter you can witness the annual Kanji of the Year ceremony held each December 12.

嵐山

Nestled on Kyoto’s western edge, Arashiyama pairs a dramatic mountain backdrop with riverside charm and nationally protected scenic beauty. Wander the famous bamboo groves, cross the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge and visit serene temples while soaking up cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in autumn.

二条城

Nijō Castle in Kyoto is a sprawling flatland fortress with two concentric rings of fortifications surrounding the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, and several gardens. Stroll the extensive grounds to explore the palatial spaces and ruins, admire seasonal garden views, and feel layers of Japan’s feudal history come alive.

祇園

Gion is Kyoto’s atmospheric geisha quarter beside Yasaka Shrine, born in the Sengoku era and famed for its wooden machiya, narrow lanes and elegant teahouses. Stroll at dusk to glimpse maiko in kimono, step into centuries of refined entertainment, or visit during the lively Gion Matsuri for an unforgettable taste of traditional Japan.