Together with the regions. Presenting Japan’s hidden charms to the world.Tastes of JAPAN

This is the building of wealthy farmers. In everything from its architecture and gardens to its collection of art, this museum is full to the brim of Niigata tradition and art. The Northern Culture Museum is the former mansion of the Ito family, who were the lords of vast areas of land in Echigo. It is maintained and open to the general public as this museum.

A magical realm unfolds nearby above the clouds on mountains in the range of 3,000 meters tall. Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route is one of the world’s best alpine tourism routes. It can be easily accessed by various modes of transport, such as cable car, ropeway, or trolleybus. You can enjoy a breathtaking natural panorama throughout the seasons—the Yuki-no-Otani in spring, the alpine flora of summer, and the autumn foliage of fall.

Kenrokuen is one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan. It was built over a long period of time as a park for the successive feudal lords of the Kaga Domain. Located in the center of Kanazawa City, Kenrokuen is well-known to tourists from around the world and many of the prefecture’s residents as a garden where people can enjoy the beauty of the four seasons. In the evening, there is a light-up event held during certain times of the year where visitors can enjoy a kind of charm different…

Nature tourism is a great way to enjoy the Mikata Five Lakes in Mikatakaminaka District, Fukui Prefecture. The Mikata lakes area is a highlight of Wakasa Bay Quasi-National Park, offering excellent views across picturesque scenery from the Rainbow Line Summit Park. Mikata Five Lakes is the collective term for the five lakes of Kugushi, Suigetsu, Suga, Mikata, and Hiruga. Each of the lakes has different depths and different types of water, such as salt water, fresh water, and brackish water. The …

Kamikochi is one of Japan’s leading alpine resorts, located in Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture. The area’s famous bridges, Kappa Bridge and Myojin Bridge, cross over the Azusa River. The river’s pristine waters make for invigorating scenery that refreshes visitors’ bodies and minds. One must-see is Hotaka Shrine, located down the river across Myojin Bridge. Kamikochi enjoys tremendous popularity, allowing visitors to experience breathtaking, vast nature. A particular highlight is the Hotaka mo…

A culinary tour is one great way to enjoy Hida-Takayama, in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. Dine in various eateries serving local Takayama delicacies that line the streets while looking for a souvenir. You could treat yourself to Hida Beef as part of your lunch and sample sake at local breweries. Take in the traditional atmosphere of the streets of Hida-Takayama as you enjoy its local delicacies, and you’re sure to leave with both your hunger and your mind satisfied. The streets of Takayama are…

Miho-no-Matsubara, known for its ties to the legend of Hagoromo, is located in Shimizu Ward, Shizuoka City, Shizuoka Prefecture. A pine known as Hagoromo-no-Matsu is famous for being the site of the legend. Miho-no-Matsubara was designated a World Cultural Heritage site along with Mount Fuji’s designation in June 2013. Miho-no-Matsubara’s beauty is befitting of the legend that a celestial maiden descended there. It is an area of picturesque beauty, featured in the ukiyo-e paintings of Utagawa Hi…

Nagoya Castle, Aichi’s foremost castle, is located in Honmaru, Naka Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture. Nagoya Omotenashi Bushotai (R) and Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hattori Hanzo and the Ninjas entertain visitors every day at Nagoya Castle. There is also an entertainment zone called Kinshachi Yokocho near to the castle gates where you can try local delicacies. Nagoya Castle was even called the “key to controlling Owari-Nagoya.” It is the castle of the Owari Tokugawa family, the highest ranking of the Th…

The Ise Grand Shrine in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, has been known as “Oise-san” from a long time ago, and surrounded by great spots such as Okage Yokocho and Oharai Machi. Visitors can enjoy Akafuku Mochi and lot of great sightseeing even after visiting the Shrine. Famous also for “Tsuitachi Mairi” (1st day of the month worship), the Ise Grand Shrine’s official name is simply as “Jingu”.