Koshino Parking

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 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 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 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 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

This is a shrine which was founded by the Empress Jingu in 199 AD. The shrine deity was enshrined by Izasawake no kami, Emperor Chuai, and Empress Jingu. Four companies named Yamato Takeru No Mikoto Emperor OjinToyotama-himeTakeshiuchi no Sukune are also enshrined here. It is an entrance from Hokuriku to Kinai, and since it is a key gateway to Korea and China, it was regarded as "Hokurikudo general guardianship" and was held in high importance. It also has one of the three largest Torii gates in Japan.

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 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 one of the three Japanese gardens which was built by Maeda Tsunanori in 1676. Originating from the clan garden which was built at the outskirts of Kanazawa Castle by the Kaga clan, the park was named by Matsudaira Tadanobu who named it as such due to the six elements of spaciousness, tranquility, artifice, antiquity, water courses, and a magnificent view from the garden.The area also has been rated with 3 stars from the Michelin Tour guide, and is one of Japan's most splendid parks that can be enjoyed all year around due to the plum and cherry blossoms, autumn leaves and snow views.

This is a village situated in northern Gifu, and registered as a World Heritage Site. It is known as an area with one of the highest levels of snowfall, and due to this, the roofing of houses is set at a steep angle to deal with the snow fall. Some of these houses still exist nowadays, and are still in use.

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.

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 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 famous settlement in the southern part of Toyama prefecture, and listed as a World Heritage Site. It is known for particularly heavy snow fall, and the buildings have particularly steep sloped roofing to adapt to this climate. The area is also particularly unique for its frequent traditional folk dances that take place here.

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.

This is a 3.6 km sand dune that separates Miyazu Bay and Aso Sea from north to south and is one of the three major scenic spots in Japan. Over thousands of years, around 8,000 pine trees have grown here, and creates a mysterious landscape on the eastern side with the white sand scape. It is also said that if you bend down and look between your legs, the landscape will resemble a dragon rising up to the sky.

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.