Oyama Afuri Shrine

This is a 599m high holy mountain of the Shugendo religion (a fusion religion that originated in Heian Japan). The area was open to the public from 744 AD where Takao-san Yakuoin (a buddhist temple) was built. It is known as Tokyo's top autumn leaf spot, and has received three stars from the Michelin tourism guide. The area is also famous as a habit for the Japanese flying squirrel.

This is an old spring Bath at the base of Hakone Volcano. It is a treasured area that has 20 hot spring baths, known as the Hakone Ni-ju-yu. The area has 1,300 years of history, and is famous due to Toyotomi Hideyoshi going to this area. During the Edo era(1603-1868), the area prospered as a hot spring spot in the Tokaido area, and was also revered by the house of the Tokugawa family.

This is a temple that was established in 1063 by Minamoto Yoshitsune. It houses the Yawata God known as Emperor Ojin HimegamiEmpress Jingu. The temple was central to the Kamakura Bakufu, which was started by Minamoto Yoritomo, and was known as guardian deity of Minamoto clan, a Kamakura Samurai. Under the reconstruction of the Hojo clan and Tokugawa families, the temple remains the heart of Kamakura and a place of respite and hope for many.

This is a lake situated in Hakone. The Hakone Shrine can be found here as well as resort areas and other points of interest. Mount Fuji can also be viewed from here. Pleasure boats themed on pirate ships are also becoming popular in the area, as well as it being the end goal in the Hakone Ekiden annual marathon, and the start of the route back.

This is a shrine built in 757 by Mangan. It is said to house the God named "Ninigi", as well as the Gods "Konohana-Sakuyahime" and "Hikoho Hodemi no Mikoto". Mangan is also worshipped as a protector God after having slayed the nine headed dragon that ravished Lake Ashinoko. One of the most striking sights is the "Heiwa no Torii(The Gate of Peace)", built in 1952, that appear to float in the Lake Ashinoko.

This is an old onsen in Atami. 1,500 years ago, during the reign of Emperor Ninken, Atami was given its name due to hot water that sprung from the beach water, as the Japanese characters for "Atami" literally mean "hot sea water". The area was admired by Tokugawa Ieyasu during the Edo era(1603-1868), and during the Showa era(1926-1989), became particularly famous as an onsen resort town, and is still famous as a beach and onsen town today.

This area contains three impressive waterfalls in Okutama, with a height of around 12.5m. It is truly an area to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with just the wind, water and the chirping of the birds. There are larger waterfalls in the upstream area, and the area is ideal of hiking.

This is a temple built in 705 AD, housing the Gods known as Konohana-Sakuyahime, Ninigi no Mikoto and Oyamatsumino-okami. During the Sengoku Era(1467-1600), the warrior Takeda Nobutora visited here, praying for war victory. The area is especially famous for what has been oft known as the "best view in Mount Fuji" with the 5 storied pagoda, cherry blossoms and Mount Fuji in the background, to produce some truly postcard-worthy camera shots.

A shrine built in the garden of Kino Toyohiro in 788 AD, this is a World Heritage Site along with Mount Fuji. The main Gods enshrined in the temple are Konohana-Sakuyahime, Ninigi no Mikoto and Oyamatsumino-okami. It is situated at the foot of the climbing path of Mount Fuji known as Yoshida-guchi, and many mountain climbers who worshipped Mount Fuji visited here. In front of the hall of worshippers there are two 1000 year old holy trees known as the "Fuji-Taro Cedar" and the "Fuji Cypress tree of married couples".

This is a Soto sect temple built in 1480 by Kira Masatada. It is said to be the birth place of the "Maneki-Neko" (waving cat) where there is a legend that Ii Naosuke built a temple here when invited by a cat to escape from a great thunderstorm. The temple contains thousands of Maneki-Neko, and is the only temple where the cats are revered.

This is Tokyo's only uninhabited island, in Yokosuka. The area was used for defense during the war, and there is evidence of this that can be seen today. The place is named "Sarushima" (Monkey Island). While there are no monkeys inhabiting the island these days, it is said that a priest named Nichiren was saved by monkeys when traveling to this island during the Kamakura era(1185-1333), hence the name.

This is a park that is a recreation of Moomin's world (a famous cartoon originating from Finland), in Hanno, Saitama. Within the park, there is a "Moomin Mansion" where there is an exhibition dedicated to the author, Tove Jansson, as well as historical items relating to Moomin itself.

This is a temple, which was built in 1128 by the Hirama Kanenori. The temple was a mainstay for the Shingon sect and founded by Kukai, a famous Japanese poet. During a historical pilgrimage known as the 88 places of Kanto, the temple was designated as a special sacred site, and the Tokugawa family visited here during the Edo period(1603-1868). Even now, a great many people visit this shrine for the "Hatsumoude" (new years temple visit)

Japan's tallest mountain at 3,776 meters and a registered World Heritage Site. Mount Fuji is a splendid sight and one of the most well known views of Japan. Mount Fuji has historically been known as an object of worship and holy site. The mountain is open to climbers between July and August.

Follow a 15-minute river trail deep into a thicket of shioji trees until it reveals a majestic rock, where the rapid of Tama River breaks in half and forms an absolutely breathtaking twin waterfall display. Kosuge Odaki Falls truly is a sight to behold and a favorite of many photographers.

This is a 156 meter cave near Aokigahara cost. The area was formed by an eruption of Mount Fuji in 864 AD. At an underground depth of 21 meters, one can find the "tree pond" where there are beautiful ice pillars and stunning rock formations. This area is often visited along with the Fugaku Fuketsu Wind Cave which is situated nearby.

This is one of the five lakes of Mount Fuji, and is included as a world heritage site along with Mt Fuji itself. The area is popular for various famous photo spots of Mount Fuji, such as the "Double Mount Fuji" where it can be captured with its mirror image reflected in the water, as well as where Mount Fuji appears to overlap with the smaller Mount Muroyama.

This is an old onsen in Izu. Its history is linked with Shuzenji Temple, and was opened 1,200 years ago by the Kukai who is the monk founded Shingon buddhism. During the Meiji Era(1868-1912) it was loved by writers such as Natsume Soseki, Akutagawa Ryunosuke, Shimazaki Toson, Kawabata Yasunari amongst others. There is an onsen town along the river, and is particularly popular for its bamboo forest.

This is an Onsen in Yamanashi prefecture. From the bathing area, you can see the Kofu basin below, and Mount Fuji is visible on a clear day. The onsen became well known as a place that opened early in the morning and ideal for viewing the sunrise. The name comes from the fact that there are no special advertisements or services provided, but is a place simply to have fun.

This is a temple of the Soto sect which was founded in 725 AD by Gyoki. The Buddha is of the Yakushi Nyorai, with Ryoben, a Buddhist monk, making Daikokuten statues from wood, Kukai, the founder of Shingon sect, making them from Stone, and Ennin, a priest, making the Kongourikishi statues. It is famous for the great buddha statue at 31 meters high, built in 1783, as well as the 1553 stone buddha statues and the viewpoint at Boso peninsula known as "peeking into hell".