Shirahama Onsen

This is a sandy beach located in Namariyama bay in Wakayama prefecture. It is known as a white sandy beach whose sand is formed from quartz. It is a sister beach twinned with Waikiki beach in Hawaii, and being at this beach certainly gives a feeling of being in a tropical paradise. Many visitors come in summer to enjoy beach and water activities here.

This place is a collective term for the pilgrimage road to the Kumano three shrines (Kumano Hongu Taisha、Kumano Hayatama Taisha、Kumano Nachi Taisha), and is registered as a World Heritage Site. The area is a natural place of worship where people from all walks of life, from the emperor and aristocrats, to ordinary people come to visit this area for worship. The area is also popular as a hiking destination.

This is a waterfall of Seigantoji Temple, and is a symbol of the World Heritage The Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Routes. It is known as one of the three great waterfalls of Japan and has a height of 133 meters. Historically it was known as one of the 48 holy waterfalls of Nachi, and was revered as a waterfall of Hiro Shrine.

This is a temple that was said to be built in the shape of a God, and is used as an observation deck. Its construction date is unknown. The object of worship is known as Nyoirin Kannon and is known as a world heritage site along with Kumano Hongu Taisha shrine. The main hall was reconstructed by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1590 and was also cherished by the Tokugawa family. Visitors can witness the exquisite contrast between the orange-red 3 storied pagoda and Nachi Falls, and is an essential photo spot to capture the harmony between Shinto and Buddhism.

This is a canyon upstream of the Kumano River. From the upstream, it is known as OkutoroKamitoroShimotoro, and the upper stream of the river is famously known as the "Doro Haccho". The valley offers spectacular geological views, where there are huge rock formations, strange rocky formations and seemingly endless cliff formations. The scenery from the 84 meter long suspension bridge "Yahiko Bridge" is a particular highlight.

This is a mount Koya Shingon sect central temple built in 816 AD under the instruction of the great teacher and poet, Kukai. The main object of worship is known as Yakushi Nyorai, and it is registered as a World Heritage Site. This area is a sacred buddhist site located at the top of the mountain, with an altitude of 1000 meters, and around 100 temples are concentrated in this area. In the temples further into the area contain memorial towers to great figures such as Oda Nobunaga, Shinran, Date Masamune and others. One can also find the tombstone of Takeda Shingen here, as well as as as the mausoleum of Uesugi Kenshin, which is a building which also has the same function as a shrine.

A valley in Yoshino-gun, Nara prefecture. As the valley is quite deep there are various waterfalls, large and small, and visitors can see the brilliant green landscape that is largely untouched by humans. The greenery and autumn leaves are said to be the best in the Kinki region.

This is a mountain in the Tokushima prefecture. The name comes from the fact that it resembles the shape of an eyebrow in any perspective from which it is viewed. The surrounding area has a park, ropeway and driveway facilities. The contrasting views of the sunset along with the Yoshino River make this a particularly attractive spot for visitors.

A bridge that connects Naruto city and South Awaji city, it is a swirling lake area that spreads from the Naruto strait. The water swirls here can reach sizes of up to 30 meters, which is said to be one of the largest in the world.

This is a mountain plateau at an altitude of 1695 meters, on the border of Nara and Mie prefectures. It is a secluded area where you can see the spectacular views of the Milky Way, shining in a clear night sky. Stores, restaurants, accommodation facilities are also open close around the visitors' centre, and it is a popular place for astronomical observation.※Credit：Tsubasa Mizoguchihttp://bit.ly/2MI1vQs