HOKKAIDOAOMORI

Asahiyama Zoo

Hotoke-ga-ura

MAP 04The zoo, located at the countr y's
northernmost point, opened in 1967. A very
popular tourist spot that enables visitors
to observe the natural habitat of animals
including “Orangutan House” – orangutan's
aerial playground – and “Penguin house”– an area to observe penguins with a 360degree-view in an underwater tunnel.

Copyright(c) Asahikawa City

Daisetsuzan National ParkMAP 01

Japan's largest national park (on land) is located in central
Hokkaido. The park covers approximately 230,000 hectares. It
is called “the roof of Hokkaido” as it consists of approximately
50 kilometers of mountains over 2,000 meters in altitude,of which the highest is Mt. Asahi-dake. This secluded area,
which is covered in snow for eight months of the year,
provides a home for animals such as the pika, a so-called “iceage survivor.”<Access> Bus from JR Asahikawa Station
http://www.welcome-higashikawa.jp/global/english/

Shiretoko Peninsula World Heritage

MAP 02

Shiretoko was registered as a World Natural
Heritage Site in 2005. It is the third such area
to be registered in Japan. The Shiretoko
Pe n i n s u l a , k n ow n a s “ t h e l a s t h i d d e nreservation,” is an area of various primeval
ecological systems including a coastline of
precipitous cliffs over 100 kilometers long,lakes, forests and mountains.

Hill of Biei

MAP 05The hill of Biei is a patchwork field ofpotatoes and flowers on a gently sloping
hilly area. A JR railroad divides the area
into the “patchwork road” to the northand the “panoramic road” to the south.
The picturesque scenery attracts many
tourists from around the world.

Copyright(c) Asahikawa City

<Access> About a 20-minute to 2-hour ride on a rental motor cycle
or bicycle from JR Biei Station
http://www.biei-hokkaido.jp/en/

Hakodate Night View

MAP 06

Sapporo Clock Tower

A designated National Important Cultural
Property of Japan, continuously counting
time, and is the symbol of Sapporo. The
official name is the “former theatrical hallof the Sapporo Agricultural School.” It was
originally built in 1878 thanks to the advice ofWilliam Smith Clark, who was invited from the
US to teach Western science and technology.

<Access> 10-minute walk from JR Sapporo Station
http://sapporoshi-tokeidai.jp/english/

MIYAGI

Lake Towada

MAP 07A caldera lake, originally created by large volcanic eruptions of
the Towada volcano about 40,000 years ago. Natural forests
spread around the lake with beech and Japanese Judas trees,
as well as numerous wild animals. North Japanese hill cherry(Prunus sargentii) and Japanese magnolias bloom in spring;tender greens spread in the summer; foliage fills the area inautumn; and a fantastic blanket of snow covers the area inwinter. It is as if nature is continually changing its fashion sense.
<Access> 90-minute bus ride from Aoimori Railway [Hachinohe Station]
http://www.towada-kankou.jp/english/index.html

Oirase Valley

Kabushima Island<Access> 5-minute walk from JR Same Station
http://www.en-aomori.com/

TachiNeputa

One of the outstanding scenic areasof Japan, about 14 kilometers long,
stretching from Nenokuchi near lake
Towada to Mt. Yakeyama. The beautyof the mountain strata was made bylandslides after eruptions. Waterfalls
alongside the streams are called“Bakufu-kaido” (“the path of falls”).

<Access> Walking distance from Tsugaru Railway[Tsugaru-Goshogawara Station]

A famous castle over
400 years old, with threeturrets and five gates,
which are designatedNational Important
Cultural Proper ties.
At the end of April,
ab out 2,6 0 0 che r r ytrees bloom, including
Yoshino cherr y trees
and double -flowe re dcherry trees, and cover
the castle park.

AKITA

Kitayamazaki Cliffs

MAP 16

Over 8 kilometers of dynamic coastline
with bizarre rocks and sea-eroded caves ofvarious sizes in 200-meter-high cliffs. It is
the most beautiful coastline in the country
and is the only place accredited with the“Special A Class” rating from “Japan’s
Tourist Attraction reviews” conducted by
Japan Travel Bureau Foundation.

<Access> 20-minute bus ride from Sanriku Railway [Tanohata Station]
http://www.japan-iwate.info/

Chuson-ji Temple World Heritage

MAP 17The main temple of the Tendai Buddhist denominationin the Tohoku region, founded by Jikaku Daishi. In the
beginning of the 12th century, Fujiwara-no Kiyohira, thefounder of the Northern Fujiwara samurai dynasty, built
many temples such as Konjiki-do (or “Golden Hall”)
and Nikai-odo (or “Great Two-Storey Hall”). Numerous
national treasures and important cultural properties
such as Konjiki-do convey the beauty of Heian art.

Matsushima is known for its superb views, which fascinated
Date Masamune, a Sengoku warlord and Matsuo Basho, thehaiku master. One of the country’s most beautiful bays is
speckled with 260 islands of various sizes, provides sceneryon a large-scale from season to season. Today, tourists fromaround the world are still fascinated by the views from the
Shidaikan, a panoramic observation point, and/or touring
around Matsushima Bay in a boat.

Akiu Onsen

Mt. Osore-zan

Anatooshi-iso at Goishi Kaigan MAP 18

Mt. Chokai-san<Access> 30-minute car ride from Iwate Development Railway [Sakari Station]
http://www.japan-iwate.info/<Access> 30-minute Taxi ride from Yuri Kogen Railway [Yashima Station]
http://en.yurihonjo-kanko.jp/modules/pico/

Ryusendo Cavern

Bukeyashiki Street in Kakunodate MAP 22

MAP 14

One of Japan’s Three Most Sacred Groundswith a temple founded by Jikaku Daishiin 862 as a place to study Tendai Sect
asceticism. People revere the place, famous
for the smell of sulfur emitted from therocks and the sound of a windmill rotatingin the wind, as either “Hell” or “Pure Land.”The area attracts a lot of worshippers.

<Access> 40-minute car ride from JR Shimo-Kita Station
http://www.en-aomori.com/

Sannai-Maruyama Site

MAP 15

Japan’s largest Jomon settlement
site, designated as a Special National
Historical Site in 2000. The naturalenvironment and lifestyles of the
inhabitants are being studied througharcheological excavations. It’s open
to the public and visitors are allowed
to freely observe the area.

<Access> 30-minute bus ride from Aoimori Railway [Aomori Station]
http://sannaimaruyama.pref.aomori.jp/about/

The scener y of Goishi Kaigan(Goishi Coast) is designated as
one of the 100 best sites to enjoy
coastline scenery with white sandand green pine trees. The intriguingrock with three holes in the basemade by sea-erosion, highlights theamazing ability of nature.

MAP 19Known as one of three major limestone
caverns in Japan, it is said that thecave has an overall length of up to
5,000 meters The pure water bubblingup through the bottom has createdmany underground lakes. The thirdlake is 98 meters deep with worldclass transparency.

<Access> 2 hours and 10 minutes by bus from JR Morioka Station
http://www.japan-iwate.info/

The historical hot spring of Akiu Onsen,with its magnificent nature and hot
spring water, has been popular as aresort throughout the ages. It is known
as one of “Japan’s three major hot
springs” along with Shinano and Inukai
hot springs. It is also famous for being
loved by warlord Date Masamune.

<Access> From Sendai Airport Transit [Sendai Station] to JR Matsushima
Kaigan Station, 3-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/<Access> 30-minute taxi ride from Sendai Airport Transit [Sendai Station].
http://akiuonsenkumiai.com/en/index. html

Naruko Valley

Sendai Castle (Aoba-yama Park)MAP 24This valley, about 2.6 kilometers long, islocated in the area of “Nakayama-daira
Onsen” in the Naruko Onsenkyo town. It is
known for its famous autumn foliage. The
100-meter-deep valley, carved naturally
by the Otani River, is covered with breathtaking autumn leaves from mid-October
to the beginning of November.

MAP 28

Zuigan-ji Temple

Photo:Courtesy of Zuigan-ji

Warlord Date Masamune, the famed rulerof the region, took five years to build thetemple, finishing it in 1609. It is designed in
the ornate Momoyama style. The enthusiasmof the Oshu conqueror can still be felt today
by learning about the 130 skilled artisansgathered from across the country as well asbuilding materials used to build the temple
from Kumano mountain in the Kishu area.

<Access> 5-minute walk from JR Matsushima Kaigan Station
http://www.matsushima-kanko.com/en/

Warlord Date Masamune built the castle in 1603. It had been
the residence of the Date family for many years. It was burned
down by air-raids in 1945. The ruin has become Aoba-yama
park, with Gokoku Shrine (a shrine honoring the war dead) at themain enclosure, a monument commemorating a song – Kojo no
Tsuki (“The Moon over the Ruined Castle”) – by Doi Bansui anda statue of Date Masamune on horseback.

<Access> 20-minute bus ride from Sendai Airport Transit [Sendai Station]
http://www.sendaimiyagidc.jp/en/

TOYAMAMAP 45

Tateyama
KurobeAlpine RouteIn April, when theroute opens up after
winte r, vi s ito r s a reoverwhelmed by theamazing view of up to
20-meter-high snow
walls of the famous“Snow Valley”. A walkthrough the snow
corridor is possible
from April to June.
The Alpine Route isopen from April 16th
t h r o u g h N ove m b e r
30th.
<Access> 1 hour by Toyama Chihou Tetsudou from Toyama Station to
Tateyama Station

Risshaku-ji Temple

MAP 29The official name of the temple is Hoshuyama Risshaku-ji. It was
founded by Jikaku Daishi, a famous priest of the Tendai Buddhist
Sect, in 860. The main hall, Kompon-chudo, a designatedNational Important Cultural Property, was re-constructed by the
first Yamagata Castle lord, Kaneyori Shiba, in 1356. It is said
that the hall is the oldest beech wood construction in Japan witha hip-and-gable roof structure. The Tendai Buddhist Sect studiostyle has been well maintained.
<Access> Walking distance from JR Yamadera Station

Kamo Aquarium

MAP 30

A world-class aquariumwith a fascinatingcollection of 50 different
colored kinds of jellyfish.
A fun viewing spot that
includes a sea lion show
and feeding black-tailed
gulls.

MAP 31This hot spring is internationally known for being
the location of the popular TV drama “Oshin.”
The town is permeated with the nostalgic andromantic atmosphere of the Taisho era. The hotspring town has rows of traditional Japanese
inns as well as Western-style multi-flooredwooden buildings constructed from the end of
the Taisho period to the beginning of Showa
period, giving the area a unique landscape.

<Access> 40-minute bus ride from JR Obanazawa Station
http://www.city.obanazawa.yamagata.jp/51.html

Oze is one of Japan’s best high moors. In 20 07, it was
designated as the country’s 29th national park, and its beautiful
nature can be enjoyed throughout the year. In addition, Ozecrosses into 4 prefectures: Fukushima, Gunma, Niigata andTochigi and has 6 entrances. Three entrances, Numayamatoge, Miike and Ozawadaira, are located in Hinoematamura,
Fukushima Prefecture, while the Hatomachi-toge Pass, Oshimizu
and Fujimishita entrances are located in Katashina-mura,
Gunma Prefecture.
<Access> 70-minute bus ride from Aizu Railway [Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station]
http://www.oze-info.jp.e.ts.hp.transer.com/

Sanjo Falls

MAP 33A large waterfall about 100 meters higha n d 3 0 m ete r s wi d e. T h e r i c h wate r
resources of Ozegahara make it the largest
waterfall by volume of water in Japan.
It is also one of the country’s 100 mostbeautiful waterfalls. Please be aware that itis closed to traffic from November to May.
<Access> 2-hour bus ride from Aizu Railway[Aizu-Kogen-Ozeguchi Station], then 2.5- hour
walk from the bus stop

Miharu Takizakura

MAP 34A Nationally Designated Natural Monument,
the Pr unu s p e ndula “ Pe ndula Ro se a”
cherry tree, whose estimated age is over
1,000 years old, is one of Japan’s threemajor cherry trees. It is said that “Miharu
Takizakura” is so named because when it
is in full bloom, its small pale pink flowers
hang downwards resembling a waterfall.

Glacier on Mt. Tsurugi-dake

MAP 48Three glaciers can be found on Mt.
Tsurugi-dake, a part of the Northern
Alpine Tateyama mountain ranges t a n d i n g ove r 3,0 0 0 m e te r s . A
recent study revealed them to be first“glaciers” in the country, somethingthat was previously thought not toexist in Japan.

<Access> Get off the trolley bus at Ogizawa Station
http://visit-toyama.com/en/entry.php?nid=12001

MAP 49The festival has been held from September 1 to 3 every year in
Yatsuo district, located in the southeastern part of Toyama city.
Dancers produce a silent sophisticated dance to a sorrowful
melody. The dance has been passed down for over 300 years.

<Access> 35-minute bus ride from Toyama Chihou Tetsudou [Toyama Station]
http://foreign. info-toyama.com/en/

MAP 35<Access> Walking distance from JR Kakunodate Station
http://kakunodate-kanko.jp/languages/en/

World Heritage

Gokayama area (Ainokura and Suganuma villages) was
registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1995. It is locatedat the edge of the southeastern part of Toyama Prefecture along
the Shogawa River. It is a region with abundant nature. Gasshozukuri (literally, “prayer-hands construction”) is the name for thehouses made of steep gabled thatched roofs, a characteristicof areas known for heavy snowfall. The scene of Gassho-zukuri
houses in a quiet mountain village can be appreciated.

(c) NPTA

Mt. Hotaka-dake<Access> 1 hour by World Heritage Bus from JR Takaoka Station
http://www.gokayama.jp/english/index. html

<Access> Get off at Alpico Kotsu [Shin-Shimashima Station], Bus
http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/

Murodo-daira

Senjojiki Cirque

MAP 51

Takaoka Daibutsu(the Great Buddha of Takaoka)

Ouchi-juku

Kanazawa Higashi Chaya District MAP 39

Shiroyone Senmaida (“A thousand white rice paddles”) MAP 43<Access> Bus ride from Hokuriku Rail Road [Hokutetsu Kanazawa Station]
http://www.kanazawa-tourism.com/<Access> Bus ride from Noto Railway [Anamizu Station]
http://senmaida.wajima-kankou.jp/en/

Natadera Temple

Myoryuji Temple (Ninja Temple)

MAP 36“Ouchi-juku” is a post town left overfrom the Edo period. The sight of over
30 thatched-roof houses standingin rows, resembling the main roadc o n n e c t i n g A i z u a n d N i k ko, t h eso called “Shimotsuke Kaido,” isextremely rare. It has been visited bymore than 1 million tourists a year.

<Access> 10-minute taxi ride from Aizu Railway [Yunokami Onsen Station]
http://ouchi-juku.com/index.php?English

Soma-Nomaoi (wild horse chasing festival) MAP 37

A festival over 1,000 years old inwhich about 500 riders resemble
scenes you might find on scrolls fromthe Sengoku period (warring states
period). The festival originated fromthe founder of the Soma clan, Tairano Masakado, drilling captured wild
horses that were then set free anddedicating them to the gods

MAP 52

MAP 56

Jigokudani Monkey Park(c) NPTA

MAP 57Since its opening in 1964, Jigokudani Monkey
Park, located in Jigokudani Hot Spring in thenorthern part of Nagano Prefecture, has been
popular as a place where visitors can observe
the intriguing life of wild Japanese Macaquesin their natural habitat. The monkeys arefamous around the world as “Snow Monkeys”
for bathing in a natural hot spring.

<Access> Nagano Electric Railway [Yudanaka Station],bus ride to Kanbayashi Onsen, 30-minute walk from the bus stop
http://www.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/english/html/top_e.htm(c) NPTA

MAP 55It was said that at the horse-riding groundof the Takato Domain the cherry blossom
fell so heavily it covered the horses. Thenclansmen moved the cherr y trees topark’s current location. For many years,
the park has been called “The country’s
number one cherry blossom park” as it
has over 1,500 trees.

<Access> 15-minute walk from JR Takato Station
http://inashi-kankoukyoukai.jp/cms2/welcome-to-ina-city

MAP 40Taicho Jinyu-zenji, a famous shugendo (syncretic
Shinto-Buddhist teaching) monk, founded thetemple in 717. He believed in the god of Mt.
Hakusan and worshipped the Senju Kannon(Thousand-Armed Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) ina cave. In addition, the cave is known as a sacredplace for “Tainai-kuguri” practice, a passage
through a sanctified cavern that symbolizes
rebirth with the blessing of Bodhisattva.

<Access> 15-minute taxi ride from JR Kaga Onsen Station
http://www.natadera.com/en/

Bandai Bridge and “Yasuragi Tei”

Suwa Taisha Shrine

MAP 58This is the main shrine of the Suwa network of shrines thatspread across the country and is known for its friendliness andadoration. It is said to be one of the oldest shrines in the country
and is generally known as Suwa Taisha Shrine. The complex
consists of four shrines: Kamisha Maemiya and Kamisha
Honmiya located to the south of Suwa Lake and Shimosha
Harumiya and Shimosha Akimiya located to north of the lake.
<Access> 25-minute walk from JR Shimo-Suwa Station
http://shimosuwaonsen.jp/tourism/

MAP 61<Access> 10-minute walk from JR Echigo Line [Hakusan Station]

Furumachi Geigi: the Geisha of Niigata MAP 62

The Furumachi district of Niigata isregarded as one of the three most
famous geisha districts in Japan, alongwith Gion in Kyoto and Shinbashi in
Tok yo. Geigi, the geisha of Niigata,perform songs and dances, embracing
visitors with the warm hospitality intrinsic
to the culture of Niigata as a port town.

<Access> 10 to 15 minutes by car from JR Niigata Station to Central Furumachi
http://www.ryuto-shinko.co.jp/index.html(c) NPTA

Shiroyone Senmaida represents the terraced rice
fields of the agricultural complex “Noto's Satoyama
and Satoumi” (“Abundant mountains and sea of theNoto Peninsula”) registered as a Globally Important
Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). It faces the
Sea of Japan; the picturesque scenery of layers ofsmall rice fields reaching the shore is also a Nationally
Designated Important Cultural Property as well as
being one of Japan’s 100 best terraced rice fields.

The temple was constructed on the ordersof the third lord of the Kaga Domain, Maeda
Toshitsune, in 1643. It is popularly known as the“Ninja Temple” as it has a complex architectural
structure of 23 rooms, 29 staircases in a
4-story, 7-level building with hidden chambers,
tunnels and staircases, various traps, escapepits, and other contrivances to fool the enemy.

<Access> Bus ride from Hokuriku Rail Road [Hokutetsu Kanazawa Station]
http://www.myour yuji.or.jp/en.html

MAP 59A National treasure, Matsumoto castle
with its 5-level, 6-story tower, is the oldest
castle in Japan. It has survived over 400
years of wind and snow, and its original
tower from the Warring States period is stillintact. It is one of four castles designatedas National Treasures; the other three are
Himeji, Hikone and Inuyama castles.

Takada Castle Cherry Blossom
Viewing for 1 Million People<Access> 15-minute walk from Echigo Tokimeki Railway/MyokoHaneuma Line [Takada Station]
http://www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/data?page-id=2332

Tarai bune: the Tub-Shaped Boat MAP 64

The tarai bune, or tub-shaped boat, wasdevised for gathering wakame seaweed
and other sea products in numerous narrowcoves along the deeply indented Ogi-kaigan
coastline. The current shape of the boat isbelieved to have evolved as a result of repeated
improvements from a laundry tub. Visitors canexperience a ride in the tarai bune at Ogi Portand Yajima-Kyojima on Sado Island.

<Access> 5-minute walk from Ogi Port
http://www.niigata-kankou.or.jp/sys/data?page-id=8871

Mt. Yahiko-san

MAP 65

Mt. Yahiko-san is the object ofworship at Yahiko Shrine, andhas been known by the honorificn a m e “ O ya h i ko - s a m a” s i n c eancient times. It is one of themost revered spots in the country.
It stands 634 meters tall. Yahiko
Shrine is located on top of themountain.

<Access> 15-minute walk from JR Yahiko Station

Ueda Castle

Mt. Myoko-san

MAP 60A residential castle ruin of the Sanadaclan, who are known nationally for twice
defeating la rge r Tokugawa a r mie s.
Today, the remains are enclosed by apark with flowers and greenery including
Zelkova trees over 100 years old andapproximately 1,000 cherry trees, which
all provide a relaxing environment.

<Access> 9-minute walk from Uedadentetsu [Ueda Station]
http://www.go-nagano.net/

MAP 63The cherry blossom festival at Takada Park is
known as one of the three major nocturnal cherry
blossom viewing events in Japan. Lighted up
Sanju Yagura, the three-tiered turret of Takada
Castle, and some 4,000 blooming cherry trees
illuminated by about 3,000 traditional Japanesebonbori lights and enchantingly reflected in the water of the moat
continue to fascinate visitors from all over Japan and abroad.

<Access> 15-minute walk from Alpico Kotsu [Matsumoto Station]
http://welcome.city.matsumoto.nagano.jp/(c) NPTA

MAP 44〈G7 Niigata Agriculture Ministers ’ Meeting〉

The beautiful six-arch Bandai
Bridge crosses the Shinano,Japan’s longest and largest
river. When spring comes,
the riverside promenade“ Ya s u r a g i Te i ” d e l i g h t svisitors with gorgeous cherry
blossoms and colorful tulips.

Matsumoto Castle

MAP 54

Senjojiki Cirque ("senjojiki" means the widthof a space where 1,000 tatami mats can beplaced) is located 2,612 meters up Mt. Kiso
Komaga-take (2,956 meters). The geographicalfeatures of this bowl-shaped area were formed
by erosion during the ice age. It is a treasure
trove of alpine plants. The walk around thecirque takes about 40 minutes.

Takato Castle Site Park

A historic townscape with house s withbeautiful latticed bay-windows. The area
called “Kimusuko” stretches along the banksof the Asano River, which runs along the footof the Utatsuyama mountains, projecting
traces of the past. The district was designatedas a National Important Preservation District
for Groups of Historic Buildings in 2001.

NIIGATA<Access> 50-minute bus ride from JR Komagane Station. Walking
distance from Senjojiki Station by ropeway.
http://www.kankou-komagane.com/alps/

One of Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues,
made with the dedicated skill of local copper
manufacturers. Started in 1907, it took 26
years to complete. The statue is also called“The most handsome man in the country”
thanks to the excellent workmanship. It is
Takaoka’s most symbolic statue.

<Access> 10-minute walk from Manyosen [Takaoka Station]
http://foreign.info-toyama.com/en/(c) NPTA

T h e g r e ate s t h ot s p r i n g r e s o r t i n
the Hokuriku region with traditional
Japanese inns facing the Kakusen
Gorge along the Daishoji River. It is said
that it was discovered by a Buddhist
priest, Gyoki, over 1,300 years ago.
In addition, the poet, Matsuo Basho,
wrote a poem praising the area.

<Access> 20-minute taxi ride from JR Kaga Onsen Station
http://www.yamanaka-spa.or.jp/global/eng/〈G7 Transport Ministers ’ Meeting in Karuizawa〉

The Hotaka Mountain Range, with an altitude of over 3,000
meters, is one of the nation’s main mountain climbing areas. The
main mountain, Mt. Hotaka-dake is comprised of Oku-Hotakadake, the third highest peak in Japan, Kita-Hotaka-dake, MaeHotaka-dake and Nishi-Hotaka-dake. The jagged mountainridges were formed by erosion during the ice age. Crowds ofclimbers visit these mountains in the summer.

MAP 42<Access> Bus ride from Hokuriku Rail Road [Hokutetsu Kanazawa Station]
http://www.pref.ishikawa.jp/siro-niwa/english/top. html

<Access> 17-minute walk from JR Soma Station

MAP 53

Yamanaka Onsen<Access> Walking distance from Fukusima Transportation [Iizaka Onsen Station]
http://www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/<Access> 10-minute walk from Nagano Electric Railway [Zenko-ji-shita Station]
http://www.zenkoji.jp/ENGLISH/about/

MAP 50

MAP 38Kenroku-en was created as the garden of the Maeda familyof the prosperous Kaga domain, and is one of the Three
Great Gardens of Japan, along with “Kairakuen” in Mito and“Korakuen” in Okayama. The garden is famous for the exquisite
beauty of seasonal transitions, and particularly for exquisite
winter scenery, as well as plum trees blossoming in white andred in the spring.

Zenko-ji, a designated National Treasure,
was constructed about 1,400 years
ago. The main hall was reconstructedin the middle of the Edo period (1707),with a majestic wooden design. Since
the Heian period, the temple has been
known for offering salvation to people
without discrimination.

Historic Villages of Gokayama

Kenroku-en Garden

One of the most famous and oldest hot springs in the Tohoku
region, called “Sabako-no-Yu” in ancient times, it is also one of
the three major hot springs in the Ohshu area along with Naruko
and Akiu. It is said that the hot spring was discovered by Prince
Yamatotakeru. It is known for its historic hot spring resort, where
the haiku master, Matsuo Basho, stopped at while working on“Oku-no-Hosomichi” in 1689.

Zenko-ji Temple

An alpine touring spot located at analtitude of 2,450 meters on a lava plateau
formed by the eruptions of Mt. Tateyama.
Views of magnificent mountains over 3,000
meters in height can be seen. The view
includes the famous Mt. Tsurugi-dake andthe three mountains of Tateyama.

Owara-Kaze-no-Bon(“Bon Dance of the Wind”) Festival

Iizaka Onsen<Access> 15-minute taxi ride from JR Miharu Station
http://www.tif.ne.jp/lang/en/

NAGANO<Access> Cable car ride from Toyama Chihou Tetsudou[Tateyama Station], get off at Murodo Station, reached by bus
http://foreign.info-toyama.com/en/< A c c e s s > 2 5 - m i n u t e by Toy a m a C h i h o u
Tetsudou from JR Kurobe-Unazuki Onsen
Station to Unazuki Onsen Station

MAP 32The Bay has been a well-known
spot for its mirages from before
the Edo period. From late March toearly June, elongated and upsidedown views of natural scenery canbe viewed from 11 am to 4 pm on aclear day when there is a light wind
and the temperature is rising.

<Access> 25-minute walk from Toyama Chihou Tetsudou [Uozu Station]
http://foreign.info-toyama.com/en/

Samurai residences run alongside a widestreet with continuous walls and large
weeping cherr y and fir trees. The solid“S a mu r a i town” c h a r ac te r i s ti c s of th ebuildings still remain from the end of the Edo
period with residential allotment areas andpremises with a main house/gate/warehouseand masugata-style (box-type) entrance.

<Access> 10-minute taxi ride from Hokuriku Rail Road [Hokutetsu Kanazawa Station]
https://www.kanazawa21.jp/en/

MAP 47

Kurobe Dam & Kurobe Gorge Railway MAP 46

Take a ride on an old-fashioned opensided car train to enjoy the views of the
Kurobe Gorge, the deepest V-shaped
valley in Japan. The Kurobe Gorge
Railway departs from Unazuki Onsen,
Toyama’s most famous hot spring spa.

Ozegahara (Oze Marshland)〈G7 Toyama Environment Ministers ’ Meeting〉

Toyama Bay Mirage(S a m u r a i R e s id e n c e )A r o u n d, g l a s s -wa ll e d m u s e u m th ato p e n e d i n 20 0 4. I t i s b u i l t w i t h t h earchitectural concept of “a museum open
to the city like a park,” aiming to provide aspace where anyone can visit anytime andencounter various experiences.

Ginzan Hot Spring

MAP 25A peak with a high point of 2,236 meters,
located on the border between Akita andYamagata prefectures. The mountain has been
worshipped in Shinto prayers since ancient
times because of its imposing figure andrepeated tumultuous eruptions that caused
concern to the local population. The mountain,
also known as “Dewa-Fuji,” is highly revered.

MAP 41
21st Century Museum ofContemporary Art, Kanazawa<Access> 30-minute walk from JR Tsuruoka Station
http://kamo-kurage.jp/english/<Access> Bus ride from JR Naruko Onsen Station
http://en.naruko.gr.jp/

MAP 21ISHIKAWAMAP 26

MAP 27This fireworks competition has been held since 1910.
Pyrotechnicians throughout the country compete in thecontest that has three categories: “Daytime Fireworks,” “Shellsize: 10” and “Creative Fireworks.” The contest is also known
as the biggest and most prestigious fireworks competition in
the country, attracting huge crowds from all over the nation
every year. The next competition will be held on August 27th,
2016.
<Access> Walking distance from JR Omagari Station<Access> Walking distance from Sendai Airport Transit [Sendai Station]

MAP 23

MAP 20<Access> 25-minute walk from JR Hiraizumi Station
http://www.chusonji.or.jp/en/

The number one Tanabata Festival in
the country, famous for its traditional
Japanese star festival eleganceand for its richness in decoration,
both of which have been passed onsince the founding period during thetime of warlord Date Masamune.
The festival is held from August 6th
through 8th every year.

Matsushima

Omagari Fireworks<Access> 25-minute walk from Kounan Tetsudou [Hirosaki Station]
http://www.en-aomori.com/

FUKUSHIMAYAMAGATA〈G7 Finance Minister and Central Bank Goveners ’ Meeting , Sendai〉

Sendai Tanabata Festival

MAP 09<Access> 55-minute bus ride from Kounan Tetsudou [Hirosaki Station]
https://www.pref.aomori.lg.jp/nature/nature/shirakami- english.html

MAP 12The traditional festivalof Goshogawara City
is about 100 years old
and originated aroundthe middle of the Meiji
period to the beginningof the Taisho period.
Floats over 22 metersin height are paradedthrough the town,
pulled by hundreds ofyoung pe ople. Eve r yyear during the festival
period from the 4th to
8th of August, TachiNeputa, about the sizeof 7-story-buildings, arepulled, enchanting thecrowds of spectators.

“Shirakami Mountains” is the general name ofa vast mountain range, covering an area fromthe southeast part of Aomori Prefecture to thenortheast part of Akita Prefecture. The majority of
the area, which totals 16,971 hectares, consists ofprimeval beech forest and has been registered asa World Heritage Site since 1993. Three quartersof the site is located in Aomori Prefecture.

Mt. Hakodate has earned a three-star rating in the “Michelin
Green Guide Japan .” It is a very popular sightseeing spot witha superb panoramic view throughout the seasons. The nightview, 334 meters up the mountain, provides fantastic andbeautiful scenery with the curve of the city lights and the bay
silhouetted with layers of mountain ranges.
<Access> 10-minute walk from Hakodate City Tram [Jujigai Station]( a 3-minute ropeway ride to the summit )http://www. hakodate.travel/en/

Cherryblossom
at Hirosaki
CastleMAP 11

A breeding ground of the Black-tailed
Gull, which is registered as a naturalmonument. Millions of gulls fly from thesouth to lay their eggs in the middle ofMarch every year. The baby gulls hatch
in April just as yellow turnip flowers areblooming. The gulls migrate south at
the end of the summer.

MAP 08

Shirakami Mountains World Heritage

MAP 03

MAP 13<Access> 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from JR Shimokita Station
http://www.en-aomori.com/<Access> 90-minute bus ride from Aoimori Railway [Hachinohe Station]
http://www.towada-kankou.jp/english/index. html

<Access> Bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station to Utoro
http://www. shiretoko. asia/world/index. html

MAP 10A number of peculiar-looking white-green
colored tuff rocks stretching along thecoast have been carved by brutal winterwinds and raging waves in the Tsugaru
Channel. The calm sea in the summer
conjures up the image of the “Pure Landof Perfect Bliss,” worthy of the name
“Hotoke-ga-ura” (the Inlet of Buddha).

<Access> 40-minute bus ride from JR Asahikawa Station
http://www5.city. asahikawa. hokkaido.jp/asahiyamazoo/

Copyright(c) Asahikawa CityIWATE

MAP 66

A stratovolcano 2,454 meters in height withmagnificent nature season after season
such as “Hane Uma”(“prancing horse”), an
artistic natural figure created by the snowthat signifies the beginning of spring, fresh
greenery in summer, vivid foliage in fall andsnow scenes in winter. The mountain isvery popular with climbers in the summer.

<Access> 25-minute bus ride from JR Sekiyama Station
http://www.myoko.tv/english/