Munakata Taisha shrine stands in Munakata, in northern Fukuoka. Munakata Shrine, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2017, is the collective name of a trio of shrines that worship the three daughters of Amaterasu Oomikami -- the Sun Goddess. The three shrines are Hetsumiya Shrine of Tajima, Okitsumiya Shrine of Okinoshima, and Nakatsumiya Shrine of Oshima. Munakata Taisha shrine is situated along a sea route that has linked the Korean Peninsula and Kyushu Island since ancient times, and is said to protect sea travelers. The shrine holds its annual Mi-are Festival during the first three days of October to pray for maritime safety. Huge crowds gather to watch hundreds of boats stage a parade across the ocean.

Toreiyu Tsubasa is a tourist train in northern Japan servicing Fukushima Station in Fukushima Prefecture and Shinjyo Station in Yamagata Prefecture. It’s Japan’s first ever resort-themed bullet train. “Toreiyu” derives from the English word train (pronounced torein in Japanese) and the French word soleil (pronounced soreiyu in Japanese), meaning the sun. This train ride is designed with the aim to deliver an experience similar to a stroll through a hot spring town, with delicious Yamagata meals cooked from sun-blessed ingredients. One of the bullet train’s main attractions is the foot bath located in the sixteenth car, where passengers can enjoy the scenery while taking a relaxing foot bath. This is a limited experience for travelers who purchased a package tour from the travel agency "View". The train has reserved tatami-seatings and a bar stocked with locally brewed Yamagata sake, and freshly squeezed juices. These offer a Japanese-styled space for you to enjoy a variety of offered refreshments. Passengers who purchase the “Toreiyu Tsubasa local tour package” are treated with an exclusive lunch box. The lunch box highlights Yamagata’s local ingredients, such as Yonezawa beef, which is breaded and deep fried into a minced meat patty, and fried chicken made from a Yamagata brand poultry called Sakurambo-dori.

Kansendo-so-honten, in Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture, is a traditional Japanese confectionary maker that was founded in 1879. The confectionary maker carries various seasonal sweets, besides Gifu’s famed ayu-gashi confectionary. One of the most popular items is it’s mini-sized ayu-gashi, which is about 5cm long, about the size of one's thumb. It is said to be Gifu’s smallest ayu-gashi, and its appeal lies in its adorable size and shape. The "gyuhi" rice paste filling is seasonaly rotated, making this sweet an ideal seasonal gift or a present for family and friends back home. Kansendo-so-honten also sells matcha green tea, which is a great companion to Japanese sweets.

Ryokusui-an Kagashima shop in Gifu City is one of seven stores in Gifu, operated by the Japanese confectionary maker Ryokusui-an. Among the various Japanese sweets on offer, one of the most popular items is the Hi-ayu -- a small fish-shaped sponge cake filled with sweet "gyuhi" rice paste. The soft and moist castella pancake is made with different eggs according to the season. Hi-ayu is available in various flavors, such as plain, strawberry, blueberry and green tea. The shop has an eating-in area, where visitors can enjoy the fish-shaped treats with matcha green tea and other refreshments that go well with Japanese confectionary.

Manzamo in Onna-son village, in central Okinawa Prefecture, is an approximately 20m high limestone cliff facing the East China Sea. It’s one of Okinawa’s most picturesque locations and is designated a natural monument by the Okinawa government. Manzamo’s name is said to be derived by comments made by the Ryukyu King Shokei, who praised the grassy plain as big enough to accommodate 10-thousand people. The highlights of this spot are the elephant trunk-shaped-rock that hangs below the cliff, and the blue, crystal clear ocean that projects the rock's mirror-like reflection. The walking trail has a sweeping view of the East China sea, and is sure to be a refreshing change of pace during your trip. Be sure to bring something to wear on top to protect yourself from the strong sea breeze. About a 5-minute drive from Manzamo will take you to a popular gift shop called Okashi-goten, or the palace of sweets. Visitors can try their hands at making Okinawa’s famous purple sweet potato tarts, or observe the factory line.

Sunayama Beach lies in northern Miyako Island, Okinawa Prefecture. It’s one of the island’s best known beaches. The name "Sunayama" appropriately means "sandy hill". Upon climbing a short sandy hill to arrive to this beach, you will be greeted by the magnificent beauty of white sand and the deep blue ocean. The place is synonymous with the towering arch-shaped rock on the beach, which was sculpted by elevated coral reefs. With this majestic monument crafted by nature itself, and the sweeping backdrop of sea and sky, Sunayama beach boasts a breathtaking view like no other. The beach also faces west, giving it a great view of the sunset. The massive 3,450m-long Irabu Oohashi bridge is located about a 15-minute drive away. It’s a wonderful place for a refreshing drive while enjoying the ocean view. Parking spots are available along the bridge if you wish to take photos in the middle of the ocean.