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Japan's Hidden Gems

Explore the diverse landscapes of central Japan, from the experimental architecture of Yoro Park to Kengo Kuma’s glass museum in Toyama. This collection highlights the region's natural diversity, including the Mount Fuji-fed springs of Kakita River and the 76-meter Shiramizu Falls. Discover cultural landmarks such as Takayama's riverside markets and Kanazawa's contemporary art spaces, alongside the visually striking "Monet's Pond" and the high-altitude Hida Great Limestone Cave.

ajari / CC BY 2.0

21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa

The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa is a museum of contemporary art located in Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan.

z tanuki / CC BY 3.0

Miyagawa Morning Market

Operating daily along the Miyagawa River in Takayama, this market features stalls selling local crafts, farm-fresh produce, and regional snacks like sarubobo dolls and marshmallow-like owara tamaten.

inunami / CC BY 2.0

Hida Great Limestone Cave

An 800-meter illuminated cave system situated 900 meters above sea level. It features rare helictite formations and an adjacent museum housing a collection of international art and curiosities.

Moris B. Zarco / CC-BY-SA

Hida Kokubunji Temple

Hida Kokubun-ji is a Shingon-sect Buddhist temple in the Sowamachi neighborhood of the city of Takayama, Gifu, Japan.

PMS2718 / CC BY-SA 3.0

Snow Monkey Park

Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Japan.

Bariston / CC BY-SA 3.0

Shirotori Garden

A vast Japanese-style garden, full of streams and small ponds with flocks of waterbirds that you can feed with your children.

Alpsdake / CC BY-SA 3.0

Shiramizu Falls

Fed by the emerald waters of Lake Hakusui, this 76-meter waterfall in Gifu Prefecture is named for its white appearance caused by the high mineral content of the water.

lienyuan lee / CC BY 3.0

Hirayu Waterfall

A 64-meter high waterfall located near Hirayu Onsen. It is recognized as one of Japan’s top 100 waterfalls and hosts an annual ice festival in February when the cascade freezes solid.

Asturio Cantabrio / CC BY-SA 4.0

富山市ガラス美術館

Designed by architect Kengo Kuma, this museum features a striking wood-and-glass interior. It houses contemporary glass artworks, including a permanent installation by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

金沢市 / CC BY 2.1 jp

Shinise Kinenkan Museum

This building formerly housed a pharmacy that belonged to one of Kanazawa’s most respected families.

Nankou Oronain (as36… / CC BY-SA 3.0

The Site of Reversible Destiny Yoro Park

An immersive architectural park created by Shusaku Arakawa and Madeline Gins. The site uses extreme slopes and disorienting structures to challenge physical perception and balance.

Qurren / CC BY-SA 3.0

Kakita River Park

This park features observation decks over deep blue spring vents that discharge over a million tons of Mount Fuji meltwater daily into the Kakita River.

s_sagano / CC0

モネの池

A crystal-clear spring-fed pond at Nemichi Shrine, famous for its striking resemblance to Claude Monet's "Water Lilies" series. It features colorful koi swimming among aquatic plants.