["Find Japan’s Treasures"] A Chance to Win Airline Tickets! Discover the Hidden Charms of Japan's Local Areas

Oboke, a remote area surrounded by a breathtaking 8-kilometer gorge lined with massive and unusual rock formations, offers a glimpse into a side of Japan that is both mysterious and captivating. The region is rich in folklore, with stories of yokai (mythical creatures) helping to preserve the memory of past natural disasters and accidents. Visitors can explore a village inhabited by 350 scarecrows modeled after real villagers, and learn about unique traditional crafts like the "Yusanbako," intricately crafted lunch box made entirely without nails. Immerse yourself in the intriguing cultural heritage of this mystical local area.

Kushimoto, home to the World Heritage Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Ocean, is the only designated subtropical region on Honshu. The area enjoys a warm climate for most of the year, allowing you to fully appreciate the dynamic landscapes that change with the movement of the sun from morning to night, as well as the breathtaking starry skies. Don’t forget to check out souvenirs like the top-quality Binchotan charcoal, invented over 300 years ago by Wakayama merchants.

Located in the south-central part of Fukuoka, the town of Tanushimaru is renowned as the birthplace of the Kyoho grape, a Japanese grape variety. To share the sweetness and juiciness of Kyoho with the world, a winery nestled in lush natural surroundings was established. This winery handles everything from grape cultivation to wine production and sales, and it has now grown into one of Japan's leading fruit wine brands. Don't miss the chance to taste the exquisite wine made from Kyoho, often referred to as the "king of grapes."

Nara, an ancient capital lined with historic temples and shrines, is also home to the nationally protected deer. Among its attractions, Naramachi, the former precinct of the World Heritage site Gangoji Temple, stands out as a tourist destination where the historical townscape remains beautifully preserved. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you'll find unique, specialized shops, such as herbal medicine stores that have long been trusted by locals for their remedies and sock shops catering to those seeking solutions for foot problems—places you won't easily find elsewhere.