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Fushimi Inari Taisha: Shrine; Kyoto Kyoutoshi Fushimi-ku Fukakusa Yabunouchi cho 68

This shrine in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City, is the head of all Inari Shrines in Japan, which total to around 30,000 shrines. The shrine is particularly famous for its vermillion lacquered Torii gate tunnels, as well as to parishioners visiting the god for business, harvest, and fortune. Many of the buildings on the grounds are also painted with brilliant vermillion lacquer including the front shrine, main shrine, and tower gate, which has been designated an Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The torii gate corridor, said to consist of several thousand to 10,000 torii gates, twists and turns making it quite the spectacle. Beyond that is the rear shrine as well as the entrance to Mt. Inari-san which is dotted with countless small burial mounds. It is one of the most famous spots in the Kansai region to visit for the annual New Year Shrine Visit and draws huge numbers of visitors every year.

Dotonbori: Street; Osaka Osakashi Chuou-ku Doutombori

Dotonbori’s famous Glico sign seems to be peering into the Dotonbori River; meanwhile, a giant crab sign moves in a perpetual dance. Crowded with restaurants and lined with giant signs, Dotonbori is a bustling entertainment district where visitors can truly experience Osaka—the city of kuidaore (extravagant eating). Have a bite at a shop selling kushiage (fried vegetable and meat skewers) or okonomiyaki (savory pancakes filled with meat and vegetables), Osaka specialties. Or spend a day visiting the various takoyaki (octopus dumplings) or butaman (steamed pork bun) restaurants. Day and night, this lively thoroughfare is frequented by great numbers of tourists.

Tokyo Tower: Observation Tower; Tokyo Minato-ku Shibakouen 4-2-8

This is a full-purpose radio tower in Shiba Park in Minato City, Tokyo. The tower began operating in 1958, and has remained as a landmark symbol of Tokyo, receiving many tourists from both in and out of Japan every year. Reaching 333 meters at its apex, the tower has a main observation deck at 150 meters, and a top deck at 250 meters, providing a panoramic view of the greater Tokyo area. The lighting of the tower, changed seasonally in various colors, is popular with many. A commercial complex, the Foot Town, is arrayed with souvenir, character goods, and eatery shops at the base of the tower.