Hayao Miyazaki’s animation has touched the hearts of old and young time and time again. The films produced by his incomparable Studio Ghibli often depict beautiful countryside scenes, some of which were inspired by real hills and mountains in Japan.
Because of its location on the Ring of Fire, Japan has more than 100 volcanoes—making it a top destination for those interested in these powerful symbols of danger and beauty.
While travelers tend to be drawn to Japan's major cities, there's much to be savored in its quiet countryside, where a different, deeper kind of beauty awaits.
Michelin has some great ideas about where to travel, and their recommendations for Okinawa do not disappoint.
The Michelin Guide is known widely as a rating system for restaurants, but that's not the only type of guidebook created by Michelin. They also produce tourism guidebooks for worldwide travel destinations—great for shutterbugs looking for a fresh angle!
Before you have to hop on your plane, stop by one of these 20 restaurants to fill up on Japanese cuisine!
Take the new Hokuriku Shinkansen to visit the splendidly preserved, Michelin three-starred Gokayama village in Toyama Prefecture. If you want to get away from it all and be surrounded by nature and heritage, Gokayama is for you.
Michelin's Green Guides rate local attractions other than restaurants and hotels, which are covered in its Red Guides. Take a look at what the Michelin Green Guide has to say about beautiful Okinawa!
