TOTTORI

While Japan may have an image as a land of trains and modern technology, the nation's 34 national parks offer a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered.

From June hydrangeas to September spider lilies, here are 30 reasons for flower fans to fall in love with Japan's 34 flower-filled national parks!

With nearly 10 pounds of premium Japanese beef at a price of US$3,000, there’s no room for any vegetables here.

There are over a dozen places where you can paraglide across Japan. Most are located in the central regions, but there are also paragliding options in Hokkaido and the southern islands if you know where to look!

Ditch Tokyo and Kyoto to explore the region that combines Tottori and Shimane Prefectures: San'in.

Japan has a desert? That's right! The Tottori Sand Dunes are Japan's largest desert, a 16 kilometer by 2 kilometer (9.9 x 1.2 mi) strip of sand located on the Sea of Japan.

Those sand dunes aren't in Hawaii, Australia or the Middle East—they're on the west coast of Japan!

Head to Tottori for bunny-ear 'omamori'—or 'ema' plaques in the shape of spirits from 'GeGeGe no Kitaro'! And if you've got a memory you'd rather put in the past, why not just set it afloat? Find out how!