ALLTOURS

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1. The Village Inside a Volcano

Aogashima Island, Tokyo, Japan

This remote island, administratively part of Tokyo, features a village nestled within the caldera of an active volcano, which itself sits inside a larger, older caldera.

2. Japan's Exile Island and Drumming Heartbeat

Sado Island, Niigata, Japan

Sado Island was once a place of exile for emperors and intellectuals, and later home to Japan's largest gold mine, now known for its powerful Kodo taiko drumming ensemble.

3. The Gateway to Hell and Mediums

Mount Osore, Aomori, Japan

Known as 'Fear Mountain,' this desolate volcanic landscape is believed to be one of Japan's gateways to hell, where blind spiritual mediums (itako) channel the spirits of the dead.

4. Edo-Era Town, Hidden Wires

Ouchi-juku, Fukushima, Japan

This remarkably preserved Edo-era post town maintains its thatched-roof charm by ingeniously burying all modern electricity wires underground.

5. The Valley of Vine Bridges

Iya Valley, Tokushima, Japan

Deep in Shikoku's mountains, the remote Iya Valley is famous for its perilous 'vine bridges,' historically constructed to be easily cut to deter invaders.

6. The Cemetery of Eternal Meditation

Okunoin Cemetery, Koya-san, Wakayama, Japan

This vast, ancient cemetery in Koya-san is the sacred resting place for hundreds of thousands, believed to be watched over by Kobo Daishi, who is said to be in eternal meditation.

7. Japan's Untamed Wilderness Frontier

Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido, Japan

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Shiretoko is a pristine wilderness on Hokkaido's northeastern tip, home to brown bears, Steller's sea eagles, and the indigenous Ainu people, largely accessible only by boat or on foot.

8. Ancient Port and Ghibli Inspiration

Tomo-no-ura, Hiroshima, Japan

This historic port town, with roots stretching back to ancient times and a history tied to pirates, famously inspired scenes in Studio Ghibli films like 'Ponyo.'

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