4 Magnificent West Japan Views That Won a Photo Contest

The Tottori Sand Dunes are grandiose coastal dunes facing the Sea of Japan. They are characterized by large undulations, hollows, and beautiful patterns called "wind ripples" created by winds from the Sea of Japan. They were designated a National Natural Monument in 1955 and a National Park in 1963.

To capture the grandeur of the Tottori Sand Dunes with your camera, try placing a person in the distance, as shown in the photo above, to convey the immense scale.

Many travel brochures and guides feature images of the dunes displaying wavy striped patterns. This phenomenon occurs when three conditions are met: ①there are winds strong enough to move the sand, ②the sand is dry enough, and ③the sand is loose and uncompacted.

The Tottori Sand Dunes offer abundant outdoor fun, including sandboarding, paragliding, and camel riding. Why not enjoy some thrilling adventures while taking in the scenery?

The best times to visit are early morning when there are few footprints and the wind ripples remain pristine, sunset when the sky glows orange, and winter when the contrast between the silver-white dunes and the blue sky and sea is breathtaking. Come witness the ever-changing beauty of the Tottori Sand Dunes with your own eyes!

Yokoyama Observatory is a viewpoint where you can take in the stunning scenery of 60 islands floating in Ago Bay as well as its indented coastline all at once from 140 meters above sea level.

For the best shots, we recommend wearing brightly colored clothing. The expansive blue sky and sea, combined with the green mountains, will make your photos pop and turn out beautifully.

Right next to the viewing platform sits the cafe "Mirador Shima," where you can enjoy drinks and light meals. Why not take a break while enjoying the spectacular view?

In addition to Yokoyama Observatory, several other observation decks are in the area, with well-maintained walking trails connecting each viewpoint. This allows you to hike while taking in the beautiful natural scenery. Why not visit each one to view Ago Bay from different vantage points? We also recommend visiting at various times throughout the day - early morning, midday, and evening - to experience the changing beauty.

The Tanize Suspension Bridge is Japan's longest suspension bridge used by the public on a regular basis. Spanning 297 meters in length and standing 54 meters high, it connects the areas of Uenoji and Tanize. Surrounded by towering mountains with the crystal-clear Totsukawa River flowing below, this is truly a spectacular location worth seeing.

You can experience heart-stopping thrills as the bridge sways with each step and catch glimpses of the river through gaps between the planks underfoot. While crossing the swaying bridge requires courage, the breathtaking scenery created by the mountains that line the valley and the beautiful river flowing far below can only be witnessed from this unique vantage point.

In December 1993, Himeji Castle was registered as Japan’s first World Cultural Heritage site, together with Nara’s Horyuji Temple. The recognition highlighted its exceptional beauty and the remarkable preservation of structures such as the main keep, turrets, gates, and moats. It is especially esteemed as a prime example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture, showcasing the nation’s distinctive castle structure and ingenious defensive design at the time.

Its beautiful white plaster walls stand out brilliantly against the blue sky during the day, but the castle also offers varied expressions at other times of the day - early morning, evening, and even nighttime when it is lit up in light. It is still very much loved by many people today. The photo above was taken from the summit of Otokoyama Haisuiike Park in the early morning, a popular spot for viewing Himeji Castle in its entirety.

During spring from late March to early April, cherry blossoms bloom in full glory, creating a vivid spectacle of pink flowers against the white walls of the castle.

Himeji Castle is also known as "Shirasagi-jo " (White Heron Castle) for its appearance against the blue sky, which resembles a white heron taking flight from water.

There are only 12 castles in Japan that still retain their original keeps, and Himeji Castle is one of them. While construction took eight years, the exact number of workers involved is unknown. However, calculations based on historical records suggest that approximately 24 million people were mobilized for this massive undertaking. The main keep weighs about 5,700 tons and stands 31.5 meters tall, demonstrating the castle's impressive scale.

Did you find a place in this article that you'd like to visit on your next trip to Japan? West Japan offers a diverse array of soul-stirring landscapes. The peaceful scenes of deserted early mornings, the refreshing views of midday, the magical sights of nighttime... each one is sure to become an unforgettable travel memory.

“Worth the Visit! My Favorite KANSAI Photo Contest” was organized by the EXPO2025KANSAI Tourism Council in collaboration with Tokyo Camera Club. 14 winning photos were selected by region from countless submissions on social media between April 21 and June 30, 2025. Each winner captures the unique charms of Kansai in their own way.

When you look at the landscapes captured in these images, you may find yourself wanting to visit the locations in person. Find your favorite photos and then set out to see them with your own eyes and camera!