Whether you need to find breathtaking visuals for a website or pamphlet, or just want to lose yourself in the natural beauty of Japan, this is the place to do it.
There’s a bit of irony to Photo METI, a website recently started by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry. The goal of the project is to create a collection of images covered by a creative commons agreement, so that they can easily be used by individuals and organizations in promoting how beautiful and alluring Japan is, with the eventual hope of boosting the number of overseas visitors to the country.
But on the other hand, some of the photos available on the site are so jaw-droppingly gorgeous that you might not be able to tear yourself away from your monitor long enough to get on the plane.
▼ Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture
▼ Koishikawa Korakuen Garden, Tokyo
▼ Shinkaisansha Shrine, Nagano Prefecture
As with any photo tour of Japan, you’ll see towering castles, majestic Mt. Fuji, and humble rice fields on Photo METI.
▼ Himeji Castle, Hyogo Prefecture
▼ Hogashi Ushirobata, Yamaguchi Prefecture
▼ Kumamoto Prefecture
▼ Suruga Bay, Shizuoka
But there are some surprises waiting inside the image collection as well, with stunning views from locations that don’t always show up on foreign tourists’ itineraries.
▼ Kurushima Kaikyo Bridge, Ehime Prefecture
▼ Amaharashi Beach, Toyama Prefecture
▼ Yugawara Plum Grove, Kanagawa Prefecture
▼ Kotohira Shrine, Kagawa
▼ Shuzenji, Shizuoka Prefecture
Photo METI even presents generally unseen sides of some of Japan’s most heavily traveled regions. Who know, for example, that Kyoto had this kind of rugged scenery within its borders?
▼ Tateiwa, Kyoto
▼ Kumihama Bay, Kyoto
The site is still in the process of growing, and is also seeking contributions from photographers willing to share their images. If you’re interested in seeing more or contributing shots of your own, the Photo METI website can be found here.
Related: Photo METI
Source: PhotoshopVIP via Japaaan
Top image: Photo METI (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: Photo METI
Follow Casey on Twitter, where he’s thinking it’s about time he packed his suitcase and started visiting some of the places shown in these photos that he hasn’t been to yet.
Blackboard art contest produces entries that will take your breath away
Following powerful earthquake in northern Japan, all Hokkaido payphones are now free to use
Real-life sake brands become handsome anime boys who promise to “get you drunk” for new series
Volcanoes, castles and more: 10 of Japan’s best drone-shot videos to give you wanderlust【Video】
Looking for places to visit in Tokyo? Check out this trendy new website, 100 Tokyo!
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Skirt that will make cat cafe cats love you supposedly found at Uniqlo’s sister brand
Chiikawa lucky bag required a four-month wait, but was it worth it?【Photos】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Starbucks Japan releases a special tea latte to celebrate the Year of the Snake
Take a toothbrush with you to Butakin for this daring mixed noodles with chives dish
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Ghibli Park puts up Christmas trees and decorations, invites fans to “come search for Christmas”
Miniature keychain versions of Japan’s Death Spray are coming to capsule toy machines soon
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Studio Ghibli coasters keep your drinks hot and your heart warm this winter
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Sushi Bears restaurant opens in Tokyo, offers exactly what its name promises【Photos】
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
We try super rare Shizuoka food souvenirs in the form of blue gelato and purple baumkuchen
Japanese Twitter shows reality of living in snowy Hokkaido, and it’s magical
The top 10 universities in Japan determined by 2021 World University Rankings
Low-cost Japanese inn welcomes foreign guests with hot springs, sake tastings, cosplay backdrops
Kobayashi Kiyochika expertly captures light and shadow in these gorgeous ukiyo-e prints 【Art】
Travelers’ misguided attempt to earn good luck is damaging Japan’s most famous torii shrine gate
Tokyo Revengers anime/manga takes over Tokyo Station with dozens of character posters【Photos】
We learned how to make a calligraphy brush from the masters of Kumanofude in Hiroshima
Volunteers cleaned up 45 tons of garbage from Manila Bay beach, restored it to its former glory
Japanese prefecture that named a Pokémon as its governor to install 16 new Pokémon manholes
Rainy day in Kyoto creates amazing photo of sakura above, below, and all around
Japanese photographer captures the beauty of Kyoto in the snow 【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji Hongan Temple opens a cafe, breakfast set has 16 side dishes!
Mikan Gohan: Japanese soul food or…Japanese myth?
Pets get mouse ear makeovers thanks to trending app in Japan
Leave a Reply