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.
10 places in Japan so beautiful it’s practically hard to take a bad picture while you’re there
When the pandemic is over…Beautiful photos of places Japan travelers want to visit after corona
Japan’s most spectacular views (and the lists behind them)
“Floating” Mt Fuji and shrine gates capture the hidden beauty of Japan【Photos】
This amazing photo of the Japan Alps only gets more beautiful the higher you look
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Ichiran releases its first-ever instant ramen!
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Princess Mononoke head magnets return, now with way to bypass blind-buy game of chance【Pics】
Japan’s favorite gyoza restaurant changes its gyoza recipe – Will gyoza life ever be the same?
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Often-overlooked castle in Japan looks so beautiful in the snow that we can’t take our eyes off it
Japan’s 10 best Ferris wheels for beautiful views, as chosen by travelers【Survey】
Nine places to take unforgettable social media photos in Japan
Japan’s beautiful new campground looks perfect for living out your Princess Mononoke fantasies
Japan chooses its top 3 night views【Photos】
This shrine in Japan looks too beautiful to exist in our world
Beautiful forest in southern Japan will spirit you away to another world
Japanese Twitter user posts beautiful photos of what may be Japan’s most picturesque shrine
Japanese photographer brings out the beauty of airports and factories in gorgeous night images
The most beautiful forest in Japan? Bijinbayashi woods are stunning in every season【Photos】
Whether you look up or down, there’s beauty all around in these “inverted world” photos from Japan
Instagram’s famous #FollowMeTo couple capture the beauty of their trip to Japan【Pics & Video】
Pre-dawn photo of Mt. Fuji looks almost too beautiful to be real
The 10 most beautiful places to see the autumn leaves in Japan, as chosen by travelers
Japan’s beautiful “suicide forest” sees increase in sightseers as it tries to shake its dark image
Leave a Reply