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!
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】
Flying dango: Unique tourist site where Japanese sweets are flown to you over a gorge
Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam【Photos】
Japanese Twitter user shares a genius-level tip for drawing manga characters in skirts【Pics】
The best Japanese cosplayers from Day 4 of Winter Comiket 2019【Photos】
Made In Japan Fender Limited Edition Hello Kitty Stratocaster now on sale in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Official Totoro reclining sofa makes naps on the Ghibli star’s tummy a real-life option【Photos】
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Tokyo park’s sea of clouds, nighttime illumination, and cosplay days make now perfect time to visit
Samurai ritual suicide contest cancelled by organizer in west Japan
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
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
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
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