<strong>San'in:</strong> This is Japan's least populous region, which means its sites -- like Izumo Taisha, pictured here -- are rarely crowded. Click through to learn more about this part of the country.
San'in: This is Japan's least populous region, which means its sites -- like Izumo Taisha, pictured here -- are rarely crowded. Click through to learn more about this part of the country.
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<strong>Getting there:</strong> San'in is comprised of two prefectures -- Shimane and Tottori -- on the west coast of Honshu, Japan's main island.
Getting there: San'in is comprised of two prefectures -- Shimane and Tottori -- on the west coast of Honshu, Japan's main island.
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<strong>Uradome Coast: </strong>This nine-mile expanse of national park shoreline hugs the Sea of Japan.
Uradome Coast: This nine-mile expanse of national park shoreline hugs the Sea of Japan.
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<strong>Tottori:</strong> This area is home to natural sand dunes that comprise Japan's only desertscape.
Tottori: This area is home to natural sand dunes that comprise Japan's only desertscape.
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<strong>Mount Daisen:</strong> Literally "Great Mountain," it clocks in at 5,673 feet in height.
Mount Daisen: Literally "Great Mountain," it clocks in at 5,673 feet in height.
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<strong>Kaike Onsen:</strong> Head here for the largest hot spring resort in the region.
Kaike Onsen: Head here for the largest hot spring resort in the region.
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<strong>Adachi Museum of Art:</strong> Home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, its designer intended it to be "a living painting."
Adachi Museum of Art: Home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, its designer intended it to be "a living painting."
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<strong>Nageiredo Temple:</strong> Visiting this temple is not for the faint of heart -- located on a steep cliff, travelers must have their footwear approved before attempting the journey.
Nageiredo Temple: Visiting this temple is not for the faint of heart -- located on a steep cliff, travelers must have their footwear approved before attempting the journey.
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<strong>Oki Islands:</strong> Farmers still work here among the remnants of 500-year-old stone walls.
Oki Islands: Farmers still work here among the remnants of 500-year-old stone walls.
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<strong>Matsue:</strong> This is the biggest city in San'in. It's where your journey into the region will likely begin.
Matsue: This is the biggest city in San'in. It's where your journey into the region will likely begin.
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