By: Alex
In Japanese, there is a term called “kyokkei,” which can be understood as “breathtakingly beautiful scenery” — something truly awe-inspiring. Seeing the end of the pandemic in sight, the Japanese travel website “Kyokkei Nihon” (Breathtaking Japan) recently held a photography competition to reignite people’s desire to travel. The theme was “The Scenic Spot I Most Want to Visit After the Pandemic Ends.” Judges selected the most outstanding works from over a thousand entries to give everyone an eye-opening virtual journey:
▲ Kumamoto Prefecture – Meoto Waterfall (Photographer: kazu.h0803)
The championship-winning photo is of Kumamoto Prefecture’s Meoto Waterfall (Meoto-no-taki, or Couple’s Falls). Located in Minamikokubu Town, Aso District, this waterfall is where the Tanohara River (the male waterfall, featured in the winning shot) meets the Odagawa River (the female waterfall). Many visitors come here to pray for successful romance and harmonious marital relationships. Surrounded by clear streams and fresh air, encountering such beautiful scenery also brings peace to the soul.
▲ Niigata Prefecture – Sea Fireflies and the Milky Way over Sado Island (Photographer: Yoshinori Ito)
Land, sea, and sky come together in this stunning runner-up photo. It was taken on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. The Milky Way above and the glowing sea fireflies below create a rare and magical view.
▲ Saga Prefecture – The Ocean Torii Gate at Uo no Kami Shrine (Photographer: Koichiro Ikeda)
At the southernmost tip of Saga Prefecture, in Tara Town, three vermilion torii gates stand in the Ariake Sea. These gates belong to Uo no Kami Shrine, a deity that guards the local waters. To this day, many fishermen visit the shrine to pray for bountiful catches and safe voyages. For the photographer who captured this image, it earned him third place.
▲ Iwate Prefecture – Wildflowers at Mt. Iwate (Photographer: Tomonori Ogawa)
Japan’s Tohoku region is known for its snowy landscapes and mountainous terrain. This fourth-place photo was taken on a plateau in Iwate Prefecture, showcasing the area’s beautiful natural scenery.
▲ Fukui Prefecture – Stream (Photographer: Ryo Hatano)
At first glance, you might think the heron in the photo is perched atop a mountain peak shrouded in morning mist. But in reality, it stands on a rock emerging from the middle of a fast-flowing river in Fukui Prefecture. This fifth-place winner evokes the feeling of classical Japanese tapestry art — where artists captured fleeting moments for future generations to admire.
These photos are not only visually stunning but also highlight nature and traditional culture. Currently, Japan still has restrictions on foreign visitors, but these are expected to be lifted soon. In fact, the organizers also selected numerous honorable mentions. Those who want to see the full list of winners can click the link. Below are some editor’s picks from the honorable mentions:
▲ Nara Prefecture – Wild Deer (Photographer: Kumi Kishimoto)
▲ Gunma Prefecture – Plateau Road (Photographer: Shinichiro Tomioka)
▲ Hokkaido – Blue Mirror of Water (Photographer: Masahiro Kimizuki)
▲ Ehime Prefecture – Yosan Line Railway (Photographer: Yoshitaka Nishimoto)
▲ Miyazaki Prefecture – Morning Glow (Photographer: Kanji Ashida)
▲ Hyogo Prefecture – Hankyu Train and Cherry Blossoms (Photographer: Kanami Takemoto)
▲ Okinawa Prefecture – Irabu Bridge (Photographer: Kendo Yatsugi)
▲ Yamanashi Prefecture – Red Fuji and Sunflowers (Photographer: Hiromi Sakata)
Source: SoraNews24, Zekkei Japan