Nagoya Castle is where the Tokugawa shogun made their home for over 250 years up until 1868, the year in which Japan’s partial isolation from the West came to an end with the beginning of the Meiji period. The castle was nearly destroyed in bombing raids of 1945 and authentically rebuilt only in 2018.

Even if you have to climb to get to this memorial, you will be rewarded with the enchanting view when finally reach your goal. Monumento ai Caduti was built between 1927-1930, in memory of the fallen of the World War I.

The enchanting Kiso Valley, nestled in the heart of Japan, is a timeless treasure, where history breathes through its ancient pathways and rustic architecture. Four centuries ago, the picturesque villages of Magome and Tsumago served as crucial staging posts along the 500 km Nakasendo Highway, where feudal warlords journeyed annually to Edo (now Tokyo). Today, these villages retain their historic charm, with Magome seamlessly blending modern amenities with its traditional core, easily accessible by rail and bus from Nagoya. As you step onto the broad foot trail of 'old' Magome, the echoes of the past resonate, transporting you to an era untouched by time.

Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga or The Olgas, is similar to Uluru but different in shape. Lying only about 365 km southwest of Alice Springs, it is — compared to its 'sibling' Uluru — only a stone's throw away, and definitely worth a visit. Once a single piece of rock, the Olgas are now made up of 36 domed formations that have weathered over millions of years. Admire the impressive rocks from afar, for example, by taking the Valley of the Winds walk — a looped trail with fantastic viewpoints. You can walk right through the grooves for some stunning vistas and fewer crowds.