It's surprisingly little-known of Tottori Prefecture that the region is home to beautiful starry skies that see it rank number one in Japan as the place to easily view stars.

Tottori Prefecture has even garnered the moniker "Hoshitori-ken" to remind people that when they look up at the night sky here it's almost as if one can reach out and touch the stars, they appear so clearly.

Viewing the starry skies from the magnificent Tottori Sand Dunes makes for a remarkable experience. Viewing from the Sora no Eki - Saji Astro Park observatory in Saji-cho, Tottori City, also comes recommended.

Saji Astro Park is one of Japan's leading public observatories - equipped with a large 103-cm (aperture) telescope, planetarium, and even lodging that comes with its own telescope.

The park is a place where people of all ages and backgrounds can escape the city to bask in the majesty of the stars and the universe.

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Located on the central slopes of the mountain Sakureizan, Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture, the "Forest of Kankyogeijyutsu" has been established over a period of nearly 30 years. The area is about an hour's drive from central Karatsu or central Saga.

The area's small waterfalls, gurgling streams, and collections of natural stones are exquisite. In autumn the leaves of more than 10,000 trees dye the valley in crimson and green-tinged yellow.

A much-talked-about "reflection" of the landscape can be seen from inside a mountain lodge on the premises and is open to the public for viewing only during the autumn foliage season and the shinryoku season in spring.

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Rurikoji Temple's Five-storied Pagoda, in Yamaguchi City, is one of about 40 five-storied pagodas in Japan, and is designated as a National Treasure due to its beauty. Along with those at Horyuji Temple in Nara and Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, Rurikoji's pagoda is considered as one of the three most famous pagodas in Japan.

During the Muromachi period Moriharu Ouchi (a local clan leader) ordered the construction of the pagoda to mourn the loss of his brother, Yoshihiro. The pagoda has since become one of Yamaguchi Prefecture's must-visit spots.

Spring cherry blossoms, seasonal autumn leaves, and illumination events such as a shimmering corridor of lamps mean that Rurikoji's Five-storied Pagoda can be enjoyed in various and fascinating guises throughout the year.

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Mt. Yudono, rising to an altitude of 1500m, is a location sacred to Shugendo and comes with the rule that one should not speak of, or ask about the area. Even some 1400 years after people began visiting the mountain, the area remains a place of mystery.

Together with Mt. Haguro and Mt. Gassan, Mt. Yudono is one of the three mountains that make up the Dewasanzan. Yudono has a gentle ridgeline which runs along the southwestern flank of Mt. Gassan.

When autumn comes around the mountains are surrounded by colorful, beautiful autumn leaves which, combined with the sense of mystery, make the area even more enchanting.

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During the autumn season the moon can be seen large and clear in the night sky. This autumn moon has long been an object of affection in Japan.

While watching the seasonal moon and eating dango, decorated with pampas grass and made to represent the moon, thanks are given for the autumn harvest.

There is also a legend in Japan that tells of rabbits making mochi rice balls on the moon. So, next time you're looking up at the moon on a clear autumn night, try to see if you can spot what looks like a rabbit on the surface!

Odyssey Japan Cooking