Hayao Miyazaki, one of the most famous and influential anime directors of all time, has created many classic anime films such as Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, and Howl's Moving Castle.

Cherry blossoms, or sakura, are a national symbol of Japan and are celebrated each spring with picnics and festivals.

The Hakone Open-Air Museum is a sculpture park located in Hakone, a scenic mountainous region near Tokyo.