Nagato — Motonosumi Inari & Tsunoshima

Nagato City on the Sea of Japan coast holds two of western Japan's most-photographed spots: Motonosumi Inari Shrine, where 123 red torii gates run down a clifftop to the rocks below; and Tsunoshima Bridge, a 1,780m bridge crossing turquoise water that often gets compared to the Caribbean. Both are 2.5+ hours from Fukuoka by car — easier as part of a day tour.