観光名所
kankō meisho
The English phrase "tourist attraction" is translated into Japanese as 観光名所 (kankō meisho).
The term is used to describe a location of interest to tourists.
Meaning: location of interest to tourists (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a compound of 観光 (kankō), meaning "sightseeing" and 名所 (meisho), meaning "famous place".
Which one should you use?
While 観光名所 is a standard way to say tourist attraction, 観光地 is also used to mean tourist attraction. If you want to specifically refer to famous places and historic sites of interest, you should use 名所・旧跡.
How do you pronounce it?
kankō meisho
Did you know?
- When visiting a 名所 (meisho), you may encounter the concept of 御朱印 (goshuin), which are special stamps found at many religious tourist attractions that serve as beautiful, calligraphic souvenirs.
- Some of the most popular 名所 in Japan are 'power spots' (パワースポット), locations believed to concentrate spiritual energy from the earth or cosmos.
- If a tourist attraction is particularly hidden or unknown, Japanese might use the term 穴場 (anaba), which refers to a 'secret hideout' or a 'hidden gem'.
Examples in context
- その地域には多くの観光地があります。There are many tourist attractions in that area.
- 東京には多くの人気の観光スポットがあります。Tokyo has many popular tourist spots.
- 名所・旧跡に興味があります。I am interested in famous places and historic sites.
- この辺りにはたくさんの観光スポットがあるよ。There are many tourist spots around here.
- 京都は観光名所がたくさんあります。Kyoto has many famous tourist spots.
- ここは有名な観光名所です。Koko wa yuumeina kankou meisho desu.This is a famous tourist attraction.
- この街の観光名所を教えてください。Kono machi no kankou meisho o oshiete kudasai.Please tell me the tourist attractions in this town.
Example conversation
Yui and Kenta are planning a trip to a new city.
- 結衣 Yuiどこかおすすめの観光名所はある？Dokoka osusume no kankou meisho wa aru?Are there any recommended tourist attractions?
- 健太 Kenta古いお寺が一番の観光名所だよ。Furui otera ga ichiban no kankou meisho da yo.The old temple is the best tourist attraction.
- 結衣 Yui健太君の意見はいつも頼りになるね。Kenta-kun no iken wa itsumo tayori ni naru ne.Your opinions are always reliable, Kenta.
- 健太 Kentaもっと他の観光名所も調べておくよ。Motto hoka no kankou meisho mo shirabete oku yo.I will look up more other tourist attractions too.
