Japanese word

名所

Pronunciation

Romajimeisho

Meaning

  • nounplace of interest

Example

この町の名所を案内します。ko no machi no mei sho o an nai shi ma su

I will show you the sights in this town.

Illustration for 名所 (place of interest)

More examples

春には桜の名所として多くの人が訪れます。haru ni wa sakura no mei sho to shi te ō ku no hito ga otozu re ma su

Many people visit it in spring to see its famous cherry blossoms.

Core concept

Describes a notable place that people associate with a particular area and visit as part of its attractions.

Common phrases

  • 名所を案内するmei sho o an nai su ru

    show someone a place of interest

  • 名所を訪れるmei sho o otozu re ru

    visit a place of interest

  • 名所を巡るmei sho o megu ru

    tour places of interest

Similar words

観光地kankōchi: A place that people visit for tourism, whether or not it is a particular landmark.
観光スポットkankōsupotto: A popular place or site promoted as an attraction for tourists.
見どころmidokoro: A notable feature or place in an area that is worth seeing.
景勝地keishōchi: A place known for its beautiful and impressive natural scenery.

Definition in Japanese

その土地を代表するものとして知られ、多くの人が訪れる場所。so no to chi o dai hyō su ru mo no to shi te shi ra re ō ku no hito ga otozu re ru ba sho

Word origin

名所 (meisho) is a compound of 名 (mei, "name" or "fame") and 所 (sho, "place"), joining the ideas of renown and location.

Usage tips

  • A guidebook may group several 名所 (meisho) around one town, so the word can refer to local attractions rather than only one nationally famous site.

Other meanings

  • famous placenoun
  • tourist attractionnoun

Word lists with this word