1.
scenic spot, place of natural beauty
A location known for its beautiful natural scenery. In Japan, certain places are officially designated as 名勝 by the government under the Cultural Properties Protection Act.
この渓谷は国の名勝に指定されている。
This gorge is designated as a national scenic spot.
日本には名勝と呼ばれる美しい場所がたくさんある。
There are many beautiful places in Japan called scenic spots.
天橋立は日本三景の一つとして知られる名勝で、毎年多くの観光客が訪れる。
Amanohashidate is a scenic spot known as one of the Three Views of Japan, visited by many tourists every year.
USAGE:
In everyday usage, 名勝 refers to any well-known scenic location. In official contexts, it refers to places designated by the Japanese government as culturally significant natural scenery under the 文化財保護法 (Cultural Properties Protection Act).
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 名勝に指定する: to designate as a scenic spot
- 国の名勝: nationally designated scenic spot
- 天然記念物・名勝: natural monument and scenic spot
- 名勝旧跡: scenic spots and historic sites
SIMILAR WORDS:
名所 is a more general and casual term for any famous place or tourist attraction, while 名勝 specifically emphasizes natural beauty and carries a more formal, literary tone. 景勝地 is another formal term for a place with outstanding scenery.