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名所 (めいしょ, meisho) Japanese meaning: famous place | Kotomora

名めい所しょ

め

い

しょ

Common word›JLPTN2›Freq.FrequencyTop 20,000

Meanings

1

famous place; noted place; sightseeing spot

Refers to a well-known location, typically for its scenic beauty, historical significance, or cultural value. Often used in travel contexts.

京きょう都とにはたくさんの名めい所しょがあります。

There are many famous places in Kyoto.

この町まちの名めい所しょを案あん内ないしてもらえますか。

Could you show me the sights of this town?

Usage patterns

〈物もの〉の名めい所しょとして知しられるto be known as a famous spot for something (e.g. cherry blossoms)
ここは桜さくらの名めい所しょとして知しられている。
This place is known as a famous spot for cherry blossoms.
名めい所しょを訪おとずれるto visit a famous place
旅りょ行こう中ちゅうに京きょう都との名めい所しょをいくつか訪おとずれた。
During the trip I visited several famous places in Kyoto.
名めい所しょを巡めぐるto tour around famous places
バスで市し内ないの名めい所しょを巡めぐるツアーに参さん加かした。
I joined a bus tour that went around the city's famous sights.

Expressions

歌か人じんは居いながらにして名めい所しょを知しるpoets can stay in one place and still know all the famous sights

Kanji

名name, noted, distinguished
所place, extent

Related words

観かん光こう地ちN3
観光地 highlights a place developed for tourism, while 名所 stresses that the place itself is famous for its scenery or history.
名めい勝しょう
名勝 is a formal, often officially designated term for a scenic spot, whereas 名所 is the everyday word for any well‑known place.
観かん光こうスポットN3
名所 is a traditional, often historically or scenically famous place, whereas 観光スポット is a modern, casual term for any place worth visiting.
景けい勝しょう
名所 is any famous place (historical, cultural, or scenic), whereas 景勝 refers specifically to beauty of natural scenery.
史し跡せき
名所 is a famous or scenic spot that need not have historical importance, while 史跡 specifically denotes a place valued for its history.

Opposites

穴あな場ばN1
名所 is a well-known, famous place that everyone visits, the opposite of 穴場, which is a hidden gem known only to a few.

Don't confuse with

ランドマーク
ランドマーク is a recognizable feature used mainly for orientation, whereas 名所 is a place famous for its scenery, history, or attractions, not necessarily for wayfinding.
アトラクションN1
名所 is a famous sightseeing spot or place, while アトラクション is a specific attraction or feature designed to entertain visitors within a venue.

Word family

名めい所しょ旧きゅう跡せき
places of scenic beauty and historical interest; famous scenic spots and historic sites
名めい所しょ古こ跡せき
scenic sites and historic places
観かん光こう名めい所しょ
sightseeing spot; tourist attraction

Etymology

Compound of 名 (めい, 'name, fame') and 所 (しょ, 'place'). The straightforward kanji meaning reflects a place that has gained a name or reputation.