Mt. Ōjigatake (王子が岳) is a mountain with various oddly shaped rocks on the border between the two cities, Tamano (玉野) and Kurashiki (倉敷) in Okayama Prefecture. The view of the Seto Inland Sea along the hiking trail and from the summit is what makes the mountain a popular spot among the locals. This is especially […]
Mt. Ōjigatake and the Weird Smiley Rock at the Summit Read More »
Miyama Park (みやま公園) in Tamano City is an enormous park that boasts a size of more than 200 hectares. It hosts 150,000 trees spanning more than 300 species, including plums, camellias, azaleas, maples, and about 7,000 cherry trees that bloom one after another throughout the year!
Miyama Park – The Best Park in Tamano City Read More »
Located in the western part of Iwate Prefecture in northeast Japan, Appi Kōgen (安比高原) is an alluringly beautiful place for relaxing walks along the plateau from spring to autumn. When the region transforms into a winter wonderland, many flocks to Appi Kōgen for skiing or snowboarding on its high-quality snow because Appi Ski Resort is
Appi Kōgen – The Biggest Resort in Northeast Japan Read More »
Tamagawa Onsen (玉川温泉) in Akita Prefecture is a special hot spring resort. It consists of two ryokans (traditional Japanese inns) nestled in the mountains of Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Why is it special? Because it is ranked number one for both the acidity of the spring at pH1.2 and the amount of spring water gushing out
Tamagawa Onsen – Japan’s Best Onsen Town for Recuperation Read More »
Just minutes from JR Akita Station, Senshū Park (千秋公園) isn’t just another park you can find in Japan. In the park, you will find a castle, a tea ceremony tea house, three shrines, a museum, an art gallery, and even a library! What is even more awesome is that the castle has been recognized as one
Senshū Park – An Unusual Castle Park in Akita City Read More »
Hachimantai (八幡平) in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) is a magnificent patch of nature on the prefectural border between Iwate (岩手) and Akita (秋田). While the fall foliage scenery is better on the Akita side of Hachimantai, the summit of Mt. Hachimantai and many of the natural wonders are located in Iwate prefecture.
Hachimantai – The Dragon Eye and the Amazing Natural Wonders Read More »
If you like hot springs, instead of the Hahcimantai Aspite Line, take the Hachimantai Jukai Line (八幡平樹海ライン) to the summit of Mt. Hachimantai. As the name of the highway suggests, this highway passes through Hachimantai’s virgin forest. Along the road, you are accompanied by the magnificent view of Mt. Iwate. The scenery along this drive
Hachimantai Jukai Line: The Stunning Motorway and the Onsen Read More »
If you plan to rent a car and explore Iwate Prefecture‘s nature, consider putting Hachimantai (八幡平) on your itinerary. The mountainous area in Towada-Hachimantai National Park (十和田八幡平国立公園) offers breathtaking scenery and is a perfect destination for hiking and trekking. One of the ways to get to the summit is Hachimantai Aspite Line (八幡平アスピーテライン). In fact,
Hachimantai Aspite Line: The Most Scenic Drive in Iwate Read More »
Nyūtō Onsen (乳頭温泉郷) is a rural hot spring resort in Akita Prefecture (秋田県) that consists of six ryokans and one hotel, each having its history, style, and spring quality. Listed as one of the 100 Japan Hidden Scenic Spots (日本の秘境100選), the resort is quietly nestled deep in the mountain at the base of Mt. Nyūtō.
Nyūtō Onsen and the 7 Unique Ryokans Deep in the Mountain Read More »
If you enjoy a bit of hiking, we would advise you to admire the sunset at Yudachiukeyama (夕立受山). Although the mountain only has a height of 210 meters, the panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea is even better than the one you get from Bizen♡Hinase Bridge. As the entire hiking trail is well-maintained, with
Yudachiukeyama: Okayama’s Hidden Scenic Hiking Spot Read More »
