Hiruzen Highlands (蒜山高原) in Okayama Prefecture, also known as Hiruzen Plateau, is one of the best highland resorts in Western Japan. It is reminiscent of Karuizawa near Tokyo. While architecture might be less fashionable, it has much more capacity for you to enjoy nature. At the same time, there are still stylish boutique shops for …
Hiruzen Highlands – A Great Place to Enjoy the Nature Read More »
If you are after some hidden gems in the Chūgoku region, then come to Sōja City (総社市) in Okayama Prefecture for the beautiful nature spots that the non-locals might not be aware of. Apart from the scenic places, you will also find a castle that used to house demons. And on the other side of …
Sōja City and the Scenic Hidden Gems that Many Don’t Know Read More »
Lake Tazawa (田沢湖) in Semboku City in Akita Prefecture, with a depth of 422.4 meters, is the deepest lake in Japan. The 6 kilometers wide caldera lake was formed due to a volcanic eruption. Because of its depth, the lake can absorb a lot of heat in summer that even in the snowy winter, its …
Obuse is a lovely town in Nagano Prefecture, famous for its delicious chestnuts and ukiyo-e artist Katsushika Hokusai from the 18th century. And it is also on the way to Jigokudani Monkey Park (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ. While the main street of Obuse is within a 10-minute walk from Nagano Dentetsu’s Obuse Station, to really explore Obuse properly, …
The 14 km Oirase Gorge (奥入瀬渓流) in Aomori Prefecture is known as one of Japan’s most scenic spots. No matter which season you visit Oirase Gorge, you will definitely be amazed by its beauty. Apart from the artificial walking tracks, the whole gorge remains in its original form. The virgin forest, the rocks, big and …
Oirase Gorge – Discover the Most Picturesque Place in Japan Read More »
Kojima District (児島郡) in Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture is Japan’s denim mecca. As soon as you step out of the JR train, you will be surprised by the amount of jeans-related decoration throughout the district. But Kojima is more than just Kojima Jeans Street. The sunset from Mt. Washu (鷲羽山) was chosen to be …
Kojima Jeans Street and Other Awesome Attractions in Kojima Read More »
North of Fukuoka’s city center, Shika Island (志賀島) is a great weekend getaway in Fukuoka. The island, which has a circumference of around 11 km, is one of the top destinations for the locals to enjoy nature, hot springs, and beach activities. To many Japanese, though, their stereotype of Shika Island is probably a historically …
The Stunning Shika Island & Japan’s First National Treasure Read More »
If you are traveling away from Fukuoka’s city center, the Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園) is another destination in Fukuoka City that has flowers blooming all year round. In fact, if you love taking photos in flower fields, Uminonakamichi Seaside Park is the best place to be in Fukuoka! In addition, the park has a 12 …
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park – The Best Park in Fukuoka Read More »
Dorokyō Valley (瀞峡), located in the south of Totsukawa Village, is one of the National Places of Scenery Beauty (特別名勝). The picturesque valley remains a hidden gem to most. So if you enjoy various outdoor activities, Dorokyō can be the ideal destination to stop by when you visit the Kansai region!
The Seto Inland Sea (瀬戸内海) is famous for its magnificent scenery. But another reason it is so well-known to the world is the Setouchi Triennale, also known as the Setouchi International Art Festival. This contemporary art festival is held every three years across the islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Even after the festival, many …
Naoshima Island – The Paradise for Contemporary Art Lovers Read More »