100 Hidden Scenic Spots | Vegetarian's Japan Guide

Hakkoda & Oirase Gorge: Ponds, Waterfalls, and Secret Onsens

January 21, 2026 / 100 Famous Japanese Mountains, 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the Hakkoda-Towada Gold Line, a premier scenic route connecting the majestic Hakkoda Ropeway to the emerald waters of Lake Towada. This guide takes you through the heart of Aomori’s wilderness, starting with the towering Hakkoda Snow Corridor and the steaming volcanic depths of Jigoku-numa. Experience the healing waters of […]

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Oirase Gorge: Japan’s Best Waterfalls & River Walk

January 23, 2026 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, 100 Landscapes of Japan, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Cycling, National Places of Scenery Beauty, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of Oirase Gorge (Oirase Keiryū, 奥入瀬渓流), a 14-kilometer stretch of crystal-clear mountain streams and moss-covered rock formations in Aomori Prefecture. Located within the Towada-Hachimantai National Park, this breathtaking valley is renowned as one of Japan’s most scenic destinations, especially during the vibrant autumn foliage season and the lush “fresh

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Torokawa Valley: A Top Picturesque Natural Spot in Kansai

September 6, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Hidden Gems, Hyōgo Prefecture, Kansai Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Just like Mt. Hyōno, Torokawa Valley (瀞川渓谷), also in the Hyōnosen-Ushiroyama-Nagisan Quasi-National Park (氷ノ山後山那岐山国定公園) has such stunning scenery that it was chosen to be one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots! The mountain trail in Torokawa Valley is more suitable for those more experienced in mountain trekking. There are several places where you must

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Niimi City and the Amazing Limestone Caves

August 2, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Chūgoku Region, Limestone Caves, Okayama Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Okayama Prefecture, in the western part of Japan’s main island, is definitely not known for its limestone caves. However, if you drop by Niimi City (新見市), you will encounter a few of the most fascinating limestone caves you will ever see! During summer, there is a relaxing marsh for you to trek on and even

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Mt. Osore – Welcome to the World After Death

August 2, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Temples & Shrines, Tōhoku Region

Have you ever wondered what the world would look like after you die? Well, we have. According to Japanese folk tales, those who die will pass a bridge to cross the Sanzunokawa River. It has been said that the river divides our world from another world. As we all need to cross that river one

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Nyūtō Onsen and the 7 Unique Ryokans Deep in the Mountain

September 17, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Accommodation, Akita Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Onsen/Hot Spring, Snow Scenery, Tōhoku Region

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.

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Mt. Shirakami and the Picturesque Jūniko Lake

June 4, 2025 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Aomori Prefecture, Autumn Foliage, Camping, Hidden Gems, Tōhoku Region, Trekking/Hiking in Japan, World Heritage

Continuing from our article on Mt. Shirakami, which introduced the world-class virgin beech forest and beautiful waterfalls on the east side of the vast mountain area, this time, we want to introduce the gorgeous Jūniko Lake area on the west to you!

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The Best Guide to Kurobe Gorge’s Sightseeing Train

September 29, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Autumn Foliage, Hokuriku Region, Snow Scenery, Toyama Prefecture, Transportation in Japan, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

When you visit Kurobe Gorge (Kurobe Kyōkoku – 黒部峡谷), one of Japan’s top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots located in the mountains of the Northern Japan Alps, the Kurobe Kyōkoku Sightseeing Train (黒部峡谷鉄道トロッコ電車) is the experience that you don’t want to miss out on. The 20 km railway brings you a breathtaking scenic view of the gorge,

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Trek the Spectacular V-Shaped Kurobe Gorge

September 29, 2024 / 100 Hidden Scenic Spots, Autumn Foliage, Hidden Gems, Hokuriku Region, Snow Scenery, Toyama Prefecture, Trekking/Hiking in Japan

Kurobe Gorge (Kurobe Kyōkoku, 黒部峡谷) in Toyama Prefecture is one of Japan’s Top 100 Hidden Scenic Spots and the No.1 V-shaped Gorge in Japan! The gorge located from the middle to the upper stream of the Kurobe River divides the northern part of the Northern Japan Alps into the Ushiro-Tateyama Mountain Range (後立山連峰) and the Tateyama

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