Shimagawa Dam (四万川ダム) is a magnificent dam completed in 1999 for flood control, river conservation, and power generation. The enchanting artificial lake is formed with its completion, and Shima Onsen’s best spot to indulge yourself in nature is born! Those who love outdoor activities can also enjoy a range of water sports there.
Shima Onsen’s Best Natural Spot: Shimagawa Dam & Lake Okushima Read More »
If you are after a hot spring town in Gunma Prefecture where you can discover amazing natural scenery, Shima Onsen should top the list. The town is proud of what they call Shima Blue, a mysterious cobalt blue color that can be seen in most parts of Shima River on a sunny day. In particular,
A Guide to Shima Potholes, Momotarō Falls, and Shima Lake Read More »
Just a 35-minute boat ride from Okinawa‘s capital, Naha, you will encounter the island where some of the world’s most beautiful beaches are located. Tokashiki Island (渡嘉敷島) is one of the best islands for a day trip from Naha. With close to 20 diving spots on the island, not only is it a diver’s paradise,
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Speaking of Blue Cave in Okinawa, the one at Cape Maeda (真栄田岬) on Okinawa’s main island is much more famous, but Irabu Island also has one! The Blue Cave (青の洞窟) on Irabu Island is a sea cave underneath a 70-meter cliff. As you enter the cave, you will enter a world of blue.
Blue Cave: Irabu Island’s Most Scenic Hidden Spot Read More »
On the north of Ikema Island, there is a compact beach that includes all the elements of Miyakojima‘s beautiful beaches within a small area. The white sandy beach shore, the crystal clear azure color seawater, coral reefs, and tropical fishes can all be found at Funaks Beach (フナクスビーチ). You can even hide behind the big
Funaks Beach: The Must-Go Hidden Gem on Ikema Island Read More »
You might have heard of the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, the world’s largest coral reef system composed of over 2,900 individual reefs. Well, Japan has something similar, but just smaller in scale. The Japanese version of the Great Barrier Reef is the Yabiji Reef (八重干瀬), also known as Yae-Kise. It is located north of
Yabiji Reef: Japan’s Largest Stunning Coral Reef System Read More »
Imugya Marine Garden (イムギャーマリンガーデン) is a seaside park by the natural rocky cove. It is one of the top hidden gems on Miyako-jima Island that we love the most. While the beach isn’t very large, it is calm and perfect for children to swim in. It is also another beach on Miyako Island that is
Imugya Marine Garden: The Hidden Gem on Miyako Islan Read More »
Did you know that there is a jungle-like area in Naha City? The area is also incredibly close to Yui Rail’s Shiritsubyōin-mae Station (市立病院前駅) and Gibo Station (儀保駅)! Sueyoshi Park (末吉公園) has a very spacious ground of around 19 hectares. Taking many by surprise, a large part of the park looks just like a tropical
Sueyoshi Park: The Hidden Jungle Park in Okinawa’s Capital Read More »
Kyoto has many beautiful traditional gardens that are not known to many international tourists, and the garden in Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum (松花堂庭園) is one of them! Yawata City has long been known as a bamboo production area. Thus, the garden has bamboo groves that are stunning to look at throughout the year.
Kyoto’s Hidden Gem: Yawata City Shōkadō Garden Art Museum Read More »
Close to the mountainous area west of Kyoto Station, besides the weeping cherry blossom, Shōbō-ji (西山正法寺) is a hidden plum blossom spot in Kyoto that only a few know about. The temple is nicknamed a Rock Temple (石の寺) because unique rocks were collected from all over the country. Many of them are placed in its
Shōbō-ji and Its Stunning Rock Garden and Plum Grove Read More »
