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 »
At the border between Ikeda City (池田市) and Minoo City (箕面市) is the Satsukiyama or Mt. Satsuki (五月山). The 315-meter-tall mountain is the symbol of Ikeda City. Known for its great viewpoint overlooking the Osaka Plain, many tourists would come to the summit of Satsukiyama for the night view as the lights down in the
Satsukiyama: One of Osaka’s Best Natural Destinations 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 »
For anyone out there who wants to be at the summit of a mountain the lazy way but doesn’t want to splurge on some fancy transportation mode (i.e., a gondola lift), check out Mt. Akita-Komagatake (秋田駒ヶ岳) in Akita Prefecture! Although you have to hike a bit longer than Mt. Iwaki in Aomori Prefecture, it only
The Best Guide to Mt. Akita-Komagatake and the Moomin Valley Read More »
Mt. Shirakami or Shirakami Sanchi (白神山地) is a vast mountain area of 130 hectares that spans from the north of Akita Prefecture to the south of Aomori Prefecture. Mt Shirakami has been listed as a world heritage site as of 1993. It is also a Pilgrimage site for Studio Ghibli fans as the forest in
Shirakami Sanchi and the World-Class Virgin Beech Forest Read More »
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!
Mt. Shirakami and the Picturesque Jūniko Lake Read More »
Nishizawa Keikoku (西沢渓谷) is a valley in Yamanashi Prefecture located in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park (秩父多摩甲斐国立公園). If it is on your itinerary, prepare yourself for a feast of natural art! Once you step into this gorge, we promise you will immediately be captivated by its mysterious charm (^_-)-☆.
Nishizawa Gorge and the Picturesque Waterfalls Read More »
Anyone who has the slightest knowledge of Japan knows the mighty Mt. Fuji. But do you know which landscape closely follows? The scenery at Shōsenkyō Gorge (昇仙峡) in Yamanashi Prefecture will blow your mind off just as much as Mt. Fuji. It is a lot less packed, and you can get some of the best
Shōsenkyō Gorge and the Scenery Second Only to Mt. Fuji Read More »
