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Senbonzakura at Hyugami Dam

Hyugami Lake is an artificial lake created during the construction of Hyugami Dam on the upper reaches of the Yabe River. Around 1,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees line the road encircling the lake, making it a famous cherry blossom spot known by the nickname “Senbonzakura.”

• Fukuoka
• Tourist Attractions

The cherry blossoms stretch all along the reservoir, and with the reflection on the water, it’s actually really beautiful. It’s not one of those super crowded tourist spots, so it’s very pleasant to walk around.
There are relatively fewer people, so you don’t have to keep dodging others when taking photos, and the whole atmosphere feels pretty relaxed.
That said, there are barely any shops nearby, and there’s no lively market or anything. It’s really just a cherry blossom viewing route, so it’s best to eat and drink beforehand.
Outside cherry blossom season, it’s honestly pretty ordinary. Basically, it’s just a reservoir.

Hachi & Hachikita Highlands Ski Resort

Hachi Highlands Ski Resort features 11 courses, and its vast slopes-along with the snow park “The Parks”-have made it a mecca for snowboarders and freestyle skiers. The open Central Slope area offers three main runs: the wide and gentle Central Quad Course, the Central Pair Course with one of the largest snow park areas in the Kansai region, and the Central Triple Course, which is ideal for enjoying smooth turns. For beginners, there is a moving walkway lift, as well as a popular kids’ park with a rest area.

• Hyogo
• Outdoors

These two ski resorts are connected, so the whole area is really big.
You basically can’t finish all the runs in one day.

But because of that, you end up having to move around quite a lot.
If you’re a beginner and not familiar with the routes, it can get a bit tiring and it’s pretty easy to lose your way.

Yubara Onsen

Along the river, rows of ryokan line the banks, and steam rises in the stillness of the surrounding mountains. Yubara Onsen is a hot spring town that spreads along the clear Asahi River, where you can enjoy smooth, alkaline hot spring waters.

• Okayama
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

The most famous spot here is the Sunayu bath by the river.
It's a mixed open‑air bath, totally free and really rustic.
The first time you see it, you might feel a bit shy, but honestly everyone is just soaking naturally and minding their own business.
The water is on the hotter side. It feels amazing in winter, but in summer you really need to be mentally prepared.
If you prefer something more low‑key, the hot springs at the nearby ryokan are more comfortable.

Onigajo

A scenic spot designated as a National Natural Monument and also registered as a World Heritage Site. Massive rock walls, shaped by natural phenomena over tens of thousands of years including seismic uplift, weathering, and wave erosion, stretch for Approx. 1.2 km, and their overwhelming scale is sure to impress everyone. A promenade has been developed along the rock walls, allowing visitors to admire the scattered caves and unusual rock formations up close.

• Mie
• Nature Spots

The long row of massive rock walls is super impressive. You really can’t help looking up the whole time.
Walking along the path with the ocean on one side and the rocks right beside you feels amazing. On a nice day, the scenery is beautiful, and the photos come out really striking.
The route isn’t too difficult, but it can get pretty windy in some spots, so be careful while walking.
Overall, it doesn’t feel overly touristy and has more of a raw, natural vibe. If you like nature and unusual rock formations, it’s definitely worth visiting.

Atera Valley

A valley formed along the Atera River, which rises from Mt. Sunagoya in southwestern Nagano Prefecture. The crystal-clear stream, stretching Approx. 15 km in total, is known for its outstanding transparency. Combined with the sunlight filtering through the surrounding trees, it creates the stunning emerald-green scenery known as “Atera Blue.” The water is so clear that even deep spots can look shallow, and many visitors come from outside the prefecture to see this remarkable view.

• Nagano
• Nature Spots

So beautiful! The water is insanely clear, like a sapphire-colored river, and you just can’t stop taking pictures.
The air here is great too, and it’s really peaceful, so it feels super relaxing to walk around〜 It’s perfect for playing in the water in summer, but wow, the water is seriously freezing, so I wouldn’t really recommend fully getting in 😂
There are also a few small bridges and walking paths nearby, so you can take your time strolling around. The photos turn out amazing. Just note that there are quite a lot of bugs, so definitely bring bug spray. It’s also easier to get here by car. Parking is limited, so during busy seasons it’s better to come early.
Overall, it’s absolutely worth visiting. Such a refreshing and healing place ❤️