Norman Gale's page

Shimabara Hibariyama Flower Park

A flower park created through collaboration between Shimabara City and private partners on erosion control land designated after the eruption disaster of Mt. Unzen Fugendake. Opened in 2012, it welcomes visitors with colorful flower fields spreading out against the backdrop of Mt. Heisei-Shinzan. In spring, cherry blossoms, weeping cherry blossoms, and Approx. 10 million rapeseed blossoms begin to bloom around late March. Azaleas appear in mid-April, and mixed flowers color the vast grounds from around early May to around late May.

Nagasaki
Parks & Gardens

28 Oct 2025 See More

There are different flower fields to enjoy in every season. The tulips and cherry blossoms in spring are absolutely dreamy, and the whole park looks so magical in photos. The air is fresh, the scenery is wide open, and it’s such a great place for a relaxing walk or a date.

Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome

Drive along National Route 325 from Yamaga City towards Minami Aso and the road will open up to three distinctive melon-shaped roofs. This roadside station, known as Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome, handles a multitude of local specialties from Shichijo Town and attracts over a million visitors each year.

Kumamoto
Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

20 Jun 2025 See More

The whole rest stop is shaped like a melon—it's so cute, you just have to stop and take a photo! The melon desserts and ice cream inside are delicious—sweet and fragrant, totally comforting. You can also buy local produce, so it really has that local flavor. If you're driving by, definitely stop in for some melon treats and souvenirs!

Jozankei Gensen Park

Jozankei Gensen Park was opened in 2005 on the 200th anniversary of Miizumi Jozan's birth, who was an ascetic monk and is said to have provided the foundation of Jozankei Onsen. On the premises, there is a recreated scene of Jozan finding the hot spring as well as his statue and various hot spring facilities.

Jozankei, Makomanai
Parks & Gardens

8 Jan 2023 See More

There's a foot bath right at the entrance, so you can soak your feet and enjoy the snowy scenery in winter.

Ryujin Suspension Bridge

The Ryujinkyo Gorge is located in Okukuji Prefectural Nature Park, in Ibaraki prefecture. The “Ryujin Suspension Bridge” is laid atop the Ryujin dam that flows through the Ryujin River within the gorge. This bridge is 375m long, and is one of Japan’s longest pedestrian only suspension bridges.

Ibaraki
Tourist Attractions

8 Jan 2023 See More

If it's not autumn foliage season, there's really not much to see.

Aso Panorama Line

Aso-Panorama Line is the 37-km long scenic route in the center of the Mount Aso caldera that runs the north, west and south routes towards the 5 mountains of Aso. All three directions of the path meet in the midde, making their way towards Aso Sanjo Public Square. Here you’ll find unrivaled views of the Somma volcano, and the wide open green of the great outdoors as you discover the best scenic spots of Aso.

Kumamoto
Tourist Attractions

8 Jan 2023 See More

There aren't many people or cars, and the scenery is really pleasant.

Norman Gale 's page

Reviews