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Aomori Nebuta Festival

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held in central Aomori City between August 2 and 7 every year and attracts as many as 1 million visitors every year. With records dating back to the late Edo period (around 1842), this historic festival is one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku and is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

Aomori
Summer festivals & Events

5 Aug 2026 See More

I went to the Aomori Nebuta Festival, one of the Three Great Festivals of Tohoku. The powerful nebuta floats, the sound of the drums, and the crowd's chants all came together to make it very moving.
However, convenience stores and other businesses had stopped allowing people to use their restrooms, so I had a hard time finding one. If you're planning to go, I recommend checking the festival flyer and locating nearby restrooms in advance.

Hottarakashi Onsen ( Hot spring )

A popular natural hot spring with a superb view from the top of the mountain at the altitude of 700m. Opened in 1999, "Kocchi-no-yu (this bath)" is a hot spring with a simple and calm atmosphere and is popular among the local people. Within this place, there are indoor and outdoor baths, and you are able to enjoy a superb view of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin while soaking in the hot springs.

Yamanashi
Bathing & Spa Facilities

4 Aug 2026 See More

I was able to relax in the hot spring while enjoying the beautiful views of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin. The water wasn't too hot, so I could soak longer than usual. Cash is required for the admission fee and lockers. Food is also available.

Gotemba Kogen Tokinosumika

A large resort complex in Gotemba City, Shizuoka Prefecture, and a popular sightseeing spot that brings together accommodations, hot springs, dining, and activities. Its spacious setting at the foot of Mount Fuji is part of its appeal, with a wide range of facilities including seven hotels and cottages, natural hot springs, and craft beer restaurants.

Shizuoka
Tourist Attractions

2 Jun 2026 See More

The spacious grounds have all kinds of places to enjoy, including a restaurant where you can drink craft beer, a chocolate shop, and even a goldfish aquarium, so it makes for a really nice walk.
At night, we also enjoyed the beautiful illuminations.
It was convenient that there were free shuttle buses from multiple stations.
We stayed at Hotel Tokinosumika.
We were able to use the Kirakubo hot spring facility, which made for a very relaxing stay.

Heidi’s Village (Yamanashi Prefectural Flower Center)

Set in the Swiss Alps, the 1974 anime “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” follows the life of a little girl named Heidi. With story favorites like the iconic straw bed and natural landscapes, or the ooey gooey melted cheese, there are so many scenes from Heidi’s world to cherish.

Yamanashi
Amusement Parks & Theme parks

1 Jun 2026 See More

I got to see lots of beautiful flowers. I’d love to visit again when the flowers I want to see are in bloom.
The buildings, restaurant, and shops were also lovely and really captured the world of Heidi.

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

The weeks from mid-April to late May each year bring Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the largest spring flower event in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Fuji Motosuko Resort at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The season rings in with 500,000 moss phlox plants bloom in a stunning shimmy of color that frames perfectly with Mt. Fuji just behind. The festival designs a unique theme each year to showcase the vibrant hues of all seven varieties of shibazakura, including McDaniel Cushion and Autumn Rose.

Yamanashi
Spring festivals & Events

11 May 2026 See More

Visited in late April. The view of Mt. Fuji and the moss phlox was even more beautiful than I imagined. I also enjoyed the limited-time Peter Rabbit English garden, shop, and cafe.
Since it’s open for more than a month, I recommend going on a sunny day if your schedule allows.

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