Bungo Futamigaura
Located along the coast of Saiki City at the southeastern tip of Oita Prefecture, this symbolic sightseeing spot draws many visitors year-round.
Even on regular days, there aren't too many tourists here. The vibe is really peaceful and you won't feel crowded at all.
The Nakasendo Trail (Karuizawa-Tsumago)
The Nakasendo Trail stretches east to west across Nagano Prefecture. During the Edo period, it connected Edo (modern-day Tokyo) and Kyoto, serving as a vital route for travelers and merchants. The section between Karuizawa and Tsumago is especially scenic, offering a mix of breathtaking natural landscapes and beautifully preserved historic towns.
The short hike from Tsumago to Magome was super relaxing. The forest scenery along the way was absolutely gorgeous, and the shop owners were all really friendly. There's this laid-back, old-town vibe that makes you want to slow down and just enjoy it.
Lake Rausu
The largest freshwater lake in Shiretoko National Park. It sits at the foot of Mt. Chinishibetsu (ちにしべつだけ) on the Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, in a mountainous area at an elevation of Approx. 740 m. Surrounded by deep mountains and with no well-maintained trail for a long time, it was once known as a “phantom lake” known only to those in the know. Today, trekking routes are in place and guided tours are available.
There’s absolutely none of that touristy noise, which is perfect for me when I just want to get away from crowds.
Sarakurayama Observatory
It's an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kitakyushu city area. To reach the observatory at the summit of the 622-meter-high mountain, visitors take a cable car and a slope car.
I think it's even more beautiful than Fukuoka Tower! The best part is the super wide view—you can see so much!
Arima Onsen
A famous hot spring that represents Kansai, which springs at the northern foot of Mt. Rokko. It is a historical hot spring that appears in "Nihon Shoki" and "Fudoki", and is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan".
One of Japan's three most famous hot springs. The streets have a charming, traditional vibe. I really love it here.
Nankin-machi (Nanjing town)
"Nankin-machi" (Japanese name for Nanjing town) in Kobe is one of the three best Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. There are more than 100 Chinese restaurants, Japanese and Western restaurants, grocery stores, general stores, and many other stores lining the streets.
Don't come too late—most shops close after 8 p.m.
Zao Onsen
Natural hot springs in Zao Onsen are said to have opened in 110 A.D. The strong acidic sulfur spring is known as the “Springs of Beauty” for its effects of sterilizing and strengthening the skin.
Zao Ski Resort gets really crowded in winter, which is also the peak travel season here.
Akita-city AKARENGA-KAN MUSEUM
This museum is housed in the former Akita Bank head office, which was completed in 1912. The exterior, mainly made of red brick with white tiles and Oga stone, is based on the Renaissance style and combines strength and beauty. The exterior was designed by Naoaki Yamaguchi, an engineer, and is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
One of the few Western-style buildings from the Meiji era still left in Akita City. There are lots of exhibits inside—definitely worth a visit.
Akita Kanto Festival
The Akita Kanto Festival is a national important intangible folk cultural property and Akita's traditional festival with a 270-year history, and is one of the three major festivals in the Tohoku region. The festival is held for four days from August 3 to 6 every year, centered on Kanto Odori street in Akita City, and is divided into two parts: the daytime Kanto (from August 4 to 6) and the night main performance.
I made a special trip to see the Kanto Festival. The lanterns lit up at night look absolutely beautiful. It really lived up to my expectations.
Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.
Shirakawa-go in winter, with snow on the rooftops, really looks just like a gingerbread house. You definitely have to check out the view from the observatory to really get that vibe.