Niigata Prefectural Museum of History
It is a huge history museum with a total area of 10,000 m2. The permanent exhibits are divided into five exhibition halls: “Course of Niigata’s History”, “Life in Snow Country”, “Making Rice”, “World of the Jomon” and “Exploring Jomon Culture”.
You can really get a better understanding of how ancient people lived in snowy regions here.
Inasayama Park
An observation park on Mt. Inasa 333m above sea level. The spacious park has an outdoor music hall for concerts and events, and an observation deck with the best view over Nagasaki, which offers a relaxing space to citizens.
When I arrived, there were already a bunch of professional photographers with their tripods set up, waiting for a long time. It was super windy and cold at the top, so you definitely need to bring a jacket.
Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street
Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is located in the center of Naha City and is the main street representing Okinawa. It is the largest downtown area in Naha City and is famous as the center of commerce and entertainment. It is known as "Kokusai-dori (International street)," based on the concept of "a people-friendly town and a town that is fun to walk through.
This is hands down the best and liveliest street to explore in all of Okinawa.
Nagatoro Hodosan Roubai (wintersweet) Garden
Hodosan Mountain in Nagatoro Town. At the top of the mountain, pretty yellow flowers called "roubai" bloom from late December to late February. The flowers, which endure the harsh cold and bloom with dignity in the early spring sunshine, are very attractive.
During flower season, there's even a nighttime light-up event. You can also enjoy the Chichibu night view from the top of the mountain. The cable car runs until 7 p.m., but it gets seriously cold up there.
Poppies in the Sky
About 12 million poppies bloom in the sky on a 4 hectare plateau at an altitude of 500 meters. The ideal time to see them is from late May to early June. The contrast between the blue of the sky and the red of the poppies is spectacular.
The whole mountain is covered in Shirley poppies—it's an amazing sight.
The Icicles of Ashigakubo
Ashigakubo no Tsurara (Ashigakubo Ice Pillar) is one of the three major icicles in Chichibu. magnificent ice art can be seen from early January to late February every year in Yokoze Town, Saitama Prefecture, and is a popular winter tradition.
The massive wall of icicles is absolutely stunning and breathtaking. There's so much to take in, it's almost overwhelming.
Kawasaki Azalea
From its East Exit, a huge shopping mall extends beneath Kawasaki Station, connecting the area to places like the City Hall and La Cittadella shopping complex. A variety of shops surround the Sunlight Square and Humming Garden, located in the center of this building.
Every hour, the central plaza's space music box plays beautiful tunes. It's a lovely touch!
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.
You can pick up a free Chinese map at the visitor center, which is super helpful if you have trouble with directions. It really helps you avoid getting lost.