Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
It's truly amazing that Himeji Castle has survived wars, earthquakes, and air raids and is still so well preserved today.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
This is a great theme park for families with kids to enjoy together.
Sakurajima Ferry
A public ferry operated by Kagoshima City, connecting Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port. The ride takes Approx. 15 minutes, making it an easy, enjoyable trip on the water. There are four ferry types, each carrying around 500 passengers and about 60 cars. Each vessel has different facilities and a cute nickname such as “Sakura Fairy” or “Princess Marine.” The biggest feature is 24-hour service.
The ferry ride is about 15 minutes.
It’s short, but taking in the bay and volcano views makes it a rare, relaxing little break.
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
Tourists just keep coming all day long. It's definitely one of Kyoto's most famous spots.
Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park featuring many world-class thrill rides and character theme parks.
Tons of thrilling rides and even a super scary haunted house!
Lake Suwa
Located almost in the center of Nagano Prefecture, Lake Suwa is the largest lake in the prefecture, with a circumference of about 16 km and surrounded by mountains. Along its nature-rich shores, fully developed cycling and jogging paths allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The area is also home to numerous attractions, including visiting all four shrines of Suwa Taisha, appreciating art at museums, and soaking in hot springs with views of the lake.
Every August, there's a huge fireworks festival at Lake Suwa. Tons of people come to see it—it's one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in Japan!
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594. It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
A famous historical site and castle in Japan. The scenery is beautiful in every season.
Jigokudani Monkey Park
Located along the Yokoyugawa River flowing from the Shiga Highlands and sitting at an elevation of 850 meters, Jigokudani Monkey Park exists in a harsh environment where one-third of the year is blanketed in snow. With its rugged cliffs and steam rising from hot springs everywhere, it's no wonder the place is called Jigokudani, or "Hell's Valley."
The scenery along the way is gorgeous, and the monkeys aren't afraid of people at all—they don't run away when they see you!
Hida Takayama Old Townscape
Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.
There are lots of shops selling miso gohei-mochi and Hida beef skewers along the old street. You should definitely give them a try.