Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
The clock show in front of the station is really fun! Every hour, it draws a big crowd to watch.
Akizuki Castle Ruins
Nearly at the center of Fukuoka, Akizuki is a valley at the foot of Mt. Kosho about an hour away from Fukuoka City. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, hard to attack and easy to defend, the valley was chosen for Lord Akizuki’s mountain castle. Later in 1623, according to Kuroda Nagamasa’s will, Akizuki Domain was established as a branch of Fukuoka Domain.
Getting here isn't very convenient, but seeing the beautiful autumn leaves inside the castle made it totally worth it.
Senshu Park
Akita Domain, The ruins of Kubota Castle of the Satake clan, was developed into a large castle site park covering an area of 16.29 hectares. The restored Omonogashira Gobansho, the restored castle's Osumi-yagura Tower, the front gate, and other features gives off the atmosphere of the feudal domain era.
Usually, it's just a park for jogging or walking, but during cherry blossom and autumn foliage season, it totally transforms into a super popular spot.
Hirosaki Castle
Tsugaru Family resided in this castle in the Edo Period where the government of Hirosaki Feudal Domain was set up. In the Meiji Period, according to the ordinance to abolish castles, it was abandoned and later became a park.
This is one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Tohoku and is even considered one of Japan's top three places for sakura viewing. The moat gets covered with beautiful cherry blossom petals—it's honestly one of the most stunning sights at Hirosaki Castle.
Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo is a cliff formed by wave erosion. Since long ago, it has been recognized and honored as a scenic spot. These towering cliffs extend for about 1 kilometer along the coast, showcasing a dramatic display of columnar jointing-a geological feature so rare that only three such places are known in the world, including Tojinbo. It has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
It didn't seem very lively. Most of the shops along the road looked closed, and knowing this is a famous suicide spot in Japan made me feel uneasy. I left after less than 10 minutes.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Arakurayama Sengen Park is famous as a place to view the splendid scenery of the magnificent Mount Fuji with a pagoda dedicated to those who died in battle. Inside the park grounds, about 650 Sakura trees have been planted. In the spring, the picturesque Japanese scenery of cherry blossoms, the pagoda, and Mount Fuji can be seen.
The climb was a bit tough, but the stunning view of Mt. Fuji made it all worth it!
Fuji-Q Highland
Fuji-Q Highland is an amusement park featuring many world-class thrill rides and character theme parks.
If you don't have a strong heart, I wouldn't recommend coming here. Every ride is super thrilling and intense.
Nagoya Castle
One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.
It felt pretty average, except for the two golden shachihoko which were a bit unique.
Shinjuku Southern Terrace
This 350-meter-long boardwalk extends from the south exit of Shinjuku Station toward Yoyogi. Along the lush path you’ll find restaurants, cafés, and stores selling clothing and miscellaneous goods, so you can have a great time even just taking a stroll.
Enjoying afternoon tea at an outdoor café along the green walkway is such a relaxing way to spend time!