Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort
Kujukushima is a complex structured haven including the labyrinth like Ria coast and 208 islands. Kujuku refers to the number “99”. The Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort is at the entrance of the coast. Here, you can enjoy marine sports such as cruising, marine sports, aquariums and zoos.
You can dig for pearls here! It's interactive and you get to make your own jewelry as a souvenir—so fun!
Urakami Cathedral
In 1873, the long persecution against Christians was ended. Although the believers in Urakami planned to build a cathedral, they could not raise enough funds. In 1895, Father Fraineau‘s design was put to construction. 30 years later in 1925, the stone and brick Romanesque cathedral, called the greatest in the Orient, was completed.
The ruins of the old Urakami Cathedral are really striking. You can really feel the force of the explosion.
Hitachi Seaside Park
Hitachi Seaside Park is a large park that spans an area of about 215 hectares. During springtime, daffodils, tulips, and nemophila bloom. In early summer, there are roses, and in summer, there are zinnias and sunflowers. Autumn brings forth kochia and cosmos. During winter ice tulips, plum blossoms, and other seasonal flowers bloom. In particular, the nemophilia that bloom from mid-April through early May are lauded for their gorgeous blue color, blending the sky, sea, and flowers together into a vast expanse of blue.
If you ride the Ferris wheel, you can see the whole seaside park from above.
Yoyogi Park
The large 544,711.27㎡ site of this park is filled with water and greenery, something that you don’t often find in the heart of Tokyo. During springtime around 800 cherry trees blossom beautifully, and the area around the south side’s fountain is particularly popular as a cherry blossom viewing location.
This is a huge and well-known forest park. There are various events on holidays, making it a great spot for relaxing in Tokyo.
Ena Gorge
This artificial lake was created by damming the Kiso River with the Oi Dam about 100 years ago. Both sides of the canyon are lined with strange and monstrous rocks, creating a breathtaking view of the canyon. In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in the Sazanami Square, and the lake is vividly colored with fresh greenery in early summer and colored leaves in autumn. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, with mandarin ducks, starlings, and a variety of migratory birds flying in during the winter, making it a great place to enjoy the seasonal scenery.
Taking a boat ride on the lake is a really nice way to enjoy the scenery.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha
In 662 BC, Kamuyamato-iware-hikonomikoto (became Emperor Jinmu) dedicated Nachi Waterfall as a god in this shrine. It is the head shrine of Kumano Shrines all over in Japan, known as one of the three major Kumano Shrines. It has another name, “Musubi no Miya” which means the shrine to bring a marriage and wishes to come true.
The air is so fresh here—perfect for a walk outdoors. It's a great place to relax your mind.
Lake Yamanaka（Yamanaka-ko）
Lake Yamanaka covers an area of about 6.57 square kilometers and is about 980.5 meters above sea level. It is located at the third highest point in Japan. The lake is the closest to Mt. Fuji among the “Fuji Five Lakes " and offers beautiful scenery of the four seasons with the majestic Mt.Fuji.
You can ride the swan-shaped boat while taking in the amazing view of Mt. Fuji.
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.
This place really has that early Japanese architecture vibe. It's also super convenient to get here by bus.
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is the famous castle built by Kiyomasa Kato in 1607. It was built using the latest, cutting edge techniques at the time and was the setting of many important moments in Japan’s history.
The Kumamon mascot in the plaza is adorable, and the food they sell is really tasty too.
Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.
There's a long row of samurai houses, and the gardens are all planted with cherry trees. If you come during cherry blossom season, the whole row is in full bloom—it's absolutely beautiful.