Manai Falls
Takachiho Gorge, designated as a National Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument, is a stunning landscape formed by the erosion of pyroclastic flows from Mount Aso's eruption. The result is a unique gorge with striking columnar cliffs, known as columnar jointing.
Ran into a lot of Korean tourists who were talking really loudly, which was a bit of a shame for such beautiful scenery.
World Glassware Hall Inawashiro
This is one of Japan's largest glass specialty galleries, displaying around 25,000 items from both Japan and around the world. The gallery offers a wide array of products, including directly imported goods, original accessories, antiques, and decorative items, fully conveying the charm of glass products.
It doesn't really feel like a museum since there's no admission fee. It's mainly a place selling art glass products.
Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
The three monkeys at Nikko Toshogu, representing 'see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil,' are super cute. The omamori is JPY 1,000 each.
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.
This old street isn't very wide, but you'll find both international and Japanese tourists, as well as student groups. There are breweries, dessert shops, and charming old-style cafes. The line for Hida beef sushi was so long that I didn't have time to try it.
Hakodate Orthodox Church
Nestled in a residential area, the Hakodate Orthodox Church, following the Russian Orthodox tradition, stands out with its exquisite appearance.
I visited here a few winters ago. The church covered in snow looked especially solemn and sacred.
Kinkaku-ji
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
This is a super famous must-visit spot in Kyoto. If you're in Kyoto, you definitely can't miss it! It's not easy to get a good angle for photos though, since all the best spots are usually taken.
Le Grand Karuizawa Hotel & Resort
This extended stay resort hotel offers views of Mt. Asama from 1,000 meters in the air. It sits on an expansive estate of over 200,000 square meters where you’ll find the hotel, villa, gardens, hot springs chalets and more. The hotel interior Is decorated with a classic European aesthetic, using wood carving for a charming look and feel.
The European-style hotel rooms are spacious and very clean. The staff are really professional.
Kumano Kodo Path
Kumano Kodo is the path leading to the three Kumano Mountains (Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Mt. Nachisan Seiganto Temple). While Kumano faith was rising, noble families used this path to come to Kumano, which was later spread to the general public.
There's a restroom at the Daimonzaka parking lot, so be sure to use it before you start—there aren't any bathrooms along the way.
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa, which belongs to the first-grade Yodo River system and is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture, occupies an area of about 670 k㎡, or about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area, and is the largest lake in Japan in terms of both area and water storage capacity, with 27.5 billion tons of water pouring in through rivers from the surrounding mountains of Ibuki, Suzuka, and Hira, all of which are over 1,000 meters high.
You can see the magnificent Lake Biwa right from your room at the Otsu Prince Hotel.
Inage seaside park
83-hectare Inage Seaside Park stretches out along the Tokyo Bay for about 3 km. This multipurpose park features a beach, an outside pool, a harbor, sport facilities, a BBQ field, botanical garden and more.
The waves were really strong, but the sunset view was beautiful!