Akebonoyama Agricultural Park
It is an agricultural park known for its flower garden with a windmill. The seasonal flowers welcome you in each season, starting with cherry blossoms and tulips in spring, then approximately 300 hydrangeas in summer.
The park is really spacious, perfect for bringing kids to play or for a picnic.
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
This art museum, specialized in original manga drawing, was opened in 1995 in Masuda, the hometown of manga artist, Takao Yaguchi who swept the world with Tsurikichi Sanpei. The Museum's first mission is to preserve the original drawings which manga artists made such efforts to create. The collection holds more than 400,000 sheets drawn by more than 180 artists.
As an anime fan, I didn't want to leave once I was inside. The museum is free, except for some special exhibits that have a fee. Totally worth it.
Miyajidake Shrine
Miyajidake Shrine, located in Fukutsu City, between Fukuoka City and Kitakyushu, is the head shrine of all Miyajidake shrines in Japan. The shrine was founded approximately 1,700 years ago and enshrined Empress Jingu-kougou as its main deity.
This is a beautiful shrine—it's really big, with several smaller shrines inside and a huge sacred rope. The sunset is gorgeous here, making it a great spot for a relaxing walk.
Goshougake Onsen
This hot spring inn stands alone in the mountains within Towada Hachimantai National Park. Steam rises in the vicinity with the source spring gushing out and a mud volcano which reminds you of Jigokudani (Hell Valley).
After checking out the nearby sights, you can come here for a hot spring bath. The scenery is beautiful and the onsen is super relaxing!
Manza Kogen Hotel
The water at Manza Onsen is one of the highest sulfur content hot springs in Japan and is known for its abundant supply and quality. The Manza Kogen Hotel is located in the center of Manza Onsen town and offers everyone a relaxing time. Manza Onsen is the highest hot spring in Japan that can be reached by a car year-round and is said to be "the closest hot spring to the stars.”
Had my first ever mixed-gender onsen experience here 😁