Tsuruga Akan Yuku no Sato
Nestled along the southern shore of Lake Akan, Hokkaido’s fifth-largest freshwater lake and a renowned tourist destination in eastern Hokkaido, this resort hotel offers an exceptional stay.
As soon as I got to the hotel, it felt like a real vacation and I instantly slowed down. The hot spring was really nice—after soaking, my whole body felt super relaxed, and I slept great that night.
Zaborin
Nestled quietly within Niseko’s pristine wilderness, Zaborin is an intimate retreat blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary elegance, under the concept of “pausing to forget the modern world”. This refined sanctuary offers a sophisticated space where guests can enjoy an exceptional stay.
As soon as you walk in, it’s super quiet—really gives you that “cut off from the world” feeling. The rooms are standalone cabin-style units, and each one has a private onsen, so the privacy is great.
The whole place is surrounded by forest. Waking up to the fresh air in the morning feels so healing.
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, stretching approximately 20 kilometers north to south, and the largest freshwater lake that freezes over on its entire surface. Mt. Mokoto, which created Lake Kussharo, is known for its volcanic eruptions that covered the entire Hokkaido region with its ash in ancient times.
The vibe is totally different in winter. The steamy spots along the shore look pretty magical.
Zao Ropeway Restaurant "Sancho"
The "Zao Ropeway" is an easy way to enjoy the magnificent nature of Zao. Located at an elevation of 1,661 meters, about 17 minutes by two ropeways from Zao Ropeway Station and close to the summit of Mt. Jizo, the restaurant "Sancho" is open year-round in Jizo Sancho Station.
The weather was bad and it was seriously freezing—I could barely feel my hands and feet.
Thank goodness the restaurant had warm heating, so we could duck in for a bit 😶🌫️
Kegon Falls
Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but its most famous waterfall is Kegon Falls. Here the water from Lake Chuzenji spills down a 97-meter-tall cliff, showcasing a beautiful and powerful force of nature. From the observation platform, which you can reach down at the waterfall basin by elevator, you can experience the roar of the falls and the splashing water from up close.
One of Japan's three most famous waterfalls. You can take an elevator down for a closer look, but there's an extra fee. You can still see it from above, but it's not quite as impressive as being up close.
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.
Matsumoto Castle looks beautiful from every angle!
Nanukamachi-dori Street / Noguchi Hideyo Seishun Street
Nanukamachi-dori Street and Hideyo Noguchi Seishun Street are two retro sightseeing streets in Aizu Wakamatsu City. The streets are lined with buildings from the Meiji, Taisho, and early Showa eras, and visitors can experience the atmosphere as if they were transported back in time. The two streets are connected at right angles, and the entire route takes about 20 minutes (1.2 km).
The mix of old and new buildings makes the whole street feel lively. This is also where Hideyo Noguchi, the famous doctor on the 1,000 yen bill, spent his youth.
Tottori Prefectural Flower Park（Tottori Hanakairo）
With Mt. Daisen, a tall and beautiful mountain, as a borrowed landscape, this is one of the largest flower parks in Japan where visitors can enjoy seasonal flowers.
There are so many kinds of flowers here, most of which I've never seen before. They also hold different events depending on the season. Highly recommended!
Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building
The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid.
Amidst all the office buildings, this Western-style red brick building stands out, symbolizing the evolution of history.
Misasa Hot Spring
It is one of the most radioactive springs in the world, containing high concentrations of radon and this old hot spring resort is recognized as the first Japanese Heritage site. The legend has it that a samurai named Okubo Samanosuke, a retainer of Minamoto no Yoshitomo in the late Heian period (794-1185), was led by a white wolf to this hot spring as thanks for saving it.
Besides Yakushiyu, there's another spot under the bridge where you can soak your feet. Right next to the foot bath, there's a place for a full bath. It's not only free, but also allows mixed bathing.