Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival
Held every year on the last weekend of August in Noboribetsu Onsen, the Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival is a grand event that reenacts the legend of Enma, King of Hell, arriving at the hot spring town with his demons after the cauldron lid of Hell Valley is opened.
It was really cold at night. I didn't bring a jacket, so I was shivering while watching the event.
Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks
The fireworks event is held at Rinku Park, located across from Kansai International Airport. First launched in 2022 as "Osaka Bay Rinku Art Fireworks," the event was renamed "Osaka Great Sky Art Fireworks" in 2024.
The fireworks synced with the music were so dynamic—it felt more like an aerial performance than just a regular fireworks show. The atmosphere was romantic and moving. Highly recommend!
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.
The ancient pilgrimage trail is just wide enough for two people to walk side by side. But you need to watch out for tree roots sticking out. If it rains, the path gets really muddy, so it's best to check the weather before heading out.
Hakone Tozan Railway / Hakone Tozan Cable Car
The Hakone Tozan Railway is an indispensable part of sightseeing in Hakone, with many of the major spots in the city located along the route.
It connects Odawara to Hakone-Yumoto and Gora. You really have to experience the fun of the mountain railway for yourself!
Tsutenkaku Tower
A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.
This area is always lively, with tons of food stalls nearby. It's a fantastic place to walk around and explore.
Amatsu Shrine (Bizen City, Okayama)
This shrine is said to be built before the year 1411. The deity worshiped is Sukuna Hikona-no-Mikoto, but as it was also located within the domain owned by the Sugawara Clan, Sugawara no Michizane was also worshiped.
The shrine has a classic, old-fashioned vibe, built using a lot of Bizen ware. Really unique!
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
The aquarium is centered around "Nixe Castle," which was built on the actual "Egeskov Castle" model in Denmark. About 400 species and 20,000 living things are on display. The entire interior of the beautiful brick castle is used as an aquarium.
The penguin walk, paired with upbeat music, is such a highlight! Watching the king penguins parade up close is definitely the main attraction.
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
It's a fun place for the whole family, but some rides have height restrictions for little kids.
Mt. Fuji
At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.
No matter which angle you look from, Mt. Fuji has a majestic beauty!