Kotohiragu Shrine
The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.
On clear days, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Seto Inland Sea from up high. The scenery is really stunning.
Beppu Onsen
Beppu onsen is the collective name for all of the hot springs across Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 different springs that produce about 130,000 kiloliters of spring water every day, its ranked among the highest of hot springs in Japan. Beppu Onsen is divided into 8 areas and is also called Beppu Hatto or Bappu Onsenkyo. The many different springs offer different water properties and colors, so you won’t want to miss the chance to visit as many different hot springs as possible.
This is a famous hot spring resort in Kyushu. The quality of the hot springs and the number of inns are among the best in Japan. Besides Japanese visitors, there are also many tourists from Korea.
Kokonoe “Yume” Otsurihashi
This is a large, 777-meter-high suspension bridge for sightseeing that spans the Kyusuikei Valley near the Kumamoto Prefecture border at the foot of the Kuju Mountain Range. The 173-meter-high, 390-meter-long suspension bridge, Japan's tallest pedestrian bridge, offers a thrilling view of the surrounding valley and is a popular observation spot.
Looking down from the bridge is honestly pretty scary, but the views all around are really nice!
Takachiho Gorge
Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.
The gorge is peaceful, the water is super clean, and the air is fresh. Truly a hidden scenic gem.
The Aso Nakadake Caldera
Nakadake (1506 m) in the center of Mt. Aso is a volcano that continues to be active. You can see the volcanic crater up close. There are seven craters in Nakadake, and the first crater is currently active and can be seen. It can be reached near a huge crater with a circumference of about 4 km. When the gas clears, you can see the emerald green lake at the bottom of the crater, which is filled with 50 ~ 60 °C hot water.
Thick volcanic smoke hits you right away, and there's a strong sulfur smell. It feels like an eruption could happen at any moment. The power of nature really makes you feel small.
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Wa Rasse is an eye-catching, modern, red museum close to Aomori Station. It was opened in 2011 to preserve Aomori Nebuta Festival held between 2nd and 7th of August every year.
If you don't get a chance to see the Nebuta Festival, you can come here to learn about it. The museum has all kinds of rare photos, videos, and festival floats on display.