Sayama Lake
Lake Sayama, which straddles Tokorozawa City and Iruma City in Saitama Prefecture, is an artificial lake constructed for the purpose of securing water sources. As an irreplaceable dam lake for the region, it has been selected as one of the 100 best dam lakes.
There are several trails around the lake, making it a great place for the whole family to enjoy nature together.
Kurobe Gorge
A large canyon deeply carved into a V-shape by the erosion of the Kurobe River. The water originating from Mt. Washu in the central part of the Northern Alps flows down a steep slope with a height difference of 3,000 meters over a length of 86 km between the Tateyama Mountain Range and the Ushirotateyamarenpo.
There are many hot springs near Kurobe Gorge, especially in the Unazuki Onsen area. After exploring the gorge, you can relax in a hot spring. It really makes for a perfect trip.
Takaoka Kojo Park
This national historic site park is located in the heart of Takaoka City and is one of Japan's best moated parks. The park was built on the site of Takaoka Castle, which was built in 1609 by Toshinaga Maeda, the second head of the Maeda family of the Kaga domain, and the castle's stone walls still stand today.
Takaoka Kojo Park is beautiful all year round. Depending on the season you visit, you can enjoy different kinds of scenery.
Futagoji Temple
Futagoji-Temple is a Tendai sect temple located halfway up Futago Mountain, which rises in the center of the Kunisaki Peninsula. It was founded in 718 by Ninmon Bodhisattva at Rokugomanzan of Sojiin. There was the center of mountain asceticism. In the Edo period (1603-1867), it was also a prayer hall for the Matsudaira family of the Kitsuki Domain.
This place gets really crowded during the fall foliage season. If you have the energy, I recommend hiking up to the top of Futago Mountain—the views up there are even more stunning.
Zuiryuji Temple (Toyama Prefecture)
It is the family temple of Maeda Toshinaga, the second lord of the Kaga domain, and was built over a 20-year period by Toshitsune, the third lord of the domain, until 1663. The temple has many highlights, including lead roof tiles covering the roof of the Butsuden (Buddha hall), which is said to weigh 47 tons in total, and the Hatto (Dhama Hall), where the ceiling is decorated with Kano Yasunobu's paintings of hundreds of flowers.
This temple has really unique architecture and a long history. You can easily walk here from the station.
Ginzan Onsen
This hot spring resort was developed along with the Nobesawa Silver Mine which prospered in the Edo Period. After the mine was closed, it was turned into a therapeutic onsen resort until a flood destroyed it in 1913. By early Showa Period, local businesses have helped restore the village close to the current landscape with western-style wooden multi-story buildings on either side of Ginzan River.
You can still see the wooden buildings from the Taisho era here. At night, the snowy scenery and the lights create an absolutely beautiful view. It's also known as the hometown of Oshin.