Mt. Asahidake
“Asahidake”, the highest peak in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, is a series of 2,000-meter-high peaks. Asahidake, which rises 2,291 meters above sea level, is popular for its easy access to the 1,600-meter-high ropeway, making it an easy way to enjoy the spectacular view.
Wow, the scenery here is absolutely stunning! In summer, the place is covered with wildflowers, fall brings beautiful autumn colors, and in winter, it's a great spot for skiing. Highly recommended!
Nakabuan
Shodoshima somen has a history of more than 400 years and is known as a specialty of Shodoshima. The store specializes in hand-pulled somen noodles made by hand, taking over the traditional method and adding a modern essence to it.
I'm so glad I came back here. For lunch, I had somen noodles at the famous Nakabuan on Shodoshima. I ordered the simplest cold somen, and the noodles, chilled with ice, were extra chewy and smooth. So delicious!
Kinosaki Literary Museum
The Kinosaki Literary Museum is located in the heart of Kinosaki Onsen, which has long been a subject of songs and novels, such as the masterpiece "At Kinosaki" by novelist Shiga Naoya, who visited the hot spring for medical treatment and incorporated his experiences into the story.
Since the Kinosaki Literary Museum opened, people don't just enjoy soaking in the hot springs in yukata anymore—they also take time to appreciate the literary corners. It's a nice change.
Ozawa Sake Brewery
Ozawa Sake Brewery, established in 1702, is located in Ome City, Tokyo. Known for its sake brand "Sawanoi," the brewery is nestled in the upper reaches of the Tama River near the Ontake Gorge, a region renowned for its deep mountain canyons and rich natural beauty. The Sawanoi area, where the brewery originated, is named after its clear and abundant water, making it a famous water-rich region. The sake brand derives its name from this locale.
This sake brewery is nestled by the river among the mountains. They use fresh, clear water to brew really good sake.
Tsuetate Onsen
Tsuetate Onsen, nestled along the Tsuetate River in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, is known as Kyushu's inner parlor. Its history dates back 1,800 years, with legends tracing its origin to being the first bath for the child who would become Emperor Ojin. The waters here are a mix of weak alkaline simple springs and chloride springs. They are also rich in metasilicic acid, which enhances the therapeutic effects of the hot springs, leaving the skin smooth and moisturized after bathing.
Japanese people love coming here for the nostalgic vibe. Every time travelers visit Tsuetate and soak in the hot springs, they leave feeling refreshed and energized. Highly recommended!
Kitakyushu City Hibikinada Green Park
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, Hibikinada Green Park is the largest park in the city. It surrounds the Tonoda Reservoir in Kitakyushu City and is a beautiful park that has been selected as one of the "Top 100 City Parks in Japan."
There's a giant swing in the park that can fit a hundred people at once! You can also get up close with capybaras and kangaroos. Highly recommended!
Bandai-Azuma Skyline
Stretching for about 29km, with the highest altitude of 1,622m and an average altitude of 1,350m, it is Japan's first mountain road that runs through the Azuma mountain range. The desolate area, where volcanic gases spew and vegetation is scarce, offers an exotic landscape that's a buzz on social media.
One of Japan's hidden gems! You can look out over the mountains and even see Fukushima City. It's been chosen as one of the Azuma Eight Views—the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
Autumn Ginkgo Trees of Taibaru
A top spot for ginkgo autumn foliage in Fukuoka Prefecture. The vast grounds, originally a grape vineyard, now host over 100 ginkgo trees adorned in a glossy yellow. During the fall, it buzzes with many tourists. As the season progresses, the fallen leaves create a golden carpet, enhancing the beauty of the lined ginkgo trees. The vast expanse filled with golden hues is strikingly beautiful. The ginkgo trees aren't too tall, so even little children can enjoy the beautifully colored leaves up close.
Besides the beautiful autumn leaves with a traditional Japanese vibe, the shining golden ginkgo trees here are definitely worth seeing!
Eisa Museum
Eisa Museum is located on the Koza gate street facing the entrance of the US base, as a home base of Eisa, a traditional Okinawa’s entertainment, this museum preserves the Eisa culture and promotes the inheritance. Eisa is a traditional event of a memorial service for their ancestors held on the Bon days of the lunar calendar. Young men parade within their local area performing Eisa at this time of every year.
This is an interactive experience where you can learn about and try Okinawan Eisa drum dancing. It's a great way to discover the history and culture of Eisa!
Momijidani Park
This park is Miyajima's flagship spot for autumn foliage. Every year, around mid to late November, approximately 700 maple trees in the park gloriously change their colors. Of the tree varieties, the Iroha Maple, which turns a brilliant red, is the most predominant with about 560 trees. This is followed by the OoMomiji (Big Maple) with its large leaves, numbering around 100 trees, and then the Urihadakaede and YamaMomiji with about 40 trees combined.
Walking on a carpet of fallen leaves, listening to the gentle stream and the chirping of birds—it's really beautiful.