Tsuruoka Park
The castle ruins park was developed on the site of "Tsurugaoka Castle," where the Sakai family, the lords of the Shonai Domain, resided for about 250 years. A moat, stone walls, and old cedar trees that are thought to be several hundred years old remind us of the old days.
This is a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Yamagata Prefecture. When in Rome, do as the locals do—enjoy food and drinks under the cherry trees! ✌️
Heiwa Dori Shopping Park
The 1-kilometer-long pedestrian paradise, called "Heiwa-dori Shopping Park", is the main street of Asahikawa, and was established in 1972 as Japan's first permanent pedestrian paradise, and is lined with a variety of stores, from large-scale stores and various specialty stores to beauty salons and restaurants.
Besides the modern department stores lining the street, there are also over 150 unique specialty shops here! 🙏👍
Nakayama Senmaida
Located in the Nakayama district, known for its Nakayama Rural Kabuki Stage, in the central part of Shodoshima, the Nakayama Senmaida terraced rice fields are a sight to behold, with about 800 large and small terraces overlapping on sloping land at an altitude of 150-250 meters.
One of Japan's top 100 terraced rice fields... Honestly, it's really nice 👍 Very peaceful vibe.
Imado Shrine
This ancient shrine of authentic lineage is known for bringing blessings in matchmaking because the deities worshipped here are 'Izanagi-no-Mikoto' and 'Izanami-no-Mikoto', considered the first couple in Japan. Since 2008, the shrine has regularly held 'matchmaking meetings', thus becoming more widely known as a shrine where you can pray for a good match. It attracts crowds not only on weekends but also on weekdays from those hoping for a successful relationship.
This is an adorable Maneki Neko (lucky cat) shrine⛩️. Highly recommended!
Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara
Located within the "Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort," this aquarium allows visitors to experience the rich natural beauty of Kujukushima, a beautiful marine area with a complex ria coast and 208 islands.
There's a huge outdoor tank, dolphin shows, and even a jellyfish display.
Hiyoriyama Park
Located in the center of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, this park stretches across the 56-meter-high Hiyoriyama area. It is known for the wonderful view from its elevated position and attracts many tourists.
At Hiyoriyama Park, you can see the old Kitakami River flowing into the Pacific Ocean, plus beautiful peninsulas and islands.
Yukura Shrine
Yukura Shrine is located in Yunokawa, a hot spring resort in Hakodate, Hokkaido. Legend has it that numerous cures for incurable diseases have been achieved through hot spring cures, and the shrine is said to have special divine virtues related to hot springs and medicine.
Inside the shrine, there's a unique squid fishing fortune draw, and you can also get fortunes from the lucky rabbit.
Lake Gando
Lake Gando, created in 1961 with the construction of the Gando Dam, is surrounded by forests of white birch and red pine, creating a mystical atmosphere. It's acclaimed as the most beautiful man-made lake in Japan.
This lake was built in 1960 to help with food supply and power generation—it's the largest and also the most beautiful man-made lake in Japan.
Okama Crater Lake (Goshiki Lake)
Lake Gokako, situated at the highest elevation within the Zao mountain range, is a volcanic crater lake. Enclosed by three peaks - Kattadake, Kumano Peak, and Goshikidake - this lake spans a diameter of 325 meters and has a circumference of about 1 km. Due to varying factors such as season, time of day, weather, and temperature, the lake's water changes in colors, ranging from deep green, blue, to emerald green. This has earned it the moniker " Goshiki Lake (Five-Colored Lake)." The serene shimmer of the lake's surface contrasts sharply with the rugged volcanic walls, creating a profound sense of natural beauty.
Highly recommend taking the trail from Kumano Peak to get a distant view of Okama Crater Lake. It takes about an hour, so make sure to wear proper clothes and shoes.
Kamui Kotan
"Kamui Kotan" means "village of the gods" in the Ainu language. It's a sacred land filled with the severity and mystique of nature, located in the Ishikari River gorge.
Kamui Kotan in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, is one of the stations on the JR Hakodate Main Line. I really like this place.