Sengokuhara Susuki (Pampas) Fields
Sengokuhara is known as a resort on a plateau with rich nature. Many wetland plants and other species in season adorn the scenic area. Trails are available and it is a popular location for light hiking.
Autumn is definitely the most popular season here, but the scenery in other seasons has its own special charm too.
Nora Dokei Clock
This clock tower was made in the mid-Meiji era, a time when clocks were not yet commonplace, by Genma Hatakenaka. He was a landowner who mastered the art of clock assembly, building it by hand from gears and weights. The clock was nationally registered as a tangible cultural property in 1996.
This place was originally designed so that farmers could tell the time from far away. Now, it's one of the most familiar sights for locals.
Fukui Prefectural Museum of Ceramics
Here, you get to watch and learn, actually create and enjoy wonderful Echizen ware, one of the Six Ancient Potteries of Japan. The information center displays a number of ceramics as well as the “Kuemon Kiln” diorama, built based on a kiln hole from Kamakura Period by the leading Echizen ware researcher, Kuemon Mizuno, and his helpers.
Besides joining the hands-on Echizen ware pottery experience, you can also shop for Echizen ware at the museum store.
Minamisanriku Sun Sun Shopping Village
The Shopping street was opened as a temporary shopping place in 2012, and moved to the current permanent location in 2017. It was designed by Japan’s leading architect, Kengo Kuma. Plenty of “beauty Cedar,” Minamisanriku Cedar, is used to produce a warm, friendly space.
The whole shopping street is built with Minamisanriku cedar! There are six big buildings and a total of 28 shops. 🎈
Yonezawa City Uesugi Museum
Yonezawa is a castle town in Yonezawa Domain which was governed by the feudal warlord Uesugi Kenshin and his family. Many heroes came out from here such as Uesugi Yozan, Edo Period’s great governor. In Yonezawa, spots related to the Uesugi Clan dot around the Yonezawa Castle remain, such as the Uesugi Family’s mausoleum.
As soon as we arrived at the entrance of Uesugi Shrine, we were greeted by an awesome, energetic group of samurai performers!
Hoshitoge Rice Terraces
The rice terraces of Matsudai, Matsunoyama region of Tokamachi Town is one of “Japan’s 100 Selected Villages”. With around 200 rice farms placed on the slants of a mountain, the views truly reflect “Komedokoro Niigata” (Niigata the rice place of Japan). One might also remember this location as one of the opening film locations of NHK’s historical epic, “Tenchijin”.
You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Tokamachi area right from the mountain road. It's different from your typical tourist spot—really unique! ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ
Kanazawa Umimirai Library
The fourth major library in Kanazawa, it opened on May 21, 2011. Designed by the architectural duo Coelacanth K&H Architects Inc., the building, characterized by its distinctive round windows, is themed after a "cake box." This striking design has led to its recognition as one of the "Top 25 Most Beautiful Public Libraries in the World".
This place is a super trendy spot with a futuristic vibe! 👍
Tree Picnic Adventure IKEDA
This theme park utilizes the forest resources - gliding in the air on the Mega Zip Line, climbing on trees, rafting down the river, and other thrilling activities are available.
Had a blast playing in the largest adventure forest in Japan!
Koshinokuni Museum of Literature
Toyama Prefecture is associated with the Manyoshu poet Otomo no Yakamochi, who composed 223 poems. Many literary works are set in Toyama, including "Hotarugawa" by Teru Miyamoto and "The Long Road" by Hyozo Kashiwabara, and the prefecture has produced many writers, including Yoshie Hotta, Keita Genji, and Genyoshi Kadokawa.
Both adults and kids will love the cutting-edge digital art displays here~
Nakagawa-machi Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art
This museum collects over 4000 artworks collected by Tosaku Aoki, an entrepreneur from Tochigi prefecture. It collects hand-drawn art and prints by Hiroshige Utagawa. With 6 special exhibits per year, there are other exhibits featuring Japanese ukiyo-e, prints, and Japanese western artists.
The Bato Hiroshige Museum of Art, designed by Kengo Kuma, has a minimalist Japanese style. It feels like there's a touch of Zen hidden in the design too.