Mt. Moriyoshi Ani Ski Resort
Mt. Moriyoshi at an elevation of 1,454 meters, the ski resort boasts an abundant amount of snow and high-quality powder snow. The gondola rides up to the summit station, located at an elevation of 1,200 meters, and long ski runs can be enjoyed all the way down to the foot of the mountain.
When the weather is clear, you can see the frosted trees and the starry sky at night. It's absolutely beautiful!
Otomo family residence garden
The Otomo family residence was the base of the Otomo clan, which was a prestigious family line in Bungo Province for about 200 years, from the late 14th century until it ceased to function after the Shimazu clan invaded the area in the late 16th century. Excavations in 1998 uncovered the remains of its enormous garden. After the research, the garden has been restored to its original state and is now open to the public. It is a valuable site that celebrates the garden of those days.
The pond here is really big, and the garden has a unique style from the Sengoku period. It's pretty special.
Oura Catholic Church
The Oura Catholic Church was built for foreigners staying in Japan. Its actual name is “26 Martyrs Church”, and was built in honor of 26 apostles who reached martyrdom in the year 1597. The church faces West Hill, which is where they were executed.
This is the oldest Catholic church! The Gothic architecture and the stunning stained glass windows are just breathtaking.
Kuuchuu no Mura (Village in the Air)
Totsukawa Village, known for its rhododendrons, has the 21-st Century Forest, Kii Peninsula Forest Botanical Park. In 2020, a unique outdoor spot was opened there.
Crossing the swaying suspension bridge is thrilling, and you also get to enjoy views of the mountains along the valley and the stream below. It's a cool experience.
Aomori Fish Market
This market is the birthplace of “Nokkedon” (Nokke Bowl), where orders can be customized by placing your favorite fish over rice. The fish served is caught straight from Mutsu Bay, and sent straight to the market. Other than seafood, omelets and seafood miso soup made by local grannies is a speciality.
You can pick your own ingredients from different stalls and create your perfect seafood rice bowl. Everything is fresh, delicious, and reasonably priced. Great value for money!
Toi Onsen
Located in Nishiizu, facing the Suruga Bay. This is an onsen village port town. It had a golden mine which had its first golden age during the Edo period, and was Japan’s second prosperous mine during the Meiji to Showa period, next to Sado. During the construction of the mine in 1611, hot springs spurted out from its main entrance.
There are delicious seafood dishes, beautiful beaches, and unbeatable scenery with amazing nature. So much to love here!
Notojima Aquarium
Known for its whale sharks, this aquarium is one of the largest on the Sea of Japan side. The aquarium breeds and exhibits mainly fish that live and migrate in the waters around the Noto Peninsula.
You can feed or even touch dolphins and other sea creatures here. It's a fantastic experience!
Katakurakan
From the Meiji to Taisho Periods, the Katakura conglomerate, who built wealth with the silk industry in the Suwa Region, constructed the social space for the local people in the early Showa Period. It is made up of the hall and a hot spring wing.
Katakurakan is right next to Lake Suwa! There are two main buildings—one is the hall, and the first floor is the bathhouse.
Megane Museum
Fukui Prefecture produces 95% of eyeglass frames made in Japan. Sabae City is especially known in the world for their precision technology and high quality. You can learn the ever-changing history of glasses over 100 years, try creating your own glasses in the workshop, or buy the latest model made in Fukui in the adjacent eyewear shop.
This place preserves and showcases the traditional eyeglass-making techniques. Local master craftsmen get to show off their amazing skills here. Highly recommend!
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Located just 20 minutes by car from the center of Nagasaki City and facing Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is, as its name suggests, a penguin-focused aquarium. It houses about 180 individuals of 9 out of the 18 penguin species found globally.
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium has about half of all penguin species in the world—almost 200 penguins inside! Definitely a must-visit spot.