Sarakurayama Observatory
It's an observatory from which you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Kitakyushu city area. To reach the observatory at the summit of the 622-meter-high mountain, visitors take a cable car and a slope car.
The night view from Sarakurayama is so romantic, and you can see the coastline too. It's really beautiful! I totally recommend this place for couples in love.
Engetsu Island
A landmark of the Nanki-Shirahama area, familiar as the subject of paintings, photographs, and postage stamps. The official name is “Takashima” but it’s commonly called “Engetsu-jima” because of the sea cave (hole) near the center of the island.
Engetsu Island is famous for its round sea cave, and the sunsets here are just mesmerizing. The scenery is so beautiful, it's easy to get lost in it.
Gappo Park
Located 20 minutes by bus from JR Aomori Station and facing Aomori Port, Gappo Park is a seaside park in an urban area that is rare in Japan. Brothers Eisaku Mizuhara and Mijuro Kakizaki donated their materials to build the park, which was completed in 1894 (Meiji 27). It was donated to Aomori City.
The cherry blossom festival at Gappo Park in Aomori usually takes place from April to May. The park is really spacious, and during cherry blossom season, it's just beautiful! If you're planning to visit local spots in Aomori, you definitely shouldn't miss Gappo Park.
Tsunoshima Bridge
The Tsunoshima Bridge opened in 2000. The bridge connects the mainland side of Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, with the remote island of Tsunoshima. With a total length of 1,780 meters, it is one of the longest bridges over a remote island in Japan that can be crossed for free.
Tsunoshima Bridge is a true landmark of Shimonoseki City, completed in 2000. At 1,780 meters long, it was the longest toll-free bridge in Japan at the time.
It's a favorite spot for car commercials, and even my favorite, Takuya Kimura (from HERO), filmed here! The water is amazing! 😯
Genshichi Roten no Yu (Outdoor Hot Spring)
Zao Hot Spring is said to have been found in AD 110 and beloved for almost 1900 years. This bathhouse offers a place to stop by and enjoy the hot spring of Zao. The water is strongly acidic and sulfuric which is effective to rejuvenate the skin and blood vessels as well as improving skin’s antiseptic properties and strengthening the skin, cherished as “the Beauty Water” since ancient days.
This hot spring in the Zao Onsen area of Yamagata is my absolute favorite ♨️. There's both indoor and outdoor baths—highly recommended! You really have to come and experience these hot springs for yourself ♨️👍
Dolphin Fantasy Ishigaki Island
A hands-on facility where you can play with dolphins, located about 5 minutes by car from the Remote Island terminal and about 30 minutes by car from Ishigaki Airport. You can feel like a trainer and interact with dolphins by feeding them directly, and giving them cues for shaking hands or jumping.
I can't believe there's a place on Ishigaki Island where you can get up close with dolphins! Plus, you can enjoy all kinds of water activities here. I really love the ocean in this area—it's amazing and super beautiful! 😍
Banna Park
The prefectural forest park is located on 230m high Mt. Banna in the center of Ishigaki Island. There are exotic tropical trees, a plaza where children can play freely in the great outdoors, and the best ocean view of Ishigaki Island can be seen from the observatory. There are many butterflies and plants that can only be seen in Yaeyama, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Banna Park in Ishigaki has several observation decks, including one just for birdwatching. There are also forest trails and more, so it's a great place for families. The super long roller slide is the longest I've ever seen! 👍
There's also a huge, wide cement slide—definitely the biggest I've come across. The playground equipment here is perfect for all kinds of kids and teens, with things like climbing walls, ropes, balance beams, and even a sand play area. 🤟