Keio Takaosan Onsen / Gokurakuyu
Mt. Takao attracts many visitors from Japan and abroad as a Michelin three-star tourist destination. Conveniently located next to Takaosanguchi Station on the Keio Line, the gateway to Mt. Takao, Keio Takaosan Onsen / Gokurakuyu is a day-use hot spring facility ideal for a stop after hiking or sightseeing.
The outdoor hot spring was super relaxing. On a clear day, soaking while enjoying the mountain view is just the best way to unwind.
Ueno Tosho-gu
A shrine dedicated to the first shogun of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu.
It's super easy to walk here from Ueno Station. Visiting the zoo and museum along the way makes for a perfect little trip.
JR Asahikawa Station
The city of Asahikawa is located in the center of Hokkaido. The JR Asahikawa Station is central to the east-west and north-south rail system in Hokkaido.
Asahikawa Station is absolutely beautiful. If you're a train enthusiast, you'll love it here! Every photo I took inside the station turned out amazing. I definitely consider Asahikawa Station a must-visit spot in Hokkaido.
Kitakami City Park Tenshochi
This park is located along Kitakami River which runs north to south at the center of Iwate. Famous for its cherry blossoms, the 29,300㎡ premises host nearly 10,000 cherry trees. The 2km-long cherry promenade from Sango Bridge is well-known and selected into “the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” From mid April to early May, “Kitakami Tenshochi Cherry Festival” is held each year. During the festival, a carriage goes along the cherry promenade and a monster sword dance and other traditional arts are performed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
Kitakami Tenshochi was selected as one of the Top 100 Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots by the Japan Cherry Blossom Association in 1990. You can even ride a horse-drawn carriage or take a boat along the cherry blossom promenade—such a unique experience!
Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Honshu and Awaji Island. It is known as the world's longest suspension bridge, with a total length of 3,911 meters and a distance of 1,991 meters between the two main towers. Together with the Onaruto Bridge, it connects the Kansai area to Shikoku, and is a popular tourist route.
You can take an elevator inside Akashi Kaikyo Bridge all the way up near the top of the tower. After heading back the same way, you even get a certificate. The tower-top experience ends there. The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge is definitely worth seeing.
Eiraku Dam
This dam is rich in nature and has been selected as one of the "100 best places for greenery in Osaka" and "100 best places for water source forests". A circular path is maintained for 2 km around the dam, allowing visitors to enjoy hiking and walking while experiencing nature in each of the four seasons.
Eiraku Dam has a trail that goes all the way around it. Even after cherry blossom season, the scenery changes with each season, so there's always something new to see.
Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium
This aquarium features Hokkaido’s largest freshwater tank. Its exhibits include approximately 10,000 freshwater creatures from around the world, including salmon from the Chitose River, and provide an easy-to-understand look at freshwater fish ecology.
There's a model of a fishing waterwheel at the aquarium entrance. When the salmon swim upstream in autumn, they use this waterwheel to catch lots of returning salmon. It's really unique and interesting! 👏
Rokko Garden Terrace
Rokko Garden Terrace, located 880 meters above sea level on Mt. Rokko, is an observation deck where visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka Plain and Akashi Strait, including the city of Kobe, as well as a "10 million dollar" night view.
Rokko Garden Terrace has a European countryside vibe with its terrace and observation deck. The shops here are all unique, too. The atmosphere is great, and you get an awesome view of Kobe city! 👍
ROKKO Forest Sound Museum
The ROKKO Forest Sound Museum, located on top of Mt. Rokko, is a museum exhibiting a collection of antique music boxes, automatic organs, and karakuri dolls made in Europe and America from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. Visitors can enjoy automatic performances of music based on seasonal themes in the popular program "Concerts without Performers.
Inside the ROKKO Forest Sound Museum, there's a 360-degree transparent SIKI dome tent you can rent. Plus, the forest café offers a special lunch box. It's really unique—definitely worth recommending!
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
"Kema Sakuranomiya Park", located on both banks of the Okawa River that flows through the center of Osaka City, is a riverside park with a total length of 4.2 km developed in the area from the Kema Araizeki (overflow weir) at the junction with the Yodo River to Tenmabashi Bridge downstream.
Kema Sakuranomiya Park is an amazing spot for cherry blossom viewing. In spring, the whole park is beautifully decorated with blooming sakura—so romantic!