Mimasaka Three Hot Springs
Yubara Onsen in Maniwa City, Okutsu Onsen in Kagamino Town (Tomata District), and Yunogo Onsen in Mimasaka City-all located in the northern part of Okayama Prefecture-are collectively known and cherished as the “Mimasaka Three Hot Springs,” representing some of the most famous hot spring resorts in Okayama.
The biggest draw at Yubara is definitely the open-air mixed-gender onsen 'Sunayu.' It's free, has mountain views, and is just super cool.
Suirennuma Pond
Located along National Route 103 - known as the Hakkōda-Towada Gold Line - which connects Aomori City and Lake Towada, Suirennuma Pond is a wetlands pond situated between Sukayu Onsen and Yachi Onsen. Although not visible from the roadside, it can be reached by following a walking path for about two minutes from the highway, where numerous ponds of varying sizes are scattered throughout the area.
The whole marsh is so calm, it's like a mirror. The reflections are stunning! You can even see Mt. Iwaki in the distance. Seriously, your photos will look amazing without any editing at all.
Ine Town Tourism Exchange Facility Funaya Biyori
Located in Ine Town on the Tango Peninsula in northern Kyoto Prefecture, Funaya Biyori is a tourism and exchange facility where visitors can enjoy local food and culture while gazing out at the famous “funaya” boat houses along Ine Bay. Since opening in 2017, it has become a lively base for exploring the area, with a seaside café (INE CAFE), a dining spot (Wadatsumi), seasonal pop-up shops, and even a boathouse for festival ships.
The design is modern but still keeps the traditional feel—it's really well done and doesn't feel out of place at all.
Jigokunuma Pond
Located not far from Sukayu Onsen, this pond was created about 800 years ago by an explosive volcanic eruption in the Hakkōda Mountains. Covering roughly 4,500㎡, it formed when hot spring water bubbling up in the area collected in an old explosion crater. Even today, steam vents-remnants of past volcanic activity-dot the surroundings, and the distinct scent of sulfur hangs in the air. This eerie atmosphere is what inspired the name “Jigokunuma,” or “Hell Pond.”
The sulfur smell here is super strong—you can smell it as soon as you get off the car. It's kinda like someone's boiling stinky eggs 🤣