Saiko 'Iyashi no sato NENBA'
The Nenba area, once home to rows of thatched-roof buildings, is located along the shore of Lake Saiko, overlooking Mt. Fuji and Aokigahara Forest. However, there was terrible damage from the typhoon of 1966, which destroyed most of the town.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato is really relaxing. The thatched-roof houses with Mt. Fuji in the background make it feel like stepping into an old Japanese village.
Fuji Shibazakura Festival
The weeks from mid-April to late May each year bring Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the largest spring flower event in the Tokyo metropolitan area to Fuji Motosuko Resort at the foot of Mt. Fuji. The season rings in with 500,000 moss phlox plants bloom in a stunning shimmy of color that frames perfectly with Mt. Fuji just behind. The festival designs a unique theme each year to showcase the vibrant hues of all seven varieties of shibazakura, including McDaniel Cushion and Autumn Rose.
When the weather is clear, seeing Mt. Fuji and the pink moss phlox in the same view is absolutely worth making a special trip for. It’s one of Japan’s iconic spring destinations.
Tokyo Character Street
Tokyo Character Street is located in a corner of "First Avenue Tokyo Station", a commercial facility directly connected to Tokyo Station. Located just outside the "Yaesu Underground Central Exit ticket gate", the street is home to a collection of character stores featuring the popular domestic and international characters such as "Pokémon," "Crayon Shin-chan," "Pretty Cure," "Sumikkogurashi," and more. Some items are only available at "Tokyo Character Street", making it an irresistible space for anime and manga enthusiasts.
This whole street is packed with anime character merchandise, from Pokémon to all kinds of cartoon favorites. The shops are close together, so it’s really fun and easy to browse.
Fukidashi Park (Fukidashi Koen)
Fukidashi Park is a serene spot where rain and snow from Mount Yotei filter through the earth over many years, emerging as a spring of renowned water. This natural bounty, rich in minerals, can be freely drawn from various spring points within the park.
The spring water at Fukidashi Park is incredibly clear and refreshingly cold. You can fill up and drink it right there, which feels amazing on a hot day.
The surroundings are მშვიდ and the scenery is really relaxing.
Noboribetsu Bear Park
Located at an altitude of 550 meters on the summit of Shihorei Mountain, Noboribetsu Bear Park is accessible via a 7-minute ropeway ride from the foothill station in Noboribetsu Onsen Town. Over 60 lively brown bears reside here.
Noboribetsu Bear Park is definitely pretty unique. You can see the brown bears up close, and even feed and interact with them, which kids will get really excited about.
That said, the smell is a bit strong and the facilities feel somewhat dated. Overall, it’s more of an experience-focused attraction.
MIHO MUSEUM
It is an art museum standing in the green mountains of Shigaraki located in the southern part of Shiga prefecture. It houses about 3,000 pieces of ancient art from Egypt, Greece, Rome, West Asia, South Asia, and China, as well as Japanese art such as Buddhist art and tea ceremony art. About 250 of them are exhibited at all times.
At MIHO Museum, the moment you pass through the tunnel really feels like stepping into another world. The mountains, forest, and architecture blend together so peacefully, and the whole atmosphere makes time feel like it slows down.
Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.
The gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go really make it feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The wood and thatched roofs feel so warm, and with the mountain views and little streams, the whole place has such a great vibe. The other seasons each have their own charm too.
Walking slowly through the village, you naturally start to slow down yourself. It’s a perfect place to quietly take it all in on your own.
Oshino Hakkai – The 8 Springs of Oshino
Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. Once a former lake, the area has dried up and formed the 8 spring-sourced ponds that remain today.
The cherry blossoms at Oshino Hakkai are absolutely dreamy. Mt. Fuji with those soft pink blossoms, plus the crystal-clear spring water, makes the scenery unbelievably beautiful!
Oishi Park
Located on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi in the Oishi district of Yamanashi Prefecture, this scenic spot offers panoramic views of Mount Fuji across the lake. The park, with its photogenic landscapes, attracts many tourists.
April at Oishi Park feels like that in-between moment when spring is just arriving. The main highlights are usually tulips and canola flowers, with the last of the cherry blossoms adding a nice touch.
With Mount Fuji in the background, the scenery has so much depth. It may not be as striking as the lavender in summer, but it feels fresh and really pleasant.
Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond was created by the blockage of the Azusa River due to the eruption of Yakedake Mountain in 1915. The clean blue-green water clearly reflects the beautiful Kamikochi mountain range. The forest under the water has decayed in a mystical way, which now gives the pond a spiritual atmosphere. The beautiful birch forest spreads out at an altitude of 1,490 meters above sea level, the highest level where these kinds of trees are able to grow.
Taisho Pond, which had just reopened, was absolutely dreamy. The lingering snow and the reflections made it feel like a fairyland, and while the air was cold, it felt really fresh.
It wasn’t too crowded, so it was a very comfortable walk.