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.
Seeing Mt. Fuji so clearly at Oshino Hakkai was truly stunning, and I felt so lucky 😍
Taima-dera Temple
An ancient temple said to have originated with Manpōzōin, founded in 612 by Prince Maroko, the younger brother of Prince Shōtoku. It is known as the only temple in Japan where a pair of three-story pagodas in Tenpyo architectural style still stand to the east and west. The Main Hall (Mandala Hall) enshrines the Taima Mandala as its principal image, said to have been woven in a single night by Princess Chūjō, who is associated with the legend of journeying to the Pure Land while still alive.
Compared with the popular sights in central Nara, Taima-dera Temple is more low-key, but that actually gives it an even stronger old-temple atmosphere. The grounds feel very historic, especially the architectural details. If you enjoy culture, you’ll really appreciate this place.
Lake Inawashiro Sightseeing Boat
A sightseeing boat cruise that lets you tour Lake Inawashiro. Located in Fukushima Prefecture, Lake Inawashiro is the fourth-largest lake in Japan and is also known as Tenkyokō (Mirror Lake) for its clear water. There are two boats (weekends, national holidays, and select periods only): the sightseeing boat Hakuchōmaru and the cruise boat Kamemaru. Each features a cute design inspired by a swan or a turtle, and during the season, each boat runs every 60 minutes.
Taking the sightseeing boat on Lake Inawashiro was really relaxing. The lake is huge, and it’s especially great when the weather is nice. The blue sky against the water makes the whole view feel so peaceful.
Nemuro Kotohira Shrine
A shrine said to have been founded in 1806 by Kahei Takadaya, a merchant and pioneer of northern fisheries who opened up Nemuro’s fishing grounds. It enshrines Omomonushi-no-Kami, Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, and Ukatama-no-Kami. As settlement expanded, it drew deep devotion as the local guardian shrine, and today it is worshipped as a protector deity for household safety, family prosperity for generations, fisheries, and the promotion of industry and commerce.
Coming here in winter really hits different. The snowy scenery with the shrine feels so Hokkaido.
The approach isn’t long, but the atmosphere is really nice and relaxing.
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is the entertainment district that sits just steps from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. It’s a major hub for izakaya pubs, amusement centers and nightlife spots to enjoy after hours. With neon signs lit up through the entire night, it’s earned the nickname of “the city that never sleeps”.
I ran into a scammy shop. They didn’t confirm the amount when charging my card, and I got charged twice!
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
Kaminarimon is really impressive. The moment you see the big red lantern, you know you’ve arrived in Asakusa.
There’s also a small Inari shrine nearby. It’s tiny and easy to miss, but the fox guardian statues are adorable.
Yashima
Yashima is located in the northeastern part of Takamatsu City. It is designated as Setonaikai (Seto Inland Sea) National Park, as well as National Historic Site and Natural Monument.
The view from the summit over the entire Seto Inland Sea is absolutely beautiful and feels so open.
Coming around sunset is definitely a plus—the colors are soft and really soothing.
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu - Unkai Terrace
The Hoshino Resorts Tomamu boasts an observation deck where you can marvel at the dynamic sea of clouds up close. It's open exclusively in the early mornings from May to October, when the sea of clouds typically appears. When the meteorological conditions align, a magnificent sea of clouds flows over the mountains, offering truly heavenly views. The deck gives you the sensation of floating amidst the clouds, making you feel as though you're embarking on a voyage across a sea of mist.
The whole experience feels very “Hokkaido-only.” It’s hard to recreate this vibe anywhere else.
Even if you don’t get to see the sea of clouds, the mountain scenery itself is still super soothing, so the trip doesn’t feel wasted at all.
Hokumon Shrine
Hokumon Shrine stands on an elevated spot overlooking Wakkanai Port and holds the distinction of being the northernmost shrine in Japan with a resident priest. Its origins trace back to 1785, when Denbei Murayama, a contractor of the Matsumae domain, enshrined Amaterasu Omikami as a guardian deity for the northern gate while stationed in Sōya. He established a small shrine and named it Sōya Daijingu. Today, the enshrined deities are Amaterasu Omikami, Takemikazuchi-no-Kami, and Kotoshironushi-no-Kami, and the shrine is known for bringing blessings such as a good harvest, safe voyages, business prosperity, matchmaking, and safe childbirth.
This shrine is at the northernmost tip of Japan, and coming here really gives you that “I made it to the very top” feeling. It feels super memorable and worth visiting.