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.