Kurobe Dam
Standing 186 meters tall, Kurobe Dam is Japan's tallest and one of the largest dams in the world. It took seven years and the efforts of over 10 million workers to overcome numerous challenges, earning it the title of a "monumental project of the century" at the time of its construction.
It’s amazing that they built such a massive dam deep in the mountains!
A powerful structure set in magnificent scenery.
You’ll definitely be blown away!
Lake Onneto
Onneto is the westernmost lake in Akan Mashu National Park. It is also called Goshikinuma (a five-colored lake) because the lake changes its color to five different colors depending on the season, time of day, and angle of view. The lake is only 2.5 kilometers in circumference and can be walked around in about 40 minutes, allowing visitors to enjoy the colorful scenery.
I went in the summer. The weather that day kept switching between rain and no rain, so it was a shame I couldn’t see the lake in its vivid colors. I’d love to come back on a sunny day!
Nagoya City Archives and Museum
A museum housed in the Former Nagoya Court of Appeals, Local Court, and District Court Building, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property. As Nagoya City’s public archives, it collects and preserves the city’s administrative documents and materials and makes them available to the public. Spaces for meetings and exhibitions are also available for rent for a fee. The neo-baroque building, with its beautiful contrast of vermilion brick walls and white granite, dates from the late Taisho era and has a rich retro atmosphere.
It’s an old courthouse. The building is so impressive that it almost makes you wonder, “Is admission really free?” Definitely worth seeing!
Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden KOKO-EN
On the southwest side of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, Koko-en is a strolling-style garden around ponds and consists of nine different themed gardens, including the Garden of the Lord’s Residence, on a vast site of approx. 3,300 m2. The Edo period atmosphere draws visitors, and it’s also known as a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including samurai dramas.
A garden right next to Himeji Castle. I stopped by after touring the castle.
It’s beautifully maintained and really relaxing.
Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
It was even bigger than I imagined! Totally feels like a fortress!
It takes about 3 hours to walk around, so plan your meal time before you go in.
You’ll be amazed nonstop inside—guaranteed!
Hiroshima Station Building Minamoa
On March 24, 2025, this large-scale commercial complex directly connected to Hiroshima Station opened on the former site of ASSE, the old station building that closed about five years earlier. Alongside the existing in-station facility ekie, the new station building minamoa has joined Hiroshima Station, bringing together around 220 shops across ten floors, from basement level 1 to the 9th floor above ground.
I came here for dinner after a day of sightseeing in Hiroshima. When in Hiroshima, it’s gotta be okonomiyaki!
A lot of the restaurants were packed, so I was glad we got in with just a short wait!
Hiroshima Electric Railway (Streetcar)
A public transportation operator that runs streetcars and buses primarily in Hiroshima City, and is affectionately known locally as “Hiroden.” It connects central Hiroshima with the Miyajima area, spanning a total length of about 34.6 km. In terms of both fleet size and passenger volume, it has one of Japan’s largest streetcar networks, supporting a wide range of travel from sightseeing to commuting.
Super convenient for getting around Hiroshima and out to Miyajima!
The streetcars really do all the heavy lifting here!
Atomic Bomb Dome (Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park)
The Atomic Bomb Dome, in its original design, was completed as the Hiroshima Prefectural Industrial Promotional Hall, by Czech architect Jan Letzel on April 5th, 1915. However, as it stood just 160 meters from the epicenter of the atomic bomb, it suffered severe damage from the blast. With a gutted steel frame and damaged exterior, its known colloquially as the Atomic Bomb Dome, a building that stands in testament to the tragic history unfolded here.
I really want Americans to see this place too.
After seeing it, do you still think the atomic bomb was necessary to end the war?
I don’t believe there’s any such thing as a “just” nuclear weapon.
Anagomeshi Ueno Miyajimaguchi Flagship Store
Anagomeshi Ueno in Miyajima-guchi dates back to its foundation in Meiji 34 (1901). It became a popular establishment due to its "Anagomeshi", conceptualized and launched as a station bento by the founder, Tanikichi Ueno.
Crispy, toothsome, and deliciously fragrant anago rice.
Best anagomeshi I’ve ever had!
Even though it was after the weekday lunch rush, there was still a line.
Absolutely amazing!
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
The World Heritage site Itsukushima Shrine is famous for its torii gate that looks like it’s floating on the sea.
But it’s not just the gate—most of the shrine is built over the water.
It’s seriously impressive, so you should visit at least once!
Highly recommended!