Oshinkoshin Waterfall
Oshinkoshin Falls, also known as "Soubi Falls" because the stream splits into two halfway down, has been selected as one of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
Soubi Falls is one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls. You really have to be careful when visiting in winter because you have to climb stairs along the way, especially since they're covered in thick snow. But looking down from the top makes you feel refreshed. It cleanses your body, mind, and soul.
Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, stretching approximately 20 kilometers north to south, and the largest freshwater lake that freezes over on its entire surface. Mt. Mokoto, which created Lake Kussharo, is known for its volcanic eruptions that covered the entire Hokkaido region with its ash in ancient times.
This place is so beautiful, especially in winter. The snow in the background against the blue sky and white clouds looks like a painting. It looks gorgeous in photos even without a filter. There's also a shop nearby selling exclusive lake monster dolls that are only available here. Super cute~
Ryugetsu Sapporo
In 1947, the Japanese/western sweets maker, Ryugetsu, was established in Obihiro, Tokachi District. Their leading product is Sanporoku. Even though they were making only ice candies in the beginning, the taste became a sensation and they began producing western and Japanese/western sweets.
Ryugetsu is a long-established, popular Hokkaido baumkuchen shop with locations throughout Sapporo. Besides its popular baumkuchen, it also has many delicious sweets. Even better, the shop offers samples, so you can try them before buying what you like.
Akanko Ainu Kotan
The Akanko Ainu Kotan, located in the southern area of Lake Akan-a famous freshwater lake and a top tourist destination in Eastern Hokkaido-serves as a vibrant hub for experiencing Ainu history and culture.
Akanko Ainu Kotan—coming here in winter feels like visiting the Patch Village from the anime Shaman King. It is Hokkaido's largest indigenous Ainu settlement. There are many woodcarving and folk craft shops preserving Ainu traditions, distinctive restaurants, and cultural performance facilities. It's so beautiful with the snowy scenery~
Lake Mashu
Situated in the eastern part of Hokkaido, u is a caldera lake located within the "Akan-Mashu National Park". Encompassing an area of about 19.6 km² with a circumference of roughly 20 km, the environs of the vast lake have been designated as a special protection area. Due to the steep cliffs surrounding it, direct access to the lake is restricted. However, several observation decks set up around the lake offer panoramic views of its serene surface.
Lake Mashu in winter has a beauty unique to the season, with the entire mountain area covered in snow. The lake against the blue sky looks like a painting. Although it's really cold, I highly recommend coming here for a walk and taking photos. The shop also has some unusual items.
Kusasenri
Mount Eboshi is one of the 5 peaks found in the center of Mount Aso. Here you’ll find Kusasenri, the breathtakingly vast, emerald green grasslands that expand northwards. Many textbook writings, as well as classical poets and song writers have immortalized its beauty in their works, making Kusasenri one of the most iconic images that people know when thinking of Mount Aso.
Kusasenri is a stunning volcanic grassland with an extremely magnificent landscape, where you can see horses and an active volcano giving off smoke. The café and gelato there are very popular with visitors. It's also convenient for resting and dining.
Daikanbo
Mount Aso is the volcanic area and 5 peaks along the large caldera that was created as the result of 4 large eruptions some 270,000 to 90,000 years ago. Here, inside this world’s largest caldera and volcanic area you’ll find a train line running through the three local municipalities of Aso, Takamori and Minamiaso, towards the 50,000 people who live there.
Daikanbo has a large observation deck where you can look out over the entire Aso landscape. It takes a little while to walk from the shop to the observation deck. I recommend the walk only if you're in good physical condition; otherwise, you can just rest by the shop. At the observation deck, I saw many locals practicing parasailing.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
It is a stroll garden with spring water that Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Hosokawa clan, created after building a teahouse here where subsoil water from the Aso Mountains gushed forth. Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the Hosokawa clan, later created a large-scale garden that was named "Jojuen" after a poem by Tao Yuanming.
Suizenji is a very large Edo-period stroll garden. It gets especially crowded with visitors during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, and it's a great place to take photos in a kimono. The little ducks in the pond are really super cute.
Sakuranobaba Josaien
This multipurpose culture and tourism facility serves as an outdoor recreation of a Kumamoto Castle hill at the foot the mountain. Here you’ll find Kumamoto’s local gourmet, plenty of shopping and a chance to dive into the history of Kumamoto’s history.
Sakuranobaba Josaien is a shopping street below Kumamoto Castle. You can buy Kumamoto souvenirs there, and there are also restaurants and food stalls. Samurai also perform for visitors at scheduled times. After visiting Kumamoto Castle, you can come down and stroll around.
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is the famous castle built by Kiyomasa Kato in 1607. It was built using the latest, cutting edge techniques at the time and was the setting of many important moments in Japan’s history.
Kumamoto Castle is really big. You should set aside at least 1.5 hours to walk around and visit the castle keep. It's a must-see attraction in Kumamoto, with cherry blossoms in spring and fall foliage in autumn. Samurai also occasionally appear near the castle, and visitors can take commemorative photos with them.
