Lake Towada in the fall is as beautiful as a painting slowly unfolding.
The lake reflects the reds, yellows, and oranges of the surrounding mountains and forests. The calm water and stunning scenery made me want to stop and take photos with every step along the shore.
This beauty, shaped by nature over countless years, was all right there in front of me. It really made me feel the true meaning of travel.
If you’re visiting Tohoku, autumn at Lake Towada is absolutely worth remembering!
Lake Towada | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)
The historic hot spring “Gero Onsen” is said to have been discovered in the Engi era (901-923) and the Tenryaku era (947-957). During the Edo period, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, Hayashi Razan, noted the hot spring as one of "the three famous springs in Japan," alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.
Even Oda Nobunaga loved coming to soak in this hot spring, so of course I had to try it too!
Gero Onsen isn’t just rich in history—the water feels so soothing that after soaking, all I wanted to do was zone out. Strolling through the onsen town, grabbing a few snacks, then relaxing in a warm bath... this is exactly the kind of happy travel rhythm I love. No wonder it’s firmly ranked as one of Japan’s three famous hot springs. It’s definitely worth experiencing at least once! -
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Mt. Inasayama Observatory
At 333m above sea level, this observatory stands at the top of Mt. Inasayama at the center of Nagasaki City. The observatory with a cafe and restaurant offers a view over Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa and Goto Islands.
If you come to Nagasaki, you definitely shouldn’t miss Mt. Inasayama Observatory! Take the ropeway up to the 333-meter summit, and you’ll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree view.
During the day, you can see Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands in the distance. At night, it becomes truly breathtaking, with countless lights spread across the mountains and sea like jewels scattered over the earth.
No wonder Nagasaki’s night view was once chosen as one of the “New Three Great Night Views of the World.” Sitting at the observatory with a gentle breeze, watching the whole city slowly light up, I honestly couldn’t help thinking, “This trip was absolutely worth it!” -
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Kumamon Square
Kumamon is the mascot of Kumamoto and cutely named as such the Prefecture’s Sales and Happiness Manager. You can find him all across Kumamoto, pointing out some of its best attractions. He’s so popular that Kumamon related merchandise is said to be reaching a cumulative total of 1 trillion yen. At this spot you’ll find the office of this amazing mascot, and if you time it just right, you might even get a chance to meet him.
Kumamon isn’t just cute—he actually has the official title of “Sales and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture”!
When you visit Kumamon Square, you have to stop by the manager’s office for a photo, sit at his desk, and check out his trophies and “workday” routine. If you happen to catch Kumamon on duty, you can watch him perform up close and take photos together. The cuteness level is off the charts!
And don’t forget to browse the limited-edition merch at the end. You may say you’re only buying one thing, but you’ll probably walk out with a big bag. -
