Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park | Review by 黃國棟

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Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park

A vast national park where visitors can spend the whole day surrounded by the beauty of lush nature.

19 Oct 2026 See More

Visiting Michinoku Lakeside National Government Park in Japan’s Tohoku region, you can’t help but be drawn in by the vast, beautiful scenery! The park is enormous and very well maintained, with greenery and nature everywhere. It’s perfect for slowing down, taking a leisurely walk, admiring the scenery, and enjoying some peaceful time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

The biggest surprise this time was the yellow cosmos blooming near the parking lot. The bright flowers looked especially dazzling in the sunlight, making it hard not to stop and take photos.

Besides the beautiful fields of flowers, there are also spacious lawns and a wealth of natural scenery, making it a great place to spend an entire day exploring at a relaxed pace. Whether you’re admiring the flowers, walking and taking photos, or simply enjoying nature, it all feels deeply refreshing.

Other Reviews by 黃國棟

Hiyoriyama Park

Located in the center of Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, this park stretches across the 56-meter-high Hiyoriyama area. It is known for the wonderful view from its elevated position and attracts many tourists.
- Miyagi
- Parks & Gardens
19 Oct 2026 See More

Visit Hiyoriyama Park in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan, and enjoy the relaxing and pleasant scenery of a Japanese park! Hiyoriyama Park is a beautiful park with views of the city, harbor, and Pacific Ocean. The wide-open views and gentle breeze as you stroll around make you forget the busyness of everyday life for a while and enjoy a moment of peace.

This is not only a great place to enjoy the natural scenery, but also a well-known local cherry blossom viewing spot. Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom, and the sea of soft pink flowers against the harbor must be especially charming, making it a great choice for many people taking a spring trip.

Unfortunately, I visited in the summer this time and missed cherry blossom season, but the park was still lush and full of life. Taking a leisurely walk along the paths, admiring the city and harbor in the distance, and experiencing Yamagata's unique natural atmosphere was also one of the small joys of traveling.

The park is clean and comfortable, with places to sit and slowly enjoy the scenery. If I have the chance to visit again, I would really like to come in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and see the romantic scenery for myself!
Zao Fox Village

A fox paradise in the mountains of Shiroishi City. More than 100 foxes of seven species, including north foxes , cross foxes , and arctic foxe s, are kept here. Visitors can feed and photograph the free-range foxes outdoors, and even hold a fox cub in their arms.
- Miyagi
- Zoos & Aquariums
16 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Miyagi Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region, how could you miss the incredibly unique Zao Fox Village? More than 100 foxes live here, and you can watch them roam freely, rest, and even chase one another around the grounds. Seeing their daily lives up close is really novel and interesting!

You can take a shuttle bus from the Shiroishi-Zao Station or Shiroishi Station area. It costs about JPY 1,000 each way, and admission is around JPY 1,500. There aren’t many shuttle departures, and seating is limited, so be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan your round-trip transportation so you don’t have to rush!

Besides all the adorable foxes, there are other animals to observe, as well as a paid experience where you can hold a fox. People who love small animals will probably find it very special.

However, we visited in the summer, which happened to be shedding season for the foxes. Many of them had thinner coats and didn’t have the round, fluffy appearance they do in winter, which was a little disappointing for photos. The grounds were also smaller than expected, so I recommend combining your visit with other nearby attractions.

If, like me, you’re most excited to see cute, fluffy foxes or even want to capture dreamy photos of them walking through the snow, visiting in winter may be more likely to meet your expectations!

This time, I got to check off the special experience of observing foxes up close, and it was definitely a very different stop on my trip through Japan’s Tohoku region!
Naruko Gorge

The Naruko Gorge has a 100m deep cliff that stretches for about 2.5km. Sharp white cliffs are covered with deciduous broadleaf trees such as maples and oak, and in autumn these trees turn red and yellow, creating a beautiful scene like a painting.
- Miyagi
- Nature Spots
15 Oct 2026 See More

On this trip, I visited Naruko Gorge in Miyagi Prefecture to admire the incredible beauty created by nature! Although I came in summer and missed the vibrant sight of autumn leaves covering the mountains, the lush green trees, spectacular gorge, and towering rock walls were still so beautiful that it was hard to leave.

Naruko Gorge is a well-known fall foliage destination in Japan's Tohoku region. The gorge is about 100 meters deep and 2.5 kilometers long. Looking out from the observation area, you can really feel the overwhelming scale and grandeur of nature. In fall, when the entire forest turns red, orange, and gold, it must be another stunning sight!

I came by train this time, and since I enjoy walking, I chose to explore the surrounding scenery slowly on foot. There were very few visitors that day, so without the noise of the crowds, there was a rare sense of peace. Listening to the wind rustling through the treetops and breathing in the fresh mountain air helped me relax quite a bit. There are also restaurants nearby where you can enjoy a meal, as well as places to buy sweets and souvenirs. It's a nice place to spend a leisurely half day walking around.

If you also enjoy being close to nature, Naruko Gorge is definitely worth adding to your travel list! Be sure to check for information about bear activity and stay on the safe trails so you can enjoy your visit with peace of mind.