The old-fashioned streets are really beautiful.
Narai-juku | Review by 張立溪
Other Reviews by 張立溪
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Mt. Futagami Manyo Line
Mt. Futagami rises approximately 274 meters near the border between Takaoka and Himi in Toyama Prefecture. The Mt. Futagami Manyo Line is an approximately 8-kilometer scenic driving route through the mountain range. On clear days, it offers sweeping views of Toyama Bay and the Noto Peninsula on the sea side and the Tateyama Mountain Range on the mountain side. An observation deck near the summit overlooks the city of Takaoka.
In the context of a relaxing trip, this route feels super slow-paced in the best way. The views along the way are all mountains and small towns, and it’s really nice to just sit there and zone out looking out the window.
From that perspective, it’s a great pick in either cherry blossom season or fall foliage season. When the weather is nice, the scenery is genuinely beautiful. -
Owakudani
On the main sightseeing route around Hakone, transfer from the cable car to the ropeway at Sounzan Station. After gliding through the air for a while, the scenery suddenly changes. The lush greenery disappears, and white plumes of steam rise from exposed, craggy rock faces. This is Owakudani, a volcanic crater formed by Hakone's most recent volcanic activity. The white gas that escapes year-round from the fumaroles contains sulfur, filling the air with its distinctive smell.
There's a visitor center where you can take a break, plus restrooms and a souvenir shop. Super convenient.
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Matsushima Cruise
Over 260 large and small islands are in the heavenly Matsushima known as one of the Three Great Views of Japan. A large boat on a regular schedule goes around Matsushima Bay in the affordable “Niomaru Course (Middle schooler and older 1,500 yen, Elementary child 750 yen)”. It leisurely cruises a 17km route in 50 minutes around Niojima Island, Kagetajima with an imposing rocky cliff, Funairijima where ancient ruins were found, Katsurashima and Nonoshima which are inhabited.
If you're visiting Matsushima, you have to take the cruise! After the boat ride, go try the grilled oysters.
