The whole rest stop is shaped like a melon—it's so cute, you just have to stop and take a photo! The melon desserts and ice cream inside are delicious—sweet and fragrant, totally comforting. You can also buy local produce, so it really has that local flavor. If you're driving by, definitely stop in for some melon treats and souvenirs!
Michi-no-Eki Shichijo Melon Dome | Review by Norman Gale
Other Reviews by Norman Gale
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Shimabara Hibariyama Flower Park
A flower park created through collaboration between Shimabara City and private partners on erosion control land designated after the eruption disaster of Mt. Unzen Fugendake. Opened in 2012, it welcomes visitors with colorful flower fields spreading out against the backdrop of Mt. Heisei-Shinzan. In spring, cherry blossoms, weeping cherry blossoms, and Approx. 10 million rapeseed blossoms begin to bloom around late March. Azaleas appear in mid-April, and mixed flowers color the vast grounds from around early May to around late May.
There are different flower fields to enjoy in every season. The tulips and cherry blossoms in spring are absolutely dreamy, and the whole park looks so magical in photos. The air is fresh, the scenery is wide open, and it’s such a great place for a relaxing walk or a date.
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Jozankei Gensen Park
Jozankei Gensen Park was opened in 2005 on the 200th anniversary of Miizumi Jozan's birth, who was an ascetic monk and is said to have provided the foundation of Jozankei Onsen. On the premises, there is a recreated scene of Jozan finding the hot spring as well as his statue and various hot spring facilities.
There's a foot bath right at the entrance, so you can soak your feet and enjoy the snowy scenery in winter.
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Ryujin Suspension Bridge
The Ryujinkyo Gorge is located in Okukuji Prefectural Nature Park, in Ibaraki prefecture. The “Ryujin Suspension Bridge” is laid atop the Ryujin dam that flows through the Ryujin River within the gorge. This bridge is 375m long, and is one of Japan’s longest pedestrian only suspension bridges.
If it's not autumn foliage season, there's really not much to see.