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Akanko Onsen

Lake Akan is known as a natural habitat of marimo, a Special Natural Monument of Japan. On its lakeshore sits Akanko Onsen, the leading hot spring resort area in eastern Hokkaido with a history of over 100 years. A hot spring town stretches along the shore of Lake Akan, lined with around 20 ryokan, hotels, and guesthouses. Many hot spring facilities face the lake, and their location is outstanding, offering panoramic views of Lake Akan and Mt. Oakan from the baths and guest rooms.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

Roppongi Hills

This multipurpose commercial complex opened as a Roppongi landmark in 2003. In the middle of Roppongi Hills stands Mori Tower, a 54-story skyscraper office building rising 238 meters from the ground.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Commercial Buildings

Onuma Quasi National Park

In July 1958, Onuma Quasi-National Park was designated as the 13th in the nation and the only quasi-national park in southern Hokkaido.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Parks & Gardens

Samurai Residences in Kakunodate

In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.

• Akita
• Famous Places

Ena Gorge

This artificial lake was created by damming the Kiso River with the Oi Dam about 100 years ago. Both sides of the canyon are lined with strange and monstrous rocks, creating a breathtaking view of the canyon. In spring, about 200 cherry trees bloom in the Sazanami Square, and the lake is vividly colored with fresh greenery in early summer and colored leaves in autumn. The lake is also a popular spot for bird watching, with mandarin ducks, starlings, and a variety of migratory birds flying in during the winter, making it a great place to enjoy the seasonal scenery.

• Gifu
• Nature Spots