Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is the famous castle built by Kiyomasa Kato in 1607. It was built using the latest, cutting edge techniques at the time and was the setting of many important moments in Japan’s history.
I could see Kumamoto Castle from my hotel, and the roof of the main keep looks seriously cool. It feels really different from Nagoya Castle or Himeji Castle.
Fukuzenji Temple Taichoro
Fukuzenji, a Shingon Buddhist temple founded by the monk Kuya around 950 in the Heian period. Taichoro, a guest hall next to the main hall, was built during the Genroku era of the Edo period and boasts Approx. 330 years of history, and is also designated as a National Historic Site. Built on a small hill, the tatami room of Taichoro-once used as a reception hall for the Joseon Tongsinsa (Korean diplomatic missions) in the Edo period-offers sweeping views of Tomonoura, including the calm Seto Inland Sea and islands floating offshore.
If you like quiet spots, you’ll absolutely love it here. Not noisy, not crowded—super satisfying for the soul.
Lake Shikaribetsu
Lake Shikaribetsu, located at an elevation of approximately 810 meters, is Hokkaido’s highest-altitude lake and the only natural lake within Daisetsuzan National Park. Formed around 30,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption that dammed a river, it is known as the “Celestial Lake” and is surrounded by small volcanic peaks like Mount Tenbo and Mount Hakuun. The pristine landscape, featuring untouched forests of Sakhalin fir, Yezo spruce, and birch trees, is a stunning highlight.
Compared to other popular spots, Lake Shikaribetsu has fewer visitors, so the whole area stays really peaceful. Walking by the lake or just sitting and enjoying the view brings a real sense of calm.
Mt. Hakodate Observatory
The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.
The city lights are scattered like stars, blending seamlessly with Hakodate Bay and the night sky, creating a dreamy scene. The night view from Mt. Hakodate is truly stunning!
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
A museum introducing the Yamato, the world’s largest battleship during World War II. Visitors can also learn about Kure’s history and science and technology. The 1/10-scale battleship Yamato, the symbol of the Yamato Museum, has been recreated based on original blueprints, underwater survey footage, and crew testimony. It continues to share the importance of peace and the excellence of science and technology with future generations.
Kure is definitely a city worth visiting. The museum gives a detailed introduction to the history of World War II.
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.
The Aoyagi family estate is really spacious, and you can see all kinds of samurai armor inside. The ticket is only JPY 400.
Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
Climbing to the very top of the main keep, the view is absolutely picturesque.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.
There are lots of unique cafes and little shops here, and the streets have a traditional Japanese vibe.
Saki No Yu
It used to be known as ”Muro Hot Spring”, and Empress Saimei and Emperor Jito visited the hot spring, which is mentioned in the oldest history book in Japan, Nihon Shoki, and in Japan’s oldest waka poetry anthology, Manyoshu.
An open-air hot spring by the sea with great water quality and just the right temperature. If you love hot springs, you definitely have to check this out.
Kappa Bridge
The Kappa Bridge used to be a wooden drawbridge overhanging both banks of the river. In 1910, it became a suspension bridge. The current bridge is the fifth generation of the suspension type, which was renovated in 1997. This beautiful larch tree bridge, 3.1m wide and 36.6m long, has long been a symbol of Kamikochi.
Spent a relaxing afternoon by the river. There are also some nice restaurants and a visitor center, among other things...