mizuiro_lawson's Reviews Page 12/13

Doai Station

Doai Station is an unmanned station on the Joetsu Line of East Japan Railway Company (JR East) located on the border of Gunma and Niigata prefectures. Known as the "Number One Mole Station in Japan" because its platform is located deep underground, a full 70 meters below ground level.

Gunma
Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

4 Oct 2023 See More

This is a hidden tunnel station in the mountains that only a few people know about. Not many trains stop here if you check the schedule.
After walking through a passageway that feels like a time slip, you reach a super long staircase down to the platform. It feels like it goes on forever!
It took about 10 minutes to get down to the platform, and there was no one waiting for a train. Most people just come to see the station itself.
Going back up takes longer than coming down—you'll need to take breaks on the way up.
It's such a unique and mysterious station, just being in this space was really exciting!

Shima Onsen

Located in the upper reaches of the Shima River, which originates in the Mikuni Mountains and is situated in a lush national park, Shima Onsen is a famous hot spring with a history of over 1,000 years. It is said that a military commander of the Minamoto clan（Genji） was guided by a child (an incarnation of a god) who appeared out of nowhere, heard an oracle that he would be given a sacred spring that would cure the illnesses of Shima (Yonman / 40,000 diseases), and found a hot spring that gushed forth.

Gunma
Famous Places

19 Sep 2023 See More

The color of Lake Oku-Shima changes depending on when you visit. There are so many shades of Shima Blue.

Togakushi Shrine

Amanoiwato mythology has been passed on here and this shrine with over 2000 years of history has been the training place in mountain worshipping since around AD 850. Hokosha Hall at the bottom of the mountain, Hinomikosha, Chusha, Okusha, and Kuzuryusha Halls consist of Togakushi.The whole Mt.Togakushi has been sanctified as a holy place, a power spot that attracts visitors.

Nagano
Shrines & Temples

19 Sep 2023 See More

The shrine path is famous for its avenue of cedar trees. When you actually visit, you'll be amazed by the sheer number and size of these giant trees! Just a heads up—if it's raining, the path can get pretty slippery, so it's best to go on a sunny day.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

This is one of the few roads in the world along a sandy beach that can be driven on. The 8-kilometer-long road runs along the beach and can be driven not only by car but also by motorcycle or bicycle. The finely packed sand particles make driving along the beach like a scene from a movie, and it is especially moving to watch the sun set.

Ishikawa
Tourist Attractions

19 Sep 2023 See More

I visited during the SSTR motorcycle event! So glad I made it in time for the sunset—the scene of the sun going down was really moving.

Sekizenkan

It was established in 1691, known as the oldest hot spring inn in Japan. The structures have been designated as important cultural properties of Gunma Prefecture, and are the model for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film “Spirited Away”.

Gunma
Inns

19 Sep 2023 See More

Sekizenkan is said to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film 'Spirited Away.' I was lucky enough to stay in the 'Sansou,' which is usually hard to book! There are three types of accommodations: Honkan, Sansou, and Kashoutei. Honkan is the most affordable with a simple hot spring plan, while Sansou and Kashoutei are more upscale. Even in Sansou, the hospitality was fantastic and I had a wonderful time inside the inn. Dinner was a healthy Japanese kaiseki meal, and you could really tell each dish was carefully prepared. The hot spring water is gentle, and I can see why it's called the 'finishing bath' of Kusatsu. This is a hot spring inn with a high satisfaction rate—I want to come back every few years. Next time, I can't decide whether to stay in Honkan or Kashoutei!

Sendai Daikannon Statue

The largest statue of the Kannon in Japan is located in the precincts of Daikanmitsuji Temple, and its official name is Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon. The statue was completed in 1991 at a cost of approximately 4 billion yen by a businessman who was developing the surrounding area. The statue stands 100 meters above the ground.

Sendai
Shrines & Temples

7 Jan 2023 See More

You can actually go inside and climb up the Kannon statue. It's located in the suburbs of Sendai, on a hill, so you can see it from the city.
I visited on New Year's Day. Even though it was the morning of January 1st, there were hardly any people, which felt a bit strange. I took the elevator to the top floor and walked down the stairs. I paid a mysterious 500 yen entrance fee. By the way, it was freezing cold inside the statue.

Lake Yamanaka（Yamanaka-ko）

Lake Yamanaka covers an area of about 6.57 square kilometers and is about 980.5 meters above sea level. It is located at the third highest point in Japan. The lake is the closest to Mt. Fuji among the “Fuji Five Lakes " and offers beautiful scenery of the four seasons with the majestic Mt.Fuji.

Yamanashi
Nature Spots

13 Dec 2022 See More

You can see Mt. Fuji across the lake.
Since this is the closest lake to Mt. Fuji among the Fuji Five Lakes, I think it's where you get the biggest view of the mountain.
There are lots of great photo spots, so photography lovers will really enjoy it.

[Closed Down]Tsukiyono Vidro Park

At Tsukiyono Vidro Park you’ll find Japan’s largest glassworks studio for making handmade glass. This same equipment is also available for a wide range of crash courses and tours. Whether you’re an adult or fun-loving kid, this spot is perfect for trying the hands-on thrills of making things!

Gunma
Experiences Facilities

13 Dec 2022 See More

吹きガラス体験ができます！
工房の職人さんがマンツーマンで付き添って優しく教えてくれます。
大人も子供も楽しめるガラス工房。
ガラス体験で作った花瓶は家の玄関に飾ってあります。
休日は混雑するので前日に予約した方が良いですよ。
ガラス体験しなくてもガラス製品を買えるので、ちょっと立ち寄ってみるのも面白いかも。

Roller Coaster Road

In Furano, Hokkaido where hardly any houses are seen, there is a rolling road that suddenly falls down and sharply goes up like a roller coaster.

Furano and Biei
Tourist Attractions

13 Dec 2022 See More

If you ride a motorcycle, you have to try this awesome road at least once.
It's a classic touring spot!
If you're exploring the Furano and Biei area, don't miss it.
Honestly, it's even more thrilling and memorable than riding a roller coaster.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

Gifu
Famous Places

12 Dec 2022 See More

I visited during the May holidays. Walking among the gassho-zukuri houses felt like stepping back in time. There are guesthouses in the village, so staying overnight would be a unique experience.
This time, I just took a stroll, bought some souvenirs, and tried the local gohei-mochi. The sweet and savory miso with a hint of sansho was a perfect match—highly recommended for a quick snack!
During holidays, the area gets really crowded and it takes a long time to get into the parking lot, so next time I'll visit on a weekday.