TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)
Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
I took photos of Tokyo Skytree from along the Sumida River during cherry blossom season. The colors change so often that I couldn't stop snapping pictures!
Lake Hibara
Formed by the eruption of Mount Bandai, Lake Hibara is the largest lake in the Urabandai region, with a circumference of about 31 kilometers. A scenic road encircles the lake, making it a popular driving route where visitors can enjoy the area’s changing landscapes throughout the four seasons. Sightseeing boats and motorboats operate on the lake, offering the chance to admire the majestic view of Mount Bandai from the water.
Went on a motorcycle tour around Urabandai during the fresh green season. The beautiful color of Lake Hibara and Mount Bandai in the background made me feel like I was inside a painting!
Nishi Azuma Sky Valley
Located between the northern shore of Lake Hibara in Ura-Bandai, Fukushima Prefecture, and the famous hot springs of Shirabu Onsen in Yonezawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, this approximately 17.8 km tourist road runs through the mountains of Tohoku, surrounded by lush natural beauty, providing a thrilling and scenic driving experience. The autumn foliage along this road is particularly stunning, with a tapestry of red, yellow, and deep green creating picturesque landscapes that unfold beyond the car windows.
This is a comfortable road that crosses the border between Fukushima and Yamagata. On sunny days, the views are fantastic, and you can see Mt. Bandai and the lakes from near the pass!
Roadside Station Utsunomiya Romantic Village
Roadside stations throughout Japan are popular as places to rest from driving and purchasing local products and souvenirs. Utsunomiya Romantic Village is not only a regular roadside station but also a farm park where you can enjoy a farming experience, playing in the forest, a dog park, a hot spring, a swimming pool, and accommodation facilities!
It's super easy to get here—just a few minutes by car from the Utsunomiya Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway! There are several parking lots, which is really convenient. The grounds are huge and packed with fun things to do. The market has tons of local veggies, fruits, and souvenirs, all looking delicious. Honestly, it's hard not to go overboard shopping here!!
Mount Nantai (Nantaisan)
Rising on the north shore of Lake Chuzenji, Mount Nantai is a 2,486-meter peak selected as one of Japan’s 100 Famous Mountains. Since the monk Shodo Shonin first reached the summit in Ten’o 2 (782), it has been worshiped as a sacred mountain representing the Nikko Mountain Range. From the trailhead at an elevation of Approx. 1,200 meters, it takes 3.5-4 hours to reach the summit and 2.5-3 hours to descend, making it a popular day-hike spot.
The view of Mount Nantai across Lake Yunoko from just before Konsei Pass is absolutely stunning!!
Echizen Ono Castle
Echizen Ono Castle rises to the top of Mount Kameyama (249 meters above sea level) in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. The castle was initially built around 1580 but burned down in 1775. The current castle was reconstructed in 1968.
You can see the castle sitting on top of a small mountain or maybe a hill? I spotted it from the Chubu Jukan Expressway and decided to get closer. I didn't go inside, but it looks like the view from up there would be amazing!
Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo is a cliff formed by wave erosion. Since long ago, it has been recognized and honored as a scenic spot. These towering cliffs extend for about 1 kilometer along the coast, showcasing a dramatic display of columnar jointing-a geological feature so rare that only three such places are known in the world, including Tojinbo. It has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
I've always wanted to come here. It's famous as the dramatic cliff you always see in the final scenes of suspense dramas! The whole area is a tourist spot, so there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants around.
Eiheiji Temple
The head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan. It was established by Zen Master Dogen in 1244 as a place to practice zazen. The vast site of 330,000 square meters is lined with more than 70 halls and buildings of various sizes, centering on the seven halls of the temple, where more than 100 monks practice asceticism every day.
As the head temple of the Soto Zen sect, this place is absolutely massive. I visited during the April holidays, and it was super crowded because of Golden Week. If you're driving, be prepared for traffic jams just to get into the parking lot. If you're on a motorcycle or bicycle, there's free parking close to the entrance. Also, there's a JPY 700 admission fee.
Okuhida Onsen-go (Okuhida Hot Spring Villages)
Okuhida Onsen-go consists of five hot spring resorts: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shinhirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka Onsen. Located in the bosom of the Northern Alps, the open-air baths are blessed by nature with abundant natural hot spring water, and offer beautiful views of the mountains in each season.
I stopped by Higaku-no-Yu and the Mountaineer's Cafeteria at Shin-Hotaka Onsen after visiting the Northern Alps Bridge. They have two types of hot springs—simple and sulfur—so you can enjoy both at once! The only downside is that it's a bit pricey, but the water is excellent! I didn't eat at the cafeteria this time, but the menu looked hearty with things like Hida beef.
Takeda Shrine
Takeda Shrine venerates Takeda Shingen, a famed warlord from the Sengoku period. It is said to offer blessings for prosperity in business, good luck, victory fortune, and protection from evil. The shrine is particularly famous for its victory fortune blessing and also for blessing those who strive to overcome themselves.
This shrine is dedicated to Takeda Shingen. There were lots of visitors. The approach to the shrine is well maintained, and the restrooms were really clean!