Inokashira, the Village of Spring Water, is blessed with an abundance of springs brought forth by the sacred Mount Fuji and 1,000 hectares of forests, serving as the source of distinctive industries such as trout farming, which boasts top-class quality nationwide. Leveraging these rich natural resources and abundant food ingredients, the area has actively welcomed foreign visitors to Japan and residents using vacant houses. As part of its regional branding, the slogan “Healing with the Five Senses in Inokashira” has been adopted, focusing on promoting the rural lifestyle with Mount Fuji as a backdrop, the springs, and the hospitality of local cuisine.
Embraced by a thousand cherry blossom trees, this is Okayama’s premier cherry blossom viewing spot. A symbol of Tsuyama City, selected as one of “Japan’s Top 100 Castles” and “Japan’s Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots.” The castle was built in 1616 by Tadamasa Mori, the younger brother of Ranmaru Mori, who was killed in the Honnoji Incident. Although all the buildings were demolished under the Meiji government’s castle abolition order, the Bitchu Yagura turret was restored in 2005 to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the castle’s construction. The turret, along with the impressive stone walls that stand about 45 meters high, has become a new popular spot. The castle is also known as one of the best cherry blossom viewing spots in the prefecture, with about 1,000 cherry trees in full bloom creating a spectacular view. The illuminated cherry blossoms viewed from atop the stone walls are also a magnificent sight.
Okuoikojo Station is located on a peninsula-like area on the left bank of Lake Sekke, formed by the construction of the Nagashima Dam. The two sides of the peninsula are separated by the Rainbow Bridge, which was built on the Igawa line, giving the station a mystical appearance as if it were floating on the lake.
The Zaoyama Observation Deck is the eastern entrance to the Atsumi Peninsula, offering a 360-degree panoramic view. On clear days, one can view not only the entire Atsumi Peninsula, but also the mountains of the Japanese Alps and Mt. Fuji. The Hoshizora Terrace on the second level is illuminated at night, and you can enjoy a wonderful environment that creates the “four seasons of Mt. Zao” with lighting that changes according to the season.
– Nakadake crater Generally speaking, Mt. Aso is well-known for its own Nakadake crater. This is where you can experience the force of nature’s breath as the earth trembles and plumes of smoke violently spew out. The crater wall’s stunning striped pattern is complemented by the exposed lava rock surface. – Kusasenri Kusasenri, a representation of a lovely grassland, is the remnants of Senrigahama Volcano, an active side volcano of Mount Eboshi. Unlike Sunasenri, which is located south of the Nakadake crater, this crater is known as Kusasenri or Kusasenrigahama because of its lovely green grass. – Yonezuka It is said to have been formed by an eruption about 3,300 years ago, and it is about 80m high, shaped like an upside-down bowl, and offers a beautiful grassy landscape.
A popular scenic spot in Aso, along with Aso Gogaku (crater tour). Tokutomi Soho, a Meiji period literary giant, was its godfather. It provides the best view of the Five Aso Mountains, whose shape has been compared to a reclining Buddha statue, and provides a panoramic view of the Aso Valley, which stretches out over the countryside and from the caldera’s east wall to the west wall. When you look at the Five Mountains of Aso from here, it looks like a reclining Buddha, so it is called the “Reclining Buddha Statue”. It is also famous as a sea of clouds spot from early summer, and from autumn to winter. Because it is situated along the well-known “Milk Road” driving route, it is a well-loved rest area for both drivers and cyclists. You can see the grassland scenery unfold in front of your eyes and gain an understanding of the Aso people’s distinctive way of life and culture.
Mt. Tento is said to be so beautiful that climbing it feels like ascending into the heavens. You can also enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk and the mountains of Shiretoko.
As it flows south from the Amur River into the Sea of Okhotsk, the freshwater freezes and expands. The Okhotsk coast is the southernmost point where the sea freezes, and Abashiri is located at 44 degrees north latitude. The icebreaker ship “Aurora” offers drift ice sightseeing.
Two bridges are built across the Ondo Seto between Ondo and Kure City on the mainland, which was opened by Kiyomori Taira, who built Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima), and many ships pass through the narrow strait. In Ondo, where one of the best natural landscapes of the Seto Inland Sea is woven, time moves at a leisurely pace, and the scent of the sea, the sound of waves, wind, and ships will captivate your heart.
The highest mountain on Kurahashi Island, a 400-meter-high Mt. Hiyama. Drive or ride your bike to the seventh station, then walk for 10 minutes. From the top, you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea all to yourself.
