Located within Abashiri Quasi-National Park, Notoro Cape offers stunning views with its cliffs jutting out into the Okhotsk Sea and a picturesque lighthouse. This scenic spot has been featured in many commercials. From here, you can see the wind turbines in the Tokoro area and fishing boats in the Okhotsk Sea! At night, with only the lighthouse’s light, it’s known as a viewing spot where you can enjoy a sky full of stars, including the Milky Way. Many wild animals, such as White-tailed Eagles, Yezo deer, and Red foxes, inhabit the area.
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 stunning greenery of Tochigi Yamizo wood and the rice paddies around Nasunogahara can be seen from the summit of Mt. Otei (Elevation: 512.9 meters). Also, on sunny days, you can see Mt. Tsukuba and Mt. Fuji.
Daioji Temple has been recognized as a national valuable cultural resource for almost 600 years and has a cathedral with a thatched roof, which is uncommon in Japan. With a thatched roof cathedral, which is rare in Japan, Daioji Temple has a long history of over 600 years and has been designated as a national important cultural property At the temple, you can experience Zazen, a sitting meditation where you can look within and replenish your mind.
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.
Aso Shrine is dedicated to 12 gods, including Aso’s founder, Takeiwa Tatsu no Mikoto. Since ancient times, this area has been blessed with abundant spring water, which the locals have revered as a ”God’s blessing.” This water is currently served to passers-by at the Mizuki water drawing station. Furthermore, Monzenmachi serves dishes and sweets made with spring water, so it is recommended that you sample them all while strolling around.
This excursion route extends the route from the city center to Mt. Tento by incorporating visits where you will encounter a variety of rural landscapes. There are viewpoints where you can see the Sea of Okhotsk, Lake Tofutsu, and Mt. Shari, as well as information boards that shed light on the Shiretoko Mountain Range.
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.
