The Eight Views of Totomi are themes often used in traditional art, such as haiku, ukiyo-e paintings, and 31-syllable poems known as tanka. One of these views is the sunset as seen from Bentenjima Island in Lake Hamana.
In the middle basin of the Oi-River, the Oi-River Railway, a steam locomotive, runs between the fresh green tea garden and the magnificent Oi-River. At Kawanehon Town there is a tea garden located over 500m above sea level and is called the “tea-producing area in the sky”, here you can see a magical landscape filled with fog.
The clear stream Miyagawa and its tributaries flow everywhere in the town, and in Taiki-cho, where the spring water is beautiful, natural sweetfish, natural eels, mitten crabs and endangered species inhabit here.
The rice terraces of Tagarasu create a rustic scene surrounded by the sea and mountains. At every turn, the coastline offers new panoramas of natural beauty.
The landscape of Hakuba is dominated by three majestic summits: Shirouma, Shakushi, and Hakuba-yari. At elevations of 2,933; 2,820; and 2,909 meters respectively, the three peaks form a striking backdrop to the Hakuba valley. Through the valley runs the Himekawa River, flowing down from its source on Mount Shirouma. The Oide suspension bridge crosses the Himekawa and leads to an area of thatch-roofed private homes. While beautiful in all seasons, the river view is particularly lovely in spring, when blooming cherry trees are framed against the towering mountains.
Towada volcano, which started its activity about 200,000 years ago, erupted repeatedly and became a caldera, and because of its high altitude, there were no inflowing rivers and a highly transparent Lake Towada was created.
Ichinoseki and Hiraizumi offer spectacular scenery. Geibikei Gorge, with its 100m-high cliffs, is one of Japan’s 100 most scenic spots.
On the Shonai Plain, expansive agrarian scenery stretches out to the feet of Mount Gassan and Mount Chokai, and the ochre rays of the sun setting over the Shonai Coast are breathtaking. Cherry blossom lovers will delight in a visit to Tsuruoka Park, one of Japan’s top 100 cherry blossom spots.
You must experience the spectacular scenery of Okuoikojo Station, which won the Okuoiko Cool Japan Award, and the Sumata Gorge Yume rope bridge.
The Sotomo Caves and Cliffs boast six kilometers of unusual rock formations, rock tunnels, and scenic cliffs around Wakasa Bay. This picturesque spot was chosen by American news channel CNN as one of the most beautiful places in Japan.
