Shinei no Oka Observatory Park

Typical of Hokkaido scenery, the simple sprawling view of Biei’s rolling hills can be seen from this observatory park. The view of the sunset is especially famous for its beauty. The observatory park can be found midway through Panorama Road and a convenient break spot with bathrooms, a rest area, a parking lot, and shops.

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery

Having won several international competitions, the Yoichi Distillery is the origin of the now famous Nikka Whisky brand. Participate in a FREE tour of the distillery process, with 2 kinds of whisky tasting! If you prefer to go along with a guide, you have to make online reservations 3–5 days in advance.

Ariake Garden

The complex includes more than 200 stores and restaurants, the largest hot spring facility in Tokyo, and Japan’s largest theater-style event hall.

Motomachi Roman Catholic Church

This Catholic Church was built in 1859, but after a fire it was rebuilt – to what you see today – in 1924 as a gothic church. The gorgeous altar in the cathedral was a gift from the Pope himself.

Niseko Grand Hotel

This onsen facility is highly recommended for womeen; said to beautify the skin. There are two types of spring water each containing ingredients that make the skin moist and silky smooth. The “moist” type cointains a large amount of metasilicic acid – a natural moisturizing ingredient – which is effective for beautiful skin. In fact, […]

Katsuren Castle Ruins

GENIUS TOKYO

This is one of the largest discos in Tokyo, located in Ginza. As a long-established disco (though this is its 13th year), it has been consistently lively. Because of its location, many customers work in Ginza, and on weekends the floor is packed with businessmen and office workers on their way home from work. The […]

Tokyo Racecourse

Akan International Crane Center

Akizuki Castle Ruins

Akizuki Castle dates back to 1203, when the Akizuki clan built Mt. Kosho Castle as their headquarters. The Akizuki clan ruled the area for 385 years over 16 generations, but was defeated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-1598), the supreme ruler of the Warring States period, in 1587 and left the area. At that time, Akizuki Castle […]

Goryōkaku Park

If you look at Fort Goryokaku from right above, you’ll see it is shaped like a pentagram. It is the first western style castle and where the last samurais fought the new government army 150 years ago. Today it exists as a park. It’s open from 5am and entrance is free (too generous)! When spring […]

Shiretoko Pass

A 738-meter altitude pass located approximately halfway along the Shiretoko Highway connecting Utoro on the Sea of Okhotsk side and Rausu on the Nemuro Channel side. Popular as a photogenic spot where visitors can enjoy a magnificent view. Mt. Rausu — the highest mountain in the Shiretoko mountains — directly in front of you, the […]

Asahikawa Ramen Village

8 ramen shops representing Asahikawa are gathered together under one roof in the corner of a shopping center. Each ramen shop serves half-sizes or mini versions so you can compare between them.

Osaka Castle Gozabune Boat

Take a 20-minute spin along the inner moat of Osaka Castle on this tourist boat, and you’ll be able to see Japan’s highest stone wall from a close proximity. Long ago, only those of a high status were able to ride this special boat layered with gold foil.

Mojiko Station

Mojiko Station opened in 1891 and was the “gateway” to Kyushu’s railroad network until 1942, when the undersea Kanmon Tunnel was opened to traffic. The current station building was constructed in 1914, and in 1988 it became the first railroad station in Japan to be designated as an Important Cultural Property. * Mojiko Station and […]

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

It is a Shinto ritual dedicated to Kushida Shrine, known as the chief deity of the Hakata area of Fukuoka City, and has a long history of about 800 years. In 2016, it was registered as a World Heritage SiteINtangible Cultural Heritage) by UNESCO, along with 32 other festivals around Japan. Drawing approx. 3.5 million […]

Lake Mashu

Lake Mashu is a caldera lake formed by the accumulation of water in a depression created by a huge eruption about 7,000 years ago. The lake is the second clearest in the world (the first is Lake Baikal in Russia). The reason for the high transparency is that there are no rivers flowing in or […]

Sarakurayama Observatory

Sarakurayama has long been famous for its excellent views. From the base of the mountain, take the cable car and slope car to the summit, which is 622 meters above sea level, in about 10 minutes. *The cable car and slope car run every 20 to 30 minutes. At the top of the mountain, there […]