Akan Sightseeing Cruise

The Akan Sightseeing Cruise circumnavigates Lake Akan and operates 4 to 11 times a day between May and November. The boat departs from the pier on the south side of the lake and cruises for about 85 minutes, taking in the view of Mt. Oakan and Mt. Meakan, with stops at Churui Island (where the […]

Horie

Horie is perhaps the most refined and high-class area of Osaka, full of shops (including fashion, general goods, furniture), cafes and so on. If the nearby “America mura” is the place for rebellious young people, then Horie is the place for trendy young people. Horie is more open and spacious in comparison to the other […]

Doraemon Wakuwaku Sky Park

Themed after Doraemon’s “himitsu no dogu” (secret gadgets). Various attractions and a strange photography spot are inside the park, as well as a shop and a cafe.

THE GUNDAM BASE TOKYO

A comprehensive store of Gundam plastic models. The encompassing 2,000 m2 of space is divided into ‘Shop’, ‘Builder’s’, ‘Factory’, and ‘Event’; an absolutely wonderful space for Gundam fans. Conversely, if you’re not into Gundam, it’s a place with no meaning.

知念岬公園

太平洋に向かって突き出した岬の先端にある公園で、あまり人が多くない“穴場”だ。 高台にあり、三方が海に囲まれているので、視界を遮るものがなく非常に眺めが良い。 公園の下は、エメラルドグリーンの珊瑚礁となっており、その先はグラデ―ジョンが美しいコバルトブルーの海と水平線、青い空が広がっている。 そして沖縄で“神の島”と呼ばれている久高島も間近に見える。 また、知念岬は東側に向かって開けているので、海から昇ってくる真っ赤な太陽を見ることが出来る“日の出観賞スポット”としても有名だ。 そして周りに光源がほとんどない場所なので、夜は星空や月が非常にクリアに見える。 公園内はきれいに整備されており、赤瓦屋根の東屋や歩きやすい遊歩道があるので、散策すると非常に気持ちが良い。 なお、公園内に売店やレストランなどはない。

Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

A roughly 160m-long shopping arcade lined with 50 or so stores that sell kitchen utilities, machines and tools targeted at professional chefs and cooks. Of course, you don’t have to be a professional to shop here, so if you’re interested in cooking, it may be worth having a look for new kitchen utensils here. The […]

Tsutenkaku

Tsutenkaku is the symbol of Shinsekai, and it is even called the “Eiffel Tower of Naniwa (Osaka)” – likely an over-exaggeration. It was built in 1912 but deconstructed in 1943 after experiencing a fire, and rebuilt in 1956 with a great increase in height from 64 meters to 103 meters. The 5th floor is known […]

Jigokudani(Hell Valley)

Jigokudani is the aftermath of a volcanic repution that took place 10,0000 years ago. The crater you see today has diameter of 450 meters and an area of 11,000 square meters, and is the most popular tourist attraction in Noboribetsu Onsen. Located in the northeastern part of Noboribetsu Onsen, Jigokudani or “Hell’s Valley” gets its […]

Kushiro Marshland Norokko Train

This special sightseeing trolley train departs from and arrives at JR Kushiro Station once or twice a day from late April to early May and from late May to mid-October. From the leisurely train ride from Kushiro Station to Toro Station, roughly 50 min., one can enjoy the breathtaking views of Kushiro Marsh from the […]

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan

In a corner of the Lake Akan hot spring resort, there is the Ainu Village, the largest Ainu village in Japan, where about 30 houses and 120 people live. The Ainu Theater Ikoro (where Ainu dances are performed), two museums introducing the culture, souvenir stores selling wood carving goods, and restaurants that serve Ainu local […]

Shirahige Waterfall

The water gushing out and falling 30 meters comes from Mt. Tokachi’s underground water. If you want a great view of it all, head over to “Blue River Bridge”, the bridge standing over Biei River. In winter, the splashes of water and steam magically create silver frost on the trees, depicting a fantasy-like wonder. And, […]

Hello Kitty Happy Flight

This mini theme park is about catching a flight with the cabin attendant Hello Kitty and together flying all over the world on the Kitty Jet, visiting the Sanrio characters in different countries along the way. There is a shop and cafe too.

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.

Munakata Taisha Okitsu-miya Yohaisho

A shrine built in the 18th century near the northern tip of Oshima to worship Okinoshima Island, which is off-limits to visitors. It stands in the middle of the slope facing the coast, with the magnificent ocean spread out below. On a clear day, Okinoshima Island can be clearly seen floating on the horizon. The […]

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, […]

Mojiko Port

Nakatsugu Shrine of Munakata Taisha

Nakatsugu enshrines Tagitsuhime no Kami, the second of the three Munakata goddesses. It is located on a hill on a straight line between Hetsugu on the mainland and Okitsugu on Okinoshima Island. A small river called the Ama-no-kawa flows through the precincts of the shrine, and the Vega shrine and the Altair shrine are located […]

Nusamai Bridge

Nusamai Bridge is a large and magnificent 124-meter-long bridge that spans the mouth of the Kushiro River. Its location in the city center makes access to it easy. From the bridge, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the setting sun melting into the sea and the Kushiro River and Kushiro Port turning a beautiful […]

Former Osaka Shosen

The building was built in 1917 in the German architectural style as a branch of the shipping company Osaka Shosen. It was once called “the beauty of the harbor” because of its beautiful exterior with orange tiles and white stone strips in harmony. One of its features is the elaborate design down to the smallest […]