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 […]

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 […]

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, […]

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 […]

Lake Mashu Observatory No.1

There are three observatories on Lake Mashu, but this one is the most popular and famous. Located at the top of Lake Mashu’s outer rim at an elevation of about 520 meters, the observatory offers a panoramic view of the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu, Mt. Oakandake, the Kushiro plains, the Pacific Ocean and […]

Daiichi Takimotokan

Noboribetsu’s oldest hot spring hotel (established in 1858) located next to Jigokudani. The hotel is rich in hot spring water and has access to wide variety of spring types. The spacious 5,000 m2 bathhouse has a variety of bathtubs of different qualities and temperatures — 35 in total: 18 for men, 17 for women — […]

America Mura

A popular place among young people in Kansai and the birthplace of many trends, America Mura is a place where many Kansai youth and teens hang out. Despite being beign only 300m by 500m in area, there are numerous import & second-hand stores, general stores, cafes, galleries, music instrument shops and more – a chaotic […]

Kyushu National Museum

One of only four national museums in Japan. (The others are located in Tokyo, Nara, and Kyoto.) Based on the concept of “understanding the formation of Japanese culture from an Asian historical perspective,” the museum introduces the history of cultural exchange with other Asian regions in five easy-to-understand themes. The museum’s greatest feature is that […]

Kumanoyu Hot Spring

This is an open-air bath built by the local people on the side of the Rausu River. Two separate rock baths are available for men and women in a primeval forest. The men’s bath is very spacious and has no enclosure, so visitors can enjoy bathing while viewing the mountain stream and virgin forest. The […]

Fukugi Tree Road

Sōhonzan Shitennōji

A temple with a long history, a rarity in Osaka. It is the first ever state-sponsored temple in Japan built by order of Prince Shotoku (574-622) in 593. He was also a magnificent statesman who is revered by Japanese even today. Shitennōji has been destroyed countless times by fire caused by wars, lightening, and typhoons, […]

Annupuri

Comprised of a broad range of beginner to intermediate courses and gentle slopes, it is located on the westernmost side of Niseko United. There are 13 courses in total and less crowded than other ski resorts, so beginners can ski without worry.

Toyako Manseikaku

Toyako Manseikaku has two large baths. One is “Hoshi–no–yu,” a large bath with an open–air view on the top floor. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Lake Toya and the blue sky. Like the Toya Sun Palace Resort & Spa, the baths have an “infinity” design that allows you to see […]

Animate Osaka Nipponbashi

The highest-class shop for anime goods in all of west Japan. Events and fairs are frequently held here.

Yuyake Dandan

The staircase at the entrance (east side) of Yanaka Ginza shopping street is called Yuyake Dandan. It is located on a small hill, so on a clear day, you can see the beautiful sunset and the orange-colored city below. Although it is an ordinary place, it has a nostalgic atmosphere and is often used as […]

Doyamacho

Located in the Doyamacho area on the east side of Umeda Station there are around 230 restaurants – mainly gay bars – forming the largest gay town in west Japan. Foreigners are welcome in half of the bars so there is no need to feel nervous. On the other hand, if you have any issues, […]

Kani Doraku Crab

Found above the entrance to crab restaurant Kani Doraku Dotonbori is a large model crab, the arms and eyes move and the body is large, giving a striking impression. It is rumored that if made into crab stew there would be enough to feed 16,000 people. Originally made in 1962, the sign has been remade […]

Mt. Moiwa Ropeway

Sapporo city is beautiful at night. In 2015 the city was selected as 1 of the 3 new top 3 cities with beautiful night views. Climb to the summit–altitude 513 meters–of Mt. Moiwa via ropeway, and once you reach you are welcomed with a panoramic view of a city twinkling like a box of jewels […]