This video, titled "What is Yokohama Ramen Museum like? - 4K," was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Ramen is the soul food of the Japanese. The Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is the world's first food amusement park specializing in ramen. Famous ramen restaurants from all over the country are gathered at the facility, making it a great place to visit if you love ramen. The interior of the museum recreates the retro cityscape of the Showa period. In addition to the ramen shop, there are also candy shops, coffee shops, and other snack shops. The video takes you through a stroll of an area full of snacks with a Showa atmosphere. Those born in the Showa area will get a nostalgic feeling while watching it. This video gives you a nostalgic feeling as if you've wandered into a 100 year old snack parlor.

This video, titled "Walking around Yokohama Chinatown - Long Take【横浜・中華街】 4K," was released by "NIPPON WANDERING TV." Yokohama Chinatown is the largest downtown area in Japan and East Asia. Its history can be traced back to 1859, when the port of Yokohama was opened to create a foreign settlement. After passing through the Seiryu-mon (Blue Dragon Gate), which guards the eastern side of the city, and walking into the center of the city, you'll gradually start seeing shop signs written in Chinese. There are over 200 Chinese restaurants in Chinatown, offering everything from well-established fine dining to take-away snacks for walking around. Enjoy feeling like you've traveled to China without having to leave Japan!

ドローンで撮影された絶景の長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインとは こちらの動画は「Yatsugatake21_4K_Japan」が公開した「4K 絶景ドローン「初夏のビーナスライン 霧ヶ峰高原」癒し空撮自然映像 Drone Japan Nature Relaxation Venus line」です。 長野県の霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインをドローンの空撮で捉えた映像になっています。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインとは、八ヶ岳中信高原国定公園 の高原地帯を走るツーリングにはもってこいのドライブルート。 全長76kmにも及び、蓼科高原・白樺湖・車山高原・霧ヶ峰高原・八島高原・美ヶ原高原といった森林地帯や高原地帯の四季を望むことのできる絶景スポットです。 平均の標高は1,400ｍで最高では1,920ｍにもなります。 野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインのおすすめルート 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの中でおすすめのルートは白樺高原から霧ヶ峰のルートです。 これは白樺湖から出発し、車山展望リフトで車山山頂へ。 こちらでは、天気が良ければ八ヶ岳連峰や富士山まで望むことができます。 また紅葉やニッコウキスゲなどの草花も楽しむことができます。 その先には霧ヶ峰富士見台があります。 こちらでは食事処やお土産屋などの売店も充実しています。 最後にはレストラン「チャップリン」でソースカツ丼やカツカレーを楽しめます。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインには人気のドライブインも 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの中心には人気のドライブインである霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインドライブイン霧の駅があります。 ここでは長野県の様々なお土産を買うことができ、駐車場のそばには八島湿原や三峰大展望台・霧ヶ峰自然保護センターもあります。 動画では3:31より美しい自然の景色を見ることができます。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインから諏訪湖へ 新日本三大夜景やサンセットをご覧になることのできる立石公園も霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの見どころです。 映画「君の名は。」のモデルになったと言われるスポットとしても有名です。 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインでもお参りを 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインのなかには諏訪大社上社本宮・諏訪大社下社秋宮といった神社にも触れるができます。 諏訪大社上社本宮は国内最古の神社の一つで、八ヶ岳や諏訪平などを望むことができます。 また画家の岡本太郎さんが絶賛した万治の石仏という石像もあります。 こちらは諏訪大社下社春宮から徒歩5分ほどの場所にあるので、諏訪大社下社春宮のお参りを終えたら是非訪れてみましょう。 その他長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインの旅行スポット 長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインではこれら以外にも様々な施設に楽しむことができます。 国指定重要文化財である片倉館、県下最大級のガラスミュージアムであるSUWAガラスの里、400年の歴史がある高島城、無料で足湯につかれる湖畔公園足湯と豊富な温泉があります。 自然と観光を楽しめる長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスライン紹介まとめ 大自然の景色を楽しみながらドライブできる長野県霧ヶ峰高原ビーナスラインをみなさまも楽しんでください！

秋田・湯沢の「小安峡・川原毛地獄・秋ノ宮」の動画について 「JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC」が公開した「JG 4K HDR 秋田 湯沢の地熱地域 小安峡/河原毛地獄/秋ノ宮 Yuzawa Geothermal Area,Akita」は、秋田県湯沢市の地熱地帯を紹介している動画です。 峡谷の中で迫力ある大噴湯を見られる小安峡。 灰白色の溶岩に覆われた川原毛地獄。 秘湯と一緒に紅葉を堪能できる秋ノ宮。 それぞれで美しい景色を楽しめる魅力あるスポットです。 こちらの記事では、秋田県湯沢市の小安峡・川原毛地獄・秋ノ宮の魅力を動画と共に紹介します。 秋田県湯沢市の地熱地域にある小安峡とは？ 秋田県湯沢市にある小安峡は、雄物川支流、皆瀬川上流にある峡谷です。 小安峡では迫力ある大噴湯を見ることができ、人気の観光スポットになっています。 98℃にもなる蒸気が噴出する光景は必見ですよ。 こちらの動画の0:17より見ることができます。 また小安峡は紅葉の名所としても知られており、その景観を目当てにたくさんの観光客が訪れます。 交通アクセスも湯沢駅前からバスが出ており、宿泊場所も充実しています。 「日本秘湯を守る宿」のひとつに選ばれている阿部旅館や囲炉裏で食事を楽しめる多郎兵衛は、昔ながらの雰囲気を味わえる素晴らしい旅館です。 家族や恋人との旅行にぜひ利用してください。 レストランなどグルメを楽しめる施設も充実。 ランチに名物の稲庭うどんやソフトクリームを食べて楽しい観光にしてください。 秋田県湯沢市の地熱地域にある川原毛地獄とは？ 秋田県湯沢市にある川原毛地獄は、灰白色が特徴の噴気地帯です。 標高は約800mで草木が生えない灰色の山肌があたり一面に広がっています。 いたるところから蒸気が吹き出し、硫黄臭の匂いが漂っています。 川原毛地獄を観光する際に、必ず訪れたいスポットが大湯滝。 滝そのものが温泉という珍しい温泉滝です。 滝壺や渓流が天然の露天風呂になっており、水着を着用して入浴できます。 駐車場から遊歩道で徒歩20分ほどの場所にあります。 また、地元の人が大切にしている行事「川原毛地蔵祭」もおすすめ。 秋田県湯沢市の地熱地域にある秋ノ宮とは？ 秋田県最古の温泉地として知られる秋ノ宮。 とても落ち着いた雰囲気のあるスポットで多くの観光客に愛されています。 栗駒山のふもとにある役内川のほとりの景色は、とても美しく目を奪われますよ。 秋ノ宮温泉郷の「湯ノ又温泉」「鷹の湯温泉」「稲住温泉」はどれも泉質のいい名湯。 日帰りで温泉を楽しむのもよし、旅館に宿泊してゆったりつかるのもよし。 秋ノ宮温泉郷で体をしっかり癒し充実した旅行にしてください。 秋田・湯沢の「小安峡・川原毛地獄・秋ノ宮」紹介記事のまとめ 秋田県湯沢市の小安峡・川原毛地獄・秋ノ宮の魅力をたっぷりと紹介しました。 美しい景色を楽しめるインスタ映えスポットや温泉を楽しめます。

秋田・岩手の観光スポット「八幡平の紅葉」の動画について/h2> 「JAPAN GEOGRAPHIC」が公開した「JG 4K 秋田/岩手 八幡平の紅葉 Akita/Iwate Hachimantai」は、秋田・岩手の自然の景色を見られる八幡平を紹介している動画です。 八幡平の雄大な自然の中で楽しめる温泉や紅葉が紹介されています。 秋田・岩手の観光スポットの八幡平とは？ 秋田・岩手の観光スポットの八幡平は、奥羽山脈北部にある山郡です。 日本百名山に選ばれている八幡平は、手軽な登山・ハイキング・トレッキングコースを楽しめる名所。 1956年には十和田八幡平国立公園に指定され、多くの観光客が訪れる人気のスポットです。 八幡平は、広い高原に火山起源の小さなピークや無数の沼、湿原が点在します。 9千～5千年前に発生した水蒸気爆発によって出来た火口に水がたまり、「めがね沼」「八幡沼」「ガマ沼」といった火山沼が形成されました。 また、八幡平は素晴らしい宿泊施設が充実しています。 「マウンテンホテル」「八幡平ハイツ」「ロイヤルホテル」などがおすすめ。 ホテルで温泉やグルメを楽しみ、充実した旅行にしましょう。 秋田・岩手の観光エリアである八幡平の人気スポット 数多くの見どころがある八幡平ですが、アスピーテラインの紅葉は外せません。 全国でも有数の美しさを誇る紅葉を堪能できます。 ゴルフを楽しみたい人には「八幡平カントリークラブ」。 日帰り登山を楽しみたい人は「八幡平山」。 鏡沼の雪解けの変わった風景を見られる「八幡平ドラゴンアイ」。 美しい花々を鑑賞したい人は「お花畑」がおすすめ。 ほかにも、「藤助森」「源太森」「見返り峠」「安比高原」「八幡平樹海ライン」「岩手山焼走り溶岩流」など見どころがたくさんあります。 秋田・岩手の観光スポット「八幡平の紅葉」の記事のまとめ 温泉、紅葉、登山とさまざまな魅力がある八幡平。 温泉や紅葉を楽しむのはもちろん、気軽に登れる登山はおすすめ。 八幡平登山口ルートや茶臼岳登山口ルートは初心者におすすめのルートなので、ぜひ挑戦してみてください！

This video, titled "Tokyo Imperial Palace Part I - 皇居 - 4K Ultra HD," was released by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." What you see in this video is the Imperial Palace, the symbol of Japan. In the Edo period it was the residence of the Tokugawa shogun, but in the first year of the Meiji period it became the residence of the Emperor and Empress. Inside the palace, the Imperial Household Agency and its related buildings, the Momijiyama Sericulture, Tokagakudo, and the Nippon Budokan are all open to the public. You can enjoy nature from season to season in the middle of Tokyo, and Chidorigafuchi in particular attracts many tourists every year as it is one of the best places for cherry blossoms in Japan. On the Second Day of New Year's, the Emperor and Empress Address Do a Congratulatory Visit to the Imperial Palace and the Emperor Gives a Speech to the Public.

This video, titled "Traveling Japan with only an instant translator | ili," was released by "internationally ME." The translator shown in this video is called ili, and it's a very handy tool for traveling abroad. You don't need to be connected to the internet at all, and it's a one-way translator that automatically translates the words you speak into the language you want to translate. It's small enough to fit in your pocket, and can be used with Japanese, Chinese, English, and Korean. In the video you can see someone using ili in Asakusa, Japan. Be sure to check it out!

This video, titled "Yuenchi, Realized in Beppu｜Playground Equipment to Utilize Hot Springs, Until the 31st" (別府で「湯～園地」実現 温泉活用の遊具、３１日まで), was released by "KyodoNews." Beppu, Oita Prefecture is one of Japan's most popular hot spring resorts, and they have just opened a new section called Yuenchi in the area for a limited time. Beppu Rakutenchi is an amusement park where you can ride amusement park attractions while enjoying hot springs. The city of Beppu brought hot water from Beppu Onsen into the amusement park and remodeled the attraction. People who visited the amusement park cheered as they rode merry-go-rounds and roller coasters while soaking in the springs.

■Contents Introduction What Makes Kushiro Special: Port-Town Sunsets and Vast Nature in a Single Trip How Kushiro Lets You Enjoy Port-Town Sunsets and the Wild Nature of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park at Once Why the Kushiro Prince Hotel Is a Convenient Base for Both City Strolls and Out-of-Town Sightseeing Watching Kushiro's Sunset from Your Room: Why Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel What Sunset Views Can You Enjoy from the High-Floor Twin and Double Rooms? Kushiro's Sunset from Nusamai Bridge: A Scenic Spot Within Walking Distance of the Hotel When Is Kushiro's Sunset at Its Best? The Autumn Equinox (Around September 23) and Fall Highlights City Spots to Enjoy Around the Kushiro Prince Hotel: A Guide to Strolling the Port Town What Can You Enjoy at Fisherman's Wharf MOO? The Charms of a Waterfront Stroll What Is Washo Market's Katte-don? A Kushiro Classic Worth a Stop During Your Stay Robatayaki, Zangi and Spakatsu: How to Enjoy Kushiro-Born Dishes on an Evening Stroll How to Enjoy the Wild Nature of Kushiro Wetland: Expanding Your Sightseeing from the Kushiro Prince Hotel What Does Car Sharing from the Hotel Change? A Handy Way to Explore the Kushiro Area Freely What Can You See from the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory? A Place to Sense the Scale of Japan's Largest Wetland What Can You Do at Hosooka Observatory and the Onnenai Boardwalk? Enjoying the Wetland by View and on Foot What Kind of Journey Are the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train and Canoeing? Deeper Ways to Enjoy the Wetland What Is a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Like? Special Time in the Rooms, Dining and Facilities What Guest Rooms Does the Kushiro Prince Hotel Have? The Difference Between the Standard Floors and the High Floors What Kind of Restaurant Is Top of Kushiro? Dining with Views of the City and the Pacific Can Breakfast Change the Mood of Your Day? Why Mornings at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Enrich Your Trip How to Make the Most of Hotel Life with the Fitness Room, Rental Bikes and On-Site Facilities From Sunset to the Morning Sea: Can You Enjoy Scenery That Changes by the Hour? The Value of a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Does the Way You Enjoy the Kushiro Prince Hotel Change by Season? Sightseeing and Hotel Appeal Through the Year Is Spring in Kushiro Low in Cedar and Cypress Pollen? Why It's Chosen as a Getaway During Pollen Season Why Is Summer Kushiro Popular as a Cool-Weather Retreat? Why the Hotel's Appeal Comes Alive on Longer Stays How to See Red-Crowned Cranes in Winter Kushiro: Enjoying a Trip Centered on Crane Watching and Photography Adding One More Day to Your Kushiro Trip? Side Trips That Expand Your Eastern Hokkaido Journey Akkeshi Oysters and Winter Jewelry Ice: Scenery and Flavors Within a Day Trip from Kushiro Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Kushiro Sightseeing and a Hotel Stay: Why Choose the Kushiro Prince Hotel as Your Base Kushiro Prince Hotel: Essential Information Read more Of Japan's four main islands, Hokkaido lies farthest north. Its eastern reaches, known for tourism purposes as "Higashi Hokkaido" (Eastern Hokkaido), include Kushiro, Nemuro, Akan, Mashu, and Shiretoko. The port town of Kushiro is a place you can enjoy in many ways depending on the season and the purpose of your trip: the wild nature of the Kushiro Wetland, known as Japan's largest wetland; the sunset viewed from Nusamai Bridge, counted among the world's three great sunsets; the seafood of Washo Market; and winter red-crowned crane watching. Photo: The maiden statue on Nusamai Bridge at the mouth of the Kushiro River, with the sunset dyeing the port crimson. A spectacular Kushiro view counted among the world's three great sunsets. In Kushiro, where the attractions are split between the city center and the outskirts, where you stay makes a real difference to how easily you can get around. If you want to comfortably enjoy strolling the city, driving out toward the wetland, and dining in the evening, it pays to book a place that's a convenient base for getting around. With that in mind, this article introduces tips for enjoying Kushiro sightseeing using the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base. The hotel is located about a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station on JR (Japan Railways, Japan's main railway group) and stands close to Nusamai Bridge, which spans the Kushiro River. As the tallest hotel in Kushiro, it offers sunset views you won't find elsewhere, Eastern Hokkaido cuisine served at its top-floor restaurant, and car sharing you can pick up and drop off right at the hotel. These thoughtful touches throughout make the stay itself part of the trip. (0:03) Photo: The exterior of the Kushiro Prince Hotel, the tallest hotel in Kushiro, standing near Nusamai Bridge about a 10-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station. For this article, we spoke with the Kushiro Prince Hotel staff who welcome guests there every day, weaving in ways to enjoy the area that only people working on the ground would know. Whether it's your first visit to Kushiro or you've already been several times, you're sure to find travel ideas built around the Kushiro Prince Hotel. What Makes Kushiro Special: Port-Town Sunsets and Vast Nature in a Single Trip The appeal of Kushiro sightseeing is that very different kinds of attractions are gathered within about a 30-minute to one-hour drive of one another. There's the port-town city center facing the Pacific, Japan's largest wetland, the spectacular sunset ranked among the world's three great sunsets, and Washo Market, counted as one of Hokkaido's three great markets. Even if you come with just one of these in mind, you'll naturally end up encountering the others during your stay; that's what defines Kushiro. And precisely because of this, the location of your base, your starting point for getting around, greatly shapes the quality of your trip. How Kushiro Lets You Enjoy Port-Town Sunsets and the Wild Nature of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park at Once Kushiro is a port town facing the Pacific and, at the same time, the gateway to the inland Kushiro Shitsugen National Park that spreads out around it. A national park is a natural area that the Japanese government designates for the protection of nature. Drive north from the city center and you'll reach the Kushiro Wetland, known as Japan's largest wetland. The Kushiro Wetland is a vast expanse of sweeping reed beds, meandering rivers, and rich birdlife. Photo: The Kushiro Wetland enjoyed on foot along a boardwalk surrounded by greenery. Beyond the views, you can feel nature up close on a walk. This wetland was also the first in Japan to be registered under the Ramsar Convention, back in the 1980s. The Ramsar Convention is an international agreement aimed at protecting wetlands of global importance. In other words, the Kushiro Wetland is both a tourist destination and an environment recognized internationally for its conservation value. Because the wetland's main observatories and walking spots are also scattered within about an hour's reach, you can easily plan an itinerary that goes from a walk around town out into the wilderness, then back into town to enjoy the port-town evening. Why the Kushiro Prince Hotel Is a Convenient Base for Both City Strolls and Out-of-Town Sightseeing The Kushiro Prince Hotel stands in the heart of the city center, about a 10-minute walk from JR Kushiro Station and close to Nusamai Bridge, which spans the Kushiro River. If you have a lot of luggage, it's just a few minutes by taxi from the station. Port-town spots such as Washo Market and Fisherman's Wharf MOO are within walking distance, and because it's easy to get out onto the main roads, the location offers relatively easy access for a drive out toward the Kushiro Wetland as well.It's an easy base to get around from whether you arrive by rail, by airport shuttle bus, or by car, so even on a first visit to Kushiro you can tour the sights efficiently.As for the gateway by air, Tancho Kushiro Airport is about 1 hour 40 minutes by plane from Tokyo (Haneda). Visitors coming from overseas commonly connect to a domestic flight at Tokyo or Sapporo (New Chitose Airport). From the airport to central Kushiro, you can travel by airport shuttle bus or taxi. If you're heading to the hotel, it helps to check the bus stop and travel time in advance. Watching Kushiro's Sunset from Your Room: Why Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel On a trip to Kushiro, the scene many people name as "unforgettable" is the sky at dusk. Ranked alongside Bali (Indonesia) and Manila (the Philippines) among the world's three great sunsets, Kushiro's evening view is a sight unique to the town, where the Pacific, the Kushiro River, and the lights of the port town merge into a single panorama. Since you've come all this way, you'll want to do more than just glance at it: You’ll want to make it a highlight of your stay. What Sunset Views Can You Enjoy from the High-Floor Twin and Double Rooms? For those who want to make the most of the sunset, the high floors on levels 15–16 are recommended.From a high-floor twin room, on clear days you can enjoy Kushiro's sunset, said to be one of the world's three great sunsets, right from your room. (0:17) Photo: A high-floor twin room. The sunset spreads out beyond the window, and on clear days you can enjoy one of the "world's three great sunsets" from your room. Likewise, the high-floor double bedroom is fitted with a king-size bed, so you can lie back near a window overlooking the Pacific and savor the sky as it shifts from orange to crimson and then to a purplish indigo as the sun sinks. Photo: A high-floor double bedroom with sweeping views of the Pacific. Savor the changing sky from the window beside the king-size bed. Being able to spend time in "a room made for taking in the view" is something only the tallest hotel in Kushiro can offer. Sitting by the window with a cup of coffee and gazing at the sky makes for a quintessentially Kushiro way to pass the time. Kushiro's Sunset from Nusamai Bridge: A Scenic Spot Within Walking Distance of the Hotel Nusamai Bridge, which crosses the mouth of the Kushiro River, is a symbol of Kushiro and an especially popular spot for photographing the sunset. Ranked alongside Sapporo's Toyohira Bridge and Asahikawa's Asahibashi Bridge as one of "Hokkaido's three great bridges," it's a historic bridge representative of Hokkaido, and the bronze statues of women at its four corners symbolizing spring, summer, autumn, and winter were each created by a different sculptor. At dusk, the silhouettes of these statues at the bridge's four corners rise against a sky tinged red, and the bridge is beloved as one of Kushiro's signature photo spots. (0:49) Photo: The retro bridge lamp of Nusamai Bridge rises as a silhouette against the sun setting on the horizon. Since it's within walking distance of the Kushiro Prince Hotel, a classic way to enjoy it is to stroll to the bridge with your camera once evening comes and watch the sunset up close. After the sun sets, you can head back to the hotel and spend time watching the town fade into darkness from your guest-room window, or savor the view from the top-floor restaurant on the 17th floor. Being able to enjoy the same sunset from two perspectives, outdoors and indoors, is a benefit unique to staying in the heart of the city center. When Is Kushiro's Sunset at Its Best? The Autumn Equinox (Around September 23) and Fall Highlights Kushiro's sunset can be enjoyed year-round, but it's especially striking in the period from around the autumnal equinox in late September into the fall. During this time the sun tends to set in line with the Kushiro River, so when you look out from around Nusamai Bridge, it becomes easier to photograph the sun appearing to drop toward the center of the river.In autumn in particular, the air is clear and you can see far into the distance, so the outline of the setting sun stands out sharply. In the 30 minutes or so after sunset, the sky shifts one after another to red, orange, purple, and indigo. If you're aiming for the kind of striking Kushiro sunset you see on social media, a clear day in September or October is when it photographs in the most vivid colors.Autumn in Kushiro runs from around September to October, with temperatures of roughly 6°C to 18°C. Since mornings and evenings get chilly, you'll be comfortable with layers you can add to, plus a light outer layer. Photo: Kushiro's townscape and port seen from high up. As the sun sets, the sky turns red and orange. City Spots to Enjoy Around the Kushiro Prince Hotel: A Guide to Strolling the Port Town The area around the Kushiro Prince Hotel is one where the representative spots of the port town of Kushiro are gathered within walking distance. Just by walking with a map in hand, you can efficiently visit quintessential Kushiro places: the sea, the market, the bridge, and the shopping street. Even on a day with limited time, such as your arrival or departure day, it's a convenient location for taking in the atmosphere of the town. What Can You Enjoy at Fisherman's Wharf MOO? The Charms of a Waterfront Stroll About an 8-minute walk from the hotel. Right by Nusamai Bridge, on the bank at the mouth of the Kushiro River, stands Fisherman's Wharf MOO, a complex commercial facility representing Kushiro's waterfront. Here you can enjoy Kushiro's cuisine and the atmosphere of the port town all in one place: shops selling local sake and seafood souvenirs, the "Minato no Yatai" food stalls where you can dine, and the outdoor "Ganpeki Robata," open typically from the third Friday of May to the end of October, where you can grill seafood and other ingredients yourself on the quayside. Photo: Fisherman's Wharf MOO on the bank at the mouth of the Kushiro River. A complex commercial facility representing the port town's waterfront. If you walk along the riverside deck after shopping, fishing boats and the bridge come into view, and you can enjoy the scenery along the river. Since it's an easy distance to drop by between sightseeing stops, it's a place that fits naturally into a first-day stroll around town as well as last-day souvenir shopping. What Is Washo Market's Katte-don? A Kushiro Classic Worth a Stop During Your Stay A few minutes' walk from JR Kushiro Station and reachable on foot from the Kushiro Prince Hotel as well, Kushiro's Washo Market is a long-established market counted alongside Hakodate Morning Market and Sapporo Nijo Market as one of "Hokkaido's three great markets." (0:30) Photo: Kushiro's Washo Market, one of Hokkaido's three great markets. Enjoy strolling the market while peering into the fresh-fish cases. Here, the one experience you'll want to try is Kushiro's specialty, the "Katte-don." First you buy a bowl of plain white rice, then go around the shops in the market buying small portions of your favorite seafood toppings and placing them on your own bowl. You pay separately for the rice and for each topping. Since some shops mainly take cash, it's reassuring to have a little cash on hand. The process of choosing and piling on your favorite ingredients from among sea urchin, salmon roe, salmon, scallops and crab to build your own seafood rice bowl becomes a memory of the trip. If you're not fond of raw fish, you can also choose grilled fish, crab, egg, and the like. Photo: Katte-don toppings lined up at Washo Market. Choose your favorite ingredients, such as sea urchin and octopus, to build your own seafood rice bowl. The experience of getting in touch with local flavors amid the market's bustle is highly popular with international travelers, too, and it's beloved as a go-to spot where visitors from overseas can feel Japan's market culture firsthand. Robatayaki, Zangi and Spakatsu: How to Enjoy Kushiro-Born Dishes on an Evening Stroll Kushiro has a strong image of fresh seafood, but the evening pleasures don't stop there. "Robatayaki," now spread nationwide, is a food culture of grilling seafood and vegetables near a charcoal fire and savoring them. Kushiro is said to be its birthplace, with a history dating back to the 1950s. Sitting around the charcoal fire and enjoying atka mackerel (hokke), Pacific saury, scallops, and "tsubu-yaki", whelks grilled boldly in their shells, is an evening pleasure unique to a port town. (0:24) Photo: Robatayaki, said to have originated in Kushiro. A port-town evening savoring grilled fish and local sake around a charcoal fire. "Zangi" is fried chicken (Japanese fried chicken) that originated in Hokkaido, distinguished by a soy-sauce-based marinade thoroughly soaked in before frying. Compared with ordinary fried chicken, the flavor is richer and the coating thicker, for a quintessential Hokkaido style. Crisp and fragrant on the outside, juicy inside, with a robust soy-sauce flavor. Kushiro is said to be its birthplace, and it pairs well with both rice and drinks. What's more, "Spakatsu", spaghetti topped with a pork cutlet and smothered in piping-hot meat sauce, is a soul food of Kushiro locals that originated at the long-established Western-style restaurant "Izumiya." Served on a sizzling iron plate and generously portioned, it's a local Kushiro take on Western food. The dish’s combination of noodles, meat and sauce has been loved by locals across generations. In the lively district around the Kushiro Prince Hotel, there are restaurants serving these local Kushiro dishes within walking distance. Try them as part of your evening stroll. How to Enjoy the Wild Nature of Kushiro Wetland: Expanding Your Sightseeing from the Kushiro Prince Hotel After enjoying a stroll around the port town, use the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base and head out to the kind of vast nature that only Kushiro can offer. In Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, known as Japan's largest wetland, the main spots are scattered around 30 minutes by car from the hotel. Even as a day trip from the hotel, leaving the hotel in the morning and returning by evening to enjoy the sunset, there's plenty to savor. What Does Car Sharing from the Hotel Change? A Handy Way to Explore the Kushiro Area Freely One reason the Kushiro Prince Hotel is so convenient as a base for wetland sightseeing is the "TOYOTA SHARE" car-sharing service available right at the hotel. If you complete the app registration in advance, you can set off directly from the hotel without having to travel to a rental-car outlet by the station. If you live overseas and want to use it, please check the conditions for app registration, accepted credit cards, and an international driving permit in advance.Car Share is a short-term rental service that lets you borrow a registered car only for the time you need. Because you can rent in 15-minute units, you can use it in a flexible way that suits your preferences, such as only using a car only on the day you go to the wetland, and going car-free on the days you walk around town. Since you can naturally combine strolling the city center on foot with sightseeing in the outskirts by car, it broadens the range of model courses for Kushiro sightseeing.If you're visiting from overseas and plan to drive in Japan, the required documents differ depending on your nationality and the country that issued your license. Before departure, be sure to check the documents needed to drive in Japan, such as an International Driving Permit (IDP). Japan, like the UK and Australia, drives on the left, so visitors from countries that drive on the right should take care. In rural areas there are roads with few streetlights and roads where wild animals may dart out, so caution is needed when driving at night. In the winter period from around November to March, snow and icy road surfaces can make for snowy roads. Even on days with little snow, the road surface may be frozen, so caution is especially needed in the early morning and evening. To be safe, choose a vehicle fitted with winter studless tires (tires made for snowy and icy roads) or check with each rental-car company in advance. What Can You See from the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory? A Place to Sense the Scale of Japan's Largest Wetland If you're encountering the wetland for the first time, the first place to visit is the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory. If you go by public transport, services are limited, so check the timetable in advance or consider using a taxi or rental car. From the rooftop viewing area of the building, you can take in the wetland stretching all the way to the horizon. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park covers about 28,000 hectares, roughly 280 square kilometers. That's close to half the area of Tokyo's 23 wards, and only when you stand and look out over it do you truly grasp its size. Photo: The viewing deck of the Kushiro City Wetland Observatory. Take in Japan's largest wetland stretching to the horizon in a single sweep. Inside the facility there are also exhibits that make it easy to learn about the wetland's ecosystem, which changes how you'll view the wetland you're about to walk. For anyone who thinks, "First I want to get a sense of the whole picture," it's an ideal point of entry. What Can You Do at Hosooka Observatory and the Onnenai Boardwalk? Enjoying the Wetland by View and on Foot Once you've grasped the overall picture at the wetland observatory, head next to the sightseeing points scattered around the wetland. Highlights include Hosooka Observatory, where you can take in the meandering Kushiro River and the vast wetland in one sweep; Kottaro Wetland Observatory, a peaceful viewpoint that sees relatively few visitors; and the Onnenai Boardwalk, where wooden walkways let you observe wetland plants and birds up close. If you want to enjoy the view in a short time, Hosooka Observatory is recommended; if you want to walk and observe nature, the Onnenai Boardwalk is the choice. Visit in comfortable walking shoes, and to be safe bring insect repellent in summer and warm clothing in spring and autumn.Whether you prefer panoramic views or walking through the wetland itself, Kushiro Wetland lets you choose the experience that best matches your mood and energy level. Combine viewpoints and walking, and even within the same wetland the scenery you see and the sounds you hear will change. The appeal is that with Car Share, you can tour multiple spots efficiently in a single day. What Kind of Journey Are the Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train and Canoeing? Deeper Ways to Enjoy the Wetland The "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train," which you can board at JR Kushiro Station about a 10-minute walk from the Kushiro Prince Hotel, is recommended for those who want to experience the wetland in greater depth. It's a sightseeing train with a trolley-car feel, a seasonal service connecting Kushiro Station and Toro Station from spring to autumn. Since operating days are limited, check the running days and the availability of reserved seats on the official JR Hokkaido website. As the train slowly moves through the landscape you can enjoy the wetland scenery up close. Photo: The trolley-style sightseeing train "Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train" running through the green wetland (the second-generation train is scheduled to retire in 2026). Note that the current second-generation Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train is scheduled to retire after the 2026 season due to the age of its carriages, so 2026 is the last year you can experience the second-generation train in operation. If you're planning to ride, we recommend booking early during the operating period from late April to early October.* In 2026 it is scheduled to run on set days from April 25 to October 4, and as all seats are reserved, it's reassuring to confirm the running days and seat availability before boarding. Operating information may change, so please check JR Hokkaido's latest official announcements. Canoeing down the Kushiro River is also popular. There are guided tours for beginners, and it's reassuring to confirm whether English support is available when you book. From a low vantage point right at the water's surface, you can enjoy up close, by canoe, the sights and sounds you can't encounter on foot or by car: the sky you look up at, the red-crowned cranes and Ezo sika deer on the riverbanks, and the sound of the wind crossing the reed beds. Drifting quietly with the current is one of the experiences unique to Kushiro Wetland. What Is a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Like? Special Time in the Rooms, Dining and Facilities The appeal of the Kushiro Prince Hotel doesn't stop at its convenience as a sightseeing base. Even the time after you return from sightseeing is full of thoughtful touches that let you feel Kushiro's character. What Guest Rooms Does the Kushiro Prince Hotel Have? The Difference Between the Standard Floors and the High Floors The Kushiro Prince Hotel's guest rooms are divided into two groups: the "Standard Floors" on levels 6–14, and the "High Floors" on levels 15–16. What's distinctive about this hotel is that how you choose changes depending on the purpose of your trip and who you're traveling with. The Standard Floors have three types: Single, Twin, and a Family room, which accommodates up to four guests. The Single room is a calm space for business trips and solo travel, the Twin is a versatile, standard room, and the Family room can accommodate up to four guests, making it well suited to family and group travel. They're often chosen by those who want to enjoy their stay at a more modest price while taking in Kushiro's townscape and the views of the port. Photo: A Standard Floor guest room on levels 6–14. Stay at a reasonable price while taking in Kushiro's townscape and port. The High Floors on levels 15–16 are the rooms chosen by those seeking the view. The high-floor twin room is a popular type from which you can gaze at Kushiro's sunset, called one of the "world's three great sunsets", from your room on clear days. The single room faces the Kushiro city center, where you can take in the morning sun and the night view. The double bedroom is fitted with a king-size bed, a spacious room with sweeping views of the Pacific. For those wishing for something still more luxurious, there is the 48.43 m² Suite room, which offers an especially open view. For those who want to savor the sunset from their room, the high-floor Twin or Double bedroom; for families who want to spread out, the Family room on the Standard Floors, or the suite overlooking the Pacific for special occasions. When booking, it's reassuring to check conditions such as "high floor" or "view specified." The flexibility to choose to match the purpose of your trip is one reason there are so many repeat guests. What Kind of Restaurant Is Top of Kushiro? Dining with Views of the City and the Pacific The observation restaurant "Top of Kushiro" on the 17th floor is an observation restaurant where you can dine while taking in the scenery from the highest point in Kushiro. From its fully glass-walled space, you can see far into the distance: the Kushiro River, the port-town streets, and further out to the Pacific, and the view you enjoy changes depending on where you sit. Photo: The 17th-floor observation restaurant "Top of Kushiro." Take in Kushiro's townscape bathed in sunset through the fully glass-walled windows. Lunchtime offers bright hours against the backdrop of the port view, while dinnertime is a meal with the town lights after sunset. The dynamic atmosphere changes greatly with the hour you visit, which is another of its hallmarks. As a place to spend an anniversary dinner or the meal that rounds off a trip, it's chosen by many travelers, couples, and families. Photo: A Western-style course savored at "Top of Kushiro." Enjoy colorful appetizers and main dishes along with a magnificent view. There is also a private room called "SKYROOM" within the restaurant, which can be reserved exclusively for family celebrations and small gatherings. Advance reservation may be required to use it. In a space where you can have the 17th-floor view all to yourself, it's also recommended for those who want to make a special day memorable. Can Breakfast Change the Mood of Your Day? Why Mornings at the Kushiro Prince Hotel Enrich Your Trip Breakfast on a trip is an important time that sets the rhythm of the day ahead. Breakfast at the Kushiro Prince Hotel is normally served as a buffet on the top floor at "Top of Kushiro." A menu unique to a port town is laid out, generously incorporating ingredients from Hokkaido and Kushiro. (0:40) Photo: A morning moment at "Top of Kushiro" overlooking the Pacific. Start your day with a view of the sea. One especially popular item is the "Umi no Sachi Don," a seafood rice bowl where you pile as much of the sea's bounty as you like onto your rice. It's a welcome dish that lets you savor the Katte-don style familiar from Washo Market right at the hotel, first thing in the morning. There's also a rich lineup of distinctive dishes that make the most of Eastern Hokkaido ingredients: the "Nemuro Strait Kelp Soy Sauce Ramen," made with broth from Nemuro Strait kelp; penne with a meat sauce made from Ezo deer, a Japanese game meat; and seafood soup curry. And the classic breakfast dishes are all there too, with grilled fish such as sockeye salmon and atka mackerel (hokke), scrambled eggs finished with Hokkaido eggs and milk, rice made with Hokkaido-grown "Nanatsuboshi" (one of Hokkaido's flagship brand-rice varieties), and miso soup made with Hokkaido miso, a lineup that caters to fans of both Japanese and Western breakfasts. If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, please check with the hotel in advance. Photo: A breakfast buffet making the most of Hokkaido and Kushiro ingredients. A wide variety of dishes, starting with the Umi no Sachi Don seafood bowl. To finish, what you'll want to enjoy is a lineup of dairy products befitting Hokkaido, acclaimed as Japan’s most renowned center of dairy production. You can savor local ingredients to the full from morning. You can enjoy a tasting comparison of "Toyotomi Milk" and "Tokachi Karoyaka Shibori," Hokkaido milk pudding, yogurt, and more. After your meal, coffee in hand, it's also nice to use the time to plan your day, deciding whether to head out to the wetland or go for a walk through the market.* Breakfast is basically a buffet, but depending on reservation conditions it may be served as a set meal. The menu may change depending on procurement. How to Make the Most of Hotel Life with the Fitness Room, Rental Bikes and On-Site Facilities The Kushiro Prince Hotel has on-site facilities that make it easy to spend even the hours when you're not out sightseeing.Worth noting is the fitness room that opened in May 2026. Equipped with cardio machines, strength-training equipment, and free weights, it's well suited for keeping up your exercise routine during a business trip or refreshing yourself while traveling. Newly built under the concept of "a space where the stay itself contributes to your health," it's a welcome point for those on long stays, too. Photo: The fitness room that opened in May 2026. Cardio machines and strength-training equipment are set up by the windows. For those who want to enjoy strolling the town more actively, rental bikes (eBike mini-velo type) are also available. In Japan, bicycles also keep to the left as a rule. Turn on your lights at night and ride with care for pedestrians. As compact electric-assist bicycles, they make even uphill stretches easier to climb, letting you tour Kushiro's townscape and seaside over a wider range than on foot. Rental bikes are available only during the period from April to November. Photo: A rental bike (eBike mini-velo type) riding along the seaside. With electric assist, you can tour a wide area of Kushiro's town. In addition, the convenience shop on the 1st floor comes in handy when you need a drink, a snack, or something you forgot; and because there's a coin laundry, you can travel with minimal luggage even on a stay spanning several days. A business corner is also provided, making it an environment well suited to a workation or business trip. A strength of the Kushiro Prince Hotel is that it has a full set of facilities to handle not only use as a sightseeing base but also long stays. Even when you're taking a break from sightseeing, the hotel provides a comfortable place to relax. From Sunset to the Morning Sea: Can You Enjoy Scenery That Changes by the Hour? The Value of a Stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel The Kushiro Prince Hotel is plenty enjoyable even for a single night, but it's also a hotel whose appeal grows all the more with two or more consecutive nights. The reason is that Kushiro's scenery changes its expression depending on the time of day and the weather. Even the view from the same high-floor window brings one scene after another that you can't take in over a single night's stay: the calm sea in the morning, the deep-blue Pacific at midday, the sunset known as one of the world's three great sunsets in the evening, the town lights at night, and the misty port the next morning. In winter especially, the town and the sea turn into a snowy landscape, so you can enjoy an expression completely different from summer or autumn. Since you're staying at the Kushiro Prince Hotel, do take your time over Kushiro's scenery with a stay of two or more nights. Does the Way You Enjoy the Kushiro Prince Hotel Change by Season? Sightseeing and Hotel Appeal Through the Year Each of Kushiro's four seasons has a different pleasure. Spring brings refreshing air free from the woes of pollen; summer brings the crisp, cool climate of a true summer escape; autumn brings sunsets that stand out under clear skies; and winter brings an encounter with red-crowned cranes, seen in only a limited number of places even in Japan. No matter how many times you visit, there's different scenery and a different experience. That's the fun of a stay in Kushiro. Photo: Two red-crowned cranes standing by the water. An encounter unique to Kushiro, which changes its expression with the seasons. Is Spring in Kushiro Low in Cedar and Cypress Pollen? Why It's Chosen as a Getaway During Pollen Season Spring in Japan is a season when many people suffer from hay fever, but Kushiro is known as an area with extremely little airborne cedar (Japanese cedar) and cypress (Japanese cypress) pollen. This is because there is hardly any of the planted cedar and cypress that drive pollen dispersal in Honshu, so the situation differs from Honshu, Japan's main island. Even across Hokkaido as a whole, the planted area of cedar is on a vastly smaller scale than in Honshu's major prefectures, and Kushiro is one of the areas there that is especially little affected by pollen dispersal.This characteristic has been taken up repeatedly in various media in recent years, and "spring Kushiro is comfortable for people with hay fever" has rapidly drawn attention as a theme. The number of people who choose Kushiro as a destination for "hifun", or pollen escape, spending the few weeks of pollen season in Hokkaido, has been steadily increasing in recent years.Freed from sneezing and itchy eyes, you can enjoy strolling the town and wetland sightseeing under clear air. A spring trip where you can take off your mask and breathe in deeply can be a welcome relief for those who suffer from pollen. The Kushiro Prince Hotel, which combines the convenience of the city center with rooms where you can relax, can flexibly accommodate everything from a short trip of a few days to a slightly longer, workation-style stay.Spring in Kushiro runs from around April to May, with temperatures of roughly 5°C to 13°C. Since mornings and evenings get chilly, you'll be comfortable pairing layers you can add to with a light outer layer. Why Is Summer Kushiro Popular as a Cool-Weather Retreat? Why the Hotel's Appeal Comes Alive on Longer Stays Summer in Kushiro often sees average midsummer temperatures of around 20°C even when Honshu is gripped by intense heat, making it an especially comfortable area within Hokkaido. From June to August, it's a climate cooler than Honshu, where you'll be glad to have long sleeves or a light layer during the day. Seeking out such an environment, in recent years not only short sightseeing trips but also a travel style of staying for one to two weeks while leisurely enjoying the town and nature has been increasing. The hotel has a coin laundry and a business corner, too, making it an environment well suited to longer stays.At the Kushiro Prince Hotel, long-stay plans are sometimes offered for summer cool-weather stays, such as a consecutive-night ECO plan limited to two or three nights, and a three-consecutive-night plan with "Minato-machi Coupons" usable at affiliated shops in the city. Greet a cool morning in a high-floor room overlooking the Pacific, tour the wetland and outskirts by Car Share during the day, and stroll the town on foot in the evening. In Kushiro, you can comfortably plan an itinerary built around the refreshingly cool climate. How to See Red-Crowned Cranes in Winter Kushiro: Enjoying a Trip Centered on Crane Watching and Photography Not to be missed in winter Kushiro is watching red-crowned cranes dance over the snowy fields. When observing, don't make loud noises, don't feed them, and watch over them while keeping your distance from designated spots. Observation points known to photography enthusiasts at home and abroad, such as Tsurumidai in Tsurui Village, the Akan International Crane Center, and the Tsurui-Ito Tancho Sanctuary, are scattered within day-trip range of the city center. Photo: Red-crowned cranes dancing with wings spread over a snowy field. A signature scene of winter in Eastern Hokkaido, popular with photography enthusiasts too. The red-crowned crane was at one point so reduced in number that it was thought to be extinct, but in 1924 it was rediscovered in the Kushiro Wetland. Thanks to subsequent local conservation efforts, the population has now recovered. In the early morning, the sight of red-crowned cranes, with their pure white bodies marked with black and red, descending onto a snowy field where steam rises is a signature highlight of winter in Eastern Hokkaido, drawing many who come not just to observe but to take serious photographs. On a winter early morning, crane watching centers on outdoor photography where it can drop below freezing, so having a comfortable place nearby to warm up can make all the difference. Winter in Kushiro runs from around November to March, when temperatures drop below freezing to roughly minus 8°C to minus 2°C. Head out with solid winter gear, such as warm clothing, gloves, and non-slip winter boots. For early-morning photography in particular, you may wait outdoors for long stretches, so it's reassuring to also have hand warmers and thermal innerwear. At the Kushiro Prince Hotel, after returning from photography you can rest in a high-floor room or enjoy the magnificent view at the top-floor restaurant, so even on a cold-season trip you can spend your time at ease. Depending on the period, winter-only plans and special services may also be arranged, so checking the latest accommodation plans before you visit will help you plan a more satisfying winter trip. Adding One More Day to Your Kushiro Trip? Side Trips That Expand Your Eastern Hokkaido Journey After enjoying sightseeing within Kushiro and your stay at the Kushiro Prince Hotel, if you have one more day to spare in your itinerary, there's also the option of venturing a little farther afield from the hotel. Because the Kushiro Prince Hotel lets you use Car Share with pickup and drop-off at the hotel, it's an easy base for a day-trip drive: leave in the morning, return by evening, and have dinner at the top-floor restaurant. Akkeshi Oysters and Winter Jewelry Ice: Scenery and Flavors Within a Day Trip from Kushiro About an hour's drive east of Kushiro, Akkeshi Town, facing the Pacific, is known as a renowned production area where you can enjoy oysters year-round. You can compare brands with distinct characters, such as "Kaki-emon" and "Maru-emon." Beyond raw oysters, you can enjoy them grilled or steamed, and at the roadside station "Akkeshi Gourmet Terminal Conchiglie" the appeal is being able to savor them charcoal-grilled. A roadside station (Michi-no-Eki / roadside station) is a rest facility you can casually drop by on a journey, where you can also enjoy local ingredients, souvenirs, and light meals. Photo: Akkeshi Town's brand oysters "Kaki-emon" and "Maru-emon." Large oysters in the shell that can be enjoyed year-round. Worth visiting only in the winter season is the "Jewelry Ice (Jewelry Ice)" that washes up on Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. It's a phenomenon in which blocks of ice that flow out from the Tokachi River are polished by the waves of the Pacific and wash up on the shore, transparent like jewels; the hours when the morning or evening sun shines through the ice are especially popular subjects for photography. As it's a natural phenomenon, the amount and condition you can see vary by the day you visit. It's a little distant, about two hours by car from Kushiro, but it's known as a spectacular sight unique to winter in Eastern Hokkaido. Photo: The winter-only "Jewelry Ice" on Otsu Beach in Toyokoro Town. Blocks of ice that glow like jewels as the morning sun shines through them. Both are within a round-trip day's reach using the Kushiro Prince Hotel as your base. By staying multiple nights and combining them with city sightseeing, you can enjoy your Kushiro trip even more deeply. Conclusion: How to Make the Most of Kushiro Sightseeing and a Hotel Stay: Why Choose the Kushiro Prince Hotel as Your Base A sunset that ranks among the world's three great sunsets, the vast Kushiro Wetland just a short drive away, Washo Market's Katte-don, and winter's red-crowned cranes. A great feature of a Kushiro trip is that you can savor each of these different charms in a single stay. As a base that lets you spend less time worrying about transportation and more time enjoying Kushiro, the Kushiro Prince Hotel has solid strengths. A central city-center location with easy access to Tancho Kushiro Airport, JR Kushiro Station, Nusamai Bridge, and Washo Market. High-floor twin rooms where you can enjoy one of the world's three great sunsets on clear days, and the views of the high floors overlooking the Pacific. Photo: The exterior of the Kushiro Prince Hotel standing out against the night town. A hotel where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the trip. The "Umi no Sachi Don" and a breakfast buffet that makes the most of Eastern Hokkaido ingredients. A fitness room, rental bikes, and a top-floor restaurant for the days you don't head out sightseeing. And Car Share that lets you venture out to the outskirts with pickup and drop-off at the hotel. Not a hotel for sightseeing, but a hotel where the stay itself can become the purpose of the trip. That is the Kushiro Prince Hotel. Supporting this kind of Kushiro stay are the hotel's staff. The Kushiro Prince Hotel staff who face guests every day say this: "In Kushiro, a summer retreat that stays cool even in summer, please spend some time enjoying the gentle breeze. The beautiful sunset viewed from your room will make your journey even more memorable. In this place, where in spring you can also spend your time comfortably as a pollen-escape destination, please do come and experience a stay that lets your heart unwind." On your next trip to Kushiro, why not see the unforgettable Kushiro sunset, viewed from your guest-room window, with your own eyes? Kushiro Prince Hotel: Essential Information Facility name Kushiro Prince Hotel Address 〒085-8581 北海道釧路市幸町7-1 Phone 0154-31-1111 Check-in 14:00 Check-out 11:00 Guest room floors 6–14F Standard Floors 15–16F High Floors Room types Single / Twin / Double / Suite / Forth On-site facilities 17F restaurant "Top of Kushiro" (with adjoining SKYROOM) Fitness room Convenience shop Coin laundry Business corner Rental bikes Car Share "TOYOTA SHARE" Access (Train) About a 10-minute walk from Kushiro Station on JR (Japan Railways), Japan's main railway Access (Car) About 30 minutes from Tancho Kushiro Airport under normal conditions Access (Bus) Take the Kushiro Airport Connection Bus and get off at "Kushiro Shiyakusho-mae (in front of the hotel)"; 1-minute walk (about 55 minutes) Parking Available (paid ) Official website https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro Digital brochure https://ehsc.jp/pdf/2023kushirok7.pdf Accommodation plans https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kushiro/plan/all/ ※ Information is subject to change. Please check the official website for the latest details. ※ This article was written based on information as of June 2026, under the supervision of the Kushiro Prince Hotel staff. For the latest information on Kushiro Prince Hotel, please check COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' SNS. 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Table of Contents Introduction Why Does Staying Inside a National Park Make a Trip to Kussharo So Special? What Makes Its Location Beside Lake Kussharo and Akan-Mashu National Park So Special? Why Does a Stay That Lets You Savor "the Luxury of Nothing" Leave Such an Impression in Kussharo? All Rooms Face the Lake—What Kind of Time Can You Share with Lake Kussharo? What Makes Rooms Overlooking Lake Kussharo, Japan's Largest Caldera Lake, So Special? Why Do Guests Want to Stay Longer, Gazing at Lake Kussharo? Around Lake Kussharo, What Differences in Scenery Await from Place to Place? Sunayu: How Can You Enjoy a Hot-Spring Experience Unique to Lake Kussharo and the Sight of Whooper Swans? Wakoto Peninsula: How Can You Savor the Quiet Time Created by Forest and Lake Kussharo? Walking the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail: How Do You Feel the Charm of Old-Growth Forest and Lakeshore? Why Is the Panorama of Lake Kussharo Seen from Bihoro Pass So Special? Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum: How Can You Learn About the Culture Passed Down Alongside Lake Kussharo? A Location That Lets You Get Moving from Early Morning: How Can You Make the Most of Kussharo's Nature Experiences? The Kushiro River Headwaters and the Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe: What Waterscapes Await? Sea of Clouds and Birdwatching: What Can You Meet That Only an East Hokkaido Morning Offers? Cycling and Glamping: What Stay-and-Play Time Can You Enjoy in Kussharo? After a Day Spent in Nature, What Awaits at Kussharo Onsen? What Are the Characteristics of the Kussharo Onsen Spring Water? The Open-Air Bath: How Can You Savor the Forest Air and the Quiet? With a Barrel Sauna, How Does Lakeside Rest Change? What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Enjoy at the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Restaurant "Loupeigne": What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Discover? Including the Surrounding Food Scene, How Far Do Hokkaido Flavors Reach? How Does Good Access Connect to How Easily You Can Plan Your Kussharo Sightseeing? Broaden Your View to All of East Hokkaido and Kussharo Sightseeing Gets Even More Interesting How Do You Put Together a Manageable Model Course for Kussharo Sightseeing? In Summary: To Travel Kussharo Is to Enjoy the Time You Spend at the Kussharo Prince Hotel, Too What Are the Facility Details and Access for the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Read More Introduction Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island. Spread across its eastern side, East Hokkaido holds quiet, spectacular scenery that many travelers have yet to discover. At its heart lies the town of Teshikaga. Cradled by the magnificent nature of Akan-Mashu National Park(one of the national parks designated by the Japanese government to protect the natural environment), this town is dotted with Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake (0:00); Lake Mashu, famed for its mysterious scenery; Mt. Io, where volcanic steam rises; and steam-wreathed Kawayu Onsen. Here, lakes, volcanoes, and hot springs come together in a single journey. Standing on the shore of Lake Kussharo in Teshikaga is the Kussharo Prince Hotel. (0:20) Photo: The full view of the Kussharo Prince Hotel standing on the shore of Lake Kussharo, an all-lake-view resort hotel Every Western-style room faces the lake, and the hotel offers Kussharo Onsen hot-spring water welling up from 1,000 m underground, a buffet showcasing Hokkaido ingredients, and experiences unique to the area, such as morning canoe tours and sea-of-clouds tours.For this article, we spoke with Kitazawa-san, who welcomes guests at the hotel every day, to share ways of enjoying the area that only someone working on-site would know. By the time you finish reading, you'll have a clear picture of a stay that may well make you want to choose the Kussharo Prince Hotel as your base for exploring East Hokkaido. Why Does Staying Inside a National Park Make a Trip to Kussharo So Special? Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, roughly 57 km in circumference and about 79.5 square kilometers in area. A caldera lake forms when rainwater and groundwater collect in the basin left after a major volcanic eruption causes the area around a summit to collapse. Scattered around the lake are sightseeing spots such as "Sunayu," where you can dig a little into the sand to enjoy a natural foot bath; the "Wakoto Peninsula," cloaked in old-growth forest; and "Tsubetsu Pass," known for its sea of clouds. There are also plenty of experiences whose appeal shifts with the time of day, from canoeing at the headwaters of the Kushiro River to sea-of-clouds tours. Photo: Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, boasting a circumference of about 57 km When enjoying Kussharo this way, your choice of lodging has a big impact on how satisfying the trip feels. As the only hotel on the lake shore within the caldera, the Kussharo Prince Hotel draws the quiet of Akan-Mashu National Park right into its rooms. Kussharo Prince Hotel is a resort hotel that serves both as a base for sightseeing and as a place where the stay itself becomes the point. What Makes Its Location Beside Lake Kussharo and Akan-Mashu National Park So Special? The Kussharo Prince Hotel stands right on the lakeshore. A Lakeside Garden spreads across the grounds, with the surface of Lake Kussharo visible just beyond it and a range of mountains lining the far shore. Photo: The Lakeside Garden on the grounds of the Kussharo Prince Hotel Set between lake and forest, with no major shopping areas nearby, the sky fills with glittering stars after dark. Sleeping inside a national park, waking, and heading out to the lake again in a setting where hardly a man-made structure intrudes on the view is something few places in Japan can offer. Teshikaga sits within easy reach of three national parks: Akan-Mashu, Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, and Shiretoko National Park, making it a convenient base for touring East Hokkaido. Repeat visitors from around Hokkaido often say things like, "The scenery never gets old no matter how many times I come," and "It makes me want to visit in a different season and a different time of day each time." Why Does a Stay That Lets You Savor "the Luxury of Nothing" Leave Such an Impression in Kussharo? Many long-stay guests at the Kussharo Prince Hotel talk about "the comfort of doing nothing." Even without packing your schedule with sightseeing spots, you can gaze at the lake, soak in the hot spring, stroll through the garden, then return to your room to read. The setting is built for exactly this kind of stay.In fact, thanks to the comfort of the rooms, the quality of the hot spring, and above all the view of Lake Kussharo, which never grows tiresome even over a long stay, many guests from outside Hokkaido enjoy long stays of around ten nights. Guests describe it less as ‘travel’ and more as ‘living in Kussharo for a while.’ Rather than racing from one attraction to the next, you settle into one place at a relaxed pace and take in the air of the region. For anyone seeking that kind of unhurried travel, the Kussharo Prince Hotel makes an ideal base.Because it lies within a national park, development is restricted, so there are no flashy tourist facilities around. That very "nothingness" turns out to be the greatest luxury of all. All Rooms Face the Lake—What Kind of Time Can You Share with Lake Kussharo? Its expression changes with the season and the weather, but morning on Lake Kussharo shifts color little by little from the hours when the light is still soft. Open the curtains, and on some mornings mist drifts across the water; as the sky brightens, the mountains on the far shore and the look of the lake's surface slowly transform. Being able to watch that change from inside your room is a pleasure unique to a room facing Lake Kussharo. (0:26) Photo: Lake Kussharo surrounded by nature and the exterior of the Kussharo Prince Hotel on its shore When you return from sightseeing during the day, a completely different scene awaits. Around midday, Lake Kussharo catches the sun from directly overhead and its surface glitters blue. After 4 p.m., the lowering western sun begins to dye the water gold, and between 5 and 6 p.m. the lake's color drifts from gold to deep indigo.After 8 p.m., once the sun has fully set, it's the stars' turn. Switch off the room lights and open the curtains, and a sky brimming with stars spreads out before you. With so few artificial lights nearby, even the Milky Way is clearly visible.What sets the Kussharo Prince Hotel's rooms apart is that they face Lake Kussharo, letting you feel the lakeside nature up close throughout your stay. Whichever room you choose, open the curtains in the morning and there is Lake Kussharo; come back at midday and there is Lake Kussharo; and there it is again before you climb into bed at night. Because the lake is visible from every room, the sense of being connected to it lasts your entire stay. What Makes Rooms Overlooking Lake Kussharo, Japan's Largest Caldera Lake, So Special? The guest rooms are Western-style and fitted with large windows. Below the windows are wooden louvers (slatted vents), so on fine days you can open up and let the lakeside air into the room.From May into June, the breeze off the lake is pleasantly cool; in July and August a refreshing wind passes through the room. By September, a touch of cooler air mixes in, and you can feel the change of seasons on your skin. As a rough guide, temperatures in the East Hokkaido area run about 5–13°C in spring (April–May), about 15–21°C in summer (June–August), and about 6–18°C in autumn (September–October). Even in summer it is cooler than Honshu, Japan's main island, so it's wise to bring long sleeves or a light layer.Room types are wide-ranging: Twin Rooms, Lake View rooms, Family Rooms, Superior Double Rooms with a jet bath, Corner Triple Rooms, and Heartful Rooms designed with wheelchair users in mind. Photo: A Western-style twin room with a large window overlooking Lake Kussharo The top-floor Lake View rooms in particular are designed so that nothing blocks the view, letting you take in the lake to the fullest. The lineup suits all kinds of trips, from solo travel to family and group journeys.Wi-Fi is available in the rooms and the lobby, so international travelers can stay with peace of mind. Check-in is at 15:00 and check-out at 11:00, letting you savor Lake Kussharo in the morning before you set off. Why Do Guests Want to Stay Longer, Gazing at Lake Kussharo? There's a reason so many guests stay multiple nights: the appeal of an extended stay gradually becomes apparent. On your first day, you’re struck by the sheer scale of Lake Kussharo. Photo: The view of Lake Kussharo and the Kussharo Prince Hotel that never grows tiresome even over consecutive nights On the second, you begin to settle into its quiet rhythms, with its fresh morning and shifting breeze. By the third, you notice details you might otherwise have missed, such as the changing angle of the light, the shifting of the clouds, and even the changing patterns of the stars overhead. It looks like the same view, yet it differs a little each day. Enjoying these subtle changes is the real reward of an extended visit. One repeat long-stay guest told us, "The lake wears a different face every morning, so I never tire of it. Some mornings are misty, others perfectly clear. And on rainy days, just watching the ripples spread across the water is enough to make the hours slip by."Simply having Lake Kussharo spread out before you the moment you rise from bed changes how the day begins. Rooms where doing nothing never feels tedious are surprisingly rare. The guest rooms at the Kussharo Prince Hotel are spaces made for long stays and unhurried travel. Around Lake Kussharo, What Differences in Scenery Await from Place to Place? Lake Kussharo isn't a lake you take in from a single spot and call it done. Its north, south, east, and west shores each have spots with a different character, and just a short drive from the hotel brings you to an entirely different Kussharo.Whether you come to take photographs or simply to relax while taking in the views, there's a way to enjoy it that suits you. This flexibility is part of the charm of this area. Sunayu: How Can You Enjoy a Hot-Spring Experience Unique to Lake Kussharo and the Sight of Whooper Swans? About a 30-minute drive from the hotel, Sunayu is one of Lake Kussharo's signature sightseeing spots. True to its name (literally "sand hot water"), dig a little into the lakeside sand and hot-spring water wells up. Scoop down about 20 cm and warm water gently seeps in, an experience that delights children and adults alike.You can dig out your own foot bath and warm your feet while gazing at the lake. Even on a cold winter's day, soaking your feet while watching the swans makes for a lasting travel memory. Photo: "Sunayu" on the shore of Lake Kussharo, where hot-spring water wells up when you dig into the sand In winter (November to March), Whooper Swans can be seen arriving around Lake Kussharo to overwinter. Note, however, that the Kussharo Prince Hotel sets winter closure periods or limited-operation periods that vary by year, so if you plan to stay in winter, you'll need to check the operating status on the official website in advance. In winter, East Hokkaido often drops below freezing from November to March, to roughly −8°C to −2°C, so it's reassuring to pack proper winter gear such as warm clothing, gloves, and insulated boots. The sight of the swans that have traveled several thousand kilometers from Russia floating on the water is breathtaking. Between 6 and 7 in the early morning, with mist rising off the lake, swans glide gracefully across it: a scene known as one of the defining winter landscapes of East Hokkaido.Swans are wary, so take care not to get too close, but even from about 20 m away their graceful form is easy to enjoy. In the early-morning stillness, listening to the beat of the swans' wings and the sound of them pushing across the water is a luxury unique to Kussharo. Photo: Whooper swans arriving to overwinter on Lake Kussharo in winter The pairing of lake and swans makes an appealing subject for photography lovers and is popular with international travelers as well. Walking the shore while slowly following the swans is a far cry from rushing around famous sights, and a quintessentially Kussharo way to spend your time. Wakoto Peninsula: How Can You Savor the Quiet Time Created by Forest and Lake Kussharo? About a three-minute drive from the hotel, the Wakoto Peninsula is a small peninsula jutting into Lake Kussharo. The whole peninsula is covered in old-growth forest, and the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail, a loop of about 2.5 km that takes around an hour to walk, is well maintained.Walk out to the tip of the peninsula and you reach an open spot with a 360-degree view of Lake Kussharo. From here the lake looks less like a lake and more like a calm inland sea. On days with almost no waves, when the surface is as still as a mirror, the boundary between sky and lake blurs and you feel as if you're floating in the sky. Photo: The Wakoto Peninsula, covered in old-growth forest and jutting into Lake Kussharo There's something to enjoy in every season: autumn foliage in fall, appealing white blooms of Asian skunk cabbage and rows of cherry trees from spring into summer. From late May to early June, Sargent's cherry (ezoyamazakura) blooms in profusion, tinting the lakeshore pink. Walking the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail: How Do You Feel the Charm of Old-Growth Forest and Lakeshore? If you'd like to take in the Wakoto Peninsula a little more deeply, we recommend walking the nature trail at a leisurely pace. Along the way you're greeted by forests of Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir, lakeside wildflowers, and the soothing chirps and warbles of birdsong. Partway along is the open-air bath of Wakoto Onsen, an outdoor hot-spring bath (free, mixed bathing, swimwear permitted), where you can enjoy the luxury of soaking in a hot spring within the forest. Photo: The open-air bath of Wakoto Onsen along the Wakoto Peninsula Nature Trail Reading the interpretive signs as you walk through a forest of delicate wildflowers and trees, home to a variety of wildlife, feels less like sightseeing and more like melting into nature itself.Along the trail, a sign explains how the Wakoto Peninsula came to be. It is a lava dome formed by volcanic activity around 6,000 years ago and is considered a geologically valuable site within Lake Kussharo. Knowing this background adds a new layer of enjoyment: not just walking, but walking while feeling the history of the land.As you walk through the forest, you may spot a Hokkaido squirrel leaping from tree to tree or a wild bird perched on a branch. Stop for a moment and listen to the sounds of the forest: the wind stirring the trees, birdsong, waves lapping at the lakeshore. These small sounds layer together to make up the forests around Lake Kussharo. Photo: A Hokkaido squirrel you can encounter in the old-growth forest of the Wakoto Peninsula It's a place for sitting quietly with nature, and letting time pass you by without hurry. Why Is the Panorama of Lake Kussharo Seen from Bihoro Pass So Special? Bihoro Pass, about a 15-minute drive from the hotel, is a lookout with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo. Seen from the pass at roughly 525 m above sea level, the lake is a spectacle that looks almost like looking down at a map. Photo: Bihoro Pass, with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo from about 525 m above sea level It's also known as a place where, with a bit of luck, you can encounter a sea of clouds in the early morning. A sea of clouds is a natural phenomenon in which mist or low-lying clouds, viewed from a high vantage point, look like an ocean of cloud. In the early mornings from June to October (especially the morning after a clear day), a sea of clouds can spread over Lake Kussharo. Nakajima Island floating above the clouds with the blue of the lake glimpsed through their gaps makes for a scene you carry with you for a lifetime.At the pass is the "Michi-no-Eki Gurutto Panorama Bihoro-toge" roadside station, with an observation deck, a restaurant, and a shop. A michi-no-eki, or roadside station, is a rest facility set along major roads throughout Japan, where you can also enjoy local ingredients, souvenirs, and light meals. The restaurant serves ageimo, a Bihoro Pass specialty. It's a simple dish of deep-fried Hokkaido potatoes, crispy on the outside and fluffy within, that warms you after standing in the cold mountain wind. Photo: The "Michi-no-Eki Gurutto Panorama Bihoro-toge" roadside station overlooking Lake Kussharo It's a place to feel the sheer scale of the sky spreading above the lake, and a spot worth visiting if you'd like to take some striking photos. Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum: How Can You Learn About the Culture Passed Down Alongside Lake Kussharo? On the south side of Lake Kussharo, about a 10-minute drive from the hotel, is the Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum. Kotan is an Ainu word meaning a settlement or village. The Ainu are an Indigenous people who have lived in Hokkaido and northern Japan since ancient times. The name "Kussharo" itself derives from the Ainu word "kutcharo" (the throat or outlet of a marsh), which shows how deeply this lake has been tied to Ainu life since long ago.The museum displays traditional Ainu household tools, clothing, and crafts. The dugout canoes and fishing implements are especially interesting. On Lake Kussharo, the Ainu used dugout canoes to catch kokanee (landlocked sockeye salmon) and carp, living on the bounty of the lake.The beauty of the garments and embroidery bearing Ainu patterns is another highlight. Traditional motifs such as the spiral "moreu" and the thorn-like "aiushi" each carry meanings, from warding off evil to praying for a bountiful catch.Outside, a traditional dwelling called a "chise" (the Ainu word for "house") has been reconstructed, and you can tour its interior. With its thatched roof, an irori (a traditional sunken hearth set in the floor that serves as both fireplace and cooking spot), and an altar shelf, it lets you experience how the Ainu people lived.Touching not only the scenery but also the history and culture of the land changes the depth of a trip entirely. Once you know that Lake Kussharo is not merely a "big lake" but "Kutcharo," deeply bound up with people's lives, the way you look at it changes too.For fiscal 2026, the museum is open from April 10 to November 30. It's open every day during that period, but it's reassuring to check the latest opening status before you head out. A Location That Lets You Get Moving from Early Morning: How Can You Make the Most of Kussharo's Nature Experiences? Kussharo's appeal can't be captured by its daytime scenery alone. The early-morning lake, misty dawns, starlit nights: each part of the day offers scenery you can meet only then.One of the great advantages of staying at the Kussharo Prince Hotel lies in this location that lets you get moving from early in the morning. The Kushiro River Headwaters and the Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe: What Waterscapes Await? The Headwaters of the Kushiro River The Kushiro River's headwaters begin at the southern end of Lake Kussharo. The lake is also the source of the Kushiro River, which runs about 154 km before emptying into the Pacific Ocean. With no large dam on its main stream, the Kushiro is a rare river you can paddle by canoe all the way from source to mouth. Photo: The Kushiro River, about 154 km long, originating at Lake Kussharo and flowing into the Pacific Ocean The headwaters canoe tour, descending the roughly 3 km from Lake Kussharo to Midori Bridge, lets you feel how the lake, the forest, and the river connect, and it's popular with international travelers too. As your canoe leaves the lake, the river quickly narrows and the trees press in from both banks.The current is gentle, so even first-time canoeists can relax and enjoy it. Drifting slowly down a quiet river ringed by forests of Yezo spruce and Sakhalin fir, you feel completely cut off from the bustle of everyday life.With a little luck, you may encounter wildlife such as Hokkaido sika deer, Ezo red fox, and white-tailed eagles. On guided tours, you'll also learn about the plants and animals and the history of the Kushiro River. The Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe Tour The Lake Kussharo Morning Canoe Tour is an experience we especially recommend. You leave the hotel before dawn, while it's still dim, and head to the lakeside canoe station. Photo: An image of Lake Kussharo and a canoe Between 5 and 6 a.m., as the sky gradually begins to lighten, you paddle out onto the lake.With morning mist hanging over the water, you ease the canoe forward until the world narrows to just you and the sound of your paddle. From beyond the mist, the mountains of the far shore slowly emerge, and the eastern sky begins to glow orange.Before long, the sun peeks over the ridgeline and the lake's surface bursts into gold all at once. Witnessing that moment from out on the water evokes emotions that can’t quite be conveyed by words.For travelers who want a trip where they take the photos themselves rather than just look at them, it's an unbeatable spot for photography. On the morning lake, the angle of the light shifts moment by moment, showing a different face each time you press the shutter.The morning canoe takes about 30 minutes, so you can build a day around returning to the hotel for breakfast and then heading out sightseeing again. Sea of Clouds and Birdwatching: What Can You Meet That Only an East Hokkaido Morning Offers? Lake Kussharo Sea-of-Clouds Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass About a 90-minute drive from the hotel, Tsubetsu Pass is known as a spectacular sea-of-clouds spot with a sweeping view of Lake Kussharo. When the lake, seen from the pass at roughly 947 m above sea level, is blanketed in a sea of clouds, it looks like an island floating on an ocean of cloud. (0:22) Photo: The sea of clouds covering Lake Kussharo, seen from Tsubetsu Pass at about 947 m above sea level Created by the unique combination of the distinctive weather conditions and caldera terrain around Lake Kussharo, the early-morning sea of clouds is a scene you'll remember for a lifetime. It's most likely to form in the early mornings from June to October, especially the morning after a clear day when radiative cooling has occurred.On the Lake Kussharo sea-of-clouds tour, an expert guide judges the likelihood of the phenomenon and leads you up to the pass at the best timing. The first thing that meets your eyes on arrival is an ocean of cloud stretching as far as you can see. Through gaps in the clouds, the blue surface of Lake Kussharo peeks out, with Nakajima Island floating above the clouds.Your guide brews morning coffee, so you can savor the golden, glowing sea of clouds with a warm cup in hand. The clouds change shape moment by moment, swirling or parting as the wind moves them. Just watching that transformation, you lose track of time. Lake Kussharo Stargazing Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass At night, there's also the Lake Kussharo Stargazing Guided Tour at Tsubetsu Pass, where an expert guide introduces a sky full of stars. With almost no artificial light around, Tsubetsu Pass is ideal for stargazing. Photo: A stargazing guided tour enjoying a sky full of stars at Tsubetsu Pass, where artificial light is scarce Pointing out constellations with a laser pointer, the guide shares the myths behind them. You can enjoy a different night sky each season: the Milky Way in summer, Orion in winter, the Big Dipper in spring. And the wonder of catching a shooting star is like nothing else. Wildlife to Find Around Lake Kussharo In winter, following animal tracks left across the snowfields is a popular experience. From prints in the snow left by Hokkaido sika deer, Ezo red fox, mountain hare, and others, you read which animal headed in which direction. Walking while listening to the guide's explanations, the snowy forest comes to look like a completely different world.Watching a small wild bird called the shima-enaga (long-tailed tit) is another winter pleasure. About 13 cm long, these tiny birds move in flocks in winter. Watching them peck at berries and flit from branch to branch never gets old. Photo: The shima-enaga (long-tailed tit), a small wild bird seen around Lake Kussharo in winter Birdwatching is at its most rewarding in the stillness of early morning. Birdsong, the beat of wings, the crunch of snow underfoot: time spent listening closely to such small sounds lingers as a memory of the trip. Cycling and Glamping: What Stay-and-Play Time Can You Enjoy in Kussharo? Lake Kussharo Cycling Tour Around the hotel are cycling courses for both beginners and the more athletic, including a Kussharo cycling tour that takes in Lake Kussharo and Mt. Mokoto on an electric-assist E-bike. (0:43)Choose a flat lakeside route and you can ride at a relaxed pace, enjoying the scenery. Between the exhilaration of cutting through the wind, the flowers blooming along the shore, and the mountains across the water, there's a side of Kussharo you can only experience by bicycle.There's also a course that stops at the Kussharo Kotan Ainu Folklore Museum along the way and returns by motorboat, so you enjoy different scenery on the way out and back. Lake Kussharo seen from a motorboat has a force all its own, quite different from viewing it from land. In Summer, Enjoy Glamping on the Kussharo Prince Hotel Grounds In summer (June–September), a glamping facility called Hokkaido Nature Village in Kussharo appears within the Lakeside Garden, where you can enjoy a tent sauna and a barbecue dinner in the garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo. (0:39) Photo: The glamping facility that appears in the Lakeside Garden for the summer season only Each glamping site comes with a tent, table, chairs, and a fire pit, so you can enjoy it with no equipment needed. At the barbecue dinner, you grill Hokkaido meat and vegetables over charcoal while gazing at the lake. A meal eaten while watching the sun go down is incomparable.After working up a sweat in the tent sauna, cool down in the lake in place of a cold plunge. Whether you want to sway in a hammock on the terrace, or take in the seasonal flowers in the Lakeside Garden, there's everything you need for a fulfilling day even without venturing far.*The availability of the glamping facility and activities may change depending on the season. Please check the official website for the latest information. After a Day Spent in Nature, What Awaits at Kussharo Onsen? From morning onward, you’ll be out exploring, gazing at the lake, walking the forest, paddling a canoe, taking photos, riding a bike, and more. A day in Kussharo uses your body more than you'd expect. What rounds off such a day is Kussharo Onsen, welling up from underground. An onsen is a uniquely Japanese bathing culture in which you soak in natural water warmed by the earth's heat.Sinking a body tired from a day of sightseeing quietly into the bath, and letting it restore itself, makes your stay even more rewarding. It's precisely because you have both time to take in the scenery and time to rest your body that a trip to Kussharo gains real depth. What Are the Characteristics of the Kussharo Onsen Spring Water? The Kussharo Prince Hotel has a spacious communal bath where many people can bathe at once. At Japanese onsen hotels, some properties provide a large public bath, separate from the bathroom in your room, that can accommodate many guests. No swimwear is needed; you use a towel. The Kussharo Onsen water here is a sodium–calcium sulfate/chloride spring (a neutral, hypotonic, high-temperature spring), welling up from 1,000 m underground at a spring temperature of 45.0°C and a flow of as much as 280 liters per minute. Photo: The open-air bath of Kussharo Onsen, welling up from 1,000 m underground Rich in salts and carbon dioxide gas, it's expected to help retain moisture, support the skin's metabolism, and stimulate the work of the capillaries.As general onsen benefits, it's reputed to be effective for promoting health, as well as help relieve a wide range of conditions, including neuralgia, joint pain, fatigue, poor circulation, and muscle stiffness, among others. It's a welcome kind of water for warming the body after sightseeing.The large bath is open from 14:00 to 24:00, and again from 5:00 to 10:00 the next morning. Once in the afternoon when you return from sightseeing, once more after dinner, and once again after you wake: At Kussharo Prince Hotel, the luxury of bathing in the hot spring several times a day is yours.Please note that many onsen facilities may decline entry to guests with tattoos. Be sure to check with each facility.Bathe at 5 in the early morning and you can watch the sky begin to brighten through the rising steam. Greeting the start of the day amid the stillness unique to Kussharo is something truly special. The Open-Air Bath: How Can You Savor the Forest Air and the Quiet? The open-air bath has a roof and is designed so you can ease your travel fatigue while looking out over the garden. A dedicated elevator lets you come straight from your room in your yukata and sandals, so after your bath you can head right back to relax in your room.In the open-air bath, you can rest your body at leisure while feeling the forest air on your skin. At the end of a day spent on the move, sinking into a quiet bath gently wraps the afterglow of your travels.Soak in the open-air bath at night and look up, and you'll see the stars. Bathing while gazing at a starry sky spread out beyond the steam is a luxury unique to Kussharo. Taking a moment to relax while looking over the garden after your bath is a luxury too. With a Barrel Sauna, How Does Lakeside Rest Change? Don't overlook the guests-only private barrel sauna, either. In a reserved barrel sauna set within the Lakeside Garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo, with the lake right before you, you can reach the deeply relaxed state attained by repeating sauna, cold plunge, and open-air cooling (in Japan, this is expressed as "totonou," getting into balance). Photo: The private barrel sauna set within the Lakeside Garden on the shore of Lake Kussharo It's available for private use, one unit at a time, from May 7 to October 31. Operating hours are split into two sessions: a morning session from 8:00 to 10:00 and an afternoon session from 15:00 to 17:00.A barrel sauna is a small sauna shaped like a wooden barrel, suitable for about two to four people. Warmed by a wood stove, the sauna room gradually heats your body from its core. Photo: The interior of the barrel sauna, which warms your body from its core with a wood stove After you've worked up a sweat, step straight into Lake Kussharo right in front of you. The lake water is cold and cools your sauna-flushed body all at once. Once you're out, settle into a deck chair for the open-air cool-down. Gazing at the lake, you slowly steady your breathing.Repeat this "sauna → lake → open-air cooling" for about three rounds and you'll loosen up from the core, wrapped in a pleasant tiredness. For sauna lovers, time spent feeling completely refreshed while gazing at the lake will surely make for an unforgettable night.Combined with the hot spring in the large bath, it makes for a stay that tunes your body from the core.*Sauna availability may change depending on the season. Please check the official website for the latest information. What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Enjoy at the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Once the hot spring has set your body right, it's time to eat. One of the joys of travel is, after all, the food. At the Kussharo Prince Hotel, the restaurants let you enjoy both the scenery and the cuisine. Restaurant "Loupeigne": What Hokkaido Flavors Can You Discover? Restaurant "Loupeigne" is a glass-walled space surrounded by a large pond and greenery, with star-inspired lighting glittering across a soaring ceiling ten meters high, a restaurant with a dreamlike atmosphere. (0:31) Photo: The glass-walled, open and airy restaurant "Loupeigne" Hours are 7:00–9:30 for breakfast (last order 9:00) and 18:00–21:00 for dinner (last order 20:30). Certified as the very first "Kita no Megumi Aishoku Restaurant" (a Hokkaido program promoting locally sourced dining), it serves dishes that make a point of using Hokkaido ingredients.Dining while looking out through the glass at the forest and pond, you really feel that you're at a table inside a national park. In this open, airy space, a meal taken while sensing the nature of Kussharo broadens the pleasures of your stay even further. A Japanese–Western–Chinese Buffet to Suit Every Appetite What you'll enjoy at Loupeigne is a varied buffet of Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes. A lineup of dishes prepared in the chef’s own style lets you choose to match your mood that day. Photo: A Japanese-Western-Chinese buffet showcasing Hokkaido ingredients Photo: [Top left] fragrant, flavorful hanasaki crab; [Top right] the No.1 most-repeated ramen — Japanese-style soy sauce ramen, miso ramen, salt ramen; [Bottom left] Gouda cheese melted at high heat; [Bottom right] perfectly cooked roast beef Being free to decide your own pace and combinations is the beauty of a buffet. On a day you've been active since morning, lean toward the meat dishes; on a quieter day, center your meal on fish and vegetables. You can choose to suit how you feel.For those who prefer a set menu, there are Western-style courses: YAMANAMI (¥11,000), SORA (¥13,000), and CALDERA (¥16,000). If you stay multiple nights, you can alternate between the buffet and a course from day to day. "Lakeside Breakfast" on the Shore of Lake Kussharo The Lakeside Breakfast, where you enjoy a lakeside morning meal in a picnic mood, is a popular breakfast offering; in 2026 it runs as a seasonal, reservation-only plan from June 1 to September 30. A morning spent opening a basket while gazing at Lake Kussharo stays with you as a special memory. Photo: The Lakeside Breakfast, savoring a picnic mood on the shore of Lake Kussharo At Night, Savor the Afterglow of Your Travels at the Modern Bar-Lounge "La Gloriette" On the first floor is the lounge "La Gloriette." (0:46) It's open from 20:00 to 22:00 (last order 21:45). With the atmosphere of a modern bar floating on the pond, you can enjoy fine spirits from around the world and original cocktails.Enjoying a quiet drink at the end of the evening is the perfect way to linger over the lakeside atmosphere. Including the Surrounding Food Scene, How Far Do Hokkaido Flavors Reach? After getting a taste of Hokkaido ingredients through the hotel's meals, you'll want to venture out to the local food scene nearby. A short drive opens up a treasure trove of regional cuisine: oysters from Akkeshi, cheese from the Konsen region, and fresh dairy delivered from neighboring farms.Being able to enjoy both the meals at the hotel and the local restaurants and specialties nearby is one of the real pleasures of a stay in Kussharo. Akkeshi oysters are known as a high-quality brand shipped year-round thanks to proprietary techniques. There are three major brands: "Kaki-emon," marked by a rich sweetness; the large, milky "Maru-emon"; and the rare premium oyster "Benten-kaki". Because they grow slowly in the cold waters off Akkeshi, their flavor is exceptionally rich and concentrated. Photo: Akkeshi oysters, an East Hokkaido brand marked by a rich sweetness About an hour and a half by car from the hotel, it is close enough to combine sightseeing toward the Kushiro Wetlands or Nemuro with great food. Eaten raw or grilled, Akkeshi oysters are one of the pleasures of an East Hokkaido drive. How Does Good Access Connect to How Easily You Can Plan Your Kussharo Sightseeing? The Kussharo Prince Hotel sits in a convenient location as a base for touring East Hokkaido. Looking at access not as mere directions but together with how easily you can build an itinerary, you start to see why this hotel gets chosen. Easy to Get Around Lake Kussharo, So Trip Planning Is Simple The hotel sits right on the shore of Lake Kussharo, with good access to major spots such as Sunayu, the Wakoto Peninsula, and Bihoro Pass. Sunayu is about 30 minutes away by car, the Wakoto Peninsula about 3 minutes, and Bihoro Pass about 15 minutes, each being within easy reach for a casual visit.A free shuttle bus runs between JR Mashu Station and the hotel, making the trip between the hotel and the station smooth. You can check the schedule on the hotel's official website. Photo: JR Mashu Station, where the Kussharo Prince Hotel's free shuttle bus arrives and departs From Memanbetsu Airport it's about an hour by car under normal conditions, and from Kushiro Airport about an hour and 45 minutes. If you rent a car, you can go straight from the airport to the hotel and head out to explore the surroundings from there. From Tokyo (Haneda Airport), it's about an hour and 45 minutes by air to Memanbetsu Airport and about an hour and 40 minutes to Kushiro Airport. Visitors from overseas typically connect to a domestic flight in Tokyo or Sapporo. To rent a car you'll need an International Driving Permit, and remember that Japan drives on the left. From around November to March in winter, roads can become snowy due to snowfall and ice, so choose a car fitted with studless (winter) tires or check with each car-rental company.Even on a short two-day, one-night stay, it's entirely possible to cover the main spots around Lake Kussharo. With three days and two nights, you can also work in hands-on programs such as the morning canoe, a sea-of-clouds tour, and cycling.Stay several nights and you can even set aside a day without venturing far, to spend leisurely at the hotel. An East Hokkaido Base That's Easy to Extend Toward Lake Mashu, Abashiri, and Shiretoko The Kussharo Prince Hotel is convenient not only for the area around Lake Kussharo but as a base for sightseeing across all of East Hokkaido. Lake Mashu is about 30 minutes away by car and Mt. Io about 30 minutes, putting the main spots of Akan-Mashu National Park close at hand.It's about an hour and 20 minutes by car toward Abashiri and about two hours and 10 minutes toward Shiretoko, close enough for day trips. You could build an itinerary like the first night around Lake Kussharo, the second around Lake Mashu and Mt. Io, and the third venturing out toward Shiretoko.Precisely because there's the reassurance of returning to the hotel to rest, it becomes easier to widen the range of your sightseeing.The Kushiro Wetlands are also within day-trip range at about an hour and 20 minutes by car. Using the Kussharo Prince Hotel as your base, you can put together a trip that efficiently takes in all three national parks. Broaden Your View to All of East Hokkaido and Kussharo Sightseeing Gets Even More Interesting Rather than wrapping things up around Lake Kussharo alone, use the Kussharo Prince Hotel as a base for wider-area sightseeing that also takes in the Kushiro Wetlands and the Nemuro direction, and the scope of your trip expands dramatically.By planning your itinerary around the hotel, you can fully savor the charms of East Hokkaido for a trip that doesn't end with Kussharo alone. An East Hokkaido Drive That Extends to the Kushiro Wetlands, Notsuke Peninsula, and Shari Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is about an hour and 20 minutes from the hotel by car. As Japan's largest wetland, it's known as a habitat for red-crowned cranes and other wildlife. From the Kushiro Marsh Observatory and the Hosooka Observatory, you can take in the vast wetland at a glance. Photo: Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, about an hour and 20 minutes by car from the hotel Venture toward Nemuro and you'll find the Notsuke Peninsula. At about 26 km long, it's one of Japan's largest sand spits (a peninsula of sand), with a distinctive landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The scenery of standing dead Sakhalin firs known as "Todowara" is popular as a photogenic spot. It's a bit of a distance at about two hours by car from the hotel, but it's well worth working in as a destination on an East Hokkaido drive.Go further to Shari Town and there's a straight road called the "Road to Heaven." Running dead straight for about 28 km, it's a spectacular spot that creates the illusion of being drawn up into the sky. Photo: The "Road to Heaven," a spectacular straight road in Shari Town Widely shared on social media, it’s a destination no photography-minded traveler should pass up. How Do You Put Together a Manageable Model Course for Kussharo Sightseeing? A Two-Day, One-Night Model Course On day one, tour the area around Lake Kussharo (Sunayu, the Wakoto Peninsula, Bihoro Pass); on day two, try the morning canoe and then visit Lake Mashu and Mt. Io for a leisurely route you can cover without rushing. A Three-Day, Two-Night Model Course An itinerary like the area around Lake Kussharo on day one, the Kushiro Wetlands on day two, and the morning canoe plus a sea-of-clouds tour on day three is doable. If you spend the morning of day three relaxing at the hotel and check out in the afternoon, you can finish your trip on a relaxed note. A Four-Day, Three-Night Model Course For a longer stay of four days and three nights or more, you can split the days by area: around Lake Kussharo, Lake Mashu, the Kushiro Wetlands, the Shiretoko area, and the Nemuro area, allowing you to keep each day's travel distance short.We also recommend setting aside one day without venturing far, to spend relaxing at the hotel. Whether you are reading in the Lakeside Garden, or simply bathing in the hot spring again and again, a slow day at the hotel often turns out to be one of the most memorable parts of the trip. In Summary: To Travel Kussharo Is to Enjoy the Time You Spend at the Kussharo Prince Hotel, Too Sightseeing in Kussharo isn't only about visiting famous spots; where you stay and how you spend your time greatly change the impression a trip leaves. The Kussharo Prince Hotel is both a base for exploring the area around Lake Kussharo and a hotel where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the journey. Photo: The exterior of the Kussharo Prince Hotel, where the stay itself becomes the purpose of the journey All guest rooms are Western-style and face the lake, Kussharo Onsen springs from 1,000 meters underground, a buffet features Hokkaido-grown ingredients, experiences like morning canoeing and cloud sea tours, and the tranquility of spending time within a national park. All of these make a trip to Kussharo truly special. It is the staff of Kussharo Prince Hotel who make these lakeside moments possible. Sales Manager Yasuaki Kitazawa, who meets guests every day, shares his thoughts: Photo: Mr. Yasuaki Kitazawa, Sales Manager, Kussharo Prince Hotel "Standing on the shores of Lake Kussharo, Japan's largest caldera lake, our hotel is a tranquil retreat enveloped in majestic nature and serene stillness. With scenery that transforms through the four seasons, natural hot springs, and cuisine made with local ingredients, we offer moments that gently ease the heart. Step away from your everyday life and enjoy time that flows at its own unhurried pace." Not just going to see the scenery, but sleeping beside it, waking, and heading out again. If that sounds like your kind of journey, why not make the Kussharo Prince Hotel your base for your next trip to East Hokkaido? What Are the Facility Details and Access for the Kussharo Prince Hotel? Facility Name Kussharo Prince Hotel Address 〒088-3395 北海道川上郡弟子屈町屈斜路温泉 Phone Number 015-484-2111 FAX 015-484-2580 Check-in 15:00 Check-out 11:00 Access (Train / Shuttle Bus) Free shuttle bus available from JR Mashu Station (reservation required) Access (Car) Approximately 1 hour from Memanbetsu Airport Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes from Kushiro Airport Operating Period November 24, 2025 (Mon) – January 16, 2026 (Fri) March 8, 2026 (Sun) – April 24, 2026 (Fri) (Due to peak winter tourist demand, the hotel will also be open from January 17 (Sat) through March 7, 2026 (Sat).) Please check the official website for the latest information on the 2026 winter closure period. *This information is current as of the time of publication. Please check the official website for the latest operating status. Official Website https://www.princehotels.co.jp/kussharo/ Digital Brochure https://www.princehotels.co.jp/file.jsp?id=484857 Reservations Online reservations are available through the official website. Before booking, please be sure to check the official website for the latest rates, plans, and operating status. ※This article is based on information from an interview conducted with Kussharo Prince Hotel as of July 2026. For the latest updates on Kussharo Prince Hotel, please check COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' social media. 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What Kind of Place Is Mimurotoji Temple, the Hydrangea Temple? Watch the Magical Night Light-Up in 4K This video, titled "【4k】Hydrangea of Mimurodo temple: Kyoto" (【4k】三室戸寺・あじさい園-Hydrangea of Mimurodo temple：Kyoto), was uploaded by "Anna Film Production." Mimurotoji Temple (三室戸寺, Mimurotoji, also read as Mimurodoji), located in Uji, Kyoto, is one of Japan's most celebrated hydrangea destinations, affectionately known as the "Hydrangea Temple." With approximately 20,000 hydrangeas of 50 varieties blanketing a sprawling 5,000-tsubo (roughly 4-acre) garden, the sight is simply breathtaking. This stunning 4K video captures every detail of the garden's magical evening light-up in vivid clarity. [Video] 0:36 - Illuminated Hydrangeas at Mimurotoji Temple What Kind of Temple Is Mimurotoji? Its 1,200-Year History and Deep Connection to The Tale of Genji Photo：Mimurotoji Temple, Kyoto Mimurotoji Temple, an important temple in Western Japan, dates back to the Nara period (710–794 AD). According to temple legends, it was founded by a high-ranking Buddhist monk at the request of Emperor Konin in 770 AD, approximately 1,200 years ago. Mimurotoji Temple was originally written "御室戸寺" in Chinese characters, but after it served as a detached palace for Emperor Konin, Emperor Kazan, and Emperor Shirakawa, the first character "御" was replaced with "三" (three), to honor the three emperors, giving us the name "三室戸寺" (Mimurotoji). After many ups and downs throughout history, the current main hall was rebuilt in 1814 during the late Edo period by the monk Honyo. The temple is also considered to be the model for the mountain temple depicted in Uji Jujo (The Ten Chapters of Uji), one of the final sections of The Tale of Genji. The name "Ukifune" is engraved on a bell cast approximately 350 years ago, and also on an ancient stone monument nearby. These inscriptions suggest that Mimurotoji Temple has been cherished as a site connected to The Tale of Genji since at least the early Edo period (circa 1603 to 1700 AD). When Is the Best Time to See the Hydrangeas at Mimurotoji Temple in 2026? A Complete Guide to Light-Up Dates and Admission Fees Photo：Hydrangeas at Mimurotoji Temple, Kyoto Visitors to the temple can enjoy the sight of 20,000 hydrangeas of 50 different varieties, including Western hydrangeas, lacecap hydrangeas, oakleaf hydrangeas, and the rare Shichidanka (七段花), known as the "phantom hydrangea." The best time to visit is from early June to early July. The official Mimurotoji Temple Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) regularly post updates on the blooming status, so be sure to check them before heading out. We highly recommend that visitors planning to see the 2026 hydrangeas check the temple's official social media for the latest bloom information in advance. Along with the illuminated hydrangeas, another beloved highlight is the heart-shaped hydrangea. Popularized by Iwai Seika, a teahouse operating within the temple grounds, it has become famous as the origin of the "heart hydrangea that brings happiness." Keep your eyes peeled for it as you wander through the enchanting illuminated garden. [Video] 0:29 - A Heart-Shaped Hydrangea Heart-shaped amulets and Ema (絵馬, votive plaques) are also available. In addition, there are 4 types of regular goshuin (御朱印, temple stamps) and seasonal limited editions, so stamp collectors should be sure to check them out. ●Hydrangea Garden (Daytime) May 31 – July 5, 2026 Hours: 8:30 – 15:10 (last entry 15:40) ●Hydrangea Garden (Light-Up) Saturdays and Sundays only, June 13 – 28, 2026 Hours: 19:00 – 21:00 (registration closes at 20:30) Daytime and evening sessions operate on a separate-entry basis. Admission is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children for both sessions. Is Mimurotoji Temple Also a Famous Power Spot? Experience a Boost in Fortune with the Guardian Rabbit, Snake, and Ox Photo：Ugashin, the guardian snake of Mimurotoji Temple, Kyoto Unlike most temples that feature komainu (guardian lion-dogs), Mimurotoji Temple has stone statues of a guardian rabbit (Fukutoku-usagi) and a guardian ox (Hosho-ushi) near the main hall, as well as a guardian snake (Ugashin) beside the stone steps. Ugashin is a striking statue with a human head and snake body. Rubbing it is said to bring good fortune and financial luck. The guardian rabbit statue stands 1.5 meters tall (~5 ft.) and holds a large ball. Legend has it that if the egg-shaped stone inside the ball stands upright, your wish will come true. Stroking the guardian ox is said to bring victory and good luck as well. Note that the main hall area is not accessible during the evening light-up, so be sure to pay your respects and seek a fortune boost during your daytime visit. Is There More to Mimurotoji Temple Than Hydrangeas? A Guide to Four Seasons of Flowers and Year-Round Highlights Photo：Azaleas at Mimurotoji Temple, Kyoto The temple sits on a 5,000-tsubo (approximately 4-acre) plot of land, and in addition to the hydrangea garden, the grounds also feature an azalea garden and a weeping plum garden. The Shidare Ume (weeping plum) Garden is home to 250 weeping plum trees in red and white. In 2026, the garden will be open from February 14 to March 22, from 8:30 to 15:10. The azalea garden features approximately 20,000 azalea plants, including Kurume azaleas and Hirado azaleas. In 2026, the Kurume Azalea Garden will be open from April 11 to April 26, and the Hirado Azalea Garden from April 18 to May 10, with both open from 8:30 to 15:10. Peak bloom typically falls around the Golden Week holiday period. In front of the main hall is a lotus garden with 250 pots of lotus flowers in bloom. The garden is typically open from late June to early August, offering a scene that feels like a glimpse of paradise. In July, when the lotus flowers are at their peak, the temple also hosts a "Lotus Wine Drinking Party" (Hasu-zake wo Tanoshimu Kai), where visitors pour sake into lotus leaves and drink it through the stem. Believed to be beneficial for health and longevity, it's a truly unique experience worth trying. Admission to the azalea garden, weeping plum garden, and lotus garden is 1,000 yen for adults and 500 yen for children. Please note that the grounds include steep slopes and stairs, so allow plenty of time for your visit. Things to do Near Mimurotoji Temple Here are a few places you should consider checking out if you're planning on visiting Mimurotoji Temple: Tale of Genji Museum The Tale of Genji Museum, which opened in 1998, introduces the world of The Tale of Genji through various models and videos. The museum hosts regular lectures and features a collection of more than 3,000 books for visitors to enjoy. Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Mimurotoji Temple. Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Children 250 yen. ※Discounts available for groups of 30 or more. Daikichiyama Observation Deck An observation deck offering scenic views of the natural landscape of Uji, Kyoto. From the Tale of Genji Museum, it's about a 2-minute walk to the base of the mountain. From there, it's an approximately 15-minute climb to the observatory along a gently winding path that is manageable for most visitors. Hours: Open 24 hours Admission Fee: Free Byodoin Temple Byodoin Temple is one of the most famous temples in Japan. Built during the Heian period, it boasts a long history and stunning architecture. The Phoenix Hall is particularly photogenic and not to be missed. Visitors can explore the temple murals, stroll through the garden, and enjoy a cup of tea at the temple teahouse. Approximately 20 minutes on foot from Mimurotoji Temple. Hours: Garden: 8:30 am – 5:30 pm (last entry 5:15 pm), Phoenix Hall: 9:30 am – 4:10 pm (max 50 entrants per 20-min slot), Temple Museum: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm (last entry 4:45 pm), Museum Shop: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Tea Room "Sabo Toka": 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (last order 4:00 pm). Admission Fee: Byodoin Temple Garden and Museum: Adults 600 yen, Junior high and high school students 400 yen, Elementary school students 300 yen. ※Discounts available for groups of 25 or more. The Tale of Genji Museum and Daikichiyama Observation Deck are located between Mimurotoji Temple and Byodoin Temple, so we recommend the following route: Mimurotoji Temple → Tale of Genji Museum → Daikichiyama Observation Deck → Byodoin Temple You could also start at Byodoin Temple and work your way towards Mimurotoji Temple. A Brief Introduction to Uji, Kyoto Located south of Kyoto, Uji is a city in Japan known for its delicious tea and its ties to The Tale of Genji. The city is home to a number of historic attractions, including Byodoin Temple, an architectural masterpiece, and Ujigami Shrine, believed to be the oldest surviving Shinto shrine in Japan. Both are registered UNESCO World Heritage Sites. If you're looking to explore Japan's ancient culture, history, and traditions, Uji is well worth a visit and is highly recommended as a destination on any Japan travel itinerary. What Should You Know Before Visiting Mimurotoji Temple in 2026? Summary We've introduced everything you need to know about the hydrangea garden at Mimurotoji Temple, an ancient temple in Uji, Kyoto. Beyond its fame as a flower temple, Mimurotoji is also cherished as a power spot. As you climb the stone steps, the smiling guardian rabbit welcomes you — stroke its large ears to receive its blessing of good fortune. In addition to the hydrangea garden, Mimurotoji Temple also offers a beautiful weeping plum garden and azalea garden. Visiting during each flower's respective season is sure to reveal a whole new side of this remarkable temple. The 2026 hydrangea garden light-up is scheduled for Saturdays and Sundays only, from June 13 to June 28. Check the official website and social media for the latest bloom updates, and plan your visit to catch the hydrangeas at their most magnificent. [TripAdvisor] Mimurotoji Temple

What Are the Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park Like? A Video Introduction This video, titled "Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park｜One of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossoms Spots in Japan｜Breathtaking Cherry Blossom Blizzards and Nighttime Cherry Blossom Viewing" (【日本三大夜桜 高田城址公園の桜 圧巻の桜吹雪と夜桜 - Takada Castle Cherry Blossoms 2022 in full bloom - (BMPCC6K)), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." Takada Castle Site Park is located in Joetsu, Niigata, in Japan's Koshin'etsu Region. This video was taken on April 12th, 2022, when the cherry blossoms were blooming beautifully. The flowers had fully bloomed just two days before the shooting! The contrast between the blue sky and pink and white flowers is simply magical. The cherry blossom blizzard is a view that will definitely catch your eye! The illuminated cherry blossoms here are so beautiful that they have been chosen as one of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the lovely cherry blossoms of Takada Castle Site Park! What Kind of Place Is Takada Castle Site Park? An Overview of Its Charm Photo：Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata Takada Castle was built in 1614 by Matsudaira Tadateru, the sixth son of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The castle was built with a moat that utilized the river surrounding it. The castle was built in the Edo Period over the span of four months by order of the shogunate. In 1871, the castle was abandoned and converted into an army garrison. In 1908, the earthen mounds of the Ninomaru and Sanomaru (2nd and 3rd baileys) were removed and part of the moat was filled in. The moat and the restored three-story turret of Takada Castle are reminders of the castle's former glory. Today, the ruins of Takada Castle are maintained as Takada Castle Site Park, and the entire area is designated as a historic site by Niigata Prefecture. The park has also been recognized as one of Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots and one of Japan's 100 Best Historic Parks, making it one of the country's most celebrated hanami destinations. Takada Castle Site Park has many facilities, including the Takada Library, a history museum, athletic fields, and even a baseball field. Many citizens visit here because they can use both cultural and sports facilities. With a grass plaza and a promenade around the outer moat, visitors who take a stroll can enjoy the scenery of Japan's four seasons here. What Are the Highlights of the Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party? Don't Miss the Illuminated Sakura Road! Photo：Takada Castle Site Park illuminated, Joetsu, Niigata The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party is one of the biggest events of spring in Joetsu, Niigata. During the festival, the cherry blossoms are at their peak! Trees will be lit up from dusk till 9:00 P.M. (until 10:00 P.M. at peak bloom). In 1909, approximately 2,200 cherry trees were planted here by local military personnel. In 1917, citizens were allowed to visit the area for leisure, and in 1926, the event was advertised nationwide and the first cherry blossom viewing party was held. Today, around 4,000 cherry trees bloom around Takada Castle Site Park. Most of them are Someiyoshino cherries, and from the beginning of the video, you can see a beautiful cherry blossom blizzard like a scene from a movie. The reflection of the blue skies and snow-covered Mt. Myoko on the surface of the moat is truly incredible. [Video] 0:59 - Cherry Blossoms and a Snow-covered Mt. Myoko As we mentioned, Takada Castle Site Park is so famous for its nighttime cherry blossoms that it was chosen as one of the Top 3 Nighttime Cherry Blossom Spots in Japan, alongside Ueno Onshi Park in Tokyo and Hirosaki Castle Park in Aomori. The three-story turret of Takada Castle is illuminated, and the illuminated cherry blossoms reflected on the dark surface of the moat create a mystical scene. For 2026, the illuminations extend beyond the turret: Nishihori Bridge, the Cherry Blossom Specimen Garden, and the Gimyo River are all lit up as well. A projection mapping display known as the "Storyteller Performance," projected onto the survey tree in front of the Chureitou War Memorial, also continues from last year, adding a truly magical dimension to the nighttime experience. [Video] 3:00 - The Illuminated Turret and Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle If you visit Sakura Road, you can pass through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Sakura Road is illuminated at night, allowing visitors to take impressive photos both during the day and at night. During the festival, the Sakura Stage at Oren Plaza, overlooking the South Moat cherry tree promenade, hosts weekend performances including Japanese traditional dance, modern dance, live singing, and magic shows — perfect for the whole family. When Is the Best Time to See Cherry Blossoms at Takada Castle Site Park in 2026? Festival Dates Inside Photo：The Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party, Joetsu, Niigata The cherry blossoms are usually at their best from early to mid-April each year. Based on data from the past 30 years, the average bloom date at Takada Castle Site Park is April 6th. In 2026, the first blossoms opened on April 1st. By the festival's opening day on April 3rd, the trees were approximately 30% in bloom, and had reached 70% by April 4th — with full bloom expected in the days to follow. In 2022, full bloom was reached on April 10th, while 2023 saw an unusually early peak at the end of March. Years like 2024 and 2025, however, saw blooming delayed until well into April, showing just how much the timing can vary from year to year. [Video] 0:00 - A Cherry Blossom Blizzard and the Three-story Turret of Takada Castle The 101st Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party is scheduled to run for 17 days, from Friday, April 3rd to Sunday, April 19th, 2026 — marking the first April opening of the festival in five years since 2021. The schedule has been set to include three weekends, making it easier for visitors traveling from further afield to plan their trip. Depending on bloom conditions, some events may be moved forward and the festival period may be extended. Please check the Joetsu Tourism Convention Association's official website for the latest information before your visit. What's to See at Takada Castle Site Park in Summer? The Finest Lotus Flowers in the East! In summer, the outer moat of Takada Castle Site Park will be filled with lotuses. At the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912 AD), people grew lotus roots to rebuild the economy of the Takada Domain. This eventually led to the lovely views of lotuses we see today. The outer moat of Takada Castle was built using the nearby Sekikawa River (関川, Sekikawa). Although the eastern side has been filled in, it is still as large as approximately four Tokyo Domes. Every year, from the end of July to the middle of August, green leaves fill all the surface of this moat, while pink flowers bloom atop them. The scale and beauty of the blooms is said to be the finest in the East. Lotus flowers tend to open at dawn or early morning and close around noon. To see the lotus flowers in full bloom, we recommend visiting early in the morning. A Brief Introduction to Niigata, Japan Niigata Prefecture is the fifth largest prefecture in Japan and is divided into three regions: Joetsu, Chuetsu, and Kaetsu (Upper, Middle, and Lower Niigata). With a population of nearly 2.2 million, it's the 15th most populated city in Japan. Niigata is known for its beautiful rice fields which yield delicious rice and make for great sake. Situated along the coast of the Sea of Japan, it also has delicious seafood. Additionally, Niigata is one of the snowiest regions of Japan, which make it a great place to enjoy skiing and snowboarding, but it's also known for its summer festivals, such as the Niigata Festival, which features dancing, parades, portable shrines, fireworks, and more. Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossoms 2026: Complete Hanami Guide Photo：Cherry blossoms illuminated in Takada Castle Site Park, Joetsu, Niigata A collaboration of approximately 4,000 cherry trees and historic landmarks, stunning views of cherry blossoms against the snow-capped Mt. Myoko, a beautiful Sakura Road tunnel, and breathtaking illuminated nighttime cherry blossoms — Takada Castle Site Park offers a hanami experience like no other. Most of the cherry trees at Takada Castle Site Park are Someiyoshino cherries, but the large weeping cherry tree at the end of Sakura Road is a must-see. During the 101st Takada Castle Site Park Cherry Blossom Viewing Party (April 3rd–19th, 2026), approximately 110 food stalls will line the grounds, and a local produce fair featuring 26 local vendors will be set up near Gokurakubashi Bridge and the Takada Library. Look out for the festival-exclusive cherry blossom sweets, available for a limited time and in limited quantities. As the venue gets very busy, visitors are strongly encouraged to use public transportation. For real-time traffic and congestion updates, the "Sakutto! Iko-Navi" traffic information site is a handy resource. Be sure to check the latest information before heading out. ◆Takada Castle Site Park◆ [Address] 44-1, Motoshiro-cho, Joetsu-shi, Niigata [Access] Train: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from Takada Station on the Echigo Tokimeki Railway's Myoko Haneuma Line Bus: Approximately 1 minute on foot from Takada Joshi Koen Iriguchi (高田城址公園入口) by Kubikino Bus [Closures] None [Admission Fee] Free (Takada Castle Three-Story Turret: ¥310) [Parking] Available (Prices vary by parking lot) 【Official Website】Takada Castle Site Park 【TripAdvisor】Takada Castle Site Park

京都府京都市「醍醐寺の桜」とは? 今回は『Anna Film Production』さん制作の『【京都 桜の名所】醍醐寺の桜 : Daigoji Temple and Cherry Blossoms(Kyoto, Japan)』という動画を紹介します。 豊臣秀吉がお花見をしたことで知られる醍醐寺(だいごじ)の桜は、とても有名な京都の観光名所です。 動画では、広大な境内に咲き誇るソメイヨシノを中心とした満開の桜や、数々の歴史的建造物をご覧いただけます。桜吹雪が舞う五重塔の映像も素敵です。まずはゆっくりと動画をお楽しみください。 醍醐寺の桜の見どころは? 写真:京都・醍醐寺の桜 京都市伏見区にある醍醐寺は、約200万坪の広大な境内に、五重塔をはじめ国宝6棟、重要文化財10棟を有し、世界文化遺産に指定されている京都屈指のお寺です。 豊臣秀吉が贅を尽くした「醍醐の花見」を行なったことから、醍醐寺の桜は有名になりました。 醍醐寺の桜の本数は、約700本といわれ、種類が豊富なことも特徴です。河津桜、しだれ桜、ソメイヨシノ、山桜、八重桜(やえざくら)、太閤しだれ桜、大山桜が順番に咲くため、約3週間という長い期間お花見が楽しめます。2026年も例年通り、多彩な桜が順次開花する見込みです。 【動画】4:22〜　金堂横の大山桜 境内の桜の見どころは、国宝や重要文化財が収蔵されている霊宝館の樹齢180年の醍醐大しだれ桜と、三宝院の太閤しだれ桜、撮影スポットとしても人気で、インスタ映えも抜群！ 国宝の五重塔周辺にも多くの桜が植えられています。 【動画】1:08〜　清瀧宮拝殿のしだれ桜 醍醐寺の桜、時期や見頃はいつ?ライトアップは? 写真:京都・醍醐寺の桜 例年3月下旬から4月上旬ごろまで、さまざまな種類の桜が咲き見頃が続く醍醐寺。2026年の桜も、ソメイヨシノが咲く4月上旬が特におすすめの時期となります。 観光客に人気なのは醍醐寺の春のイベント、豊臣秀吉の豪華な「醍醐の花見」を再現した「豊太閤花見行列」。桃山時代の本格的な衣装をまとい、桜の下を練り歩く行列。その雅な姿を見ようと、多くの人が待ち構えます。その後、特設舞台では雅楽や狂言、花見踊りなどが行われます。 なお、2026年の「豊太閤花見行列」は開催が見送られることとなりました。今後、開催時期や開催方法を見直し、より良い形での再開が検討されています。 桜の見頃の時期には、ライトアップした桜も見ることができます。2026年の醍醐寺 桜ライトアップは、3月27日(金)~4月12日(日)まで、18:30~21:30(最終入場20:50)に開催されます。三宝院と霊宝館の夜間拝観日程や、定員数や予約などについては、事前に公式サイトの確認をおすすめします。 醍醐寺周辺のおすすめ桜スポットは? 写真:京都・六孫王神社の桜 京都の洛南エリアには、醍醐寺以外にも桜の名所があります。いくつかご紹介しましょう。 ●城南宮(じょうなんぐう) 梅の名所と知られる城南宮は、方除け・厄除けの神様を祀る神社です。3月下旬から4月にかけて、神苑の室町の庭、桃山の庭では、見事な色鮮やかなしだれ桜がご覧いただけます。 ●六孫王神社(ろくそんのうじんじゃ) 六孫王大神を御祭神として祀られている神社は、京都の穴場の桜スポット。まっすぐにのびた参道の両側に咲くソメイヨシノが桜のトンネルをつくりだしています。本殿と桜と灯籠をとらえた写真は、インスタ映え間違いなし!です。 ●御香宮神社(ごこうのみやじんじゃ) 御香宮神社の主祭神は神功皇后、安産や子育ての神様として知られています。ソメイヨシノのほか、山桜、八重桜と種類が多く長く楽しめるのも特徴。極彩色豊かな本殿としだれ桜をぜひ写真におさめてください。 醍醐寺の桜を訪れる際のポイントは? 長い期間楽しめる醍醐寺の桜は、京都の桜スポットとして人気です。豊臣秀吉が、慶長3年(1598)の春に三宝院の庭園に桜700本を植えて盛大なお花見を開催した歴史に想いを馳せてみてはいかがでしょうか。 約200万坪以上の広い敷地の醍醐寺は、桜だけでなく、豊臣秀吉が設計した庭園が見渡せる三宝院のほか、弁天堂、五重塔など見どころは満載。2026年に醍醐寺で桜を楽しむなら、時間に余裕をもって旅の計画を立てることをおすすめします。 【公式ホームページ】世界遺産 京都 醍醐寺 【トリップアドバイザー】醍醐寺

Explore the Ruins of Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture is a slightly mysterious place where the remains of a modern-era fortress still lie quietly in the woods. This featured video takes you along the park’s well-maintained trails and lets you experience moss-covered stones, cool air, and shadowy underground spaces evocative of an atmosphere reminiscent of Laputa from Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky. What makes it special is that it is not merely a mountain dotted with ruins, but a park where the ruins blend naturally into the landscape. Since you can encounter them as an extension of a stroll or forest bathing, known in Japan as shinrin-yoku, it feels comfortably approachable even for first-time visitors. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of Ishiharadake Forest Park、including its history, as well as its well-maintained walking paths, restrooms, gazebos, cooking facilities, and camping areas. Photo: Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture Ruins from 125 Years Ago? Ishiharadake Forest Park is a place where the remains of a modern-era fortress seem to melt into the forest itself. The Ishiharadake Battery (Ishiharadake Hōrui) within the park is said to have been completed in 1899. As you walk, you can see that structures once built for defense now stand quietly, embraced by the trees. On paper, it is a “Meiji-era remnant,” but when you stand there, you feel something stronger: the presence of time itself. Moss tracing the edges of stone, the hush of the surrounding woods, the cool, clear air. The Meiji era, which should feel far away, seems to breathe softly deep in the forest. That quiet sense of historical romance is this forest's greatest charm. What Is the Ishiharadake Battery in Nagasaki? As you walk through Ishiharadake Forest Park, you will come across the remains of the Ishiharadake Battery. The term hōrui, often translated as “battery”, is best understood as a defensive position within the larger system of a fortress. The Ishiharadake Battery was one of the defensive installations built to protect the naval port. That is why the stone walls and shaped terrain remaining in the forest look less like scattered rubble and more like structures deliberately built for defense. Photo: Sasebo Fortress remains (Ishiharadake Battery site) at Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture An interesting point is that these defensive facilities did not just consist of buildings. You can see a variety of measures which were used to increase the defensive strength of the battery through the terrain itself, such as raised earthworks, trench lines, and stone-reinforced slopes. there is enjoyment to be found in searching for these traces as you walk. Simply gaining one new perspective makes the same scenery far more fascinating. Highlights of Ishiharadake Forest Park The appeal of this place is that the remnants do not push themselves forward as a “main attraction.” Instead, they blend naturally into the forest scenery. The green of moss, the gray of stone, and the dappled light through the trees. As these colors and textures layer together, it begins to resemble the world of Laputa. Rather than large buildings, what you notice are traces such as stone outlines, steps, and subtle rises and dips in the ground. Because of that, discoveries follow one after the other as you walk: one here, one there, another just ahead. Photo: Sasebo Fortress remains (Ishiharadake Battery site) at Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture The stone surfaces can look softer when covered in moss, and then sharply defined when shadows fall across them. Even in the same spot, the impression changes depending on the time of day. Since the forest is quiet, you can clearly hear your footsteps and the rustle of branches and leaves, which makes the stillness feel even deeper. Around the remnants, the air often feels noticeably cooler、conveying a shift in atmosphere rarely captured in photos. As a result, this is less a place where you “go to see ruins,” and more a place where you “meet ruins while walking through the forest.” That subtle sense of distance is what creates the Laputa-like feeling. What Is the Enpei-bu Shelter Like? The first major highlight of the video starts at (0:30) with the lowest-level enpei-bu shelter. The moment you step into the darkness, the air turns cool, and it becomes strikingly quiet, as if sound is being absorbed. The word enpei (掩蔽) itself means “to cover and conceal.” In modern fortifications, an enpei-bu is often explained as a “concealed protective space,” designed to shelter personnel and supplies from shelling and other attacks. Over time, both structure and materials evolved. In the Meiji period, stone and brick were used, and later the use of concrete became more widespread. That technological shift is part of what defines these shelters. With the Ishiharadake Battery, there is not always enough information to state every detail of the enpei-bu’s original use with certainty. Still, the appeal of this section lies in the fact that the park has been developed to preserve the atmosphere of a fortress site, and that the “underground air” conveyed in the video leaves a strong impression as an experience. The quiet beyond the darkness feels far more intense than it does in photos. To enjoy it safely, bring a light (your smartphone's light is enough) and be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes. What Can You See at the Gun Battery Site? As you reach the gun battery area, it quickly becomes clear that Ishiharadake Forest Park was developed around the Ishiharadake Battery site. The city of Saikai also introduces it as an atmospheric fortress site, and one of the key charms here is how the outlines of stone structures remain within the forest’s stillness. Photo: Sasebo Fortress remains (Ishiharadake Battery site) at Ishiharadake Forest Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture The key discovery here is that the battery site cannot be reduced to simply “Where the cannons were placed.” On Nagasaki’s tourism websites, the Ishiharadake Battery is introduced as a battery completed in 1899, with remnants still preserved within the park. Once you know that background, walking the battery area makes the structures in the woods look less like mere “scenery,” and more like traces of their original role. When those “outlines of history” connect with the atmosphere of the place, it lingers in your memory in a quiet, gradual way. As you reach the gun battery area, it becomes easy to understand, just by looking around, that Ishiharadake Forest Park is “a place developed by making use of the Ishiharadake Battery site.” The outlines of stone structures remain within the forest’s stillness, and it is a point where you can strongly feel that this was not just a walking trail, but part of a modern defensive facility. How to Enjoy the Campsite Ishiharadake Forest Park is a park with historic ruins where you can also camp. The fee is 520 yen per tent per night, and reservations are required. A good way to spend time here is to take a light walk around the remnants in the late afternoon to get used to the atmosphere, enjoy the forest’s quiet as it is at night, then walk again the next morning when the sunlight filters through the trees. On a day trip, you may only glimpse the atmosphere, but if you stay, you will notice the expressions of the stone and the sounds of the forest gradually changing over time. Access ■ Access from Nagasaki Airport by bus, train, and ferry (approx. 3 hours 10 minutes) Nagasaki Airport (route bus “Nagasaki Airport to Nagasaki Station, via Nagasaki University East Gate and Peace Park”) ↓ Uematsu-higashi ↓ Shin-Omura Station (JR Omura Line and Sasebo Line, “Section Rapid Seaside Liner” bound for Sasebo) ↓ Sasebo Station ↓ Kujirase Terminal (ferry “Sasebo to Yokose-nishi,” bound for Yokose-nishi Port) ↓ Yokose-nishi Port ↓ On foot ↓ Ishiharadake Forest Park Because airport bus operations and arrival times vary depending on the service and road conditions, it is reassuring to check the latest information on the official guidance and timetable for Saihi Bus (Nagasaki Airport Line) before you depart. 【Saihi Bus Official Website】bus.saihigroup.co.jp ■ Access from Nagasaki Airport by car Nagasaki Airport ↓ Car (rental car) ↓ Ishiharadake Forest Park Travel time may vary depending on road conditions. What to See Nearby One of the best things about the area around Ishiharadake Forest Park is how easy it is to combine the quiet of the forest with a different kind of experience on the same day. If you want something more hands-on, the classic choice in Saikai is Nagasaki Bio Park. Official information highlights exhibits with few cages or fences and experiences where you can get close to and interact with animals, so it offers a visit that goes beyond simply looking. Photo: Capybaras at Nagasaki Bio Park in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture Another highlight is that the park offers animal feeding and interaction experiences. Capybara programs are especially popular, and in winter they may hold an event known as the “Capybara Open-air Bath.” Opening hours are 10:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:00. The park generally has no regular closing days and remains open over the year-end and New Year holidays. They also note that temporary closures are possible in severe weather, such as typhoons or heavy snow. Since admission fees are listed officially as well, checking the latest details before visiting makes it easier to plan your day. 【Nagasaki Bio Park Official Website】biopark.co.jp If you want to add more of a “travel” feeling, Huis Ten Bosch is another must. Modeled after European streetscapes, the park has an atmosphere you can enjoy just by walking around. In the daytime, you can take in canal-side views and architectural details. At night, the illumination transforms the mood completely. Photo: Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki Prefecture In particular, the illumination event “Kingdom of Light” is promoted as a year-round attraction, with highlights that change by season and area. In winter, there is also a limited-time event called “World of Silver,” which offers a seasonal way to see the entire town in a different light. Since the event period varies by year, please check in advance. For access, it is said to take about 5 to 7 minutes on foot from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station to the entrance, the Welcome Gate, making it easy to include even on a train trip. If you move from the quiet of Ishiharadake to the bright spectacle of Huis Ten Bosch, the tone of the same day’s experiences changes dramatically. 【Huis Ten Bosch Official Website】https://www.huistenbosch.co.jp Conclusion The charm of Ishiharadake Forest Park is that it is an easy place to walk trough as a forest park, yet during your stroll you can suddenly sense the presence of Japan’s modern era. The cool air of the enpei-bu shelter, the outlines left at the gun battery site, and the quiet you can savor at the campsite. Even within the same forest, the density of the atmosphere changes from place to place. It is so interesting that before you know it, your walking pace slows down too. If you watch the video beforehand as a way to preview the atmosphere,　you will notice more moments of quiet recognition once you are there,　and your walk will become even more enjoyable. Whether you simply want to walk in the woods or you are looking for a slightly different destination, this is a place where you can taste a quiet, out-of-the-ordinary experience. It is the kind of spot that makes you think on the way home, “I want to walk through that cool air one more time.” Reference site for Ishiharadake Forest Park: https://www.city.saikai.nagasaki.jp/kanko/theme/spot/1/4942.html .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, and Mie｜8 Must-See Plum Blossom Spots in Kansai and Nearby Sightseeing Ideas. The flower that signals the arrival of spring earlier than any other is the plum blossom. It begins blooming a little ahead of cherry blossoms, and with its soft, drifting fragrance and red-and-white hues, it lets you feel the very moment when the season turns. In this article, we focus on eight plum blossom spots in Hyogo, Wakayama, Nara, Kyoto, and Mie featured in a YouTube video. We explain each site’s highlights, origins, and unique characteristics in detail, and we also introduce nearby attractions worth adding to your itinerary. Where Did Plum Blossom Viewing Begin? Was It Really the Star Before Cherry Blossoms? Photo: Plum blossoms Today, “hanami” usually means cherry blossom viewing. However, during the Nara period, the true “star flower” was the plum blossom. In the Manyoshu, poems that include the character for “plum” are said to outnumber those mentioning “cherry blossoms,” showing how deeply people of the time were moved by plums.There is also a record that in Tenpyo 2 (730), a “Plum Blossom Banquet” was held in Dazaifu, where attendees composed poems inspired by plum blossoms.Back then, plum blossoms were not so much a flower that had long been part of Japan, but rather a new and admired flower introduced from China. As time went on, flower viewing as a leisure activity shifted its focus to cherry blossoms, while plums continued to be cherished for their fragrance, association with learning, and auspicious symbolism.With their red-and-white colors symbolizing good fortune, and their ability to bloom after enduring winter, plum blossoms have blended naturally into everyday life as a lucky motif.They are dazzling at full bloom, and when the petals begin to fall, there are moments that can even evoke the swirl of falling cherry blossoms. Plum blossoms feel like flowers that quietly show us the entrance to spring. When Is the Best Time to See Plum Blossoms in Kansai? A Quick Guide to Bloom Timing Broadly speaking, the plum blossom season in Kansai runs from late January to late March.That said, even within Kansai, the timing can shift easily depending on coastal versus inland areas, mountain valleys, and elevation, so the peak period can be tricky to predict. A Simple Guide From First Bloom to Peak Season Wakayama (Minabe): Easy to plan for early in the season. The grove typically opens from late January, with peak viewing around mid-February.Kyoto (city areas): From February through March. The Tenmangu Shrine Plum Blossom Festival (late February) is also a seasonal cue.Nara (Tsukigase and Gojo): Mainly mid-February through March. Tsukigase spreads across a gorge with around 10,000 trees.Hyogo (Kobe and the foothills of Mt. Rokko): In some years the plum blossom season doesn't really take off until March. The Hokura Plum Grove is usually at its best from the middle of March.Mie (Inabe and Suzuka): Late February through March. Suzuka no Mori Garden is especially known for its nighttime atmosphere. 1. Hokura Plum Grove (Kobe, Hyogo)｜A “Reward” of Plum Blossoms Overlooking the City and Sea Photo: Hokura Plum Grove, Kobe, Hyogo You can see the scene at Hokura Plum Grove (00:45).Hokura Plum Grove was created in 1975 on Mt. Hokura in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, out of a desire to bring back the former Okamoto plum groves. With about 100 white and red plum trees, its biggest draw is the view framed by the cityscape and the sea.The highlight is the moment when the view suddenly opens up after the climb. The fragrance seems to bring spring ahead of time, and even the slope beneath your feet becomes part of a “small journey.” Many visitors enjoy a quiet walk rather than a picnic-style party, but on popular days it can feel a bit like people are claiming spots. Comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. Nearby attractions (Kobe, Hyogo) After visiting Hokura Plum Grove, stopping by the nearby Hokura Shrine before heading back down the mountain is a natural next step. Okamoto Plum Grove Park has around 200 trees and a wide variety of cultivars. It is close to the station and great for “plum-hopping.” After descending, taking a café break or strolling around the Hankyu Okamoto Station area is a pleasant way to settle into the afterglow of your hike. If you want to add a more classic sightseeing touch, consider visiting the Nada sake breweries, which are easy to reach from Higashinada. You can learn at the visitor facilities and pick out souvenirs as well. Basic information Best season: From mid-March onward (varies by year) Access: About a 40-minute walk from Hankyu “Okamoto Station” (approximate)Admission: Free(transportation and nearby facilities not included) Official website: https://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/b07715/kuyakusho/higashinadaku/shoukai/shoukai/ume.html 2. Minabe Plum Grove (Minabe Town, Wakayama)｜A Vast Plum Grove Known as “A Million at a Glance, Fragrance for Ten Miles” Photo: Minabe Plum Grove, Minabe Town, Wakayama You can see the scene at Minabe Plum Grove (02:21).Minabe Plum Grove is one of Japan’s largest, often described as “a million blossoms at a glance, fragrance for ten miles.” As you walk through the aromatic air, it feels like you can hear spring drawing closer. The grove typically opens from late January to early March, with peak viewing around mid-February.Minabe Town is also known as a major plum-producing region, where plums are closely tied not only to tourism but also to everyday life and local work. Here, words like umeboshi and traditional plum processing feel less like a simple local specialty and more like something you can experience as living culture. Nearby attractions (Wakayama) Around Minabe Plum Grove, there are plenty of easy detours where you can experience what it means to be in a plum-producing region. Pairing your walk with shopping for plum products or visiting related facilities helps the scenery linger as “flavor memories,” too. If you have more time, heading toward Shirahama to add a coastal walk with dramatic views, or a day-use soak in Shirahama Onsen, can elevate the trip into a truly satisfying spring getaway. Basic information Location: Banre area, Minabe Town, Hidaka District, Wakayama Prefecture Hours: 8:00–17:00 (during the open season) Admission: Adults 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen (approximate) Access: About 5–6 minutes by car from Minabe IC (approximate) Parking: Paid Official website: https://minabebairin.com 3. Ano Plum Grove (Gojo City, Nara)｜A Story of 20,000 Trees Inspired by Yoshino Photo: Ano Plum Grove, Gojo City, Nara You can see the scene at Ano Plum Grove (04:09).Ano Plum Grove spreads across the hills of Nishiyoshino, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture, with around 20,000 plum trees.What makes it special is the way the viewing areas are named “Hitome Senbon,” “Mikaeri Senbon,” and “Oku no Senbon,” echoing the famous cherry blossom zones of Mt. Yoshino. You can feel the ambition to create a spring experience with plums that can stand alongside Yoshino’s blossoms.Allow about three hours to explore the area. If you take your time, pausing at viewpoints and breathing in the fragrance rather than rushing, the scenery stays with you long after you leave. Nearby attractions (Nara) One of the best parts of Ano Plum Grove is how you can layer a sense of history onto the plum scenery. If you visit the nearby former Ano Imperial Palace site (Hori Family Residence), you will gain a better sense of this area’s background, which makes the plum landscape even more memorable. On the way back, stopping by Gojo Shinmachi Street to stroll through an Edo-period townscape and take a break with something sweet connects nature and town walking, adding density to your day. Basic information Location: Kitazogi, Nishiyoshino-cho, Gojo City, Nara Prefecture Best season: Late February to early March (approximate) Inquiry: 0747-33-0301 (local) Official website: https://www.city.gojo.lg.jp/soshiki/nishiyoshino/1/2015.html 4. Tsukigase Plum Valley (Nara City, Nara)｜A “Spring Panorama” of Gorge, Lake, and 10,000 Trees Photo: Tsukigase Plum Valley, Nara City, Nara You can see the scene at Tsukigase Plum Valley (05:43). Tsukigase Plum Valley is one of Japan’s leading plum blossom destinations, with more than 10,000 trees stretching along the gorge of the Satsukigawa (Nabari River). It was designated a National Scenic Spot in 1922.Peak season is around mid-February through March. The fragrance lingers as if pooling in the gorge, and the scenery seems to loosen and open up the more you walk, a signature charm of Tsukigase.And this is a place that goes beyond being simply “photogenic.” It is said that plum trees were first planted in the precincts of Shinpukuji Temple in the Kamakura period, and the area later drew poets and scholars. That depth of time gives the landscape a quiet sense of presence. Nearby attractions (Nara City, Nara) Because Tsukigase Plum Valley is best enjoyed on foot along the gorge, the perfect nearby plan is one that warms you up and neatly rounds out the day. After your walk, soak and unwind at Ume no Sato Tsukigase Onsen to melt away the chill and the fatigue that tends to build up in this season. If you have extra time, stopping by a nearby roadside station to pick out local foods and souvenirs adds another small pleasure to the trip home.. Basic information Access: About 80 minutes by bus from JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station (approximate) Best season: Mid-February to March (approximate) Official website: https://www.city.nara.lg.jp/sightseeing/naraharu/112100.html 5. Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto)｜Plum Blossoms, Learning, and the Legend of the “Flying Plum” Photo: Plum Garden “Hana no Niwa” at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto You can see the scene at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (08:13).Kitano Tenmangu Shrine is a Tenmangu shrine associated with Sugawara no Michizane and is affectionately known as “Tenjin-san.” It has a deep connection with plum blossoms, and the plum tree in front of the main hall is said to be a special tree that carries on the plum Michizane loved.Visiting amid the fragrance of plum blossoms offers a calm, centering stillness that goes beyond prayers for academic success.During plum season, many visitors also come to receive goshuin stamps, and the atmosphere on the grounds feels even more like a springtime event. As the opening period, program details, and fees for the plum garden vary by year, it is best to check the official announcement shortly before your visit. Nearby attractions (Kyoto City, Kyoto) The area around Kitano Tenmangu Shrine makes it easy to build a classic “Kyoto highlights” itinerary, even for first-time visitors. After visiting the plum garden and paying your respects, consider heading to Kinkakuji or Ryoanji to experience Kyoto’s iconic scenery and quiet beauty in a single day. If you would rather slow down, stroll around the Kamishichiken and Nishijin neighborhoods. Adding a break for wagashi sweets or a light meal helps keep the day relaxed rather than rushed. Basic information Location: Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine)Plum garden and program details: Periods and fees vary by year (check official announcements)Official website: https://kitanotenmangu.or.jp/guidance/baien/ 6. Jonangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto)｜A Garden Where Weeping Plums and Camellias Overlap in Spring Photo: Weeping plums and fallen camellias at Jonangu Shrine, Kyoto You can see the scene at Jonangu Shrine (09:51).Jonangu Shrine was founded to the south of Kyoto at the time of the Heian capital’s establishment and has long been revered as a major shrine for protection against misfortune.In spring, it is famous for the “Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival,” where about 150 weeping plum trees and around 400 camellias can be enjoyed at the same time. As the blossoms begin to fall, the “carpet of petals” covering the ground is another highlight.Nighttime cherry blossoms are wonderful, too, but Jonangu feels best enjoyed in daylight, when you can slowly appreciate the textures of the flowers. To avoid crowds, visiting right after opening or on weekdays is generally more comfortable. Nearby attractions (Kyoto City, Kyoto) After Jonangu Shrine, linking your trip to the Fushimi area makes the sightseeing plan easy to organize. Fushimi is known as a sake-brewing district. Combining a stroll through the brewery townscape with museum visits adds cultural depth to a flower-viewing outing. If you have time, Fushimi Inari Taisha is also a great option. With a mix of worship and walking, even a half-day outing can feel well-rounded, with “seeing, walking, and tasting” all covered. Basic information Weeping Plum and Camellia Festival: Feb 18 to Mar 22 (varies by year)Visiting hours: 9:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00)Admission fee: Adults 1,000 yen, elementary school students 600 yen (varies by period and category)Official website: https://www.jonangu.com/shidareume.html 7. Inabe City Plum Grove Park (Inabe City, Mie)｜A “Color Patchwork” of Mountains and Plum Blossoms Photo: Inabe City Plum Grove Park, Inabe City, Mie You can see the scene at Inabe City Plum Grove Park (11:45).Inabe City Plum Grove Park is a well-known plum blossom spot located within the Inabe City Agricultural Park in Mie Prefecture. During the plum festival period, an admission fee is charged, and opening hours are generally from 9:00 to 16:00.The sight of colors spreading across the slopes looks especially crisp on clear days, and some visitors may immediately think of great photo opportunities.That said, this feels less like a place made solely for photographs and more like a place to take in the entire landscape from the observation decks. While enjoying sheer scale, like counting cherry trees, can be fun, Inabe’s appeal is how clearly you can see differences in varieties through color, with highlights scattered throughout the park. Nearby attractions (Inabe City, Mie) After Inabe City Plum Grove Park, adding a relaxing detour in the Ageki area can boost overall satisfaction. There are facilities where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas, and meals, which is perfect for the chilly plum blossom season. If you have extra time, a short stroll through Ageki’s shopping streets before heading home is also recommended. It is a pleasant way to soak up “just a little more” local atmosphere at the end of your trip. Basic information Location: 717 Kanae, Fujiwara-cho, Inabe City, Mie PrefectureHours: 9:00–16:00Admission fee: Adults 500 yen (approximate, during the plum festival period)Official event information: Updated as neededOfficial website: https://www.kankomie.or.jp/event/11313 8. Suzuka no Mori Garden (Suzuka City, Mie)｜A “Weeping Plum Chandelier” Floating in the Night Photo: Suzuka no Mori Garden, Suzuka City, Mie You can see the scene at Suzuka no Mori Garden (14:27).Suzuka no Mori Garden is a research and cultivation farm for weeping plum trees operated by the Akatsuka Botanical Garden Group. The garden has about 200 notable trees, and it is striking how clearly the purpose of preserving and passing down pruning and training techniques is stated.The signature highlights are the trees known as “Heaven’s Dragon” and “Earth’s Dragon,” estimated to be more than 100 years old. They are especially admired as ancient specimens of Kureha weeping plums.And this is a place where nighttime can be the main event. During the illumination period, the garden stays open until 20:30 (last admission 20:00), and watching the blossoms glow against the darkness creates a fantastical atmosphere distinct from nighttime cherry blossoms.Dress warmly. On windy days, it can feel much colder than you might expect. Nearby attractions (Mie Prefecture) One of the best things about Suzuka no Mori Garden is how easy it is to plan nearby sightseeing around your preferred style of trip. If you want to add a quiet, reflective moment, visiting Tsubaki Grand Shrine is a great option, with forest air that helps you reset. For family trips, pairing the outing with Suzuka Circuit makes planning easier by adding a major attraction. If you spend the evening out for the illuminations, ending the day by warming up in the Yunoyama Onsen area leaves a clean, satisfying afterglow. Basic information Location: 151-2 Yamamoto-cho, Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture Open period: Feb 21 to late March (planned, varies by year) Fee: 700–2,000 yen (varies depending on bloom conditions) Access: Approximate travel times available from Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station, JR Yokkaichi Station, Kintetsu Komono Station, and others Official website: https://www.akatsuka.gr.jp/group/suzuka/index.html Conclusion｜Plum Blossoms in Kansai Become a “Spring Story,” Including the Journey Itself Plum blossom destinations in Kansai each have completely different expressions, even though they all feature the same flower. Overlooking the sea and city (Hokura Plum Grove, Kobe, Hyogo) Enveloped by fragrance on a grand scale (Minabe Plum Grove, Minabe Town, Wakayama) A story inspired by Yoshino (Ano Plum Grove, Gojo City, Nara) Walking through a scenic gorge (Tsukigase Plum Valley, Nara City, Nara) The bond between learning and plums (Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto City, Kyoto) Overlapping seasons in a garden (Jonangu Shrine, Kyoto City, Kyoto) A mountain panorama of colors (Inabe City Plum Grove Park, Inabe City, Mie) A fantasy that comes alive at night (Suzuka no Mori Garden, Suzuka City, Mie) For travel planning, Kyoto is easy to organize as day trips centered on temples and shrines, while in Nara, the time spent walking itself adds to the satisfaction of the journey. In Mie, combining a car or tour makes travel much more comfortable, and the flexibility to change destinations depending on fees and bloom conditions is a major advantage.Lastly, because flowering forecasts can fluctuate from place to place, checking official bloom updates once before departure will help you travel with peace of mind. .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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About the Video of Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival If you're looking for a place where you can enjoy viewing cherry blossoms and feeling Japan's unique spring atmosphere, then look no further! There are many others just like yourself looking to relax among the cherry blossoms and enjoy the fresh spring breeze. Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Kawazu, Shizuoka Prefecture is a festival where you can do just that. The beautiful 4K footage allows you enjoy the blissful atmosphere of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. Be sure to follow along as you read this article! What Is Izu's Popular Tourist Attraction "Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival"? Photo：Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Kawazu, Izu, is a beautiful festival where you can see the town of Kawazu covered with pink cherry blossoms. Kawazu Sakura is a type of cherry blossom tree that starts blooming earlier than most other cherry blossom trees, starting from around early February to early March. The origin of Kawazu cherry blossoms dates back to 1955, when one of the local townspeople found a tree growing amongst the weeds in his back yard. Back then the trees were called "Komine Sakura," but were renamed to 'Kawazu Sakura' in 1974. The Kawazu Sakura is characterized by its large petals and pink color, and when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, a flurry of falling cherry blossoms creates the most beautiful scenery. The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival is a popular festival that approximately one million tourists visit every year. People enjoy the festival by taking a walk along the river, or having a picnic in the park while drinking and enjoying food from food stands. It's often crowded so you might have to save a spot for a picnic beforehand. There are outhouses at the festival, along with regular restrooms throughout the park. Come experience the beautiful cherry blossoms at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival! When Is the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Schedule? When Are the Kawazu Cherry Blossoms at Their Best? Source :YouTube screenshot The Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Kawazu, Izu is a must-see festival for anyone interested in cherry blossoms or Japan's beautiful scenery. The cherry blossoms can be enjoyed in various ways depending on the location and time. There are approximately 8,000 cherry trees in Kawazu and about 850 along the Kawazu River. During full-bloom, these trees showcase the beauty of Kawazu. The one along the the Kawazu river are especially beautiful. You can enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms at full bloom along the river for more than 4 kilometers! We recommend that you try to find your own little secret spot to avoid the crowds. This video shows you the cherry blossoms in full bloom at various spots along the Kawazu River at 0:28. Was there anything that caught your eye? There are also places where the cherry blossoms are lit up at night as well. It's an impressive sight that you can only experience at night time. Be sure to check it out if you have the chance, as it's one of the best parts of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. There are also other cherry blossom festivals in the Kawazu area where you can see the cherry blossoms and rape blossoms in harmony with one another. The 36th Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in 2026 will be held from February 7 (Sat) to March 8 (Sun), 2026. The Kawazu cherry blossom bloom status for 2026 is expected to be the earliest in the past five years, with blossoms beginning to bloom in early February and reaching full bloom from mid-February onwards. The peak viewing period is when the blossoms are 60-80% in bloom, which is considered the most beautiful stage, and the full bloom period lasts approximately one to two weeks. The festival will feature various events including night cherry blossom illumination (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM), the "Kawazu Night Cherry Beer Train" where you can enjoy beer while viewing the night cherry blossoms, and dance performances. Around late January 2026, a map showing approximately 120 food stalls will be available, so be sure to check the official website. For the latest Kawazu cherry blossom bloom status, please check the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Bloom Information Hotline (0558-34-1560) or the live camera (https://livecam.town.kawazu.shizuoka.jp/). Where Are the Best Spots to See at the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival? Source :YouTube screenshot During the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Izu, there are several spots we recommend visiting to enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms. As we mentioned above, one of the ways you can enjoy the cherry blossoms is with the illumination at night, shown at 5:02 in the video. Access to the cherry blossoms illumination is 20 minutes walking from Kawazu Station on the Izu Kyuko Line. It's an incredible scenic location, so don't forget to bring your camera! We also recommend going around and collecting your shuin stamp when visiting the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival. There's a red stamp that's only available during the festival at Seisoku Temple nearby, so be sure not to miss it! Enjoying both the cherry blossoms and collecting your red seal stamps will make for an unforgettable trip. Summary of Izu's Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival The video, created by "Discover Nippon," is a beautiful 4K video that introduces the charm of the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival in Izu. If you're curious about the Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival after reading this article, be sure to check out the video! If you love cherry blossoms or spring in Japan, then you'll love this festival! Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kawazu! 【Official Website】Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival Info｜Official Website https://www.kawazuzakura.net/ 【Official Website】Kawazu, Kamogun, Shizuoka, Japan Town Official Website http://www.town.kawazu.shizuoka.jp/

What is Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka? Video Introduction This video, titled "Diamond Fuji at sunrise on New Year's Day 2020" (初日の出ダイヤモンド富士　令和二年元日), was uploaded by "Hideto Sugiyama" (杉山日出都). Mt. Fuji sitting in the darkness amid flowing clouds… The morning sun gradually rising from its peak... This phenomenon is called "Diamond Fuji." The video shows this spectacular view that can be seen only a few times each year. At Lake Yamanaka, you can observe Diamond Fuji at sunset from mid-October to the end of February each year, spanning approximately 4.5 months. Diamond Fuji seen with the first sunrise on New Year's Day, which can be observed at locations like Mt. Ryugadake at Lake Motosu, is considered particularly auspicious and very popular among tourists, as well as Mt. Fuji fans across Japan. Be sure to check out the beautiful video before reading along! Why is Seeing Diamond Fuji Considered Auspicious? Photo：Diamond Fuji from Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji is a natural phenomenon that can be seen when the sun rises or sets over the summit of Mt. Fuji. The mountain has a long and sacred history and is considered an auspicious mountain due to its wide shape which is said to represent prosperity. Diamond Fuji can only be seen when various conditions are met, which is said to make it even more auspicious. For example, Aka Fuji (Red Fuji) is believed to bring good fortune, protect against bad luck, bring prosperity in business, and fulfill wishes. On the other hand, Diamond Fuji is said to bring prosperity when used as the lock screen on one's smartphone. If you find yourself needing a bit of luck, maybe consider viewing the beautiful Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka or Red Fuji. When and Where Can You See Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka? Photo：Sunrise and a sea of clouds at Mt. Fuji Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka is known as a miraculous view that can be seen over an extended period once a year. There are various conditions that must be met in order to see it, but the main ones are as follows: ・Observation Period: Mid-October to the end of February (approximately 4.5 months) ・Observation Time: Around 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM (varies by season and location) ・The weather must be stable and clear ・On calm days with no wind, you may also see "Double Diamond Fuji" reflected on the lake surface The best time is from mid-October to the end of February, with February being particularly recommended for its stable weather. In 2025, the "Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji Weeks" will be held from February 1 (Sat) to February 22 (Sat), with the Ice Candle Festival taking place at Kirara, Lake Yamanaka Communication Plaza, on February 23 (Sun). Lake Yamanaka is characterized by Diamond Fuji visible at sunset. This rare and unique sight can only be seen a few times a year. If you'd like to see it in person, be sure to keep the above conditions, timing, and season in mind before you go. In this video, you can watch footage of Diamond Fuji from Lake Yamanaka starting at 0:00. Where Else Can You See Diamond Fuji Besides Lake Yamanaka? Photo：Mt. Fuji reflected on Lake Tanuki Here are some recommended locations at Lake Yamanaka and surrounding areas for those looking to see and take photos of Diamond Fuji. ・Hirano Lakeside (平野湖畔, Hirano Kohan) - Lake Yamanaka Lake Yamanaka is famous for its "Sakasa Fuji" (upside-down Fuji), and Hirano Lakeside is one of the most popular spots to photograph this. During the viewing season, photographers come here in droves to photograph it. When there's no wind and surface of the lake is calm, you can see Diamond Fuji both on land and reflected on the surface of the lake. This phenomenon is referred to as "Double Diamond Fuji." Observation period: around October 27 to February 16. ・Panorama Dai (パノラマ台) - Lake Yamanaka A highly popular Mt. Fuji photography spot with views of Lake Yamanaka below and even the Southern Alps visible on clear days. Diamond Fuji season at Lake Yamanaka begins at Panorama Dai in mid-October and ends here in late February. Observation period: around October 16 to February 25, time: around 4:22 PM to 4:50 PM. ・Asahigaoka Lakeside Green Space Park (旭日丘湖畔緑地公園) - Lake Yamanaka This is the first location before the winter solstice and the last after it where you can see Diamond Fuji over the lake. Near the park is "Sunset Beach" (夕焼けの渚), one of the 100 Best Beaches in Japan. Observation period: around October 18 to February 22. ・Hana no Miyako Park - Lake Yamanaka Hana no Miyako Park is one of the most popular spots on Lake Yamanaka. You can see Diamond Fuji here for an extended period from late November to mid-January. In summer, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of sunflowers and Mt. Fuji. ・Lake Tanuki (田貫湖, Tanukiko) Lake Tanuki, located in Fujinomiya, Shizuoka, offers a good chance to see sunrise Diamond Fuji around April 20th and August 20th in 2025. If the weather is favorable, you can see the "Double Diamond Fuji" at this spectacular viewpoint. In April 2024, the "Tanukiko Fugaku Terrace" was established, winning the 2024 Wood Design Award. ・Mt. Ryugadake (竜ヶ岳, Ryugadake) This spot is located on the South side of Lake Motosu. It's located on the east side of Mt. Fuji and you can see sunrise Diamond Fuji here. The low elevation and wide, flat summit make it an ideal place for photography and observation. On New Year's Day, you can witness the extremely auspicious sight of Diamond Fuji with the first sunrise of the year. ・Mt. Minobu (身延山, Minobu-san) Mt. Minobu, selected as one of the Top 100 Mountains of Yamanashi, is a spot where you can view Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay to the Southeast. Visitors can also take the cable car, which begins running early in the morning, to the top of the mountain. In 2025, Diamond Fuji viewing parties will be held on March 12 (Wed), 13 (Thu), and 14 (Fri), with the ropeway operating early from 5:30 AM. Since many people visit during the Diamond Fuji viewing season, the car park may be full. It's recommended to go with a group or as a family to the summit. Parking on the street is prohibited, so be sure to abide by the regulations to avoid inconveniencing the local residents, other photographers, or tourists. Summary: Enjoy the First Sunrise and Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji at Lake Yamanaka can be seen at sunset. The sight of the sun setting over the summit of Mt. Fuji is a spectacular view with the glowing red sun, divine and perfect for Instagram. Fuji's majestic appearance, intertwined with nature, is surely a sight that only those who see it in person can truly appreciate. For those wishing to see Diamond Fuji with the first sunrise on New Year's Day, Mt. Ryugadake at Lake Motosu is recommended. You can capture the first sunrise of the year rising from the summit of Mt. Fuji, and witnessing Diamond Fuji on New Year's morning will surely make for a wonderful year ahead. Depending on where you view Mt. Fuji from, you might even be able to enjoy a view of the rare Double Diamond Fuji. Come to Yamanashi and enjoy these breathtaking views of nature! 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Fuji

Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku, Tokyo Meiji Jingu Shrine, located in Harajuku, Tokyo, is surrounded by a surprisingly deep forest you’d never expect to find in the middle of Tokyo. It attracts countless visitors from Japan and abroad throughout the year.This article introduces the route featured in the 4K video、from Harajuku Station to the approach path and finally to the main hall,highlighting key sights, useful tips, and interesting background information to help first-time visitors enjoy their experience. What Is Meiji Jingu Shrine? Meiji Jingu enshrines Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2020.The forest that fills the shrine grounds is known as one of the largest man-made forests in the world. Around 100,000 trees were donated from across Japan, and forestry experts carefully planned the planting so the woods would grow into a natural forest after 100 years. Today, that vision has taken root: a lush ecosystem that feels worlds away from downtown Tokyo. Photo: Meiji Jingu Shrine, Shibuya, Tokyo Its stillness and pure atmosphere soothe the hearts of visitors. In overseas videos, it is sometimes introduced as “Tokyo’s spiritual sanctuary.” Walking Access from Harajuku Station to Meiji Jingu When you exit Harajuku Station from the Omotesando Gate, the first torii gate of Meiji Jingu appears immediately in front of you. 【Video】3:20〜It usually takes 10–12 minutes to walk to the main hall. The path is flat and easy to follow. Photo: JR Harajuku Station, Tokyo Harajuku Station was renovated in 2020 to better handle the huge crowds during the busy New Year shrine-visiting period. The busiest days are January 1–3, when the station takes on a special holiday atmosphere unlike any other time of year. The Sacred Approach Beginning at the First Torii Gate As you pass through the first torii at the Harajuku entrance, the noise of the city falls away, and the air itself seems to change、leaving only the soft crunch of gravel underfoot in a peaceful world.Continuing along the path, you will encounter the massive second torii. Standing about 12 meters tall, it is the largest wooden Myojin-style torii in Japan, and its impressive scale naturally makes visitors look up. 【Video】4:23〜 Photo: First torii gate of Meiji Jingu Along the approach, you will find barrels of sak a well as wine barrels donated by wine cultivators from Burgundy, France, in honor of the Meiji Emperor's fondness for wine. This spot symbolizes cultural exchange between Japan and France, and often surprises international visitors who wonder why wine barrels are displayed here. From a side path, you can also visit the well-known spiritual site Kiyomasa-no-Ido Spring, where the scenery changes beautifully with the seasons. From the Second Torii to the Temizuya: A Gentle Walk Filled with Light Near the second torii, sunlight and shadows weave together to create a picturesque scene. Some torii have been rebuilt using naturally fallen cypress trees, reflecting the shrine’s harmony with nature. 【Video】13:58〜 Photo: Temizuya of Meiji Jingu A short walk further brings you to the temizuya (purification pavilion). Meiji Jingu uses groundwater, allowing fresh, clean water to flow continuously. 【Video】17:30〜The purification ritual involves holding the ladle with your right hand and cleansing in the following order: ① left hand, ② right hand, ③ rinse your mouth with water poured into your left hand, ④ left hand again, and ⑤ rinse the ladle’s handle. English instructions are provided, so visitors can follow the steps with confidence. From the Third Torii to the Main Hall: Entering a Majestic Space As you continue along the approach, the view opens up, revealing the third torii and the main hall. 【Video】18:01〜 Photo: Main hall of Meiji Jingu The shrine buildings, including the main hall, were originally completed in 1920, but were destroyed in air raids in 1945. Reconstruction was made possible through donations from across Japan and overseas, and the current wooden structures were completed in 1958. The beautifully crafted eaves and copper roofs are impressive, often leaving first-time visitors speechless.The standard method of worship is “two bows, two claps, one bow.” Take a moment in the quiet space before the main hall to center yourself before praying. 【Video】18:46〜 The Appeal of Goshuin, Omikokoro, and Charms Meiji Jingu’s goshuin, known for its strong calligraphy style, can be received at the Choden (in front of the Kaguraden) near the main hall. Some waiting time may occur during busy periods. Photo: Offering hall at Meiji Jingu The shrine’s unique omikuji, called “Omikokoro,” does not assign good or bad fortunes.Instead, it features waka poems by Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken that offer thoughtful guidance. The positive and reflective messages make them especially popular among international visitors. 【Video】21:59〜 Forest Terrace Meiji Jingu: Souvenirs and Café After your visit, take a relaxing break at Forest Terrace. Its café, Mori no Terrace, has even received a Wood City Tokyo Award for its harmonious architectural design.You can enjoy warm drinks while looking out over the greenery, and the gift shop offers wooden goods and charms unique to Meiji Jingu—items that are especially popular among international travelers. 【Video】9:18〜 Hatsumode Information Meiji Jingu records the highest number of Hatsumode visitors in Japan, attracting around three million people every year. Photo: Hatsumode at Meiji Jingu When the gates open at midnight on New Year’s Day, loud cheers fill the air. This moment has become a popular attraction for international visitors, often referred to as the “Tokyo New Year Experience.”The peak hours are as follows, but visiting in the early morning allows for a smoother experience.・January 1, 0:00–3:00・Midday on January 1・Afternoons during the first three days of the year Tips for Visiting Meiji Jingu ・Soft morning light is ideal for photography.・Wear comfortable walking shoes for the long approach.・Some areas of the main hall are off-limits for photography; please check the signs.・While English guidance has increased, some areas remain Japanese-only, so using the video as a reference is recommended. Meiji Jingu Q&A: Helpful Information Before Your Visit Q1: How long does it take to walk from Harajuku Station to Meiji Jingu?A: Typically 10–12 minutes.It takes about 1–2 minutes to reach the first torii gate from the Omotesando Gate and another 8–10 minutes along the approach to the main hall. During Hatsumode, the walk may take 30 minutes to over an hour. Q2: What are the opening and closing times for Meiji Jingu?A: Times vary by season.Generally, the shrine opens around 6:40 from January to March, in the 5:00 hour from April to September, and closes between 16:20 and 18:30. Please check the official website’s “Opening and Closing Times” page for the latest information. Q3: How crowded is Hatsumode?A: Meiji Jingu experiences the largest New Year crowd in Japan.The peak times are 0:00–3:00 on January 1 and midday on January 1. Around three million visitors come during the first three days of the year. Q4: Where can I receive a goshuin?A: At the Choden (in front of the Kaguraden) near the main hall.There may be waiting times during busy hours. Q5: Can international visitors pray at the shrine?A: Yes, everyone is welcome to visit and pray.Numerous English signs make it easy even for first-time visitors. Q6: How do I get to Kiyomasa-no-Ido Spring?A: It is about a 10-minute walk from the Garden (Gyoen) entrance.Although slightly away from the main hall, it is a very popular spiritual spot. Photo: Visitors praying at Meiji Jingu Summary With easy access from Harajuku Station, Meiji Jingu offers a beautiful forested approach and historic architecture.Following the video as you walk makes it easy for first-time visitors to reach the main hall while deepening their appreciation of Tokyo’s cultural heritage.Whether for Hatsumode, collecting goshuin, or enjoying a peaceful stroll, Meiji Jingu is a sacred place worth experiencing throughout the year. 【Official Website】https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en .caption-heading-2 { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; margin-bottom: 15px; max-width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 40px; } .caption-information-table { background-color: #efefef; margin-top: -20px; margin-bottom: 50px; padding: 20px; border-radius: 8px; width: 90%; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-information-table.blue { background-color: #fffaef; } .caption-information-table .title { font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.7rem; } @media screen and (max-width: 1024px) { .caption-information-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 30px 15px; } } .caption-heading-table .caption-text li { line-height: 2.5rem; margin-top: 1.3rem; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading { position: relative; border-left: 5px solid #ff1300; padding-left: 10px; margin-top: 60px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-text { margin-bottom: 50px; } .mod-article-caption .caption-heading-table { width: 95%; padding: 30px 15px 1px 15px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; } .caption-heading-table ul{ counter-reset: listnum; /* カウンターをリセット */ list-style: none; /* 標準のスタイルは消す */ font-size: 1.5rem !important; margin-bottom: 15px; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li{ margin-left: 1.1em; text-indent: -1.1em; font-weight: bold; } .caption-heading-table ul.list-style-number-jp>li::before{ counter-increment: listnum; /* counter-resetと同じ文字列 */ content: counter(listnum); /* カウントした数に応じて番号を表示 */ content: counter(listnum) ". 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Introduction of sightseeing video of "Jigokudani Yaen-koen" in Shimotakai-gun, Nagano Prefecture This video, titled "SNOW MONKEY JAPAN｜Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park｜Monkeys in Hot Springs," introduces the tourist spot in Nagano prefecture (長野県, Nagano ken) in Koushinetsu region (甲信越地方, Koushinetsu chihou ) of Japan. The monkeys at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park bathe in the hot springs to fend off the cold in the winter. Enjoy watching the lovely monkeys chilling out in the cold winter weather! What is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park? Source :YouTube screenshot Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is a popular destination for both domestic and foreign travelers. It's called "Snow Monkey Mountain" in English. The park can be enjoyed in every season, and in the fall, the leaves change to beautiful shades of red and yellow, creating a completely different atmosphere than that of the snowscapes of winter. The video shows how to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by taking the Nagano Electric Railway's Snow Monkey Limited Express (長野電鉄特急スノーモンキー, Nagano Dentetsu Tokkyu Snow Monkey) connecting Nagano station and Yudanaka station, at 0:27 in the video. It takes about 15 minutes to get to the Kanbayashi hot spring (上林温泉, Kanbayashi Onsen) parking area by bus, and about 30 minutes to get to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park by foot. We recommend stopping at Yokoyugawa Valley (横湯川渓谷, Yokoyugawa Keikoku) on the way. You need to buy a ticket to enter when you arrive at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park. This is shown at 3:36 in the video. Source :YouTube screenshot At Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, you can enjoy watching a bunch of monkeys playing around. When they get cold, they hop in the hot springs for a bit to warm up. Unfortunately, if it's hot out, the monkeys won't be getting in the hot springs too frequently. That being said, we recommend visiting on colder days so you can see the adorable sight of them bathing. There are live cameras you can check out before visiting to see what the weather is like as well. Monkeys Bathing at Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Snow monkey You can watch monkeys taking a bath in the video at 4:38. A troop of monkeys bathe in the springs, surrounded by white snow. The monkeys enjoy their bath time much like people, and you can even see a mother and her child taking a bath together at 5:06. One monkey can be seen relaxing with its eyes closed at 6:30 in the video. Although there are many tourists around, the monkeys pay no mind and go on enjoying themselves. Sightseeing Around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park The bus tour, which goes around Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, is great for people who enjoy lively sightseeing trips. We also recommend stopping by Jigokudani Hot Spring Inn (地獄谷温泉後楽館, Jigokudani Onsen Korakukan) and Jigokudani Fountain (地獄谷噴泉, Jigokudani Funsen) as well. Shiga Plateau (志賀高原, Shiga Kougen) is another popular tourist spot in Nagano prefecture. There are cafés where you can eat lunch, cool hotels, and an art museum that you can enjoy here. Summary of Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Photo：Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park Entrance Unfortunately the only way to get to Jidokudani Snow Monkey Park is to walk the promenade from the parking area to the park itself. It takes about 30 minutes, so we highly recommend wearing comfortable clothing. There are some rules that you need to follow as not to scare the monkeys, so be sure to check those out as well. There are many places to stay near Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, so if you're planning on staying over night you'll have no trouble finding a place to stay. Are you ready to see some cute monkeys in person? ◆Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park◆ 【Address】6845 Yamanouchi-machi Shimotakai-gun Nagano Japan 381-0401 【Access】~30 minutes by car from the Shinshu-Nakano Interchange, or ~15 minutes by bus or taxi from Yudanaka Station on the Nagano Electric Railway limited express line. ~30 minutes on foot from the Kanbayashi hot spring parking area 【Hours】Summer 8:30-17:00 Winter 9:00-16:00 【Admission fee】Adults 800 JPY, children 400 JPY (Coupons available) 【Closures】No regular holidays 【Telephone】0269-33-4379 【Stay time】2 hours 【Official Website】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park http://en.jigokudani-yaenkoen.co.jp/ 【Tripadvisor】Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1117904-d324924-Reviews-Jigokudani_Snow_Monkey_Park

Ginkgo Trees and Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "Autumn Foliage in Tokyo, 2014" (東京の紅葉 Autumn Foliage in Tokyo 2014), was uploaded by "AQUA Geo Graphic." It introduces the mystical scenery of autumn in Japan accompanied by the sun and the wind, with lovely piano music. When Is the Best Time to See Hikarigaoka Park's Ginkgo Trees? What Makes the "Yellow Tunnel" So Special? Photo：A row of ginkgo trees Hikarigaoka Park, located in Tokyo's Nerima Ward, is the fourth largest park in the 23 wards of Tokyo, covering approximately 600,000 square meters. The park is home to about 2,000 ginkgo and zelkova trees, creating stunning autumn foliage displays. The highlight is the approximately 200-meter-long ginkgo tree-lined avenue featuring 40 magnificent trees, each over 130 years old with trunk circumferences of around 2 meters. These historic ginkgo trees were transplanted in 1985 from in front of the former Tokyo Metropolitan Government building in Yurakucho, and have become a beloved symbol of Hikarigaoka Park for local residents. The best time to view the ginkgo trees at Hikarigaoka Park is typically from early to mid-November. The Instagram-worthy "yellow tunnel" is created when the ginkgo leaves turn a brilliant golden color, forming an enchanting space like an arch of light. The "yellow carpet" of fallen ginkgo leaves can be enjoyed from late November to early December. When Is the Best Time to See Autumn Foliage at Hikarigaoka Park's Keyaki Field? Where Can You View It? Photo：Hikarigaoka Park, Nerima, Tokyo After passing through the ginkgo trees and crossing Futago Bridge, you'll be welcomed by the silver Arch of Light, an art installation at Keyaki Field. Here, you're sure to be captivated by the autumn colors of the zelkova trees. The reddish leaves of the zelkova trees are what makes autumn in Japan so delightful. The best time to view the autumn foliage at Keyaki Field is typically from mid-November to mid-December. The collaboration of yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas creates a luxurious scene unique to Hikarigaoka Park. With just an 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, the park's excellent accessibility makes it perfect for weekend outings. Experience autumn in Japan to the fullest with this spectacular display. [Video] 0:51 - The Autumn Colors of Japan's Zelkova Trees How Can You Enjoy Autumn Reflections on the Water at Hikarigaoka Park? What Are the Best Photography Spots? Photo：A duck swimming on a pond One way to enjoy the autumn leaves at Hikarigaoka Park is to take some time to observe the leaves as they fall onto the surface of the pond. Although falling leaves often evoke a sense of melancholy, the red and yellow leaves floating on the surface of the pond in Hikarigaoka Park create a very emotional scene, captivating onlookers. The water surface displays a vivid contrast of ginkgo and zelkova leaves, enhanced by the elegant sight of ducks swimming gracefully—creating a uniquely late-autumn atmosphere. While creating memories of late autumn, don't forget to look down at the brilliant leaves drifting across the pond in addition to looking up at the colorful foliage. You may even capture some breathtaking photos as well... [Video] 1:51 - Fallen Leaves on the Surface of the Water What Is the "Boundary Line Between Yellow and Red" at Hikarigaoka Park? Why not slowly walk along the boundary between yellow and red? There's a special carpet that can only be seen at certain times when the fallen leaves and wind align perfectly. While the yellow and red avenues, each covered with their own color, are exciting enough in themselves, when you discover the boundary line, you'll likely recall childhood feelings and want to slowly trace along it—such is the landscape that unfolds before you. The gradation created by the yellow ginkgos and red zelkovas is truly miraculous art produced by nature. This boundary line shows a different expression each day depending on wind direction and the timing of fallen leaves, offering new discoveries with every visit. [Video] 2:25 - A Boundary of Red and Yellow Leaves When Can You See the Autumn Foliage Gradation at Hikarigaoka Park? Photo：A tunnel of autumn foliage When is the best time to view the autumn colors? Perhaps the answer is simply the moment that you visit. In the video, you can see the beautiful gradation of green, yellow, and red colors. At Hikarigaoka Park, from late October to early December, you can observe the gradual color changes from green to yellow, and yellow to red. For those who want to experience the exquisite atmosphere where not all colors have changed, early November is recommended. During this time, leaves that are still green, leaves shining golden, and leaves dyed bright red coexist, allowing you to enjoy nature's gradation art. [Video] 2:58 - The Changing of the Leaves to Various Colors When Is Hikarigaoka Park's Illumination Event Held? What Are the Highlights of "Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa"? The "Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa 2025&26" has been confirmed for 2025. Celebrating its 13th anniversary, this festival of light and art will once again illuminate Hikarigaoka during the year-end and New Year season. The street tree illumination along the ginkgo tree-lined "Fureai no Michi" avenue will be lit from November 29, 2025 (Sat) to January 25, 2026 (Sun), daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Approximately 150,000 LEDs will fantastically illuminate 24 trees and the "Water Fall Flow" light arch. For about two months, you can enjoy an enchanting space enveloped in light every evening. The main event, a festival of light and art, will be held on December 20 (Sat) and 21 (Sun), 2025, centered around Keyaki Field. The X'mas Stage will be held simultaneously on the same dates, featuring plenty of attractions including light displays, candle art, music and dance stages, and exhibition stages. In the new year, the New Year Stage will be held on January 10 (Sat) and 11 (Sun), 2026, at Fureai no Michi, with special events planned to celebrate the new year. Last year (2024), approximately 200,000 visitors enjoyed the events during both periods. Please be sure to take warm clothing and enjoy a magical, heartwarming time. For detailed programs and event information, please check the official website. 【Official Website】Nerima Hikarigaoka Hikari Pageant Festa 2025&26 https://hpf.beyond-japan.net/ How Do You Access Hikarigaoka Park? Is Parking Available? Hikarigaoka Park, the largest park in Nerima Ward at approximately 600,000 square meters, features a grassy plaza built on gently sloping hills dotted with cherry blossoms and zelkova trees, providing delightful scenery in all four seasons. The park also has a wealth of playground equipment, a bird sanctuary for bird watching, and day camping and barbecue areas, making it a popular recreational spot beloved by people of all ages in the surrounding area. In this article, we introduced the large ginkgo trees, ginkgo tree-lined avenue, and Keyaki Field as hidden gems for autumn foliage viewing at Hikarigaoka Park. The area is also easily accessible by train: just an 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line, or a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line and Subway Narimasu Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin and Yurakucho Lines. During autumn foliage season, weekends (especially from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM) can be crowded, so we recommend using public transportation. This is a highly recommended spot in Tokyo's Nerima Ward that you should definitely visit on weekends. On November 23, 2025 (Sun/Holiday), the "Hikarigaoka Park Festa" is scheduled to be held, providing an excellent opportunity to enjoy both autumn foliage and events simultaneously. ◆Hikarigaoka Park◆ Address: Hikarigaoka 2-chome and 4-chome, Asahicho 2-chome, Nerima-ku; Akatsuka-shinmachi 3-chome, Itabashi-ku For inquiries: Hikarigaoka Park Service Center (TEL: 03-3977-7638) Parking: Available (Paid - expect congestion during autumn foliage season) Access: An 8-minute walk from Hikarigaoka Station (E38) on the Toei Subway Oedo Line; a 15-minute walk from Narimasu Station on the Tobu Tojo Line, Subway Narimasu (F02) on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, and Subway Narimasu (Y02) on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line Best viewing period: Ginkgo tree-lined avenue - early to mid-November; Keyaki Field - mid-November to mid-December 【Official Website】Hikarigaoka Park - Let's go to the park! https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index023.html 【TripAdvisor】Hikarigaoka Park https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g1066453-d4889941-Reviews-Hikarigaoka_Park-Nerima_Tokyo_Tokyo_Prefecture_Kanto.html

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Takahashi City, Okayama｜Enjoy Autumn Foliage and a Sea of Clouds at the Castle in the Sky The video “Reiwa Autumn Leaves: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle” (approx. 2 minutes 36 seconds), released by Yomiuri Shimbun Online, introduces the autumn scenery of Bitchu Matsuyama Castle. Without narration or commentary, the footage calmly shows the castle and stone walls wrapped in autumn leaves accompanied by soothing background music. Its simplicity emphasizes the visual and auditory appeal, leaving viewers wanting to go see it for themselves after watching. Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, one of Japan’s Twelve Original Castles (Okayama Prefecture, Takahashi City) What is Bitchu Matsuyama Castle? A Famous Castle Counted Among the 12 Surviving Original Tenshu Located at the summit of Mt. Gagyu (approx. 430 meters above sea level) in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle is considered along with Iwamura Castle and Takatori Castle to be one of the Three Great Mountain Castles of Japan. Its origins date back to the Kamakura period, and during the Sengoku period it became a strategic stronghold contested by powerful warlords such as the Mōri　clan. Its most distinctive feature is that the tenshu (main keep) built in the Edo period still survives today. It is one of only 12 genzon tenshu (original surviving castle keeps) in the country and, moreover, is the only surviving mountain castle keep in Japan. The wooden architecture and solid stone walls convey the atmosphere of the Edo period, making it feel as if you’ve stepped back in time. Visible from the city below, the castle remains a symbol of Takahashi. Why It’s Called the “Castle in the Sky” From autumn through winter, when morning fog gathers in the valleys, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle appears to float above a sea of clouds. This mystical scene has earned it the nickname “Castle in the Sky,” attracting visitors from across Japan. Photo: Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture Takeda Castle in Asago City, Hyogo Prefecture, is also called the “Castle in the Sky” and is nicknamed the “Machu Picchu of Japan.” However, at Takeda Castle the vast stone ruins are the highlight. In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle still has its original keep, and it is the only place in Japan where you can see an original keep floating in a sea of clouds. Comparing the two as you walk the grounds in person will make the differences even more apparent. Photos of the sea of clouds are frequently shared on social media and featured in the media, drawing nationwide attention. Best Conditions and Timing to See the Sea of Clouds The sea of clouds is most likely to appear from late September to early April in the early morning until around 8 a.m., with late October to early December being the peak period for thick fog. Conditions include a large temperature difference from the previous day, radiative cooling, weak winds, and recent rainfall. When these factors combine, the castle appears to float in the sky in a dreamlike scene. The Bitchu Matsuyama Castle Cloud Sea Observatory is the standard viewing spot. Located on a peak separate from the castle keep, it is only a one-minute walk from the parking lot. The site is about a 20-minute drive from JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, and during autumn to spring, a reservation-based shared taxi service is also available. Best Season for Autumn Leaves and Scenic Viewing Points Autumn foliage at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle typically peaks from mid to late November. The surrounding trees turn vivid shades of red and gold, further enhancing the beauty of the tenshu and stone walls. Photo: Autumn leaves at Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, Okayama Prefecture If you’re lucky, you may witness both autumn leaves and the sea of clouds together, as shown in the video. The striking contrast of red, yellow, and white is breathtaking and unique to this season. Great photo spots include not only within the castle grounds but also along the mountain path and from the observatory. Morning and afternoon lighting dramatically change the atmosphere, offering different scenery depending on the time of your visit. How is Takeda Castle Different from Bitchu Matsuyama Castle? Takeda Castle in Hyogo Prefecture was built during the Muromachi period and later came under the control of the Yamana clan and Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. However, it was abandoned in the early Edo period, leaving only the vast stone ruins. Its magnificent stone walls rising above the clouds earned it the nickname “Machu Picchu of Japan.” Photo: Ruins of Takeda Castle, Hyogo Prefecture In contrast, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle in Takahashi, Okayama, originated in the Kamakura period and retains its tenshu built during the Edo period. Thus, Takeda Castle represents “a ruin that lets you imagine the past,” while Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers “a mountain castle where you can experience an original keep.” Both are famous for their sea of clouds, but their historical backgrounds and surviving structures differ greatly. Visiting both allows you to appreciate the diverse faces of Japan’s “Castles in the Sky.” Sightseeing and Local Cuisine in Takahashi City After visiting Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, exploring the castle town and tasting local specialties is another highlight of the trip. Takahashi is known for its agricultural products, including the sweet “Pione” grapes and rich “Momotaro Tomatoes.” In summer, ayu fish caught in the Takahashi River are grilled and served in local restaurants as a seasonal delicacy. In addition, the traditional confectionery “Yubeshi,” crafted by the long-established shop Tennindo, remains a popular souvenir. Photo: “Yubeshi,” a traditional confectionery from Okayama Local specialties also include “Indian Tomato Yakisoba,” a popular dish at Gomangoku restaurant. You can also enjoy soba noodles at Hokoan and tofu dishes at Koibi Tofu Kumojirou. For a relaxing break, the Starbucks inside Tsutaya Bookstore at Takahashi City Library is a convenient stop, loved by both locals and visitors. Combining these gourmet experiences makes your trip even more fulfilling. For example, visit the Cloud Sea Observatory in the morning, explore the castle before noon, enjoy “Indian Tomato Yakisoba” for lunch, stroll the castle town and confectionery shops in the afternoon, and finish the day with soba or tofu dishes. Such a day plan is highly recommended. Access and Visitor Information Address: 1 Uchisange, Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture Access (Castle Keep): From JR Bitchu-Takahashi Station, walk about 10 minutes to “Shiro-machi Station,” then take the shuttle bus to Fuyogo Pass (about 5 minutes), followed by a 20-minute walk to the tenshu. On non-bus days, cars can be driven directly to Fuyogo Pass. By taxi, it takes about 10 minutes from the station (around 1,700 yen one way). Cloud Sea Observatory: Located on a separate peak from the castle keep, 1-minute walk from the parking lot. About 20 minutes by car from the station. A reservation-based shared taxi service runs during autumn to spring. Opening Hours: April–September 9:00–17:30 (last entry 17:00), October–March 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00) Closed: December 29 – January 3 Admission: Adults 500 yen, Elementary/Junior High Students 200 yen For more details, please see the official website: https://www.bitchumatsuyamacastle.jp/ Conclusion: A Perfect Autumn Destination, the Castle in the Sky As the only mountain castle in Japan with a surviving original keep, Bitchu Matsuyama Castle offers a rare experience where you can enjoy both nature and history through autumn leaves and a sea of clouds. Along with Takeda Castle, it is called the “Castle in the Sky,” but knowing their differences makes your journey even more rewarding. Combining castle town walks with local food makes a trip to Takahashi even more enjoyable. Watching the castle surrounded by clouds and autumn colors in the early morning will surely be an unforgettable experience.

Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima: Video Introduction Photo：Kurogane Lodge and autumn leaves on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture This video, titled "World's First｜Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara｜6K Video" (世界初 紅葉の安達太良山 6K撮影), was uploaded by "International Drone Association" (国際ドローン協会). This 6K video captures the beauty of the autumn leaves of Mt. Adatara as seen from the sky using a drone. Enjoy the incredible views of Mt. Adatara that you simply cannot see from the ground. [Video] 0:32 - The Colorful Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara Mt. Adatara Overview Photo：Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Located in central Fukushima Prefecture, Mt. Adatara is an active volcano with an elevation of approximately 1,700 meters and has been selected as one of the 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. The beautiful Mt. Adatara, which appears in ancient texts and classic Japanese movies, is well known both inside and outside of the prefecture. The ropeway makes it easy for beginner hikers to reach the summit, while intermediate and advanced courses are also available. From spring to fall, the mountain is crowded with hikers enjoying the beautiful scenery. Mt. Adatara Ropeway & Parking Information Photo：Mt. Adatara Ropeway, Fukushima Prefecture Adatara Kogen Ski Resort is located at the foot of Mt. Adatara, and there is a ropeway station at the foot of the mountain near the ski resort and a free parking lot that can accommodate up to 1,500 vehicles. A 10-minute ropeway ride will take you to the summit station of Mt. Yakushi (1,350 meters above sea level). From there, it takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes on foot to reach the summit of Mt. Adatara. During autumn, when the leaves change color, there are days when there are lines to board the ropeway, and depending on how crowded it is, you may also have to pay for parking. Because of this, we recommend doing some research before visiting. The ropeway costs 1,200 yen (one-way) and 2,000 yen (round-trip) for adults, and 900 yen (one-way) and 1,500 yen (round-trip) for children. In addition to group discounts and discounts for persons with disabilities, there are also special discount tickets available exclusively on the ropeway's website and discount packages for hot springs and Tohoku Safari Park, so be sure to check the Adatara Ropeway website for details. When to Visit to See the Autumn Leaves on Mt. Adatara Photo：The view from Yakushidake Panorama Park, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara, famous for its autumn foliage, usually attracts many tourists and climbers, as well as many photographers who come to take pictures of the spectacular scenery. The best time to view the autumn leaves is from late September through October. The best place to take pictures of the spectacular autumn foliage is Yakushidake Panorama Park, located just beyond the ropeway summit station. The park has a 300-meter promenade where visitors can relax and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the autumn leaves. Hiking On Mt. Adatara – Trails, Hiking Time, Etc. Photo：The summit of Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara is a popular mountain for hiking and trekking with even beginner hikers due to its relative ease. The recommended hiking course is the approximately 9-km long, 4-hour course that starts from the ropeway summit station. Mt. Adatara Ropeway Summit Station (ロープウェイ山頂駅) → Senjo-daira Trail (仙女平分岐) → Adatara Summit (安達太良山頂上) → Mine no Tsuji (峰の辻) → Kurogane Lodge (くろがね小屋) → Seshitaira Trail (勢至平分岐) → Okudake Trailhead (奥岳登山口). There is a walking trail near Mt. Adatara Ropeway Station, but it has been closed for the time being due to heavy rainfall during the summer of 2022. Mt. Adatara is great for hiking during the fall, but also during the summer and spring as well, so consider visiting during different seasons to enjoy the various scenery! Hot Springs Near Mt. Adatara Photo：Kurogane Lodge and winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Kurogane Lodge, a mountain lodge on Mt. Adatara, has a hot spring bath with free-flowing hot-spring water, which is popular among climbers. It's available for day-trip bathing, but as of 2023 Kurogane Lodge is under reconstruction and is therefore unavailable; it's scheduled to be reopened in 2025, so be sure to visit when it's completed. There is also a day-trip hot spring facility called "Adatarayama Okudake no Yu" near the ropeway station at the foot of the mountain, which is used by many hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter. Both Kurogane Lodge and Adatarayama Okudake no Yu have unique acidic springs that are said to be good for relieving fatigue, fighting against nerve and muscle pain, and also help beautify the skin. It's a good place to relax and heal your body after a day of hiking to see the autumn foliage. Admission is 700 yen for adults (junior high school students and older) and 500 yen for children (ages 4 to elementary school students). Skiing on Mt. Adatara Photo：Ski tracks in the snow on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture During the winter (December - March), the Mt. Adatara Ropeway transforms into Adatara Kogen Ski Resort. Adatara Kogen Ski Resort features 8 courses and relatively cheap lift tickets. Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekdays): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 3,500 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,100 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,200 yen. Pricing (1-day Pass/Weekends): Adults (Junior-high school students and older): 4,300 yen, Seniors (60+): 3,800 yen, Children (Elementary school students and younger): 2,600 yen. Besides the passes listed above, there are a number of other tickets available to help fit your itinerary, plans, and budget. Summary of Mt. Adatara Photo：Winter on Mt. Adatara, Fukushima Prefecture Mt. Adatara is a mountain that attracts climbers not only during the fall when the leaves change color, but throughout the entire year. In summer, an illumination event is held at Adatara Kogen Ski Resort, making it a popular summer spot. ※In 2022, the illumination was held from July 30 to September 19, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm each day. A chain of mountains and beautiful blue skies... Mt. Adatara is a place you'll want to visit again and again to discover the breathtaking scenery in each season. 【TripAdvisor】Mt. Adatara

Autumn Leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park: Video Introduction This video, titled "[Official] Autumn Foliage at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park" (【公式】国営武蔵丘陵森林公園　園内の紅葉の様子), was uploaded by "Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park" (国営武蔵丘陵森林公園). The video features aerial footage taken via drone showing the beautiful autumn leaves of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. The mascots Shin-kun and Rin-chan, as well as a pirate ship, welcome visitors at the central entrance plaza, and from there they pass through Yamada Onuma Pond, where many birds gather, to the beautifully colored maple garden, followed by an installation with beautiful artwork made of bamboo and wood, created by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana. The beautiful 3-minute video is sure to captivate. Be sure to check out the video before reading further! Attractions & Things to Do at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：Activities at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, Japan's first national park, was developed in Hiki Hills (比企北丘陵) in Saitama Prefecture as part of the Meiji Centennial Anniversary Temple Project. Its vast site approximately 755 acres. In addition to the magnificent natural beauty of the park, visitors will enjoy Pompoko Mountain, the largest outdoor trampoline in Japan, an athletic course, and a dog run where dogs can run around freely. There are also other facilities and areas for the whole family to enjoy, such as a 17-kilometer bike path for enjoying nature, orienteering, and Segway tours through the park's natural surroundings. Due to the vast size of the park, there are four entrances (West, North, South, and Central), and each entrance offers a variety of different facilities. There are also restaurants, stores, and other paid facilities, but admission is free for children of junior high school age and younger, and ¥450 for adults. The Best Time to See the Autumn Leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, Saitama Prefecture Beautiful autumn leaves can be seen at various places at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. One of the most famous spots is the maple garden. About 500 maple trees of some 20 varieties are gathered here, and the red, yellow, orange, and even somewhat pink colors make it a popular spot. [Video] 1:06 - Autumn Leaves at the Maple Garden From mid-late November, when the autumn leaves are at their best, an illumination event called Momiji Minaito, which lights up the autumn leaves, is held. The park is brightly illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy a unique nighttime views. Also, at the same time, an art exhibition using bamboo and wood by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana, is held. [Video] 2:02 - An Installation by the Sogetsu School of Ikebana Enjoy art and beautiful autumn leaves in one place. More Than Just Autumn Leaves! Information on Seasonal Flowers at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park! Photo：Blue skies and nemophila at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is home to beautiful flowers in every season, and the most popular spring flowers blooming from March to May are the nemophila (baby blue eyes). The West Gate Plaza Flower Garden, where the nemophila bloom, is covered with baby-blue flowers. False anemone and sunflowers can be seen blooming from June to August. Visitors can enjoy the yellow, white, red, and chocolate-colored sunflowers. The anemone should be viewed up close in order to appreciate the beauty of the pretty white flowers. From September to November, visitors can enjoy cockscomb and cosmos, which are representative of autumn in Japan. Cockscomb flowers are characterized by their vivid red, yellow, and pink colors. Cosmos, a representative flower of autumn in Japan, can be seen in the herb garden. During the colder months from December to February, hellebores and other flowers are can be seen in full bloom. Enjoy the dignified beauty of flowers in winter. Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is a place of tasteful art installations where beautiful flowers bloom throughout the year. We recommend visiting the park in different seasons to see the various flowers. Illuminations and Other Events at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Photo：An illumination event at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park In addition to the outstanding autumn leaves, many events are held at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park. Mori no Halloween (Halloween Night in the Forest) features Halloween decorations, and in December there's a "Starlight Illumination," where the park is decorated with approximately 550,000 illuminated bulbs. Both of these events allow visitors to stroll through the park at night, enjoying the fantastic nighttime scenery. Other physical activities, such as walking events in the forest and marathons are also held, so be sure to check these out as well. Summary of Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park is a national park where beautiful autumn leaves can be seen in the fall. Unfortunately, no amount of video can do it justice, so we recommend coming and seeing it for yourself! In addition to the autumn leaves at Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park, visitors can admire a variety of flowers and experience physical exercise while surrounded by nature. Playing outdoors with your family will be a fun and memorable experience. If you're coming to Saitama, be sure to check out Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park! 【Official Website】Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park｜The First National Park in Japan 【TripAdvisor】Musashi Kyuryo National Government Park

Video introduction of "Sengokuhara Susuki Meadow" in Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa Prefecture This video, titled "Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field - Kanagawa - 4K Ultra HD" (Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field - Kanagawa - 仙石原すすき草原 - 4K Ultra HD), was uploaded by "TokyoStreetView - Japan The Beautiful." Enjoy the beautiful 4K visuals and the sound of pampas grass swaying in the wind as if you were standing in the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara. Sengokuhara – A Famous Place for Viewing Pampas Grass in Hakone, Kanagawa Photo：The pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, Hakone The pampas grass field of Sengokuhara is located on Mt. Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture, in Japan's Kanto region. It is one of the "Top 50 Scenic Spots in Kanagawa" and "Top 100 Places to View Flowers in Kanagawa," and is well known for its pampas grass. At the foot of Mt. Daigatake, which was formed by the eruption of Mt. Hakone, lies a field of pampas grass, and in autumn, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of golden plumes rippling in the wind. The fantastic scenery of the Sengokuhara pampas grass field has attracted a lot of attention and draws a large number of tourists every year. The Field of Pampas Grass in Hakone – When to See the Breathtaking Autumnal Scenery Photo：The walking path through the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, Hakone The golden pampas grass in the field in Sengokuhara is at its best from late September to early November. The lush green tips of pampas grass turn a silvery-white, and as autumn deepens, the tips open up and turn a pale golden color. The beautiful golden color of the pampas grass field, which can only be seen during autumn in Japan, is a distinctive sight of autumn in Hakone. The main walking route for the pampas grass field is to go straight along the path and back, which takes about 30 minutes round-trip. The path through the grassy field is great for taking photos as well. [Video] 0:05 - Sengokuhara Pampas Grass Field Walking Path At the midpoint of the path, visitors can enjoy a lovely collaboration of mountains and the soft tips of the pampas grass. The view from the small hill in the middle of the path is another nice spot, perfect for taking pictures. The best times to visit are in the morning and at dusk, when there are few people around. The photogenic golden pampas grass glistening in the sunlight and the setting sun are guaranteed to be make for awesome photos for Instagrammers and photographers alike. The Pampas Grass Field of Sengokuhara During Summer Sengokuhara's pampas grass field is of course famous for its pampas grass in autumn, but other seasons also have their own unique charms. In early summer, around June, visitors can enjoy the lush green landscape of the meadow that has grown back after the annual burn in the spring. The sight of the newly sprouted green pampas grass swaying in the wind is a different aesthetic than that of autumn. The green pampas grass and blue skies are a perfect contrast, and photographers/Instagrammers can take some delightful photos during this time as well. Spring at Sengokuhara – A Fiery Event on the Pampas Grass Field In the pampas grass field of Sengokuhara, an event called Yamayaki is held from mid to late March every year. Yamayaki, meaning "Mountain burning," is an annual event to maintain the pampas grass field. By burning the dead grass, it prevents the growth of weeds in the field and helps to return the meadow to its youthful appearance. The event is held in the mild spring weather, and spectator seating is available as well. The crackling fire and the intense heat are definitely worth a trip to Hakone. How to Get to Sengokuhara's Pampas Grass Field + Parking & Lunch Photo：Hakone-Yumoto Station To get to Sengokuhara's pampas grass field, take the Hakone Tozan Bus bound for Togendai from Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at Sengokogen (~30 mins). If going by car, free parking and paid parking are available in the immediate vicinity of the pampas grass field. A temporary free parking lot is also available from September 1 to November 30 every year during the pampas grass' peak viewing period. For lunch, we recommend trying the soba restaurant Hoshinoan (そば処 穂し乃庵, Soba-dokoro Hoshinoan) by the Sengokuhara pampas grass field. In the midst of the refreshing pampas grass field, you can enjoy the seasonal flavors and unique dishes made from the best ingredients while gazing out at the field of pampas grass. Summary of Sengokuhara's Pampas Grass Field The area around the Sengokuhara pampas grass field is home to numerous tourist attractions, including art museums, and its hot springs, characterized by their cloudy white water, are also popular. In particular, the hot springs of the Hakone Ichinoyu Group, which currently has 10 facilities in Hakone, are well known as affordable accommodations in Hakone, and feature dreamy open-air guest rooms as well. Let the warmth of the hot springs wash away your fatigue. Sengokuhara's pampas grass field is easily accessible from central Tokyo, as it's located just a short 2-hour and 15-minute bus ride from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo via the Odakyu Hakone Express Bus. If taking this route, be sure to get off at the Sengokukogen bus stop. Enjoy a visit to see the spectacular golden landscapes of autumn in Hakone! 【TripAdvisor】Sengokuhara https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g298171-d1514732-Reviews-Sengokuhara-Hakone_machi_Ashigarashimo_gun_Kanagawa_Prefecture_Kanto.html