Izu, Shizuoka Joren Falls (Joren no Taki), located in Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture, is a renowned 25-meter-high, 7-meter-wide waterfall and one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls . Set in a lush forest with dramatic basalt cliffs, it is famous for its emerald green basin, nearby wasabi fields, and as a key spot in the Amagi-goe song.  The rock wall behind the waterfall is home to columnar joints, formed by volcanic activity about 17,000 years ago. The cracks created when the lava co

Hokkaido Along the way - looking out from the car (sightseeing taxi in Kushiro) and JR local train (Hakodate - Sapporo - Kushiro) February, 2024

Hokkaido Sapporo Clock Tower, Sapporo TV Tower, JR Sapporo station, Susukino at night (February 2024) Sapporo (札幌, "important river flowing through a plain" in Ainu language) is the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth largest city . In the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), when the development of Hokkaido started on a large scale, Sapporo was chosen as the island's administrative center and enlarged according to the advice of foreign specialists. Sapporo became

Hokkaido The Akanko Ainu Kotan is one of the largest Ainu kotan (settlements) in Hokkaido, inhabited by about 120 people. It is a place where Ainu culture is shared through the experience of interacting, making, eating, inheriting, unleashing and living with nature, based on the Ainu belief that souls reside in all things.

Hokkaido The main attraction of Akan in winter is the fantastical scenery of frost flowers blooming on the lake's surface, along with activities such as smelt fishing, snowshoeing, skiing, and snowboarding. The frozen Lake Akan is colorfully decorated with smelt fishing tents.

Hokkaido Sunayu, located on the eastern shore of Lake Kussharo, is a unique open-air hot spring experience. The area around Sunayu is a year-round attraction. In summer, visitors can swim in the lake and go camping, while in winter, a whooper swan colony comes to Lake Kussharo from Siberia, attracted by the geothermal activity. Sunayu is a popular spot for photographers to capture shots of whooper swans against backdrops of fresh snow and frozen water. There are shops, toilet

Hokkaido Mt. Io (Sulfur Mountain) is called Atosa-nupuri (Bare Mountain) in the Ainu language because of its barren, rocky face. Mt. Io is a 508m volcano that was formed sometime between 500 and 2,000 years ago. Hot steam escapes from the earth through 1,500 “fumaroles” (small vents) of various sizes. The air is heavy with the distinct odor of sulfur, and the bright yellow vents create an otherworldly sight. Volcanic gases have affected vegetation in the surrounding area.

Hokkaido Lake Mashū is an endorheic crater lake formed in the caldera of a potentially active volcano. It is located in Akan Mashu National Park on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. It has been called the clearest lake in the world. You are lucky if you have a clear view of the lake, since it is often not possible due to the fog.

Hokkaido, Kushiro Kushiro Marshland (Kushiro-shitsugen) in Eastern Hokkaido, Japan, is the country's largest wetland, famous for its vast reedbeds, meandering Kushiro River, and as the vital habitat for the iconic, endangered Japanese red-crowned crane (Tancho) . Designated as a National Park, it offers year-round nature experiences like canoeing, snowshoeing, and birdwatching, showcasing diverse wildlife and stunning seasonal landscapes from lush green to snowy silver.

Hokkaido, Kushiro Tanchozuru (Red-crowned Cranes) in Kushiro, Hokkaido, refers to the famous Japanese cranes that thrive in the Kushiro Marshlands , a key habitat where they are resident year-round and a major draw for birdwatchers and photographers, especially at spots like the Otowa Bridge and Tsurumidai.

Yakushima, Kagoshima Taking a side road off the path leading to Shiratani Unsuikyo Gorge, you'll find yourself in a sacred place: Ushidoko Shrine. Every spring and autumn, a pilgrimage to Mount Miyanoura takes place, and in the past, because women were forbidden from participating, the women of the village would greet the men returning from the pilgrimage at Ushidoko Shrine. The two moss-covered Nio statues (guardian deities) are designated as historical sites by Yakushima

Mie ken, Ise shi Futami Okitama Shrine is dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko Okami, known for blessings in matchmaking, marital harmony,...

Hikoshima, Shimonoseki shi, Yamaguchi ken Rented a car to find this place in the middle of nowhere in Hikoshima. From the sign; In 1183,...

Yamaguchi ken, Shimonoseki shi According to some research, there are petrograph ( geometric carvings carved into rocks and boulders）...

Kagoshima Ken, Yakushima Ohko no Taki Waterfall is a representative waterfall of Yakushima with a height of 88 meters and has been...

Kagoshima Ken, Yakushima The Jomonsugi (縄文杉, Jōmonsugi), the main attraction of Yakushima , is a giant cedar tree which scientists...

Kagoshima Ken, Yakushima Anbo is the second largest village settlement on Yakushima Island. Very peaceful and quiet port, located on the...

Miyazaki Ken, Takachiho This spectacular gorge in northern Miyazaki was formed over 100,000 years ago after eruptions from nearby volcano...

Miyazaki Ken, Takachiho Amanoiwato Shrine in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture ens hrines the "Amanoiwato" - the cave where the sun...

Kumamoto Ken, Minami Aso Shirakawa Suigen is famous enough to have been selected by the Ministry of the Environment as one of their 100...