japansgreatoutdoors
Unkai Terrace, located in the heart of Hokkaido, is a breathtaking natural phenomenon that offers an unforgettable experience. Standing at an impressive 1,088 meters above sea level, this mountaintop terrace provides a stunning panoramic view of the sea of clouds. The terrace features seven unique viewing platforms, allowing visitors to marvel at the ethereal sight of clouds rolling in high above the mountains. Unkai TerraceThe word unkai translates to sea of clouds in Japanese, and witnessing this natural wonder truly lives up to its name. Open from mid-May to mid-October, the terrace is a mu...
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A visit to Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei is a must, especially during the summer. Unveiling a surreal display of vibrant blue hues, this picturesque pond has become an increasingly popular destination. In 1988, the pond was artificially created during the construction of a dam to protect Biei from volcanic mud. The water’s stunning blue color comes from its unique mix of sulfur and aluminum from nearby tributaries, local onsen, and Shirahige Falls. These elements create colloids in the water, which reflect sunlight, basically creating the blue color of the water. Additionally, the white surface ...
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Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko) is a set of five stunning lakes in the heart of Shiretoko National Park, a designated World Heritage Site of Hokkaido. During summer, the area offers visitors a serene escape into unspoiled nature, with picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and an opportunity to witness the region’s unique wildlife. The eruption of a volcanic mountain created five small lakes, which are sustained by underground springs. The resulting landscape is a stunning masterpiece of nature. A Nature Lover’s ParadiseTo ensure the preservation of the delicate ecosystem, an 800...
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Lying in the shadow of Niigata Prefecture’s Mount Myoko, Imori Pond is a scenic getaway fit for solo travelers and families alike. Regardless of when you visit, you’ll have plenty to enjoy as you circle the pond. According to local legend, the nature reserve that Imori Pond sits in was once private property until a few years ago. In the early 20th century, an artist who often frequented the area looking for inspiration told the owner that the pond’s beauty was unmatched and efforts should be made to preserve it. Convinced by the artist, the owner maintained the land. By the 1970s, it became Ei...
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Attracting thousands each year to its natural beauty and wildlife, Lake Hyoko in Niigata Prefecture makes for a great weekend getaway. From birds to cherry blossoms, not to mention the lake, this site has plenty to soak up all year round. Despite its name, Lake Hyoko is not a natural lake. The site was a key fixture in the agricultural production of the nearby area. In 1954, Lake Hyoko was designated as a national monument by the Japanese government for its history of attracting swans in the autumn and winter months. In recognition of its importance in preserving nature and wildlife, the lake ...
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Hiruzen Kogen Highlands is located on a plateau more than 500 meters above sea level, on the border ofDaisen Oki National Park. Known for its natural beauty and delicious local foods, the area is a hidden gem often overlooked by foreign travelers. Exploring Hiruzen in winterSpring and summer are popular seasons for cyclists and hikers escaping the heat, but winter is also magical when the whole region is covered in a thick blanket of snow. The scenery is spectacular, with the view of the Hiruzen Sanza mountains (three peaks more than 1,000 meters in elevation) visible from nearly anywhere in t...
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When Kyoto was modernizing, one of the casualties of the rapid expansion was the Keage area in Higashiyama. Historically used for transporting everything from produce to ship-building materials between Shiga and Kyoto, the area has recently become more famous for Nanzen-ji Temple and its art museum than its transportation links. A cherry blossom hotspotThe remnants of its former days are all around the area on the train tracks that have now fallen into disrepair. What is left of the train lines has become a popular photography spot, especially during the hanami (cherry blossom viewing) period ...
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Himeji Castle is always an obvious point of conversation when people discuss Himeji. But, if you’re looking for an adventure a little off the beaten path, pay a visit to Engyoji Temple on Mount Shosha. Mount Shosha isn’t a widely known mountain and generally doesn’t attract many travelers. This makes it an exceptionally peaceful location to enjoy Japan’s lush nature and elaborate temple grounds. Visitors can leisurely view incredible fall foliage during the autumn season without the crowds. Engyoji TempleEngyoji Temple boasts over a thousand years of its legacy and is one of Japan’s best-kept ...
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The Magome-Tsumago or Nakasendo trail is an eight-kilometer hike that can be completed at a leisurely pace in under two hours. It starts in the town of Magome in Gifu Prefecture and crosses into Nagano Prefecture through an area known as the Kiso Valley. To see the hiking trail at its most scenic, spring and autumn are the best seasons to go. Magome is built in the hills above Nakatsugawa city and commands a gorgeous view of the city and farmlands. The trail is a patterned cobblestone path winds its way up through the town’s restored Edo-period promenade. The main street features an old water ...
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Karuizawa is a serene and upscale resort town in Nagano Prefecture. It’s accessible in just over an hour by bullet train from Tokyo, making it a perfect day trip destination. It has made a name for itself as a summer mountain resort town near the active volcano, Mount Asama, an image that came about for it in the late 1800s. Its main draw during summer is because its relatively high altitude makes it a cool escape from the overbearing heat of Tokyo and its surroundings. There’s a little bit of something for everyone in Karuizawa. While it is widely known for its upmarket and westernized atmosp...
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