Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo （All）

Hokkaido Asahiyama Zoo Asahiyama Zoo, located in Asahikawa City, Hokkaido, Japan, is an astonishing zoo renowned for its exceptional animal exhibits and beautiful natural surroundings. Founded in 1954, the zoo covers an expansive 120 hectares and is nestled in the breathtaking Asahiyama mountain range. Asahiyama Zoo is celebrated for its extensive and diverse range of animals, including polar creatures like polar bears and penguins, African savannah animals such as giraffes and lions, as well as a variety of local and international species. Visitors can observe these animals up close, providing opportunities for intimate encounters. The zoo is dedicated to animal…

The Sapporo Clock Tower in Hokkaido（All）

The Sapporo Clock Tower in Hokkaido The Sapporo Clock Tower is a historic structure located in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan, and stands as one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1878, this wooden clock tower showcases a unique American colonial architectural style, leaving behind a precious relic from the early development of Sapporo. Rising to a height of 47 meters, the clock tower houses exhibits and materials related to the history of Sapporo and Hokkaido. Most notably, it features a grand clock, whose chimes were once an important guide in the lives of city residents, ringing…

The Otaru Canal in Hokkaido（All）

The Otaru Canal in Hokkaido The Otaru Canal, situated in the city of Otaru in Hokkaido, Japan, is a historically significant and picturesque waterway that embodies the rich heritage and modern charm of the city. Originally dug in 1923, the canal once served as a primary cargo route, transporting coal and other goods. However, over time, it has transformed into a unique tourist destination. The Otaru Canal is renowned for its well-preserved European-style architecture and beautiful evening illumination. The historic buildings along its banks have been meticulously maintained, with many now serving as shops, cafes, and restaurants that attract tourists…

Noboribetsu Hell Valley in Hokkaido （All）

Noboribetsu Hell Valley in Hokkaido Noboribetsu Hell Valley, located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, is a natural wonder and one of the most renowned attractions in the region. This valley is a vast geothermal area defined by erupting sulfur and boiling mud springs, creating an impressively eerie and otherworldly landscape. The landscape of Hell Valley includes steaming blue ponds, sulfur vents, and bubbling mud springs, all of which present breathtaking sights. The geothermal activity here is ongoing throughout the four seasons, providing different vistas for visitors to appreciate year-round. Beyond the spectacular natural scenery, Hell Valley has onsen (hot spring) areas…

Biei River Onsen in Hokkaido （All）

Biei River Onsen in Hokkaido Biei River Onsen, situated in the tranquil countryside of Biei Town in Hokkaido, Japan, is a hidden gem of a hot spring resort celebrated for its captivating natural beauty and serene ambiance. This hot spring area is renowned for its rejuvenating hot springs, picturesque rural landscapes, and peaceful atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains and lush farmland, Biei River Onsen offers visitors magnificent mountain views and vast meadows, each with its own unique charm throughout the changing seasons. In winter, the snow-covered landscapes resemble a fairytale world, while summer brings lush countryside scenery. The hot springs are…

Shitennoji Temple （All）

Shitennoji Temple Shitennoji ( Shitennōji) is one of Japan’s oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple’s buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design. The outer temple grounds are free to enter, but admission to the inner precinct, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house is paid. In the pebble-covered courtyard of the inner precinct stand a five-storied pagoda that can be entered and…

Kema Sakuranomiya Park（Spring）

Kema Sakuranomiya Park Kema Sakuranomiya Park, located in Osaka, Japan, is a picturesque urban oasis renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms and scenic landscapes along the Okawa River. Spanning approximately four kilometers, the park is a prime destination during the cherry blossom season, attracting locals and tourists alike. The park features thousands of cherry trees, creating a breathtaking canopy of pink and white blossoms in spring. The idyllic riverside setting enhances the viewing experience, offering a tranquil atmosphere for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) picnics and strolls. Boasting a mix of Somei Yoshino and other cherry tree varieties, the park extends…

Osaka Expo ’70 Park（All）

Osaka Expo ’70 Park Osaka Expo ’70 Park, officially named Banpaku Kinen Koen (Expo Commemoration Park), is a sprawling recreational area in Suita, Osaka, Japan. Established in commemoration of the 1970 World Exposition held in Osaka, the park covers a vast expanse of greenery and diverse attractions. The park’s centerpiece is the iconic Tower of the Sun, a symbol of the Expo ’70 and a futuristic sculpture designed by renowned artist Taro Okamoto. The expansive grounds offer a variety of recreational spaces, including vast lawns, jogging paths, and serene ponds. Seasonal flower displays, including cherry blossoms in spring, enhance the…

Minoo Park

Minoo Park Minoo Park, situated just north of Osaka, Japan, is a scenic natural retreat known for its lush landscapes, hiking trails, and the iconic Minoo Waterfall. The park offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle, with dense forests, winding paths, and the soothing sound of flowing water. One of the park’s highlights is the picturesque Minoo Waterfall, which stands at a height of 33 meters. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk along a well-maintained trail leading to the waterfall, surrounded by greenery and occasionally encountering wild monkeys. Renowned for its seasonal beauty, Minoo Park is particularly popular during…

Sumiyoshi Taisha（all）

Sumiyoshi Taisha Sumiyoshi Taisha, located in Osaka, Japan, is one of the country’s oldest and most esteemed Shinto shrines. Founded in the 3rd century, it stands as a testament to Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. Characterized by its unique architectural style called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, the main shrine buildings lack a veranda, presenting a distinctive and ancient aesthetic. The shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities, and it is revered as a guardian of sea travelers and fishermen. Visitors approach the main hall via a series of arched bridges, symbolizing the crossing from the mundane to the sacred. The picturesque setting,…

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan（All）

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a world-renowned aquarium located in the Tempozan Hot Springs area of Osaka, Japan. Not only is this aquarium one of the largest in Asia, but it is also famous for its exceptional displays and diverse marine life. The most prominent feature of the aquarium is its awe-inspiring aquatic tanks, with the most remarkable being a massive tank reaching a height of 9 meters. It replicates the ecosystem of the deep Pacific Ocean, featuring sharks, sea turtles, and various coral species. Additionally, the aquarium has multiple exhibition zones showcasing marine life from…

Mount Rokko （all）

Mount Rokko Mount Rokko ( Rokkōsan, 931 meters) is the highest peak in the Rokko mountain range, which provides the pleasant green backdrop to the city of Kobe. Panoramic views of the heavily urbanized Hanshin region (Kobe and Osaka) can be enjoyed from the mountain and are particularly spectacular around sunset. Various small tourist attractions can be found on Mount Rokko, including a botanical garden, a music box museum, a pasture with flowers and sheep, Japan’s first golf course and Rokko Garden Terrace, a tourist complex with a few restaurants, shops and an observation deck. A circular bus line (running…