All Seasons

All Seasons

Places to visit any time of year

Izuhara Some hiking
Kyushu

Tsushima Island: Beyond Ghost of Tsushima

Tsushima. The name alone evokes images of history and mystery, especially for fans of samurai and breathtaking scenery.

Quiet
2 days (good for a short getaway); minimum 1 full day if rushing
Shishi Gongen Hard hike
Kyushu

Shishi Gongen: The Sanctuary of Skulls

Explore Shishi Gongen, the mysterious Skull Sanctuary in Usuki. Discover a unique temple where adventure and ancient tradition intertwine.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time for a slow, careful hike and the chain climb); full day if coming from Oita City and returning the same day
Dilapidated ropeway station overtaken by flourishing forest. Off the map
Kanto

The Abandoned Okutama Cable Car

Discover the haunting charm of the abandoned Okutama Ropeway in Tokyo—an atmospheric haikyo site where Japan’s past meets nature’s quiet reclamation.

Difficulty
Risk
Arimasutonbiru Easy walk
Tokyo

The Arimaston Building: A Handcrafted Corps Buzié

The Arimaston Building, a unique architectural masterpiece in Tokyo, erected by Keisuke Oka with patience and passion over nearly 20 years.

Quiet
30–60 minutes (quick stop for photos); up to 1–2 hours if you want to explore the area and look for details
Scenic Wooden Dock on Tranquil Mountain Lake, Japan Easy walk
Okayama

Manabe-shima: Florian Chavouet’s Island

Manabe-shima, an original little island in the heart of Seto Inland Sea, is also known for its gangs of cats!

Quiet
Full day (or overnight if you want a slower island walk and photo time)
Tranquil Buddha Sculpture Garden, Hanibe Caves, Japan Easy walk
Urban Exploration

The Terrifying Hanibe Caves

The Hanibe Caves harbour some mysterious creatures ... enter if you dare!

Quiet
2–3 hours (half day if you linger, take photos, and walk up to the hilltop reclining Buddha)
Coastal Serenity: Ouo Shrines Iconic Floating Torii Gates Serene
Kyushu

Floating Torii of Ōuo Shrine

Come and discover the submerged torii of the "big fish shrine" and the legend of the corrupt official.

Lantern Festival
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Weathered Urban Alleys Industrial Remnants Easy walk
Gifu

In the Maze of Kinkotsu Meguri

Stroll through this district of sprawling alleyways ... at your own risk!

Quiet
2–3 hours (up to half day if you want to wander slowly and take photos)
Overgrown Abandoned Smallpox Isolation Ward Sanctuary Haunting
Chubu

Abandoned Smallpox Isolation Ward

Visit to an abandoned hospital for tuberculosis patients, cited as classic Japanese urbex.

Difficulty
Risk
Coastal medieval castle aerial view Off the map
Kochi

Château Sampo: A Medieval Castle in Japan ?

This mysterious Spanish-insired medieval castle is thought to be haunted ...

Difficulty
Risk
Octagon Tunnel Off the map
Kumamoto

The Mysterious Octagon Tunnel

Concealed in the heart of the Kumamoto mountain range is a mysterious tunnel with a rather unusual shape. Visit this "door to another dimension" ...

Difficulty
Risk
Picturesque Japanese village street, wooden buildings, mountains Gentle
Kyushu

Okawachiyama: Pottery Village

The little village of Okawachiyama, in the remote mountains of Saga prefecture, was one of the cradles of Japanese ceramics. Founded by a samurai clan, its manufacturing secrets were well guarded!

Wind Chime Festival
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