Jordy Meow

Jordy Meow

Eerie abandoned Japanese amusement park, haunting urban decay. Off the map
Japan

Best Abandoned Places in Japan (2017–2018)

"Jordy, did you give up the haikyo?" Here’s my answer, distilled into a new Best Of covering the past two years.

Difficulty
Risk
Discover Super-Kamiokande: Neutrino Observatory Marvel in Kamioka. Off the map
Gifu

Super-Kamiokande: The Neutrino Detector

Located in the cool depths of a mine, in the heartlands of central Japan, the design of this neutrino detector is mind-boggling.

Difficulty
Risk
Nishinoshima (Oki Islands) Some hiking
Interview

Oki Islands: Nishinoshima

Quiet
Overnight (1 night) recommended; can be a long day trip if connections line up
Replica of Satsuki and Meis house from My Neighbor Totoro at Worlds Fair in Nagoya. Easy walk
Aichi

Totoro, Totoro! Satsuki and Mei’s house

Welcome to Satsuki and Mei's house, in Aichi. This is the only reconstitution based on My Neighbor Totoro.

Busy
About 30 minutes inside the house (timed entry); plan 2–3 hours total including park walking and transit within the park area
Enchanting winter scene of Ginzan Onsen in Japanese Alps - serene and magical ambiance. Frosty
Winter

Ginzan Onsen : Silver Mine Hot Springs

Ginzan Onsen takes you back to the Taisho Era, warming your toes in an ashiyu – a piping-hot footbath – while enjoying an idyllic view of falling snow.

Snow Season
JFMAMJJASOND
Aragi Island Rice Fields Luminous
Summer

Aragijima : The Island of Rice Paddies

Winter Illumination
JFMAMJJASOND
Subterranean flood water diversion channel with towering concrete columns and dramatic lighting. Some hiking
Saitama

G-Cans : Japan’s Underground Temple

Some crowds
Half day (tour itself is very short; only ~10 minutes inside the main tank, but include travel time and pre-tour video/exhibition).
Captivating rock sculptures resembling human forms in Habushiura Natural Park. Easy walk
Izu Islands

Niijima: The Island of Lava Cascades

Some crowds
Full day for the main viewpoints + sights (or 1–2 days if pairing with nearby Shikinejima)
Enchanting Graceful Beauty Forest: Elegant trees, warm sunlight, inviting exploration of majestic natural beauty. Easy walk
Autumn

Bijin Bayashi: The Forest of Pretty Women

Where are these pretty women? In the forest of Bijin Bayashi! And they’re everywhere! Above, below, and all around you.

Some crowds
Morning visit / about 2–3 hours (the forest is compact; the ‘photo-spot game’ section can be done in ~20 minutes).