Atmosphere

Atmosphere

A selection of photographs around "Atmosphere" in Japan.

Lush Rebun Island, Hokkaidos serene meadows, azure sea. Some hiking
Hokkaido

Rebun: The Flowered Floating Island

Frantically I put my foot down, driving along the incredible Route 106 (the last stretch of road to the north of Hokkaido) through a storm where the sky and the ocean are as one.

Some crowds
Full day for a quick visit (or overnight if you want to hike and see more of the island).
Aogashima: Japans Majestic Volcanic Island Haven Some hiking
Izu Islands

Aogashima: Double Volcano Island

Aogashima is a very mysterious island. Online, always the same photos taken from a helicopter, sometimes photoshopped. But what’s really hidden behind these lava walls?

Quiet
Full day minimum on Aogashima; realistically 1–2 days including weather/transport buffer (ferry/heli disruptions).
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)
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Haunting
Kumamoto

Kumamoto: Greenery and Limpid Water

Difficulty
Risk
Tranquil sunset at Oarai Isosaki Shrine in Japan, with iconic torii gate. Lively
Ibaraki

Oarai Shrine: Ocean Gateway

Oarai Shrine is also known as Kamiiso no Torii, the Gateway of the Sea God. It was established in 856 but rebuilt in 1690.

New Year Sunrise
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Enchanting illuminated rice fields in Japan with mesmerizing LED lights against the sea. Luminous
Ishikawa

Senmaida Rice Paddies in Shiroyone

Shiroyone Senmaida (白米の千枚田) has 1000 rice paddies in Shiroyone. Located on the Noto Peninsula, it's beautiful at night, with the lights on.

Winter Illumination
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Discover the raw beauty of Oshima Islands volcanic landscape with Mt. Miharas dramatic crater. Hard hike
Izu Islands

Oshima and its Black Desert

Oshima is the largest island in the Izu peninsula. It has an active volcano surrounded by black desert... the only desert in Japan!

Some crowds
Full day (plan 6–9 hours). The crater loop is relatively quick, but crossing/looping around the black desert can take much longer than expected and can make you miss the last boat.
Tranquil Japanese alleyway at night with historic architecture, lush greenery, and a red bicycle. Off the map
Japan

16 Best Abandoned Places in Japan 2014

Here are my best 16 explorations of abandoned places in Japan in 2014.

Difficulty
Risk
Unexpected Encounter: Moai statues from Easter Island in Hokkaido, Japan, creating a captivating contrast. Easy walk
Autumn

Makomanai Takino Cemetery

One day, or maybe one night, near a cemetery, I fell asleep ...

Some crowds
2–3 hours (half-day if you also want to see the Buddha head/Stonehenge replica and take photos leisurely)
Mount Shirane Easy walk
Autumn

Mount Shirane

After visiting the wonderful Yumi-ike Pond, it’s time to go to the Mount Shirane.

Busy
Half day (3–6 hours) if focusing on the crater viewpoint and short walks; full day if combining nearby ponds (e.g., Maruike Pond) and sunset views.
Tranquil coastal beauty with lone tree, sandy beach, turquoise waters, and red structures in Tori-Plage. Some hiking
Chubu

One Day in Izu Peninsula

In summer, the Izu Peninsula is ideal to spend a refreshing week-end. Located a hundred kilometers away from Tokyo, I strongly suggest to rent a car to enjoy the fabulous seaside.

Busy
Full day for a highlights loop (beach + waterfalls + Shaboten Park/Mt. Omuro). A half day works if you pick just one area (e.g., Shimoda/Shirahama only or Kawazu waterfalls only).
Imposing war memorial tower against sunset skyline. Lively
Kansai

Osaka Great Peace Tower

This oddly designed tower is a cenotaph, in other words a funerary monument that doesn’t contain human remains but was erected in memory of a person, or group of people.

Fireworks Festival
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