waterfall

Decaying Opulence: Remnants of Forgotten Grandeur

Off the map

Hokkaido

Gluck Kingdom: An Abandoned Amusement Park on a German Theme

Gluck Kingdom is a theme park based on the Grimm Brothers’ fairytales. Opened 1 July 1989 in the small Hokkaido town of Obihiro, it closed its doors in 2007.

Difficulty

Risk

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 Nomizo Waterfall and Cave in Chiba, Japan: A breathtaking natural wonder.

Easy walk

Chiba

Nomizo Falls: The Heart of Light

6.30am and Nomizo is quick to reveal itself. Little by little, a streak of light is emerging. Pretty impressive.

Busy

2–3 hours (half-day trip from Tokyo, especially if visiting at sunrise)

Haunting

Kumamoto

Kumamoto: Greenery and Limpid Water

Difficulty

Risk

Vibrant

Autumn

Nikko : Beautiful Waterfalls in Autumn

Do you like, sweet waterfalls and breathtaking landscapes? Then Nikkō is not only the perfect place but it is also not very far from Tokyo.

Autumn Foliage

JFMAMJJASOND

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).