Japan

Japan

Natadera Temple: Serene Japanese Shrine Amidst Verdant Landscape Easy walk
Ishikawa

Natadera Temple

Natadera Temple, in the suburb of Komatsu (Ishikawa prefecture) a few kilometres from Kanazawa city, belongs to the Shingon Buddhist sect.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site, longer if combining with Komatsu/Kanazawa sightseeing)
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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Inamura Rock: Majestic autumn landscape with vibrant foliage and peaceful village in Japan. Some hiking
Autumn

Nippara: Where The Samurai Came To Find Peace

Chance discoveries are often the most amazing. It was on the road to Nippara limestone caves that I found this village of little interest yet total surprise.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if you plan a longer nature walk and photo stops)
Shishijima Some hiking
Kagawa

Shishijima: Island of the Goat (or of the 19 Residents)

It’s early. I call on my host: couldn’t you recommend an island around here for my morning constitutional? Of course, he told me. So join my mate on his boat down there. He’ll take you to his place! On Goat Island! You’ve a deal there, I miaow readily, whiskers quivering with excitement.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if hiking to the Okusu camphor tree and wandering the abandoned villages)
Abandoned Hachijo Royal: Japans Haunting Luxury Hotel Relic Haunting
Izu Islands

Hachijo Royal Hotel: The Largest Abandoned Resort in Japan

It’s 300 kilometres from Tokyo, but that's where I meet up with my pal Martin for new adventures ... on a deserted island, in a forgotten hotel ...

Difficulty
Risk
Mesmerizing Otsu Beach Winter Seascape Luminous
Hokkaido

Otsu: The Beach of Ice Jewels

Jewelry Ice is a completely unique phenomenon that can be observed on Otsu Beach, in the town of Toyokoro, Hokkaido. In winter, the Tokachi River, which flows near this fishing village, freezes under the region's extremely cold temperatures.

Jewelry Ice Peak
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Aerial Mandala-like Vegetation Formation in Japan Some hiking
Japan

The Mysterious Forest Circles of Miyazaki

I didn’t happen across these strange circles of trees while soaring over the Japanese landscape but, like many curious folk, I found them on social networks. As these always show the same photos, I decided to check them out with my very own aerial sensors.

Quiet
Half day (allow extra time if combining with Nichinan/Obi sightseeing); the walk itself is roughly 30 minutes each way plus viewing time.
Quaint Japanese mountain village alleyway, traditional architecture Easy walk
Chubu

Tsutsuishi: Where fine days dissolve in smiles

One beautiful summer morning, I head for Tsutsuishi on the local train.

Quiet
Half day (about 3–5 hours) including travel from Itoigawa; 1–2 hours if already nearby and just exploring the station, village lane, and sea-front huts.
Historic Japanese town Takeharas traditional architecture. Easy walk
Autumn

Takehara : Staggering between the whisky and the sake

When I arrived in Takehara one evening, I was expecting a little village wedged between a calm, silky sea on one side and mountains verdant with bamboo on the other.

Quiet
Half day (3–5 hours) for the old town stroll + drinks; full day if adding seaside/sunset viewing and brewery/whisky-related stops