Japan

Japan

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
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Aragi Island Rice Fields Luminous
Summer

Aragijima : The Island of Rice Paddies

Winter Illumination
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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).
Explore Aokigahara: Haunting Beauty & Silence at Mount Fuji - A Unique Experience. Easy walk
Summer

Japan’s Suicide Forest: Aokigahara

Aokigahara, known as Japan’s suicide forest, is a unique place in other ways. Silent, no wildlife in sight, magnificent trees and shrubs, and really easy to lose yourself in.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for forest walks + one or two lava caves; full day if combining multiple caves/trails around Fuji Five Lakes
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 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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Coastal sanctuary with 123 red torii gates along the Japan Sea, Motonosumi Inari Shrine. Easy walk
Summer

Motonosumi Inari Shrine

Motonosumi Inari Shrine is located in western Japan, far from the rest of the world. The nearest city, 80 kilometres away, is Yamaguchi. Never heard of it?

Some crowds
Half day (2–4 hours on-site plus extra time for driving/transfers); longer if visiting for sunset and allowing for parking/traffic.