Summer

Summer

Chasing salt air and cicadas, we slip off the map; lava islands, rice-paddy terraces, and sunlit shrines.

Meandering Country Road Landscape View Photogenic
Hokkaido

Roller Coaster Road: Diving into the Heart of Lavender Fields

Located on the island of Hokkaido between Biei and Furano, the "roller‑coaster road" stretches for 4.5 km.

Lavender Bloom
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Vibrant lavender sunflower panorama Tomita Farm.
Hokkaido

Tomita Farm: Cascades of Colour

Tomita flower farm is one of the most photogenic places in Hokkaido, particularly well-known for its vast tracts of lavender. A hundred varieties of colourful flowers extend across gentle slopes as far as the eye can see. A unique floral palette that’s worth a detour!

Enchanting Emerald Forest Haven Easy walk
Chubu

Shirakoma Forest: Magical Moss Wonderland

A mystical virgin woodland with 500 moss species, ancient trees, and the legend of the White Horse Pond.

Some crowds
Half day (3–5 hours) for a loop walk and moss-viewing stops; Full day if combining with nearby Yatsugatake-area sightseeing
Shikinejimas Idyllic Cliffs and Turquoise Coves Some hiking
Summer

Shikinejima: Wild Onsen and Heavenly Beaches

From heavenly beaches to wild nature and hot springs, come and discover the hidden beauties of Shikinejima.

Some crowds
Full day (overnight recommended if coming from Tokyo by boat and to match tide times for onsen)
Scenic coastal hiking trail on Hachijojima volcanic island Some hiking
Izu Islands

Hachijo-jima: Island of Fallen Samurai

Hachijo-jima, though lying in the Pacific Ocean over 280 km from Tokyo, belongs to the Japanese capital. Visit this land redolent with history …

Quiet
Full day for main highlights; ideally 1–2 nights to hike Mount Hachijo-Fuji and visit hot springs without rushing.
Coastal Serenity: Ouo Shrines Iconic Floating Torii Gates Serene
Kyushu

Floating Torii of Ōuo Shrine

Come and discover the submerged torii of the "big fish shrine" and the legend of the corrupt official.

Lantern Festival
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Lush tropical coastal paradise view Some hiking
Summer

Ogasawara: Tokyo’s Tropical Islands

The Ogasawara Islands, protected from mass tourism, offer an unforgettable journey to reveal incredible landscapes!

Quiet
Multi-day trip overall (because of the long ferry); allow at least 3–4 days for Chichijima highlights, with a half-day to full-day for a Minamijima boat excursion and/or a Heart Rock hike (with guide).
Tranquil ancient forest path, stone staircase Easy walk
Japan

Momiyama Shrine’s Millennial Tree

Not far from Nagayu hot springs is a wonderful hidden shrine, as in a Ghibli movie. Guided tour.

Quiet
2–3 hours (half-day if combining with nearby hot springs or countryside sightseeing)
Primrose Wildflowers Carpet Forest Spring Scene Ethereal
Spring

Senjugahama: Primroses of Nikko

The peaceful beach of Senjugahama, an oasis of fresh greenery, welcomes a colourful display of primroses as spring draws to a close …

Primrose Bloom
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