Summer

Summer

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

Intricately carved multi-armed wooden deity statue at Japanese shrine Easy walk
Kyushu

The Strange Stone Sculptures of Takanabe Daishi

Located on the north coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the small town of Takanabe is home to an unusual collection of stone sculptures.

Some crowds
2–3 hours (allow half a day if combining with the nearby Mochida tumuli)
Hagi
Chugoku

Hagi, the Calm Before Meiji

An old castle town on the Sea of Japan: empty lanes, white walls, and citrus in the samurai gardens, in the place where Japan tipped into the Meiji era.

Colorful Japanese cosplay at vibrant Tokyo festival - culture, creativity in Kanto.
Japan

Comiket: A Day at the World’s Biggest Manga Fair

Comiket is the world's largest doujinshi fair: half a million fans, twice a year, at Tokyo Big Sight. What it is, the next dates, and how to actually go.

Scenic Coastal Village Nestled in Lush Landscape Nostalgic
Ehime

Sotodomari Ishigaki-no-sato: Village of Outsiders

A scenic coastal village nestled in a lush landscape, home to outsiders and rich in character.

Hina Festival
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Sunrise at Unkai Terrace above a sea of clouds, misty valleys, and hillside greenery Ethereal
Hokkaido

Walking on the Clouds in Hokkaido!

Discover the Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido: a unique experience where you float above a sea of clouds colored by the rising sun.

Sea of Clouds
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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)