Summer

Summer

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

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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Rishiri Islands Volcanic Majesty: Towering Peaks, Serene Lakes Hard hike
Hokkaido

Rishiri Island

This wild island with its rich and protected fauna and flora is a nature lovers’ paradise. Guided tour available.

Quiet
Full day at minimum; 2–3 days recommended if you want hiking (e.g., Mount Rishiri) and to explore multiple viewpoints/trails.
Quaint Canadian village replica, rural Japan Nostalgic
Hokkaido

Nostalgia for Canada at Hokkaido

Welcome to a Canadian ghost town in the heart of Hokkaido. Formerly a theme park reproducing the fictional village of Avonlea, Anne of Green Gables has long gone.

Difficulty
Risk
Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine Some hiking
Kumamoto

The Incredible Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

At the foot of Mount Aso stands a small shrine with a mystical atmosphere, lost in the middle of a cypress forest. Take the path with stone torii gates and discover this timeless place.

Some crowds
Half day (about 2–4 hours on site including the climb and visit to Ugetoiwa)
Aerial view lush green soybean hills landscape Easy walk
Hokkaido

The Lovely Soya Hills

This pristine white path not far from Wakkanai is a popular destination. Let’s discover an unusual landscape.

Quiet
Half day (about 3–5 hours) for the hills and the 3 km White Path walk; full day if traveling from/returning to Wakkanai or combining with Cape Soya sights
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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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)