VI
EN
Mount Moiwa, Hokkaido Prefecture
Mount Moiwa is one of several small, forested mountains southwest of downtown Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. The mountain is a popular tourist attraction known for its spectacular panoramic views of the entire city from its summit.
The view from the top of Moiwa is spectacular.
Mount Moiwa is very popular with Japanese locals and those who love remote areas. The best time to admire the scenery here is during the snowy season, when you step into the peaceful white landscape and fully enjoy the beauty of nature in the Land of the Rising Sun. Visitors can choose to travel to the summit of Moiwa by cable car to get a panoramic view of the mountain peak.
The beauty of Mount Moiwa when it's covered in snow.
Visitors can choose to travel by cable car to reach the summit of Moiwa.
Moiwa Mountain boasts a stunning nighttime view.
Moiwa's nighttime scenery is also stunning and expansive, welcoming visitors to explore. You can see the city lights of Sapporo, home to about two million people, and the mountains stretching into the distance.
Visitors can also visit Niseko Kanrosui, a natural spring that provides mineral-rich water in Moiwa. Kanrosui's water is formed from snow and rain falling from the mountaintop. For decades, the spring's water has seeped through layers of lava and volcanic ash from the mountain before flowing into underground streams.
Image of the Niseko Kanrosui natural mineral spring on Mount Moiwa.
Tokamachi City, Niigata Prefecture
Located two hours from Tokyo by bullet train, this place is a favorite among locals for its quintessential Japanese landscapes: snow-capped mountains, lush green rice paddies, and lakes that reflect the sky like mirrors.
Tokamachi is adorned with the green hues of lush green rice fields.
This place captivates visitors with its magnificent natural beauty.
Visitors coming here in winter also have the opportunity to participate in the region's most famous festival, the Tokamachi Snow Festival. The festival originated from the local people's belief in enjoying and overcoming the icy cold, as they understand the harsh beauty of winter. The city will be decorated with snow sculptures crafted by its residents, creating a unique impression you won't find anywhere else.
The Tokamachi Snow Festival attracts a large number of visitors who come to experience it.
When visiting Niigata, tourists can enjoy local specialties such as delicious uonuma koshihikari rice, hegisoba noodles, and Echigo beer. Don't forget to try the local sake and buy some high-quality kitchenware from Tsubame-Sanjo, one of Japan's largest craft centers, as souvenirs.
Hegisoba noodles, a signature dish of the Niigata region.
Kagurazaka neighborhood, Tokyo
This neighborhood holds significant historical value and is a worthwhile tourist attraction. Once a vibrant geisha district in Japanese history, it boasts a blend of ancient and modern aesthetics, with designs somewhat influenced by French architecture. It's an ideal place for an afternoon of shopping, dining, and strolling.
This neighborhood boasts a beautiful blend of old-world charm and modern design.
Kagurazaka means "hill of the gods," so religious festivals are an integral part of the local tourism identity. On the main street are Zenkokuji Temple and Akagi Jinja, a temple whose exterior was designed by one of Japan's most renowned architects, Kengo Kuma. In the summer, festival stalls and lanterns line the streets, creating a dazzling spectacle, and the entire neighborhood is filled with excitement for the bustling festival season, welcoming visitors.
The stalls attract many visitors during the festival season.
The neighborhood is home to many famous restaurants, some of which have received Michelin stars.
Zenkokuji Temple is a popular spiritual destination near this neighborhood.
In addition, there are many high-end dining options here, including Michelin-starred kaiseki (fancy cuisine) restaurants, allowing visitors to experience the finest aspects of Japanese cuisine.
These are some traditional Japanese dishes that tourists can enjoy when they visit.
This snack might drive matcha lovers crazy.
Jogashima Island, Kanagawa Prefecture
Jogashima is a beautiful Japanese island located south of popular tourist destinations like Kamakura and Enoshima, but it often goes unnoticed by visitors.
Walking along the rugged coastline, visitors can admire the spectacular ocean views, watching the waves crash against the rocks. You'll also encounter natural rock formations, resting cormorants, and the majestic view of Mount Fuji.
The island is usually quiet, but it becomes more vibrant between mid-January and February, when the park at the eastern end of the island is covered with golden daffodils.
Jogashima Island possesses a pristine, unspoiled beauty that is little known to the public.
Walking along the rugged rocks of the beautiful coastline, visitors can admire the vast and boundless ocean.
While strolling along the coast, visitors can admire the stunning views of Mount Fuji.
Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture
Located an hour northwest of Tokyo by bullet train, Takasaki is known as a friendly city with a rich history, making it an ideal stop to experience traditional Japanese culture.
This is also a famous spiritual city with many Buddhist temples and shrines. While in Takasaki, be sure to visit Daruma Shrine and attend the famous Doll Festival. Visitors can also visit the Echigo-Yuzawa ski slopes and the popular hot spring town of Kusatsu.
Takasaki is a city with a long history and rich cultural traditions in Japan.
This is also considered a famous pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
Traditional festivals in Takasaki that tourists can participate in and experience when visiting the city.
Kusatsu Hot Springs is also a must-see when visiting this city.
Visiting Takasaki, you'll be surprised to find that it's known as the "noodle city" of Japan, with a wide variety of traditional and modern Japanese noodle dishes, from ramen, udon, and sabo to Italian spaghetti, all of which are very popular here. Many restaurants use whole wheat flour from Gunma Prefecture to make their noodles. You should definitely try some of the city's famous noodle dishes.
Takasaki's famous ramen noodles.
Japan is a beautiful and attractive country that draws many tourists with its rich traditional culture, majestic nature, and modern civilization. Above are five destinations favored by Japanese people and recommended for foreign visitors when they come to Japan.
Here are some helpful tips for tourists traveling to Japan:
- Timing: For a perfect trip, you should choose a time that suits your preferences. The best time to visit Japan is in spring, when cherry blossoms are in full bloom, painting cities pink.
- Transportation: Japan has a very well-developed public transportation system; you can easily get around by train, Shinkansen bullet train, or bus.
- Language: Japanese is the official language in Japan; however, many people in tourist areas can communicate in English.
