Travel

Tourists strive to pack as many activities as they can into each day of their trip by planning ahead with packed agendas. However, occasionally we forget to sit down, take a deep breath, and appreciate our surroundings since our lives are already so hectic. That is the essence of Japan. We don’t realize how beautiful nature is until we pause and give it some thought. Japan has breathtaking scenery as well as charming towns; it’s the ideal place to take a moment to appreciate nature.

1. Shosenkyo Gorge

If you want to take “the scenic route” to a whole new level, stop and admire the views of Shosenkyo Gorge. Located in the Yamanashi Prefecture, the gorge features a hiking trail that takes you through vibrant plants and rock formations that resemble Mt. Fuji and other figures. Speaking of the mountain, you can get a spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and the Southern Japan Alps should you take the ropeway.

To get there, you can go to Kofu Station, a 90-minute ride from Shinjuku Station. From Kofu Station, the rest of the trip is a 40-minute bus ride.

• Lake Ashinoko

Lake Ashinoko, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a walk not to be missed. Mt. Fuji towers over the surrounding view and its reflection fills the caldera lake. Coupled with the Hakone Shrine, the scenery is staggering. Few sights in the world are as breathtaking. You can also go for a ride on one of the pirate ships run by Hakone Sightseeing Boats or on swan paddle boats that are available for hire.

From Tokyo, Lake Ashinoko can be reached via the Romancecar train from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station. From there, take a 35-minute bus ride to Motohakone-ko station.

• Nagatoro

This small town in Saitama Prefecture is a gem waiting to be discovered. Its rich history is nestled in between mountains and trees. Taking a boat ride down the Arakawa River and riding down through the Nagatoro Gorge can soothe any soul, but there are also more intense river rafting rides for those looking for a thrill. Nagatoro is a town designed for outdoor activities and has something for everyone!

Nagatoro can be reached by car through the Kan-Etsu Expressway, or by train through the Chichibu Railway to Nagatoro station, both ways taking around an hour and a half.

• Mt. Horaiji

If you are in the mood for soul-searching, look for the towering Mt. Horaiji. It envelops a forest and lets you experience colors that seem hand-picked by a landscape artist. Found in the Aichi Prefecture, this mountain mixes nature and spirituality, perfect for an introspective walk filled with facts about history and Japanese religion. Only a mountain this majestic can remind us that life is bigger than the things we do and that the beauty of the natural world is unmatched. Horaiji Temple located on the mountain was built in 703 and is believed to have curative powers.

Get to Mt. Horaiji by local bus from Hon-Nagashino Station, or by shinkansen from Nagoya Station to Toyohashi Station, transferring to the JR Iida Line to Hon-Nagashino Station.

• Nunobiki Falls

Nunobiki Falls may be reached by using a meandering path that winds beyond Shin-Kobe Station, passing a few homes and an odd local. One of the most well-known waterfalls in Japan; the trek is worthwhile because of the vista from the top. There are several informative signs in English and a herb garden, making it a serene location. The Kobe Nunobiki Ropeway can be used to reach the top of the waterfall and provide an unparalleled perspective of the surrounding vegetation. The location offers a distinctive opportunity to experience peace with nature because it is remote from the typical bustle of Japan.

You may travel from Osaka to Shin-Kobe Station in about 12 minutes by taking the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen. The falls are 20 minutes’ trek away from there.

Even if racing through urban jungles on vacation is exciting, there are moments when all we need to do is pause and take in the beauty. For those who take the time to search, Japan is blessed with a plethora of natural beauties. Anyone can create amazing memories and capture amazing photos with a little preparation, a talent for scrutiny, and a sense of adventure. To truly enjoy nature, one must seek it out, and in Japan, the land of boundless discovery, there is always more to see.

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Why not try something different and enjoy the Japanese plum blossoms, or “ume” as the Japanese refer to them, while everyone else is admiring the cherry blossoms? These reddish-pink and white blossoms, which bloom from mid-February to early March, represent perseverance and rejuvenation and mark the arrival of spring. When you travel at this time of year, you can avoid the masses that congregate for the cherry blossom season.

The following are some of the top locations to view the plum blossoms:

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, Kyoto

The Kitano Tenmangu shrine has been known for its plum blossoms for hundreds of years. There are over 50 varieties of and around 1,500 plum blossom trees planted in the area marking the beginning of spring in Kyoto.. Every year on February 25th, Kitano Tenmangu hosts the “Baikasai” or the Plum Blossom Festival.

The easiest way to get to Kitano Tenmangu is by bus. From Kyoto Station, take the Kyoto City bus 50 or 101 and get off at the Kitano Tenmangu-mae stop.

Kairakuen, Mito

Mito is famous for its plum blooms that there is a festival held  from late February to late March at the Kairakuen Garden to celebrate their arrival. People come from all over to see the beautiful landscape light up with pink and white flowers. There are thousands of plum trees in the Kairakuen Garden with over 100 varieties of plum.

To get to Mito, take the JR Joban Line from Shinagawa, Tokyo, or Ueno Station to Mito Station. From there, it’s a 30-minute walk along the edge of Lake Senba to Kairakuen Garden.

Yushima Tenjin Shrine, Tokyo

One of Tokyo’s most well-liked late-winter festivities, the 67th Yushima Tenjin Ume Matsuri (Plum Blossom Festival) is happening this year from February 8 to March 8. With its 300 plum blossom trees, the Yushima Tenjin Shrine garden is a peaceful haven in the hectic city. There are well-kept gardens, red bridges, and a general feeling of happiness.

The Yushima Tenjin shrine is next to Ueno Park and can be reached by foot in two minutes from Yushima Station’s Exit 3 on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line.

A key component of Japanese springtime are the exquisite plum blossom tree blossoms. As the flower of renewal, plum blossoms are cherished for their longevity and beauty in Japan, and seeing one will definitely pique your curiosity about the country!

You can visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/) for more downloadable images and videos of Japan’s stunning and fascinating tourist destinations for use in media.

In the winter, Japan is a lovely place. Some of the greatest places to visit when the weather cools off are revealed! Despite its reputation for having superb snow, Japan is a place of boundless discovery with a plethora of other things to see and do. Check out some other possibilities for the snow enthusiast who isn’t into skiing or snowboarding if you want to avoid the slopes.

Rejuvenate Your Body In an Onsen

Winter is the ideal season to visit onsens, which are open year-round and offer the opportunity to soak in mineral waters that relax muscles and improve blood flow. These onsens are a great spot to unwind and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that is only visible in the winter.

Take Hyogo Prefecture’s historic hot spring resort, Kinosaki Onsen. In the winter, the entire town is illuminated. Put on a yukata, explore the town, then stop by one of the seven public bathhouses that are open to tattoo artists.

Kinosaki is on the San’in Main Line on the JR railway and is accessible from Osaka and Kyoto. It’s definitely worth a visit!

Watch The Snow Monkeys Play

When the winter gets cold, even the monkeys hit the onsen! Japanese Macaques or “Snow Monkeys” are a highlight of the Japanese winter season. Watch them bathe and frolic in the snowy forest at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture.

The monkeys visit the park year-round and can be seen soaking in the hot springs in winter. December to March is usually the best time to witness them bathing. To get there, buses run to Kanbayashi Onsen near the trail leading into the park from many popular destinations around the prefecture. From Kanbayashi Onsen, it’s a 25 to 40-minute walk to the Snow Monkey Park. Alternatively, if you’re coming via train or bus, you may also disembark at the Snow Monkey Park bus stop and walk 35 minutes to the park. Be advised that visitors are prohibited from touching or feeding the wildlife.

Check Out The Sapporo Snow Festival

One of the most famous events in Japan is the Sapporo Snow Festival. Every year in early February, about 400 giant ice sculptures draw crowds from all over the world.

Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and has its own international airport so it’s easy to get to as well as being one of the most popular destinations in Japan. Take in the sights and stunning illuminations while enjoying the local beer! It’s worth a trip.

See The Snow Monsters of Zao

Mt. Zao is known for its ski resort but also for the unique formations that turn the mountain trees into “Snow Monsters” or “Juhyo”. In the winter, these fir trees get covered in ice and turn into towering pillars of snow. This phenomenon is rare and Mt. Zao is one of the few places in the world where conditions allow for it.

Zao Onsen Ski Resort is located in the mountains of Yamagata Prefecture and is accessible by bus from Yamagata Station.

Go Ice Fishing on Lake Gando

Nestled in Iwate Prefecture is Lake Gando. It’s called “the coldest place in Honshu”! From mid-January to late March, you can rent some gear and try your hand at ice fishing for smelt. Once you’ve caught enough, you can ask the rest house to fry it up for you tempura style.

The Tohoku Shinkansen runs service between Morioka and Tokyo, so getting to Iwate prefecture is easy. Once you’re there, the lake is about an hour from Morioka Station. You can rent fishing gear at the Gandoko Rest House.

An amazing destination to visit in the winter is Japan. There are tons of interesting activities and experiences that you shouldn’t pass up! It’s fantastic how the many lit-up, picture-perfect cities contrast with the austere beauty of the surrounding countryside! Japan has a plethora of things to explore in the winter. These are only a few suggestions!

You can visit the Japan Online Media Center (JOMC) (http://business.jnto.go.jp/) for more downloadable images and videos of Japan’s stunning and fascinating tourist destinations for use in media.