Ibusuki is a quaint onsen town tucked away at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula in the Kyushu region, making it a convenient day trip from Kagoshima City. The most interesting attraction here is sand bathing where you’ll be buried up to the neck in sand that is naturally heated by hot spring water underneath the beach.

Steam rising from volcanic sand in Ibusuki.

Sand bathing is intended to be relaxing, but it is also said to detoxify the body and refresh the skin. This makes it a popular beauty treatment with Japanese tourists, as well as a novel experience for foreign visitors. Several facilities dotting the town’s seafront offer sand baths.

How sand bathing works

Dressed in light yukata (lightweight cotton kimono), guests are invited to lie down on a secluded section of the beach. A small towel is wrapped around your head as a barrier between you and your pillow of sand, keeping your hair and face clean. Attentive staff members then proceed to cover you in the area’s distinctive hot, dark grey sand.

Photo by: m_sarai_i Close your eyes and relax.

It might feel strange at first, but the weight of the sand is surprisingly comfortable and the heat radiating up from below is incredibly relaxing. Lying in your sand cocoon and listening to the gentle ocean waves lapping at the shore just beyond your feet, you can feel your body melting into the beach. Close your eyes and it’s easy to find yourself dozing off.

…listening to the gentle ocean waves lapping at the shore just beyond your feet, you can feel your body melting into the beach.

After the first five minutes, the attendants offer to pile more sand on top of you. This gives you the option to increase both the weight and the temperature if you feel up to it.

The recommended time limit for sand bathing is 10 to 20 minutes. Afterward, you take a shower to rinse off the sand and then head into the hot springs inside for a double dose of relaxation.

In the area

Mt. Kaimon seen from Nagasakibana Cape in Ibusuki.

The sand baths are one draw to Ibusuki, but you can also enjoy souvenir shopping and visiting the Satsuma Denshokan Museum (Map). Mount Kaimon is about half an hour away by train, so if you want to really earn your relaxation time you could always get in a few hours of hiking first. While you’re in the area, don’t forget to try one of these local dishes from Kagoshima.

Visiting Mount Yoshino and the surrounding town is like visiting three places at once in Nara Prefecture. The Shimo Senbon (lower), Naka Senbon (middle), and Kami Senbon (upper) areas of the mountain each offer different attractions and things to see.

Mount Yoshino was designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 called “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.” It’s a rather leisurely hike with the mountain’s altitude at 350 meters.

The cherry blossoms on Mount Yoshio look especially spectacular at night when they are lit up!

Shimo Senbom is where most people coming from Yoshino Station arrive and has some of the most spectacular cherry blossoms of the whole mountain. This is the departure point for the ropeway that travels to the top of the mountain in case you aren’t up for hiking.

Other Cherry Blossom Spots around Nara and Osaka

Upward Mount Yoshino

Kami Senbom (upper area) is where the most common image of Mount Yoshino, as seen below, is usually shot. The best place to get this iconic snap is from a spot called Hanayagura. However, photography isn’t the only attraction as picnics can be enjoyed in the area’s many parks and simply walking around the natural terrain can lead to beautiful, isolated spots.

The iconic shot of Mount Yoshino and the surrounding area you’ve more than likely seen.

One of the best-kept secrets of Mount Yoshino is also here, the Oku Senbon area. This area has cherry blossoms that bloom later than the flowery wonders elsewhere due to the high altitude. This gives people who missed the peak season a second chance to see the spring blossoms.

While Yoshino can get crowded, especially at cherry blossom time, there are still plenty of lesser-known locations dotting the area, waiting to be discovered.

The southwestern Chugoku region is a peaceful depiction of traditional Japan that travelers rarely find in the big cities. Among its scenery is Yamaguchi Prefecture’s famous Kintaikyo Bridge, the main landmark of the area.

The bridge is located in Iwakuni, a prominent city down the coast from Hiroshima Prefecture. Tourists come from all over for the fascinating history, striking scenery and even the signature ice cream nearby, yet, you won’t feel overwhelmed by big crowds.

Kintaikyo Bridge at night.

The history of Kintaikyo Bridge

The arched wooden bridge’s iconic look is perhaps most famed as a picture-perfect spot in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. But the surrounding scenery of Kintaikyo Bridge is beautiful in all seasons, as you catch a glimpse of how the locals live in this lesser populated part of Japan.

Since 1673.

Originally built in 1673, the bridge was designed in a unique style of having five steep arches. These arches were made to represent western Honshu (Japan’s main island), as well as make it difficult for invading armies to cross the Nishigawa River. The bridge was unfortunately destroyed by a particularly harsh typhoon in 1950. It was rebuilt three years later using the same techniques and parts of the original bridge that were salvaged.

Things to see in spring and summer

Kintaikyo Bridge sees cherry blossom trees line both sides of the river in spring. The view is studded with pink petals stretching out before you, and at peak blossom typically in March to April, food stalls and entertainment pop up, too. It’s a real party.

More cherry blossom viewing spots around Hiroshima

Stop at these rival ice cream shops

Photo by: Alfie Blincowe Try all 100 flavors.

Once you cross the bridge, check out the ice cream shops that both claim to be the “original” and serve 100 different flavors. That makes choosing quite difficult!

This friendly rivalry has gone so far that they’ve nicknamed the shops after two rival samurai: Sasaki Kojiro and Miyamoto Musashi. These two feudal folk heroes’ entangled story is a mysterious one — even historians are not actually sure who won in the end. Either way, you can enjoy the Japanese obsession of funny flavors and try out ones like wasabi, sweet potato, tomato and more.

This area might not be the first place on your bucket list for Japan, but it offers a host of gorgeous sights, and of course, all the ice cream you can stand.

For a country that is synonymous with all things compact, the iconic Kamakura Daibutsu – nicknamed the Great Buddha – was no small feat to build back in the 13th century.

Drawing inspiration from the Nara Daibutsu housed at Todai-ji Temple, the Kamakura Buddha towers at a rivaling height of approximately 44 feet (roughly 13 meters) and weighs in at a whopping 93 tons.

But even bigger than its size was the unwavering devotion to construct, time and again, the image of the Enlightened One.

You can actually enter the giant Buddha statue. Photo by Rodrigo Fernandez.

Founder of the Kamakura Shogunate (the region’s governing samurai), Yoritomo Minamoto was also a patron for the religious arts and wanted to demonstrate his power by constructing an equally powerful image of the worshipped deity. To fulfill the warlord’s wishes of leaving a legacy after his death, the Kamakura Daibutsu was founded entirely on donations from Minamoto fans.

Finally cast in 1252, the statue was reconstructed three times until 1452. The Great Buddha has been serenely sitting in the lotus position on the grounds of the Kotoku-in Temple ever since.

Yoritomo Minamoto was also a patron for the religious arts and wanted to demonstrate his power by constructing an equally powerful image of the worshipped deity.

Another colossal monument on display at the temple is a pair of straw zori sandals made to fit the feet of the big Buddha. While donating straw sandals is a practice with a long-standing tradition, adorning oversized footwear (called waraji) is an expression of gratitude and prayer for safe travels. (And “lower-body health” back when feet were the only means of getting around.)

You can venture inside the hollow body of the statue for a relatively small fee. But beware that the statue interior can reach sweltering temperatures in the summertime.

Try a Great Buddha cake baked and sold around Kotoku-in temple.

Stop by Kotoku-in Temple’s souvenir shop to take home a pocket-sized souvenir of the Kamakura Daibutsu. Or follow your nose to the sweet scent of manju (a cake filled with red bean paste) baked in the image of the big man himself.

The healing power of Kusatsu Onsen is so treasured that Japan’s first, eighth and 10th shoguns had its thermal water shipped all the way to Tokyo so they could bathe in it. The revered hot spring area in Gunma Prefecture is located just two and a half hours from Tokyo by car.

Yubatake, a source of hot spring water for hotels around Kusatsu Onsen.

This hot spring mecca is one of Japan’s three most famous onsen towns along with Gero and Arima Onsen. Kusatsu owes its reputation to the immense quality and quantity of its healing spring water. The acidity is strong enough to kill bacteria on contact as well as treat inflammation.

White rocks on the mountaintop and the emerald green water of Lake Yugama feel otherworldly.

In Kusatsu, there’s a unique type of hot spring with water sourced from a hot crater lake called Lake Yugama. You’ll find it 1,2000 meters above sea level on top of Mount Shirane (also known as Mount Kusatsu-Shirane). It’s only 30 minutes away from the main tourist area by bus, so definitely add it to your itinerary.

Mount Kusatsu-Shirane.

With a moon-like scenery, the white rocks on the mountaintop and the emerald green water of Lake Yugama feel otherworldly. Yugama is also known to be one of the most acidic lakes in the world.

What's it like bathing in Kusatsu?

The heart and soul of Kusatsu

In the center of Kusatsu is the main area, Yubatake, which translates to English as “hot water field.” A source of hot spring waters for nearby hotels, Yubatake is a unique place where you can observe the sulphuric waters actually flowing down from Mount Shirane.

Photo by: Duke Yuin A yumomi performance where local women sing while stirring the scorching hot spring water.

The active volcano (which last erupted in 2018, after more than 30 years of inactivity) gives the water an extremely hot temperature of about 70 degrees Celsius. It’s impossible to take a bath at that temperature!

That’s why the locals of Kusatsu have developed a technique called yumomi. This describes the process of stirring bathwater using wide wooden planks in order to cool it down instead of adding cold water which would compromise its purity. You can observe this local tradition at Netsu-no-yu, a local onsen next to Yubatake.

Around Yubatake, you can also dip your toes in the public foot baths. Mingle with other tourists and locals as you soak your feet in the soothing hot water.

Photo by: Ruxandra Florea Warm those feet.

The best time to admire Yubatake onsen is during the evening. Once the sun sets, multicolored lights around the hot spring turn the scenery into something magical.

Japan is cute animal sanctuary central and what could possibly be cuter than a fox village? In the picturesque mountains of Miyagi prefecture you can watch, feed and take adorable pictures with six different breeds of Japanese foxes.

Once you arrive, stock up on cheap bags of fox food at the entrance and get your camera ready to capture some foxy hijinks.

You can pick up bags of fox food for around 100 yen at the entrance to the village.

The main part of the village works as a kind of open-air fox preserve where foxes roam freely outside. There are a few houses and play areas for the foxes but you can pretty much get away with pretending you’re the Lord of the Foxes in your own live-action fairy tale.

The foxes are wild so avoid trying to get too close to them without permission from the friendly staff. If you do desperately want to play or stroke one of the many fluffy inhabitants, they can set you up with a more docile member of the crew.

A special section is set aside for those who want to cuddle a sleepy fox, and let’s face it, who doesn’t?

This is obviously very popular, so make sure you give yourself enough time to line up before your coach or taxi leaves. If you don’t fancy getting comfy with the real thing, you can always purchase a range of fox plushies and souvenirs from the on-site shop.

Sadly, you can’t take a real one home.

Although accessible all year round, visiting in winter is highly recommended for the ethereal quality it adds to the village. Bring hiking boots (whatever the season) to make it easier to explore in the snow and protect you from the inevitable piles of fox poo.

Foxes get a pretty bad rep for being tricksters in many cultures but in Japan they’re also believed to be magical beings and messengers of Inari Okami, the Shinto deity of fertility, prosperity and rice. After an hour or two hanging out with these little guys you might just believe they’ve got a little magic in them too.

Built over 1,000 years ago, Yamadera Temple is one of northern Japan’s most picturesque spots and a must-visit destination in the Tohoku region.

The mountain temple

Make your way up the 1,000 steps.

Yamagata’s “mountain temple” as it translates to, can be best enjoyed during the winter when the nearby mountains are submerged in a sea of white, or during Autumn, when the area bursts into color. However, the temple is a photographer’s dream at any time of the year.

From Yamadera Station, it’s only a five-minute walk to reach the base of the temple, where you can begin your ascent. The quiet atmosphere makes Yamadera a spiritual escape.

Hiking Yamadera

The quiet pathway to the top of Yamadera Temple.

The ascent up the mountain’s 1,000 steps typically takes between 20 and 30 minutes. It’s not a difficult climb, but the journey through the forest is half the adventure. Eye-catching shrines and amusing statues placed carefully along the route compliment stone lanterns leading the way.

Along the path, you’ll see many temples and landmarks such as the Mida Hora stone carved walls, or the Niomon Gate standing a bit further away. At the very top of the hike is the Kaisando Hall which is dedicated to the temple founder, Jikaku Daishi.

Quite the view

The view from Yamadera Mountain Temple.

Once you arrive at Yamadera Temple midway up, the reward is a stunning view overlooking the Tachiya River, with its verdant mountains and vast neighboring valley.

Take the path on the right of Kaisando Hall, which will take you to the Godaido, an observatory deck with the best view of Yamagata City’s south valley.

On the way back, stop in at any of the souvenir shops lining the street from the temple to Yamadera Station for unique ice cream flavors like pineapple and cherry (which Yamagata is known for), a much-needed refreshment after your climb.

Dig Japanese history? Read more on where to find historic gems.

• Halloween 2019: Public drinking is now illegal in Shibuya on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1. Read more on GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/shibuya-to-ban-public-drinking-for-halloween-2019/

The traffic lights at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing change every two minutes to maintain the enormous flow of people and vehicles.

It’s pop-culture credentials don’t just cease there, Shibuya is the pulsating core of some of Japan’s most internationally renowned districts. Teenagers, couples and families can be spotted picnicking in the shade of nearby Yoyogi Park. Students decked out in the latest fashion trend file out of adjacent Harajuku. The older (and richer) make a quick getaway to the posh malls of Omotesando Avenue and healing calm of Meiji-jingu.

Shibuya is just a short walk from Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.

Park yourself outside the Hachiko Exit (named after the famously loyal Shiba-Inu that always met his owner at the station after work) on a Friday or Saturday night and you’re sure to witness the sheer power of Japan’s vibrant youth culture.

Partying in Shibuya

It used to be that Shibuya was the place to party on Halloween in Tokyo. Just grab a couple of cans from a nearby convenience store and revel in crowds of over 1 million people getting absolutely hammered in the street. Yes, in the street.

Seems like Jason has made some new friends.

Sadly, all good things come to an end—street drinking in Shibuya during Halloween has been banned since someone flipped over a truck and numerous fights broke out amidst the chaos in 2018. This is literally why we can’t have nice things.

If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

If hitting the club scene sounds like your jam though, the most youthful of Tokyo’s wards certainly has a nightlife to write home (or just y’know, a Twitter status) about. The giant disco ball in the center of Womb’s main dance floor coupled with the huge, multi-floored VISION are only two reasons why you could end up having your best night out evaaaa in Shibuya. If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

The Hachiko meeting point is the busiest in the city but somehow people always manage to find each other. Look out for the dog statue opposite the green tourist information bus.

Shibuya’s laid back side

As vigorous as Shibuya can be, there is an array of more laid-back food, sports and art culture well suited for any age or persuasion. Baseball and rugby enthusiasts will be overjoyed by the offerings from the Meiji Jingu and Chichibuomiya Rugby Stadiums.

Cultural hotspots such as the Bunkamura (a museum with outstanding art exhibitions), the New National Theatre Tokyo (or NNTT) or Konno Hachimangu Shrine (once home to the illustrious Shibuya family) will broaden the scope of your itinerary.

Grab a coffee at the Hachiko Starbucks overlooking Scramble Crossing.

Likewise, foodies will be able to gorge themselves on some of the most varied and delicious cuisine in Japan. For vegans, Nagi Shokudo combines seriously delicious food with fantastic magazines and reading material in English or Japanese.

For film freaks, make a pilgrimage to Gonpachi, the restaurant from Kill Bill. As the base of the hip and trendy, there are also coffee shops galore including the famous Starbucks whose second floor looks out over the world’s busiest crossing.

One thing’s for sure: you could stay in Shibuya for your entire stay and never, ever get bored.

Looking for places to drink around Shibuya and beyond? Check our list of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo!

Though the Yokohama poop museum will close its doors on Sept. 30, the poop-filled fun will continue at Tokyo’s permanent poop museum in Odaiba!

If checking out wacky “only in Japan” locales is your thing, you’re in for a treat because Yokohama now has a museum dedicated entirely to poop. Take pictures of flying poop, step on exploding poops, and play the poop-version of Space Invaders at the Unko Museum Yokohama until September 30, 2019.

Space Invaders but with poop.

The pop-up museum’s three exhibition areas are all named with a play on the word unko (that means poo in Japanese if you haven’t caught on yet) “Unstagenic,” “Untelligent,” and “Unteractive.”

Poop…. In a museum?

Don’t worry there’s no real human dung at the museum, just ridiculously cute emoji-inspired ones. Yes, Japan has found a way to make even poop kawaii.

The different poop-themed scenes are an Instagrammer’s paradise. Join a bubblegum pink tea party with poop-frosted cupcakes in the “Princess and the Poop” room. Or, snap a shot of you and your lover sitting on matching toilets in the “Unko Lovers’ Room.”

Photo by: Randiah Camille Green Poop-frosted cupcakes!

Before you get to all that though, you have to first experience the glory of making poo. When you enter, the staff will instruct you to yell “unkooo” with as much enthusiasm as you can muster, choose a toilet and pretend to drop a load. Your new unko friend that has magically appeared in the toilet will accompany you along your poop-tastic voyage.

We couldn’t make this up if we tried. After laughing your head off at the huge poop in the middle of the floor that erupts with smaller poops, join in the exhibition by drawing your own inside one of the mini toilet seat frames on the wall.

The gateway to poop: AsoBuild

What kind of place would play host to a poop museum, you ask? That honor goes to AsoBuild. It’s a trendy new six-story complex that houses all kinds of fun exhibitions, bars, and restaurants that is a permanent fixture, unlike the pop-up museum.

Paint your own poop masterpiece.

Maybe the museum is actually satire and the creators want us to reflect on selfie culture and why we are so obsessed with photographing such silly things “for the gram.” But then again, art is subjective and nobody likes a party pooper.

Read more about the Unko Museum Yokohama on GaijinPot Blog.

Despite being one of the city’s top attractions, the mystical bamboo path in Arashiyama is a great change of pace from your typical sightseeing day in Kyoto.

While the 500-meter path generously accommodates both pedestrians and bicyclists, a leisurely stroll could easily become a one-hour trek—a very, very photogenic one. Start from Tenryu-ji Temple and make your way to the far end of the forest at Nonomiya Shrine; walking beneath the towering emerald stalks, you’ll find yourself in a trance.

Go on, try and take a bad photo.

The beauty of this emerald bamboo grove captures not only the attention of camera-clutching travelers but also Kyoto’s best artisans who handcraft souvenirs and everyday items from this versatile wood. Various products such as baskets, coasters, and chopstick rests are made from harvested rows of ringed, smooth stems available from a treasure trove of small shops that line Arashiyama’s main street.

There are countless bicycle rental shops within walking distance of Hankyu Arashiyama Station, and if you happen to change your mind mid-stroll, there’s even a rental shop in the forest. Feeling a bit touristy? Put a rickshaw ride on your itinerary.