The Aizu region, covering the western part of Fukushima, is old-fashioned Japan at its best. In Aizu, you’ll find perfectly restored settlements from the Edo Era in a forested mountain landscape that still can largely be called truly wild. Make sure to respect the numerous bear warnings when heading up those hiking trails into the deep woods.

At the same time, Aizu is famous for its pristine lakes which are perfect for swimming and scenic boating. Just over two hours away from Tokyo and you are in a completely different world. Here are some of the top attractions.

Tucked along the coastline of a town called Mitane in Akita Prefecture is Kamayahama Beach. One of the few swimming spots in the area, and considered one of Japan’s 100 excellent beaches, Kamayahama is arguably Mitane’s best-kept secret.

The beach is framed by the Oga Peninsula to the south and the faint outline of the beautiful nature reserve, Shirakami Sanchi. In addition, impressive wind turbines stretch for miles along its shores.

The warm, gentle waves of Kamayahama Beach feel great during Akita’s humid summers, and its picturesque shores make it a popular place for watching the sunset. It was also one of the set locations for the 2019 Japanese crime film, “Day and Night.”

Beach season

Photo by: Akita Shirakami Tourism Bright blue skies all around

Kamayahama Beach’s beach season starts on Marine Day, a national holiday at the end of July. Though swimming is permitted throughout the year, swimming off-season should be done with discretion since Jellyfish migration occurs in early September.

From mid-July through August, Waikiki, a small food shack on the beach opens up for business serving dishes like curry, yakisoba (Japanese stir-fried noodles), and kakigori (flavored shaved ice).

Sand Craft Festival

Photo by: Tri Phan Woah, cool.

The Mitane Sand Craft Festival takes place at Kamayahama Beach every year on the last weekend of July. Professional sculptors from all across Japan come to create large, detailed sand sculptures along the shore. They can be seen working on their creations up to two weeks before the festival. Afterward, the sculptures are left for display for up to two weeks following the event.

The festival consists of live music, taiko performances, swimsuit contests, and fireworks. Various vendors sell typical festival food including Mitane’s specialty, Mitane maki,  an incredible combination of awabitake (mushroom that’s flavor is similar to abalone) wrapped in bacon.

Situated at an elevation of 1269 meters and in easy reach from Tokyo, Lake Chuzenji in Tochigi Prefecture is ideal for escaping the heat and humidity of Japan’s capital. Of course, Lake Chuzenji is worth visiting in any season. The autumn colors are highly recommended, but it’s the cool and fresh summer air that makes Lake Chuzenji really stand out.

In the late 1800s, European diplomats stationed in Tokyo built their summer residences along the lakeshore. Since then, the Italian and British Embassy Villas have opened to the public, offering vintage architecture, serene parks, and mesmerizing lake views. 

The lake itself formed about 20,000 years ago when nearby Mount Nantai erupted blocked the Daiya River. Today, the lake is surrounded by densely forested mountains.

Kegon Falls and Mount Nantai

One of the highest waterfalls in Japan.

Perhaps more famous than the lake itself is its Kegon Falls. Here, the Daiya River crashes down 97 meters. It’s a powerful view—especially on the hottest days of summer, right after the rainy season. It’s when the water level is the highest, making the fall quite a spectacularly thundering experience. You are also likely to meet quite a few monkeys at the waterfall. They are cute but keep your distance.

Mount Nantai, the volcano whose eruption created the lake, lies next to the shore and stands 2484 meters. Perfectly cone-shaped, the mountain was considered sacred for many centuries. Today, the mountaintop is a popular hiking destination, giving a panorama of great views stretching far beyond Lake Chuzenji.

Irohazaka 

The Irohazaka Winding Road and Akechidaira Plateau.

To get to Lake Chuzenji, you need to take a bus from Nikko, the famed temple town. The bus will climb up the steep and extremely winding Irohazaka. The slope covers a height difference of 400 meters in just a few kilometers. 

Looking out the window, you will notice that every road’s hairpin curve is not only marked with a number, but also with a hiragana letter. There are 48 bends altogether counting both the curves on the separate upwards and downwards roads. It’s the same number of hiragana in the Japanese alphabet. 

About a thousand years ago, a monk came up with a unique way to organize those letters: a somber poem in which every hiragana symbol appeared only once. The poem begins with the hiragana i, ro, and ha, thus the slope’s name. Japanese travelers tend to know the poem by heart and may recite it on the trip. 

Lake Chuzenji Trout

Try delicious trout at one of Lake Chuzenji’s many restaurants.

Walking along the shore of the lake or taking a slow row boat trip, you will see many anglers standing on rocky outposts trying to catch Lake Chuzenji’s famous trout.

Trout is the signature dish served by many of the lake-side restaurants. It’s grilled Western style, with a slice of bread and lemon on the side. The restaurants also sell smoked trout to take home.

Lake Inawashiro in the Aizu Region of western Fukushima is Japan’s fourth-largest lake. Its cool waters make it an ideal destination for a camping or swimming trip.

The lake may be the most scenic in spring and fall when nearby Mount Bandai is covered by snow and the surrounding trees are sporting colorful blossoms or autumn foliage. Summer, however, is the most popular season to visit. Cool air from the nearby mountain provides a fresh breeze and nice reprieve from the sweltering heat.

Camping, biking, and swimming

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Shidahama Beach is a popular choice for swimming at Lake Inawashiro.

The Inawashiro lakeshore is dotted with campgrounds and swimming beaches. Shidahama Beach (Map) is one of the more popular ones, but you won’t have to look too far to find a more secluded place to pitch your tent or take a dip.

The Tenjinhama Auto Camping Ground (Map), a short taxi ride from either Sekito or Kawageta Station, is one such option. It’s generally more on the quieter side while still providing gorgeous lake views and much-needed shade.

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Camp with a view of Mount Bandai in the background!

The circumference of the lake itself is about 60 kilometers with small roads closely following the shoreline. Cruising around the lake on a bicycle makes for a nice, smooth ride with stunning views stretching to Mount Bandai and the surrounding mountains.

Around Lake Inawashiro

If you feel a bit of historic sightseeing is in order after relaxing on the lake, hop on the train to nearby Aizu Wakamatsu. This perfectly restored Edo-era samurai town is famous for Tsuruga Castle. In 1868, the Tokugawa Shoguns made their last stand against the modernization of Japan right here!

Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle, also known as Tsuruga Castle.

You don’t even have to leave the lakeshore to delve into the area’s history. The Hideyo Noguchi Memorial Museum (Map), Hideyo Noguchi’s birth house, is right at the northern shore.

You may recognize Noguchi as the guy whose portrait is on the back of the ¥1,000 note. He was an internationally active medical researcher at the beginning of the 20th century who discovered a lot of germs and found remedies for various serious illnesses.

The museum itself is a beautiful Meiji-era-style building surrounded by a Japanese garden with many exhibits detailing Noguchi’s turbulent life inside.

Despite being frequented by actor Robert De Niro for its world-famous sake breweries, Sado Island is not all-that popular with foreign tourists.

Yet, one venture to the island will allow travelers to pack so much into one trip. That ranges from its natural beauty, including picturesque beach inlands to cascading rice paddies, as well as a rich gold-mining history, nihonshu (rice wine) and onsen (hot spring) culture.

Accessible by bullet train and ferry from Tokyo, the Niigata prefecture island’s joyous spirit may come from its brewed spirits. One place to sip some smooth booze is Hokusetsu Brewery (Map), which even has a music room that is designed to mellow the sake.

Raise your glass for a kanpai (cheers) with Niigata’s quality sake.

Ever wonder where all that rice wine comes from? Also on Sado are the iconic Iwakubi Shoryu rice paddies, part of what makes Niigata a “rice country.” The view throughout the year, changing from lush green to yellow, is a natural feast to the eye.

What to do on the island

Wasthtub boat ride

Sado Island is known for its clear waters and rocky shores. A convenient base to stay in Sado is the area around Lake Kado, the largest lake in Niigata. Also on the island, you can partake in the tradition of tarai-bune (washtub) boats. Steered by locals wearing traditional clothes and straw hats, the inexpensive ride is straight out of an anime scene.

Photo by: Robert Izumi Try these famous tub boat rides.

Nature and beaches

At the very northern tip of the island is Futatsugame (Map), a beachy inland area said to resemble two turtles. Chill here for an afternoon of swimming and sunbathing in the clearest water that is one of “Top 100 Sea-Bathing Spots” in Japan.

Sado Island also has some rare nature. In fact, it holds an ecological habitat for toki (crested ibis birds). These near-extinct birds can be admired from afar at Toki Forest Park (Map).

Dig deeper into Sado’s history with a visit to the Sado Kinzan Gold Mine (Map), as well as the Nishimikawa Gold park, where you can do gold panning.

Taiko drumming

Photo by: Catch the Sado Island Earth Celebration every August for an amazing taiko performance.

Another hands-on activity is the taiko (drum) playing workshops at Sado Island Taiko Center. It is home to the drums made from zelkova logs and cowhide skin and located just one minute from the Kodo Village, where the world-renowned professional taiko ensemble is based. Every August, the island hosts a huge celebration featuring an explosive taiko performance called the Sado Island Earth Celebration.

For a lot to do and see in a compact and beautiful getaway, Sado’s got you covered.

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.

Clownfish swim about as your glass-bottom boat zips over Yoron’s pristine waters out to the “disappearing beach.” Ahhhh, heaven. Secluded sandbars accent the paradise life that awaits at Yoron Island, a beautifully remote part of southern Japan with white-sand beaches and lively festival culture. Yoron is actually part of Kagoshima Prefecture, despite being 600 kilometers from Kagoshima City.

Kagoshima is perhaps most well known outside of Japan for its UNESCO World Heritage Site of Yakushima Island. While Yakushima is renowned for its hiking, waterfalls, and wildlife, Yoron Island is its more southern, relaxed counterpart.

Local island life

Yoron Island boasts Yoron Blue.

Located much closer to Japan’s main tropical getaway, Okinawa, than Kagoshima, the island makes a point to celebrate the many nuances of both cultures.

As part of the Amami Island chain, Yoron is surrounded by coral reefs. Just 5,000 locals live in this subtropical climate that sees hot summers and mild winters. Another local vibe to the island is that the native language is known as “Yunnu Futuba,” according to the Yoron Island Tourism Association. While it is close to Japanese, it actually contains a larger range of sounds.

Yurigahama Beach

Yoron Island boasts unreal shorelines with over 60 beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. One of the top reasons Yoron sees visitors is because of its beach that famously disappears, Yurigahama Beach, which makes for one of the most #blessed-able Instagram posts ever.

Photo by: ©Kagoshima Prefectural Tourist Federation/©JNTO Catch Yurigahama, the phantom beach, if you can.

Yurigahama Beach is a unique and enticing reason to make the trek out to this remote island in the East China Sea. Its marine life is ripe for scuba diving and Yoron can accommodate any level of scuba diver.

Attractions and events

Of course, this is a beachy paradise, but it has a rich history, too. One attraction is The Southern Cross Center, which is the island’s museum. Learn about the island’s unique star-shaped sand granules, its agriculture, and the general history of the Amami Islands. Plus, check out some traditional costumes from Yoron’s festivals, including its awesome Full Moon Festival.

The Yoron Minzokumura (Folk Village) is a traditional village where you try your hands at traditional crafts. Get creative with a few workshops for fabric making and kusakizome (color dying), and learn about making brown sugar from sugarcane. Please keep in mind that guides and workshops here are currently only in Japanese.

Photo by: takayuki_makiyama Yoron’s beautiful marine life.

The islanders have the Jyu-go-ya (Full Moon Festival) not once but three times a year in March, August, and December where they pray for a good harvest and do traditional dances in the Ryukyu (Okinawan) and Kagoshima styles.

Yet another surprise hidden on this small island is its sumo wrestling matches. Though they are with students from around the islands (not professionals), visitors can watch in October at the culmination of the harvest festival. Last, to celebrate the coral found all over the island, check out the Sango Matsuri (Coral Festival) every August.

5 Famous Foods You'll Find in Kagoshima

What to eat on Yoron Island

All in all, the island offers about 30 places to eat, with different menus on hand. English is limited but the staff is accommodating, and that is part of the adventure anyway! One of the most surprising features of the island is its white-walled Greek Village. It’s less a village and more a building, but it has a great view of the ocean and you can grab some pizza and visit the local cafe here. (Some English is spoken by a few staff.)

Know before you go

Transport on the island is decent, though there are no trains. However, you can get around daily via public bus, taxi, or by renting a car, moped or bicycle, as long as you have the proper driving credentials. You can also rent boats to do various attractions around the beautiful island.

The drawback to this island is that it is going to be expensive to get to unless you are already in southern Japan, but that’s all part of the adventure.

Ishigaki is the most populated and most popular of Okinawa Prefecture’s Yaeyama Islands. Just a three-hour flight from Tokyo, Ishigaki serves as the region’s transportation hub with the New Ishigaki Airport for tourists from mainland Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The island offers sandy white beaches with aquamarine water perfect for snorkeling and diving, lush hiking trails with breathtaking views of the coast, favorable climate, and welcoming seaside culture.

Ishigaki City

Nationally protected yaeyama palm trees at Ishigaki’s Yonehara Native Forest.

Ishigaki City comprises the entire island. Despite the secluded vibe found on some parts of the island, 45,000 people call Ishigaki their home, although most live in the central area known as shigaichi (town area). There are ample restaurants, bars, and hotels in the area to serve the island’s bustling tourist industry.

Near the city center is the Miyara River which is lined with beautiful mangrove trees and is popular among kayakers. However, unguided tours are not permitted. North of the airport is Tamatorizaki Observation Point, a viewing platform with views of the bay and Ishigaki’s rocky peninsula. Nearby Shiraho’s blue coral reef is one of the best snorkeling spots in the world.

Kabira Bay and beaches

Kabira Bay in Ishigaki’s Island National Park of the Yaeyama Islands.

North of the shigaichi area is Kabira Bay, a beautiful sandy white beach with turquoise waters. Although swimming isn’t permitted here (the tides are too fast), you can walk along the coast and admire the craggy islands while eating ice cream. If you can’t ignore the sea’s call, try a glass-bottom boat tour around the bay. You might see groups of manta rays that are known to converge in the bay. Nearby Kabira Park also offers spectacular views from its pavilion.

Discover Okinawa

If you’re feeling adventurous or using Ishigaki as a hub for island hopping, you can take a 10-minute boat ride from Ishigaki Port to Taketomi island and visit its preserved Ryukyu village. Remote Iriomote Island, with its mangrove jungles and unique wildlife, is an hour away by boat. Lastly, even further away at the westernmost point of Japan, Yonaguni Island is known for its 8,000-year-old ruins and hammerhead sharks.

Angel Road is a 500m long sandbar that connects mainland Shodoshima to three small islands in southern Shikoku. This lovely spot in Kagawa Prefecture is a romantic destination for couples.

Regardless of whether you’re interested in the Angel Road for its romantic undertones or not, the sandbar is a beautiful place to spend time.

Not only is it a stunning natural sight, legend says that if you walk across Angel Road hand-in-hand with your partner, it will strengthen your relationship. Flying solo? Walk across alone and make a wish for it to come true.

The Angel Road in Kagawa Prefecture only appears at low tide.

When planning your trip here be aware that visitors can only walk across Angel Road during low tide, two times per day. During high tide, the sandbar is submerged underwater and the view is nothing special, just another small island off the coast of Shodoshima. It’s best to visit in the warmer spring and summer months when the days are long and the weather is clear. In winter, the road only appears once a day for a short time.

Tips For Visiting Angel Road

To get the greatest view over Angel Road, head to the nearby Yakusoku no Oka, or the Hill of Promise. A short but steep flight of sandy stairs will bring you to a small observation point where you’ll have a picture-perfect view of the road and its connecting islands.

Even if you’re single, you can still enjoy the view.

You may need to queue to get a chance to ring the Love Bell at the top of the hill, which is another place you can supposedly strengthen your relationship. Top it off by purchasing a heart-shaped ema (Shinto prayer board) and writing a wish for everlasting love or you know, just self-love, on the back.

Regardless of whether you’re interested in the Angel Road for its romantic undertones or not, the sandbar is a beautiful place to spend time at low tide. Anyone can appreciate the breathtaking views of the sea.

Visit the other highlights of Shodoshima, including the Olive Park, the picturesque Kankakei Gorge and ropeway, or the quirky Yokai Art Museum while you’re in the area.

• Nagashima Zombie Island Dates: The zombie rave goes down in the party dome every Saturday and Sunday of October.
• 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (3:30 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20)

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G-force training ? #rollercoaster #coaster #training #gforce #ride #amusement #japan #nagashimaspaland

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The theme park, located on the isle of Nagashima near Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture, offers a lot to do and see that makes it worth the trip. The park is part of the “Nagashima Resort,” which has four main areas besides the spa land and amusement park. It also has an outlet shopping mall, a museum and amusement park dedicated to beloved children’s anime character Anpanman, and a flower park called “Nabana no Sato.”

Ever wanted to have a dance party with zombies? You can do just that during the month of October when the park becomes ‘Nagashima Zombie Island.’

The amusement park is perfect for both adults and kids. With more than 50 rides, it boasts over 10 major roller coasters that will leave you screaming for more. Take the Steel Dragon 2000, for example. The gigantic roller coaster ride which spans the entire length of the park and will take you upside down.

After screaming your lungs out, take a relaxing ride on the Aurora Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel standing 90 meters high. And for the kids, try attractions in the aptly named “Kids Town.”

Seasonal attractions

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ナガシマゾンビアイランド5日目? ショートバージョンでお届けしました? 15:00〜と少し早めのスタートですが、大迫力のゾンビには関係ない！！ むしろ鮮明にゾンビが見えるので恐怖度倍増 パーティーは安定の大盛り上がり?? 来週のスケジュール 20日(土) 17:00スタート 19:30終了 21日(日) 15:00スタート 16:30終了 ※ゾンビアイランド終了後も遊園地は開園しております。詳しくはナガシマスパーランドHPをチェックしてください。 圧巻のホラーエンターテイメントを是非体感してください? #ナガシマスパーランド#ナガシマ#ナガシマゾンビアイランド#ゾンビアイランド#ハロウィン#ハロウィンメイク#ゾンビ#イケメンゾンビ#パーティー#DJ#コスプレ

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Ever wanted to have a dance party with zombies? You can do just that during the month of October when the park becomes “Nagashima Zombie Island.” Try to find all the “rare zombies” and snap their pics for the gram, dress up as a zombie yourself and dance with the undead in the “party dome” for Halloween.

For Christmas, the park hosts one of Japan’s biggest winter illumination “Nabano no Sato” with a shimmering tunnel of 700,000 sparkling LED lights.

Photo by: Nagashima Resort Co. Nabana no Sato’s light tunnel is one of Japan’s biggest winter illuminations.

Waterpark

Hop on over to the water park, “Joyful Waterpark,” to cool off in the summer. With more than 15 different pools and slides, it’ll take the edge off. The waterpark has a jumbo ocean water pool, plus a lazy river, family pool and children’s area.

Photo by: Steve What a joyful looking waterpark.

Again, for those thrill seekers, try any of the 9-plus major water slides, including the sliding into steep tunnels during the “boomerang twist.” (Note: People with tattoos are not permitted into the water areas).

Nearby spa

Just around the corner is “Yuami no Shima” hot spring area. It has 17 kinds of unique outdoor and indoor baths. For those looking to get into the relaxing nature of Japan without actually making the hike out there, try an array of outdoor baths. Several of the baths have recreated iconic spots in Japan like Kurobe Gorge in Toyama Prefecture and Oirase Stream in Aomori Prefecture.

Like any great spa, visitors can also try out hot tubs, saunas, massage services and restaurants.

While the park can get crowded, there is a lot of space to rest. Nagashima Spa Land really has the best of all worlds and is located conveniently outside the major city of Nagoya.