List of hidden places and spectacular views in Japan

Old autumn trees paint the 6,600m2 temple grounds a deep crimson red

This temple is said to be where Prince Shotoku preached in 605 AD.
The contrast with the thousands of bamboo trees that surround it captivates visitors.
Enjoy the limited time autumn foliage garden illumination.
*Best time to see autumn leaves: mid-Nov. to early Dec.

The shimmering water surface is also a highlight of autumn. Do you know this is one of the most beautiful views in the Tokai region?

There are over 500 trees that change color in the fall, including Japanese maples and Sugar maples.
The natural landscape is preserved, with beautiful autumn foliage and Japanese gardens.
You can enjoy various scenery including Gassho-style houses.
*Best time to see autumn leaves: Early Nov. to late Dec.

The crimson Momiji is like a masterpiece

Ankokuji Temple is located in Toyoka City, Hyogo Prefecture and is famous for the vibrant Momiji colors of the Enkianthus campanulatus tree that stands in the backyard and is over 100 years old.
The Enkianthus campanulatus, visible across Hondo hall and from the tatami room, looks like a framed painting.

The spectacular view of the Kurobe Dam, the construction project of the century! A must-see water release tour

The dam was built to make up for the power shortage during the period of high economic growth.
During the limited-time tourist water release, 10 to 15 tons of water flows down every second.
If the weather is good, you might even see two rainbows!
The dam is the tallest in Japan at 186m.
You can also walk on it.
*Source: Toyama Tourism Organization

At an altitude of 2,600m, the mountain beauty is created by soothing alpine plants and glaciers.

It is called Senjojiki Cirque because it is the size of 1,000 tatami mats and has a curl (semicircular shape).
To get to Senjojiki Cirque, take the Komagatake Ropeway, the highest station in Japan.
The highest temperature in July and Aug. is around 20 degrees.
After getting off the ropeway, enjoy the magnificent view of the Alps that spreads out before you.

A local train with spectacular views of Seaside Miyako

The Yura Bridge is a bridge on the Miyamai Line of the Miyako Tango Railway, which runs through Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture.
Its beautiful appearance as it stretches in a straight line close to the water's surface is approximately 550 meters long and just 3 meters above the water, making it seem as if it is running through a world of blue where the sky and sea are one.
Why not visit the spectacular spots of Miyazu City, Kyoto, by the Sea?

The scenic Nagara River Railway

The appeal of the Nagara River Railway is the spectacular view of the clear Nagara River flowing by the train windows.
Please enjoy the experience of being captivated by the clear stream.
*The vehicle is Image only.

A shrine located on Chikubu Island in Lake Biwa

The main hall (a national treasure) is said to be a relic of Fushimi Castle, and Momoyama art can be seen on the sliding doors, pillars, and transoms. In particular, the sliding door and ceiling paintings are said to be the work of Kano Mitsunobu.
At the worship hall, which also appears in the Tale of the Heike, you can throw tiles. It is said that if you write your wish on a small unglazed plate, throw it towards the torii gate standing on the rocks, and if your wish goes through the gate, it will come true.
*The interior of the main hall is not open to the public.

"Aoki Terrace" to reopen in 2021

"Heki Terrace" is an observation plaza with a water basin observation deck and sofas and benches where you can sit and relax. The time spent gazing at the unobstructed, magnificent view while being surrounded by the openness that can only be found at the top of a mountain is truly a blissful experience.
You'll want to take photos with the magnificent view of Suruga Bay that spreads out before your eyes. Enjoy the beautiful scenery interwoven by the sky, sun, sea, and Mt. Fuji.

A gigantic ruin once hailed as the largest in the Orient

A beautiful abandoned ore mill resting on a golden island
It was the first in Japan to adopt the flotation method for gold and silver ore, and was hailed as the "best in the Orient" for its ability to process over 50,000 tons of ore in a month.
Come enjoy an extraordinary experience in front of this nostalgic building.

It's like Niagara Falls!
A powerful new attraction for those in the know!

A weir is an embankment made of stone or concrete to hold back the water of a river.
Nagashino Weir is a power generating dam built in 1902 by Toyobashi Electricity, led by Fukuzawa Momosuke, son-in-law of Fukuzawa Yukichi.
In the waterway that sends water from the weir to the Shitaru Nagashino power plant, water overflowing from the overflow embankment creates a scene that looks just like Niagara Falls.
The water flowing from Nagashino Weir may not be visible depending on weather conditions.

One of Japan's most famous mountain ranges looms!
A spectacular terrace at an altitude of 1,289m

HAKUBA MOUNTAIN HARBOR is a mountaintop terrace that offers a spectacular view of the Northern Alps. The mountaintop terrace, located at an altitude of 1,289m, offers a spectacular panoramic view of the four seasons...it's like a harbor standing in a sea of clouds.
Please enjoy the crisp, clear air and dynamic scenery.

A new attraction! A mysterious place that looks like a ship floating in the air

Kashiwajima is a small island located in the southwestern tip of Shikoku, with a circumference of about 4km.
It can be reached from the main island via two bridges.
In the sea, you can see one-third of the fish species that live in Japanese seas as well as beautiful coral colonies, making it a very popular diving spot.
The water is so clear that boats appear to be floating in it, and is known as "Kashiwajima Blue."
*Depending on the weather, you may not be able to see the view.

Scenic spots overseas
Towards a view like the "Tunnel of Love"

In an Eastern European country, there is a green, arch-shaped "Tunnel of Love", where it is said that if you walk through it holding hands with your lover, your love will last forever.
In fact, there is a place in Japan where you can see a view similar to the "Tunnel of Love".
This is the platform for Motochoshi Station on the Choshi Electric Railway (Chōshi Station to Tokawa Station) that runs through Choshi City, Chiba Prefecture. Trees grow on both sides of the tracks leading to Tokawa Station Katamo, forming a green tunnel.
Although the distance is not as long as the original, the tracks surrounded by green trees truly look like a tunnel of love.
*You cannot walk on the tracks.

Run through the beautiful flashes of fireflies
Fantastic and momentary spectacular views from a tourist train

On the Tarumi Railway, a local train in Gifu Prefecture, you can enjoy the beautiful light of fireflies both from the train window and along the line.
From the firefly viewing spots along the line, you can sometimes see the moment when a local train runs through a fantastic swarm of dancing fireflies.
It is known as a rare and spectacular sight, and photography enthusiasts sometimes wait up to two hours to capture this moment on camera.
*The best time to see fireflies is usually from mid-May to early June, however, because they are wild animals, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see them.

A historic "Temple of Flowers" founded around 645

It is a special head temple of the Shingon sect, the Daigoji Temple, and is surrounded by hills. It was given the name "Shiofune" (Shiobune) because its shape resembles a boat. It is also famous as the "Temple of Flowers," and is home to about 17,000 azaleas of 15 different varieties. The sight of the azaleas blooming in profusion from mid-Apr. to early May every year is a spectacular sight.

A divinely beautiful, fantastical illuminated cherry blossom corridor

Surrounded by lush forests, Higashifukida Tenmangu Shrine is a shrine that was enshrined from Kitano Tenmangu Shrine during the Kamakura period.
The 200-meter-long row of cherry blossom trees on the back approach to the shrine is mesmerizing to all who see it, with the cherry blossoms looking as if they are about to fall off the branches forming a tunnel-like formation.
You can enjoy a variety of sights, such as the fantastic illuminated scenery and the sight of cherry blossoms starting to fall like a carpet.

A spectacular view of the night sky and cherry blossoms reflected on the moon-viewing stage at Miidera Temple

Mii-dera, the head temple of the Tendaiji sect and also known as the Phoenix Temple, has its official name "Chotosan Onjo-ji Temple." It is a famous temple located on the middle slope of Mt. Chotosan, southwest of Lake Biwa.
Mii-dera Temple has been loved as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot since the Manyo period.
Enjoy the fantastical world of cherry blossoms at night, with over a thousand cherry trees blooming in abundance within the temple grounds, all vividly lit up.

A spectacular view in early spring with about 200 weeping plum trees in full bloom against the backdrop of the Suzuka Mountains

Suzuka Forest Garden opened in 2014 with the aim of preserving and spreading Japan's traditional horticultural culture. The famous plum trees, centered around the "Kureha Shidare" plum tree, which have inherited the skills and history of master craftsmen, gracefully decorate the early spring. Please enjoy the beauty of Japan colored by pink flowers.

It's like a flying train! A spectacular view from a 105m high iron bridge!

Takachiho Amaterasu Railway is located in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture. The Grand Super Cart is a tourist train that runs on the abandoned Takachiho Railway line, and you can enjoy the magnificent nature from a 105m high iron bridge. Why not visit Takachiho and experience the extraordinary sensation of flying in the sky?

A light show that colors the sky, a fantastical landscape that envelops the soul

Away from the bright lights of the city, you can enjoy the aurora illumination show "Borealis" that suddenly appears on the vast 140,000 square meter snowy mountain in the Minenohara area of Suzaka City, Nagano Prefecture. The entire venue will be enveloped in an extraordinary experience of "nature x light and sound pouring down" like no other before.
*The event may be canceled or the time may be changed depending on the weather and snow conditions at the venue.
*This will be a show featuring lighting and music.

Kanto 's hidden autumn foliage spots

Hotokuji Temple in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture is a Rinzai Zen temple with a long history that was founded during the Hotoku era (around 1450) of the Muromachi period.
Every year from October to Nov., over 100 autumn leaves in the temple grounds reach their peak, and you can enjoy the "Floor Maple" (Autumn Leaves Reflection) that reflects their beautiful colors on the polished floor. The "Floor Maple" is only open to the public in spring and autumn, so it is a sight that you cannot normally see. In spring, the floor maple stands out against the greenery. In autumn, enjoy the world of "Autumn Leaves Pure Land" colored in red and yellow.

Limited special release only in autumn! Autumn Momiji reflected on the polished floor

Hotoku located in Kiryu City, Gumma Prefecture, is a Rinzai Zen temple with a long history that was founded during the Hotoku era (around 1450) of Muromachi period.
Every year from October to Nov., over 100 Momiji in the temple grounds reach their peak, and you can enjoy the "Floor Maple" (Momiji Reflection) that reflects their beautiful colors on the polished floor. The "Floor Maple" is only open to the public in spring and autumn, so it is a sight that you cannot normally see. In spring, the floor maple stands out against the greenery. In autumn, enjoy the world of "Momiji Pure Land" colored in red and yellow.

A visit to the original scenery of Switzerland

Oshi Village is surrounded by fields along Tadami River in Kaneyama Town, Fukushima Prefecture.
The combination of the magnificent mountains that straddle Niigata and Fukushima Prefectures, the Tadami River, and the vibrant red and blue roofs of the villages makes for a spectacular sight.
Enjoy this beautiful, undiscovered Japan landscape.

The Unkai Falls appear at dawn

Shiori is located on National Route 352 Uonuma City, Niigata Prefecture.
In the morning, the mist that forms over Lake Okutadami turns into a sea of clouds and flows down into the valley.
They are called waterfall clouds because they flow down like a waterfall.
Experience the fantastical nature that can only be seen at certain times of the year.

*The appearance rate of the sea of clouds is 55.7% on average in September and Oct. 2020 (according to the Uonuma City Tourism Association). It may not be possible to see it depending on the weather. The appearance rate is relatively high in the early morning on a clear day when there is a large difference in temperature between day and night. There will be no refunds even if you are unable to see the sea of clouds waterfall.

A mysterious, tree-lined approach to the main shrine

Sakatoraisosaki Shrine has a long history, said to date back to the Heian period. The tunnel of trees, some over 300 years old, creates an atmosphere that cleanses the body and mind, and from the moment you stand in front of the torii gate, you feel as if the gods are guiding you. Other highlights include the "Torii Gate with a View of the Sea" and a stone known as the "Lucky Turtle," which has seen an increase in the number of visitors who come to pray for winning the lottery. Be sure to visit Sakatoraisosaki Shrine, a historic power spot.

It's like something out of a storybook! A beautiful, spectacular view of greenery spreading out before you

Located in the northern Yatsugatake mountains Nagano Prefecture, Moss Forest is home to approximately 485 different types of moss. Once you step inside, you'll find yourself in the mysterious world of a primeval forest covered in moss. Enjoy a soothing time while gazing at the extraordinary, fantastical scenery.

It's like a carpet! Limited time only "Mizunaka Hana

Amebiki Kannon is a beautiful sightseeing spot in Sakuragawa City, Ibaraki Prefecture. The colorful hydrangeas floating on the water at Kannon Amabiki has been historically worshipped as a spiritual Kannon shrine. Why not pay a visit to the spectacular Amabiki Kannon, which is famous not only as a photo spot but also as one of the most powerful spots in Kanto Region?