Explore Hidden Japanese Gems: From Miyako to Aomori
Why Visit Tohoku
Tohoku is a region located north of Sendai. Here, you can immerse yourself in Japanese nature, culture and cuisine. It is also the best place in Japan to escape from overtourism.
This post is a multi-day road trip in the less-visited northern part of Tohoku. This itinerary covers:
- The jagged cliffs of the Sanriku Coast,
- The waterfalls of the Oirase Stream walk,
- The steaming hot springs of Towada-Hachimantai National Park,
- Hiking up Tazawa-Komagatake volcano, and
- The 400-year-old samurai houses in Kakunodate.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
George’s Bio
Our advice is not influenced by affiliate links — we have none. Our itineraries, photos, and advice come from three years of travelling around the world, including three months in Japan. We are avid hikers, nature lovers, and photographers. We are students of art and architecture, culture and cuisine.
All the sights in this itinerary can be found on our custom Japan Tohoku North Google Map. The points of interest are appended with their Google Maps Ratings, which range from G0 to G5.
Japanese Names
Name suffixes show the type of building. So “ji”, “dera” or “tera” is a generic Buddhist temple. The suffix “in” is a Buddhist temple in a garden, especially a Zen temple. For more useful information, see the Guide to the Japanese Language.
Generally, I write the names of sights in Japanese (Romaji) because asking for directions with English names will be futile. Writing Kōmyō-ji Temple is redundant, but sometimes I add “temple” for those readers who missed this section.
Sanriku Coast
It was September 24th, and we had just finished seeing Geibikei Gorge in Tohoku, the northernmost region of Honshu island. From Geibikei, we headed north along the Sanriku Coast.
Rikuzentakata
Ayukawa–Rikuzentakata 134 km, 2:07 hrs
We arrived in Rikuzentakata at 16:30 h. We stayed at the Youth Hostel (YH) as it was too late to continue. The supper was good: fried fish, rice, egg soup, tea, shredded lettuce and ¼ tomato. We had no problem getting a room together. There is a reason for mentioning this place. Corinne was the only woman. She got to use the shared and very hot bath last after the eight men!
Miyako
Rikuzentakata–Miyako 98 km, 1:26 hrs
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60086023" title="Jodogahama View from Jōdogahama-Aonodōkutsu, Japan By くろふね, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=60086023" class="has-alt-description">Jodogahama View from Jōdogahama-Aonodōkutsu, CC BY SA Wikipedia
We left from a place where a car could pull over. The funny thing is that the Japanese don’t seem to care where they stop. They just blocked the road anyway!
We got a lift from some young people, who were much more effusive than typical Japanese. Entering a car is like being a guest in a Japanese house. They offered each of us a soft drink!
Many women in smaller towns walk around in kimonos. In cities, it has become a status symbol because they are expensive. Miyako is the city that was devastated by the 40.5 m (133 ft) tsunami waves during the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami.
Jodogahama
Miyako–Jodogahama 6 km, 0:15 hrs
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130153126" title="Jodogahama Beach, Japan By Raita Futo from Tokyo, Japan - Jodogahama Beach, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=130153126" class="has-alt-description">Jodogahama Beach, CC BY SA Wikipedia
Jodogahama Beach (G4.4) is just outside of Miyako. From the bus stop, we continued on a small road winding down to the beach. We enjoyed the good viewpoint before the descent. The formations are nice, a spine of sharp rock with trees on top.
We stayed in a ryokan that was also a youth hostel (YH). There was no difference from other private homes we’ve stayed at — tatami mats, futons, and comforters.
We had a very nice supper with several pieces of octopus, two small cooked fish, very good soup, and shredded white radish (daikon). Other guests seemed to be served about the same thing, but with very nice china, sake and beer.
Just east of the YH, there was a good supermarket. It had a very large selection of food, including sushi and ready-to-eat meals. There were free tasters (pickles?). This is how we ate lunch most of the time in Japan. We often ate breakfast and supper at the youth hostels.
Sanriku Fukkō National Park
Website: Sanriku Fukkō National Park
Twisted Pine, Masaki Cape, Miyako Jodogahama 90-11
I was adding the places in my diary to our custom Google map. I could not find Rikuchu Kaigan National Park (NP). In 2013, Rikuchu Kaigan NP and Kinkasan Island were incorporated into Sanriku Fukkō National Park. This was a result of the reconstruction of the coast in the aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku tsunami.
They also built the Michinoku Trail, a 1,025 km coastal walk. You do not have to do the whole 50-day track. The most scenic parts to walk or drive to are:
- Jodogahama Beach, Miyako – dramatic volcanic rock formations and crystal-clear waters;
- Kitayamazaki Cliffs, Tanohata – towering 200 m above the ocean;
Sanno-iwa Rocks
Miyako–Sannoiwa 16 km, 0:22 hrs
Oonori Susumo, 23 yo, Kitayamazaki, 90-20
On September 26th, we got one of our most incredible lifts after only waiting 6 minutes! Oomori was driving his father north of Taro to go fishing. He had nothing else to do, so he offered to guide us up the coast. He just graduated from marketing and was selling insurance.
If it wasn’t for Oomori, we wouldn’t have seen very much. From the road, you see very little of the coast – just occasional glimpses. Oomori took us to places not mentioned in our guidebook.
We first went to the Sanno-iwa Rocks (G4.3) in Taro. San means three, and iwa means rock. The Sanno-iwa (Three Kings) viewpoint at the beginning was okay, but the view from the end of the road, going to the right, was superb. The wide-open view of the rugged coastline was highlighted by a twisted pine tree atop a rock island. The beautifully sunny day added to the enjoyment.
Bare Nose Rock, Miyako Jodogahama, 90-13
He also took us on a narrow side road underneath a cliff, leading to some beaches and a campground. These must be crowded in summer. We drove ca. 25 minutes north of Cape Masaki to a pull-off viewpoint of Kumen Hana (Bare Nose Rock) sticking out of the water.
Unosu Dangai Cliffs
Miyako–Unosu Dangai 41 km, 1:05 hrs
Unosu Dangai Viewpoint, Miyako Jodogahama, 90-16
On the left was a long view of a rugged, undulating shoreline with 200 m high Unosu Dangai Cliffs (G4.3). Unosu means “cormorant’s nest”. The cliffs are nesting sites for sea cormorants, eagles, and ospreys.
Unosu Dangai Cove, Miyako Jodogahama, 90-15
It was a beautiful day with blue skies and water! We took another side road to Unosu Dangai precipice. From the end of the road, we walked on a gravel track through tall trees, quite tall considering there was a forest fire 30 years before. This was a good place for a picnic without views of a semicircular cove dotted with a few rock islands.
Kitayamazaki
Miyako–Kitayamazaki 63 km, 1:50 hrs
Arches in Rock, Kitayamazaki
Next, we drove a toll road to Kitayamazaki. The first part was not special, but we saw huge dikes built to protect against tsunami waves! The viewpoint high atop the cliffs was superb, taking in the rock formations. We walked down the stairs for 10 minutes for more views, especially one with towering cliffs, and the frothing waves smashed the protruding rocks. We walked down the very steep stairs to sea level. This was not really worthwhile, but we did appreciate the height of the rock formations.
Oirase
Kitayamazaki–Oirase 110 km, 1:37 hrs
Oirase–Choshio Falls 54 km, 1:08 h
On our three-month trip to Japan, we left the port of Hachinohe for Hokkaido (September 27). On our return (October 11), we took the 4-hour ferry to Aomori. We continued our journey through Tohoku, starting in Oirase.
We got a ride with a truck going to Towada-shi. The driver was very outgoing. It was amazing how we communicated without knowing each other’s language. We sang songs, including our national anthems. He brought us 19 km out of his way to the Oirase YH.
Oirase Stream Promenade
Oirase–Choshio Falls 54 km, 1:08 h
Website: Oirase Gorge ~ Nenokuchi Stream Walking Area
Oirase Stream Promenade Map
The 14 km Oirase River that flows out of Lake Towada-ko to Towada City. We walked a promenade along the mountain stream and saw many waterfalls and moss-covered rocks. In October, beautiful autumn leaves blanket the area. Ryuzu No Taki Falls is known for its gold foliage in autumn and reddish-purple azalea flowers in spring.
By 9:20 h, we arrived at Choshio Taki (waterfalls). Then we walked downstream back to Oirase YH. This is the only falls on the Oirase River itself. The other falls are on tributaries.
Choshio Taki is 7 meters high and 20 meters wide. It‘s a magnificent waterfall that is famous and infested with tourists! There were tour buses with chandeliers. But it was too soon for autumn colours.
Moss-Covered Rocks in River after Footbridge, Oirase, 91-24
We crossed a footbridge with beautiful moss-covered rocks in the stream (9:49 h).
Katsura Aerial Roots, Oirase, 91-25
We walked through katsura trees with thick aerial roots hanging down (10:49 h). There were several nice waterfalls on the way. We crossed a road bridge (2.4 km, 11:13 h).
For 30 minutes, we talked to Hidefumi Noro, who was painting some moss-covered rocks. He recommended Sugiya Onsen, a mixed sex hot spring pool in a very old, wooden building.
The Flow of Asura is a large area of moss-covered rocks strewn across the stream. It was pretty, but the lighting was dim (12:18 h). Again, we crossed over a bridge and passed under cliffs to Ishigedo (departed 12:46 h).
The Choshio Taki to Ishigedo trail was 7.4 km and took 3 hours elapsed.
Towada-Ko
Towada-Ko was more appealing than other Japanese lakes because of Cape Ogura with its cliffs and Nakayama. Unfortunately, it was not peak season for autumn colours. We checked out Kanhodai Lookout, which had a narrow view, and Hakka Toge, which had a wider view. Trees at this altitude are already in peak colour.
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Car: Choshio Falls–Hachimantai 90 km, 1:55 hrs
Car: Tazawa-ko–Hachimantai 75 km, 1:36 h
Train: to Tazawa-ko; Bus: to Hachimantai
Onuma Pond
Autumn Reflections, Onuma, Hachimantai
From Tazawa-ko, we travelled on Highway 341, then turned east onto Highway 23. The first sight was Hachimantai Onuma (G4.5), a pond.
Red Maples & Golden Grass, Onuma, Hachimantai
The Onuma Campground was actually closed, so it was free. We followed the dirt road across from YH road, into a nice flat area near the pond, surrounded by beautiful trees and very quiet.
Autumn Reflections, Onuma, Hachimantai
We used the toilets at the museum. Before we went, the museum manager tried to tell us not to cook there in a rude manner. We ignored him.
Autumn Steam, Onuma, Hachimantai
Steam rises from the Goshogake Onsen (hot springs).
Goshogake Tamagawa Onsen Nature Trail
Goshogake-Tamagawa Onsen Trail Map
Since we did not have a car, we just stayed in the Goshogake Onsen area. Tamagawa Onsen was a 40-minute drive by car.
Goshogake Onsen
From the campground/YH road junction, it was 2 km or 20 minutes along the highway to a steaming onsen area on the right-hand side. The many tour buses all came at 10:00 h. People tried to photograph us!
Red Maples and Green Brook, Goshogake
We saw green moss next to a hot stream with red and green trees behind. Further south was Oname Motome (mud volcano), a short but continuous steam/hot water gusher. A Mud Volcano (泥火山) sign said something about 94.5°C. We assumed that was the hot spring temperature.
Oyunuma
Oyunuma Reflections, Goshogake
Oyunuma or Hot Water Pond was one of the best areas. Much of the beauty came from the autumn colours.
Steam and Maples, Oyunuma, 96-003
The trail around the lake was partly closed, but we went past the ropes until we reached the collapsed bridge.
Rocks in Steam, Oyunuma, Goshogake, 96-00
Rocks “floating” in the water and surrounded by steam, faded in and out of view.
Mud Pool, Goshogake
We walked through sulphurous fumes, but we got to see large bubbling mud pools.
Red Maples and Stream, Goshogake
We followed the Nakabōzu Central stream (中坊主) through a small autumn-coloured valley contrasted with green conifers (11:52 h).
Autumn Views, Oyunuma
We enjoyed the brilliant autumn trees while we ate a snack on a picnic table.
Mud Pools and Maples, Goshogake
We found another mud pool that contrasted with the reds, golds and greens of the forest.
Hachimantai Aspite Line
View After Tunnel, Hachimantai
Hachimantai Aspite Line is only open from mid-May to October, due to snow. Highway 23 travels from the Goshogake Hot Springs to the Hachimantai-chojo bus stop (Hachimantai Summit Rest House).
Autumn Glory, Hachimantai Aspite Line
Aspite Line Road had the nicest autumn colours we’ve seen so far. There were several places where streams passed through beautiful autumn colours.
Hachimantai-Gentamori Walk
Hachimantai Nature Trail Map
We got off at the large parking lot at Hachimantai Chojo bus stop, which is very high up and has good views. We arrived at 12:30.
The Hachimantai–Gentamori Walk is a scenic loop trail that begins at the Hachimantai Summit Rest House and winds through volcanic landscapes, alpine marshes, and panoramic viewpoints.
Autumn Views, Goshogake
The starting point is obvious, but there was no sign for Gentamori (only a map in Kanji). We walked to a WC (9 minutes), then took the left-hand trail (11 minutes). to Hachimannuma Pond, a crater lake formed about 6,000 years ago.
Before the pond, see a small lake to the right and below. Continue gently uphill to the platform overlooking this small green pond. From here, we took the right-hand trail towards a hut and along the lake. We came to a junction with another map. We continued straight to Gentamori.
Hachimantai Resources
Autumn Leaves: Peak season is from late September to late October, depending on elevation:
High elevations like Mt. Akita-Komagatake start turning colour in late September.
Mid-elevation areas such as the Hachimantai Aspite Line usually peak in early to mid-October.
Lower elevations, like the Matsukawa River and Nanataki Falls, reach their peak around mid to late October.
Goshogake-Tamagawa Onsen Trail
Mount Hachimantai Nature Trail
Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Tazawa-Ko
Hachimantai–Tazawa-ko 75 km, 1:36 hrs
Near Sunset, Tazawa-ko
Lake Tazawa (Tazawa-ko), Japan’s deepest lake at 423 m. It is a caldera lake created by a massive volcanic eruption around 1.4 million years ago. Tazawa-Ko (G4.4) is prized by the Japanese, but we did not consider it that special. There was too much haze in the afternoon. But we saw a beautiful sunset over this massive lake with golden rays pouring over the rippled water. I used my new 500 mm lens for the first time to zoom in on the sun and the mountains silhouetted in amber light.
Sunset, Tazawa-ko
We ate great suppers at the Tazawa-Ko YH. We stayed two nights to do the Akita-Komagatake Hike. The first night we had very good Genghis Khan (lamb, bean sprouts, cabbage). Genghis Khan (Jingisukan) is a popular grilled lamb or mutton dish, especially beloved in Hokkaido. Despite the name, it’s a uniquely Japanese creation. The lamb is marinated in a soy-based sauce with garlic, ginger, and fruit juices, then grilled with vegetables like bean sprouts. The second night we had sukiyaki, lamb, and soya sauce with sugar, then dipped in raw egg!
Akita-Komagatake Hike
Drive: Tazawa-ko–Komagatake 25 km, 0:37 hrs
Length: 5.6 km (3.5 miles)
Gain: 359 m (1,177 ft)
Time: 2 to 3 hrs
Difficulty: Moderate
Open: June to October due to snow
Normally, you take a bus from JR Tazawa-ko Station to the Hachigome (8th Station) trailhead (駒ケ岳八合目). There were no buses (Oct 15 Fri). We got a lift from a person staying at the YH. We arrived at the Hachigome bus stop and trailhead at 8:53 hrs.
The trail was obvious, but the signs and map were only in the Kanji script. At 9:25, we began a moderate climb. There were open views all the way. Ahead was Tazawa-ko, but it was very hazy. Turning a corner, we saw dwarf pine, low scrub, and the onsen town.
Trail View, Komagatake
Akita-Komagatake is an active stratovolcano rising to 1,637 m. We reached a trail junction at 10:16. Ahead was a hut and Amida-ike, a small crater lake nestled inside the larger caldera. It was formed by explosive eruptions between 11,600 and 13,500 years ago. There were many benches along the pond. It must be a popular picnic area in the summer. The hut has a toilet and a sleeping area upstairs. It took 44 minutes to walk to the hut at 10:20.
Trail over Ridge towards Me-dake, Komagatake
To the right, a trail climbed a ridge. The trail was steep and slippery due to scoria (small lava stones). It was just as difficult going down. It was very cold at the top due to the wind. We were greeted by a good view, including our first sight of Me Dake, still black from its 1970 eruption.
Mini-cone & Me-dake, Komagatake
There was an excellent view from the rim of a deep, green valley, a mini-cone to the left, and the black top of Me Dake to the right. There was an excellent view of the lava flow from the 1970 eruption.
Mini-cone, Komagatake, 96-20
From a T-junction, the left trail went the long way around. We went right and walked down to Hachigome. It took 48 minutes, and we arrived at 13:32.
Tazawa-Ko Machi
Rice Fields, Komagatake
Rice fields stretched along the side road off Highway 341, seven minutes from the YH. Behind the fields was Komagatake. Rice is a hydroponic grass that grows in water. Now the paddies were dry and already harvested.
Harvesting Rice on a mini-farm
On this rice farm, the farmers used a compact harvesting machine and binder designed specifically for small paddy fields.
Hanging Rice, Tazawa-ko
These machines cut the rice and tied it into small bundles. The bundles were dried traditionally (hung on wood drying posts) before threshing. You can understand how automated, large-scale equipment in other countries can easily and more economically produce rice.
Kakunodate
Tazawa-ko–Kakunodate 22 km, 0:27 hrs
Kakunodate was not a must-see if you have visited Kanazawa. But it was the only place in the north where we saw a historic site – a 400-year-old samurai district. This area becomes a must-see in the Sakura Season when the cherry blossoms draw many tourists (ie, Japanese).
Ishiguro House
Hours: 09:00 to 16:30 h
Fees: JPY 500 (USD 3.40)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimon/7373835414/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57565691" title="Reinforced Doors, Ishiguro House, Kakunodate, Japan By KimonBerlin - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimon/7373835414/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57565691" class="has-alt-description">Reinforced Doors, Ishiguro House, Kakunodate, CC BY SA Wikipedia
This was the only samurai residence still inhabited by descendants of the original family. They personally guide you through a few rooms of the house. The reinforced doors are a striking example of Edo-period defensive architecture. These heavy, solid wooden doors were designed to withstand forced entry and fitted with iron hardware to deter intruders.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10437325" title="Samurai House Interior, Kakunodate, Japan By Hassan Abdel-Rahman from Denver, US - Samurai House in Kakunodate, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10437325" class="has-alt-description">Samurai House Interior, Kakunodate, CC BY SA Wikipedia
The interior had very nice tatami mats, alcoves, paintings, flower vases, and a thatched roof.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimon/7373834192/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57565677" title="Ranma engraving, Ishiguro House, Kakunodate, Japan By KimonBerlin - https://www.flickr.com/photos/kimon/7373834192/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=57565677" class="has-alt-description">Ranma engraving, Ishiguro House, Kakunodate, CC BY SA Wikipedia
A Ranma engraving is an intricately carved wooden transom panel placed above sliding doors or between rooms. These panels serve both decorative and functional purposes. They allow light and air to pass between rooms while showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. One notable feature is the wooden latticework with turtle motifs. This art demonstrates the refined aesthetics of upper-class samurai families. They were more than just warriors.
Aoyagi House
Hours: 09:00 to 17:00 h
Fees: JPY 500 (USD 3.40)
Aoyagi House, Kakunodate
Aoyagi House was very similar to Ishiguro. It had a room with old artifacts and two other buildings in the rear with displays.
The Matsumoto House was closed and not of interest. But down the street was a private house with a beautiful small garden with a stone lantern.
The samurai district features streets and courtyards shaded by cherry blossom trees. Also, check out the Hinokinai River. The Sakura Season peak is from April 23 to 27. It attracts around 1.2 million domestic tourists each year. While it’s not as packed as major cities like Tokyo or Kyoto, expect large crowds.
From Kakunodate, we headed south to Yamagata in Explore Hidden Gems in the Japanese Alps.
Tohoku Resources
Japan Tohoku North Google Map, our custom Google itinerary
Other Places to See
You can find hidden gems in Tohoku. That does NOT mean there will be no visitors. Most tourists in Japan are domestic, and the Japanese are well aware of these “hidden gems”. Here are a few places to consider when you’re seeking a more tranquil experience.
Cherry Blossom Places
Similarly to temples, why do you have to go to the well-known cherry blossom places? There are several off-the-beaten-path spots where you can enjoy quiet cherry blossom viewing amid traditional backdrops:
Hirosaki Park (peak April 22–28) – boasts over 2,600 cherry trees, including Japan’s oldest Yoshino cherry. The petals floating in the castle moat create a dreamy pink carpet, and the night illuminations are pure enchantment.
Kitakami Tenshochi Park ([strong]Kitakami)[/strong] (peak April 18–24) – with around 10,000 cherry trees along the Kitakami River.
Nicchu Line Memorial Walkway (Fukushima) (peak April 9–16) – a 3 km path lined with over 1,000 weeping cherry trees transforms into a tunnel of pink.
Hanamiyama Park (Fukushima) (peak April 9–16) – this hillside park bursts into colour with cherry blossoms and other spring flowers, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Wisteria Blossom Places
You can see wisteria from mid-May to early June, depending on location. This is outside the over-touristed Cherry Blossom and holiday season, which is April in Central Honshu.
Tonose Fuji no Sato is located just south of Hirosaki. You need a car to get to this remote wisteria garden. You will be rewarded by a tapestry of differently colored wisteria trees growing next to rows of flooded rice paddies.
Blooming Period: Around mid-May
Hours: 9:00 – 16:30 during blossom season only!
Cost: JPY 1000
Aomori Weather
| Season – Months | Temp °C | Temp °F |
|---|
| Spring: April–May | 16.5° | 61.7° |
| Summer: June–August | 25.3° | 77.6° |
| Fall: September–November | 17.7° | 63.8° |
| Winter: December–March | 3.5° | 38.3° |
[strong][strong][strong]Aomori[/strong][/strong]Best Time[/strong]
May, June, September, and October have the best high temperatures of 24°C (74.8°F). November is getting cold with a high temperature of 11°C (51.8°F), and winter is frigid. July to September are the rainiest and most humid months. August is the hottest month, with an average high of 28°C (82.4°F).
[strong][strong][strong][strong]Tohoku[/strong][/strong][/strong]Getting Around[/strong]
Aomori-shi is a small city (shi) of 257,738 people. Miyako has 44,557 people.Kakunodate merged with nearby municipalities to form the city of Semboku, with 21,784 people
| Route by Auto | Distance by Road | Time by Road |
|---|
| Tokyo – Sendai | 350 km | 4:27 hrs |
| Sendai – Miyako | 244 km | 3:27 hrs |
| Miyako – Aomori | 222 km | 3:18 hrs |
| Aomori – Kakunodate | 189 km | 3:08 hrs |
Get the Rome2Rio app if you are travelling by bus or train. Generally, it is much faster to travel by train. These are the train fares and times.
| Route by Train or Bus | Fare JPY | Fare USD | Time Hrs |
|---|
| Tokyo – Sendai | JPY 8000 – 12000 | USD 55.20 – 82.80 | 1:33 |
| Sendai – Miyako | JPY 6669 – 9471 | USD 45.94 – 65.24 | 3:12 |
| Miyako – Aomori | JPY 6531 – 9985 | USD 45.00– 68.77 | 3:55 |
| Aomori – Kakunodate | JPY 6215 – 12162 | USD 42.80 – 83.76 | 2:26 |
If you are not renting a car but plan to see multiple, distant areas, check out a multi-city airfare.
Final Comments
Kitayamazaki Cliffs, CC BY SA Wikipedia
We hope this post will encourage you to visit the intriguing Tohoku and escape the over-tourism of central Honshu island.
Surprising Fact for Today
Japan has 404 national and regional parks covering 5.8% of the area of Japan. For more surprising facts, read Unlock Japan: Insider Tips & FAQs.
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Google Maps provides a rating from 0 to 5 for all sights, hotels, and restaurants (but not cities). All our recommendations are appended with the rating (prefixed with a G) from Google Maps. Google Ratings are based on feedback from locals as well as tourists. They are much more reliable than travel booking websites or tourist anecdotes.
We consider a score of 4 to 4.39 to be Very Good and 4.4 to 5 to be Excellent. Yet, in Japan, many must-see sights are rated by the Japanese as 4.2. Based on this, we would consider the range of 4.2 to 5 to be Excellent.
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Autumn View from Highway, Gokayama
View of 2 Craters, Azuma Kofuji
View from Courtyard, Hikone Castle
Women Workers, Kenroku-en, Kanazawa
Sake Cups & Gourds, Sanbo-in, Kyoto
Sakura Blossoms
Shoji Door Paintings, Nanzen-ji, Kyoto
Sweepers, Horyu-ji, Nara
Daibutsu Statue, Kotoku-in, Kamakura
Snow Plateau, Daisetsuzan NP
