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  Hachimantai Dragon Eye (Kagami Pond)

  Posted in: Tohoku, Akita

  637 Views

  Every year between late May to mid-June, Kagami Pond located on Mount Hachimantai in Senboku City, Miyagi Prefecture, creates a rare natural phenomenon that takes on the appearance of a dragon eye. As a great amount of snow melting in spring pours into the pond, its center rises by buoyancy, which then starts to thaw in such a way as to resemble an eye of a dragon. You may be lucky enough to witness this mysterious vista only seen during this time.

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  Tono Furusato Village

  Posted in: Tohoku, Iwate

  636 Views

  A traditional mountain village with these thatched roof magariya houses built after the middle of the Edo period, have been relocated to and restored in this facility, this recreation of the unspoiled landscape of old Tono include a water wheel, rice patties and a charcoal burner’s hut. Amid the bucolic landscape, visitors can try their hand at "Mochitsuki" (pounding rice cakes), "Sobauchi" (making soba noodles), and other activities of a farming village (reservation required), to gain a...

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  Magose-toge Pass

  Posted in: Chubu, Mie

  634 Views

  Considered to be the most beautiful part of Kumano Kodo, the Magose-toge Pass is paved with gorgeous stones and lined with hinoki cypress trees. From the pass, there are additional climbing paths leading up to the Mount Tengura and Mount Binshi peaks, both commanding spectacular views from the top.

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  Takaya Shrine

  Posted in: Shikoku, Kagawa

  633 Views

  Zenigata Sunae is a huge sand art of a 345m copper coin from Edo period drawn on Ariake Beach in Kanonji City; it was created over the night in 1633 to welcome the feudal lord Ikoma Takatoshi.

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  Unzen Hell

  Posted in: Kyushu, Nagasaki

  629 Views

  The main attraction of Unzen-shi, Nagasaki, is Unzen Hell. Feel the power of the volcano by experiencing the steaming foot bath or by trying Onsen Eggs, Onsen Lemonade, and more.

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  Naruto Strait

  Posted in: Shikoku, Tokushima

  627 Views

  Naruto Strait is located between Naruto City in Tokushima Prefecture and Awaji Island, and it is famous for its tidal whirlpools. There is a promenade above the ocean spanning across the strait that serves as a tourist attraction. It is accessible from near the Onaruto Bridge, which offers up-close views of the whirlpools. Shikoku's famed Naruto whirlpools can also be viewed from other nearby observation decks.

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  Matsue Castle

  Posted in: Chugoku, Shimane

  627 Views

  Discover tea ceremony and Japanese culture in a historic castle town with samurai residences and other traces of the Edo Period.

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  Hossawa Falls

  Posted in: Kanto, Tokyo

  627 Views

  The only waterfall in Tokyo selected as one of the Top 100 Waterfalls in Japan, Hossawa Falls in the village of Hinohara is 62 meters tall and has four stages in all. The deep hole at the lowest stage (length of about 26 meters) has a mysterious atmosphere and is said to be inhabited by a large serpent since ancient times. The waterfall is also famous for freezing in winter, and the Hossawa Falls Winter Festival is held from December to February every year.

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  Mitsumine Shrine

  Posted in: Kanto, Saitama

  626 Views

  Located in the mountains of Okuchichibu at 1,100 meters elevation, Mitsumine Shrine is dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the mythical deities said to have given birth to the country of Japan. The divine messenger Oguchi Makami is a wolf believed to have mysterious powers that protects against various misfortunes.

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  Nametoko Valley

  Posted in: Shikoku, Ehime

  624 Views

  Canyoning is a river sport from France that allows you to full enjoy valleys with your whole body—jump into the waterfall basin, allow the water current to carry you, and abseil.

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  Kitsuki Castle Town

  Posted in: Kyushu, Oita

  622 Views

  The Hiina Doll Festival of the Kitsuki castle town in Kitsuki City, Oita Prefecture, is a magnificent event. Various kinds of Hina dolls are put on display throughout the castle town, which has the air of a little Kyoto. The event is held from February to March every year. Only in Kitsuki can you see so many different Hina dolls in the 30 or so locations around the city. 

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  Ine no Funaya

  Posted in: Kyoto, Kansai

  622 Views

  Ine is a small fishing village located in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture facing the Sea of Japan. There are still about 230 "funaya," or traditional wooden boat houses, stretching for five kilometers along the Ine Bay. These houses are built right on the water and the boats are housed in the first floor while the second floor is a living space. The funaya houses stand in a row around the bay creating a scenery unique to Ine town, which somehow evokes a nostalgic feeling.

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