Adventurous Vacation Ideas in Northern Japan
Shirakami Sanchi is situated in Tohoku which is the northern region of Japan. This region was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. In Shirakami Sanchi Anmon Falls are the main attraction of making an adventurous vacation. The Anmon Falls consists of three waterfalls that make its way to 90 minutes into the valley from the trailhead. The first waterfall is about 26 meters high, the second waterfall is about about 37 meters and the third one is the tallest and 42 meters in height. These falls are not accessible from late November to late April.
On the north western side of Shirakami Sanchi, a series of small lakes and ponds are connected in an area called Juniko. A small visitor center called the Juniko Eco-Museum Center Kokyokan, says about the area to those people who are keen to know about. Camping around its lakes and ponds, fishing, hiking, and boating are a matter of great charm to the visitors. Aoike is a lake of Juniko which is very popular for its beautiful blue water. Nihon Canyon is a grand canyon that is situated near Juniko. It is oriented with walls of colorful brown and grey rock. From late November to March Juniko and Nihon Canyon are not accessible for the visitors.
Shimokita Peninsula and Lake Towada are the adventurous spots of the northern regions Honshu island in Japan. Also Akan National Park is another spot for tourists for adventurous vacation for its mysterious lakes. Shiretoko National Park another site where bears roam about and this park is very attractive for the visitors. Shikotsu Toya National Park is the most popular destination for the tourists for a number of volcanic hot springs, two beautiful caldera lakes and mossy canyons. The above mentioned parks are the included in the nothern most region of Japan called Hokkaido.
Mount futatsumori in the south west of Shirakami Sanchi is very popular to the adventurous people for its steep peak which takes only one hour to get up. Also The Mount Shirakamidake, Mount Komagatake, Dairakyo Gorge, and Tanashiro Swamp of Shirakami Sanchi are such charming and most popular adventurous sites to the tourists for being hiking trials.
Cherry Blossoms – 5 Great Viewing Places
Springtime in Japan is inherently connected with blossoms, and there are many terrific places to visit to see new flowers bloom, some perhaps a day trip away or even in the backyard. Japan, having many Japanese crafts shop, attracts a lot of photographers or artists to shop but also come specifically for cherry blossom viewing. Spring brings forth the crisp air, emerging greenery and Cherry Blossoms in Japan. Cherry Blossoms, "Sakura" is the national flower of Japan and is held in reverence throughout Japan.
A large number of festivals are held to honor and celebrate the beauty of the Cherry Blossom festival. Cherry Blossom festival begins to bloom from the southern island of Kyushu in late March and moves northward blooming in early May in Hokkaido. Cherry blossoms or the sakura can be viewed almost from all the parts of Japan, but to enjoy it best there are places like;
1. Ome-shi Plum Park- a beautiful hill station where the blossoms slopes downwards. The 1,500 trees that cover the sloping hills of the park make it look like mounds of cotton candy. There is also a 300-year-old plum tree to make you feel insignificant in the face of nature. The park's festival lasts from the end of February to the end of March.
2. Fuchu-shi Kyodo no Mori - Fuchu-shi Kyodo no Mori puts a decidedly traditionalist spin on the ume matsuri, which started on the first of February.
In addition to strolling through the garden enjoying the Cherry Blossom festival sight and smell of white and red plum blossoms, visitors have a chance to take part in open air tea ceremonies, to hear performances of traditional musical instruments like the koto, and to drink kuzuyu, a hot sweet beverage made from kudzu starch. Along with the blossoms one can enjoy the daffodils and pheasant's in full bloom.
3. Ushi Tenjin- Ushi Tenjin's ume matsuri particularly celebrates the red variety of plum blossoms, which look striking against the background of the shrine buildings. On Saturdays and Sundays in February, all kinds of goodies are on offer, including plum fruits grown on the grounds, sweets made from them, and plum liquor. Ginger tea and amazake can also be savoured.
4. Odawara Ume Matsuri – spread across the slopes of Mt. Fuji, it’s the best postcard view one can get. With over 35,000 plum trees it is the best place to chill out with family and friends. Also the there is all kinds of live performances, from oversize calligraphy to horseback archery.
5. Baji Koen - Supposedly even the most restive horse calms down when mesmerized by the beauty of plum blossoms in Baji Koen. Baji Koen, or Horse Park, was built for the equestrian events in the 1964 Olympics and is now run by the Japan Racing Association. It is rightly known as a place to see cherry blossoms in the spring, but they have also have a lovely plum grove surrounding one of their seven playgrounds.
Photo by Junko Kimura
Romantic Vacation Ideas in Kyoto, Japan
Kinkaku-ji, Kyoto
When looking for a romantic getaway, there are many options available. However, if you’re looking for something out of the norm that is a bit more exotic, you should definitely consider planning a romantic vacation to Kyoto, Japan. Not only are there things to serve your romantic experience needs, there are also several other attractions in Kyoto.
You can take in the romance Kyoto has to offer any way you wish. Some of the romantic attractions in Kyoto include Arashiyama, Shosei-en Garden, and Kinkaku-ji Pavilion. The romantic options in Kyoto are truly endless.
You can take in the romance Kyoto has to offer any way you wish. One romantic adventure Kyoto has to offer is going for a romantic walk through Arashiyama, going through the bamboo forest, walking over the bridge and along the scenic riverbank. The views are beautiful and the area is very peaceful.
Another romantic location you won’t want to pass up is Shosei-en Garden. This garden was originally built in the late 9th century, but was d
estroyed by fires in the 1800’s. It has since been restored to its original condition. Visiting in the autumn to see the Shosei-en Garden would be a wonderful idea as you can see the beautiful cherry blossoms. You and your loved one could have breathtaking photographs that would last a lifetime from Shosei-en Garden from the stone garden lanterns, spring pits, water basins, cascades, and more.
Kinkaku-ji Pavilion is another very romantic location with a lot of photograph opportunities. Kinkaku-ji Pavilion was originally a summer getaway for an ancient Japanese leader who surrendered the throne in order to dedicate his life to building the most beautiful and relaxing place possible. Many visitors would agree that he succeeded. Although you can’t enter the gold-plated pavilion, it is still very worth visiting. In the autumn, the park is bursting with colors and is just a beautiful view. The views over the mirror pond offer the ability to take some really nice photographs and photographers are always nearby. Another good reason for choosing to visit in the autumn is under the temple is opened for viewing across the pond.
The Japanese cuisine is also a great experience in it of itself. There are many different Japanese restaurants for you to try out. One great Japanese restaurant with a romantic atmosphere to try out is Imobo Hiranoya Honten. It is a very nice location and has traditional Japanese seating, which would be interesting to try out while you are vacationing in Japan. Their masterpiece dish is their shrimp potatoes. However, they have many other things to choose from to try out as well.
Aside from romantic locations and good restaurants, Kyoto has a lot of other things to offer as well. If you’re into the theater, you may want to check out Gion Corner Theater. This is a popular attraction for those who have seen the movie or read the book ‘Memoirs of a Geisha.’ The Gion district is most famous for spotting a true Geisha. There are many festivals and performances throughout the year where you can see Geisha’s singing, playing instruments, or dancing. This is a great experience for someone into the theater with an interest in geisha’s.
Kyoto offers a lot of entertainment, tours, historical and cultural monuments, and beautiful scenery. When planning your vacation to Kyoto, Japan you will not be short ideas for things to do or places to see. Kyoto has an abundance of things to offer.