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The statue of the loyal dog “Hachiko” can be found just outside Shibuya Station’s Hachiko gate. The 162cm-tall statue was built in 1934, and stands elevated 180cm from the ground. Today, the statue of Hachiko has become a symbol of Shibuya and a popular landmark for meetups and tourism. Hachiko is based on an Akita dog named Hachi, whose owner was a professor of the Tokyo Imperial University. Even after the sudden death of his owner, Hachi continued to wait for his return at the ticketing gate. The story of this loyal dog, Hachiko inspired film and literature worldwide, time and again. Another statue of Hachiko can be found in front of Tower Records Shibuya, but this one is warped diagonally in a peculiar way. In front of the Hachiko statue is a green train car formerly used on the Toyoko line, and by Shibuya Station’s south gate is a lesser-known monument named the “Moyai Statue”. The nearby department stores also carry souvenirs related to Hachiko.
Category: Educational tourArea: Shibuya / EbisuYumura Hot Spring is located in the New Hot Spring town of northern Hyogo Prefecture. After being discovered by Jikaku Daishi in 848, the hot spring has been called "Ara Yu" because of the intensity of the hot spring. Every minute, 470L of hot water of 98 degrees celsius is poured out into the springs. The alkali spring water is beneficial for neuralgia and arthralgia. It is Yumura Hot Spring's specialty to boil eggs and vegetables with the Ara yu hot water. By the Haruki River, which runs through the center of the hot spring town, there are 3 foot bath areas. Tourists can take relaxing breaks along the river at these areas.
Category: Hot Springs / spaArea: KobeThe Sounkyo Onsen Ice Fall Festival is held between late January and mid March in the central Hokkaido region. It is one of the Three Snow Festivals of Hokkaido, and is known for its decadent ice sculpture exhibitions and fun ice activities. The annual “main ice sculptures” are a must-see. The theme of the sculpture varies every year, and they are usually so big that you can enter inside them and explore. The insides of these sculptures are like huge ice caves, and you can even find icicles forming on the ceilings. There is even an Ice Shrine that is completely made of ice. It is said to be good luck if you make an offering to the sphere of ice located inside the shrine. At the entrance of the venue, there is a photography booth. There, you can take a photo to commemorate your visit to the Ice Fall Festival, and even receive a certificate for withstanding the extreme cold. Make sure to dress in layers to keep warm throughout the festival.
Category: Snow activityJust across from Hirosaki Park and inside the Otemon Gate Square, you will find a cluster of miniature buildings. They are miniature replicas of buildings between the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868 – 1926). Look closely, and you’ll find mini people in the mini buildings, too. Nearby are real-life versions of some of the buildings, such as the Former Hirosaki City Hall.
Category: Theme parkArea: HirosakiOnouchi Hyakkei Icicles can be seen in the winter seasons at Onouchi Valley in Saitama prefecture. The icicles are made by locals, by pulling water from a local water sources via a 500-meter pipe. The icicles are made on a 150-meter span, and measure up to 60 meters high. Walk across the suspension bridge by the icicles for the best views! You can see the icicles in January and February. During the event, locals set up food stalls by the venues. At the stalls, you can enjoy a cup of amazake and try out local cuisines. On the weekends, visit nearby restaurants to try out patate, a potato dish that can only be eaten in the Onouchi Valley area. Visit Onouchi Valley again in the summer to enjoy they cool streams and beautiful green scenery, and in the autumn too for the fall foliage.
Category: Educational tourArea: Chichibu / Nagatoro"Chichibuga Hama Beach" is a 1 kilometer long beach, located in Mitoyo City, Kagawa Prefecture. It has long been famous as a bathing beach, but in recent years, it has been attracting more tourists as an area that is perfect for Instagram photos. The beach's lake is called the "Japanese Uyuni Salt Flats" since there is a mirrored reflection from the sky and surrounding scenery. Though the beach offers a beautiful view at any time of the day, the tide pool is likely to be formed on a sunny evening around a time of low tide during the spring. You can get a great view of the opposing islands from the reflection on the big tide pool. During the morning clam, you can see the sky above and on the tide pool and an exquisite view of extensive sunset in the background during the evening clam. On Tasuta Island, a desert island located about 7 minutes away by ship from Nio Port near Chichibuga Hama Beach, "Setouchi DAYOUT" is held every June. With a view of the Seto Inland Sea, you can enjoy such activities as kayaking, yachting, trail running and yoga.
Category: Nature / sceneryArea: Mitoyo-shi
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