Niiyama Temple, founded in 729, locates in Kanzaki city in eastern Saga and is known for its beautiful autumn foliage. The temple is also known as “Sannou-san”, and worships the deity of the mountains and the deity of agriculture. Inside the temple grounds, there are many massive camphor trees that are more than 600 years old and also some aged maple trees. Every fall, the temple bustles with many people who come to enjoy the view of these trees dyed blazing red. We recommend you to visit both Niiyama Temple and Kunennan, the facility adjacent to the temple that is an amazing spot to see the autumn foliage. Impressive figures of two Kongo Rikishi statues that stand besides Nioumon gate are also things to see in this temple. Furthermore, a festival called Ooonda-sai is held in April for 13 days, once every twelve years. Ondamai is a traditional dance expressing the rice-planting that is done to wish for good harvest. It has been danced for more than 1200 years and is performed for more than an hour and a half for continuous days during the festival period. This will be held next in 2028.

Samegaijuku, located in eastern Shiga, is a station town on the Nakasendo Route that connected Kyoto and Edo (present day Tokyo) during the Edo period (1603 – 1867). The town locates by the Jizo River. The Samegaijuku Shiryokan Museum, made up of the Samegai Toiyaba and the Old Samegai Post Office, is a must visit. During the Edo period, “Toiyaba” served as a facility that helped travelers transport their horses and luggage. This is one of the very few toiyaba remaining in almost perfect condition. The inside is open to the public, and special events such as concerts are held about 4 times a year. The Old Samegai Post Office was designed by the American architect Merrell Vories. The second floor has an exhibition of old documents and drawings. Around July and August, you can see the baikamo flowers blossoming throughout the streets. Baikamo is a plant only found in Japan, and has plum-like flowers that blossom in the water. You can find them in the Jizo River. Visit after sunset to see a special light-up of the river area.

Himeji City Zoo is located in Himeji City, Southern Hyogo Prefecture. The zoo opened in 1951 to commemorate the conclusion of the San Francisco Peace Treaty. The zoo keeps about 390 animals of about 100 species including Asian elephants and polar bears, and the facility also has the Small-Sized Amusement Park. The highlight of the zoo is the four animal enclosures: the Reptile House, the Inner Moat, the Interaction Farm, and the Mini Farm. The amusement park in the zoo is very popular among children for its airplane playground equipment and a Ferris wheel. In the vicinity stands Himeji Castle, which has been designated as a World Heritage Site. This zoo would be a great addition to your visit to Himeji Castle.

Hoshi-toge Terraced Rice Fields, in Niigata’s city of Tokamachi, is a terraced rice field with an amazing view. There are about 200 rice fields in total, bringing about a different sight every season. When the fields are lidded with water, it creates a mirror-like effect. During this time, there is also a chance of a sea of clouds forming on the rice fields. When it is harvest season, you can see the golden brown plants swaying in the wind. The town of Tokamachi has a reserved, retro atmosphere. Tokamachi is a great destination if you are looking for a more laid-back, modest side of Japan.

Kiritappu Wetland locates in western Hokkaido, and is a part of the Akkeshi Prefectural Natural Park. It measures about 3,000㎡, which is approximately the area of 600 Tokyo Domes. Nicknamed the “wetland of flowers”, Kiritappu is home to about 300 different flower species. A part of the wetland is designated as a national natural monument. You can find the red-crowned crane here, which is designated as a special natural monument. You can find the Kiritappu Wetland Center located on a hill above the wetland. Here, you can check out the tours and programs available. Inside is also a café where you can take a break.

The Kushiro Marsh Observatory locates in eastern Hokkaido in the city of Kushiro. From here, you can get a view of the spacious Kushiro Marsh. Inside the observatory, there is a designated observation room. There, you can learn about wildlife in the marsh. Outside of it, there is a strolling path that is 2.5 kilometers long. On both sides of the path is the Kushiro Marsh, and you can see all of the marsh’s wildlife up close. If you’re lucky, you might be able to see creatures likes squirrels.