Unkai Terrace is an amazing viewing spot in Tomamu where you can gaze at a magnificent sea of clouds, or “unkai,” from an altitude of 1,088 meters. The natural phenomenon can be seen during a small window of time in the early mornings of mid-May to around mid-October. Feel like you are floating above the clouds while enjoying the remarkable scenery of the sea of clouds and the mountains illuminated by the morning sun.

Ice fragments sparkling like jewels are a natural spectacle only seen during the extremely cold period of winter. Ice frozen in the Tokachi River flows out to the sea, where it is polished by waves, creating fantastic scenery. The views at dawn and sunset are especially breathtaking. Don’t miss this sight unique to Hokkaido, only seen during a limited time between mid-January and early March.

Established in 860, Yamadera is a historic Buddhist temple surrounded by the natural beauty of the four seasons. The temple is famous as the setting of the haiku poem written by Matsuo Basho, the most important haiku poet in Japan: “Such stillness / the cries of the cicadas / sink into the rocks” (translation by Donald Keene). Ascend the 1,015 stone steps and take in the panoramic view that appears at your feet. Many people visit this temple, which quietly stands deep in nature, to calmly reflect on themselves.

An astonishing 123 bright red torii gates line up over 100 meters toward the Sea of Japan in this incredible power spot. The beautiful contrast of the torii’s vermillion, the green hills and the blue sea create a one-of-a-kind scenery. Once you walk through the torii gates, see the amazing “Dragon Palace Blowhole,” where the seawater spurting from the rocks can reach up to 30 meters high.

Stretching over 10 kilometers underground, Akiyoshido is one of the largest limestone caves in Japan and is known for its massive scale and splendor. There are numerous beautiful stalactites and stalagmites found in the cave, such as the “Hundred Plates” and “Golden Column.” The temperature inside the cave is steady year-round at around 17 degrees Celsius, so it is cool in the summer and warm in the winter, creating a comfortable environment for underground explorations.

Iya Valley stretches as if etched along the deep mountains of Shikoku. The clear emerald-green river and untouched nature have earned Iya a place among Japan’s top three hidden scenic spots. Kazura Bridge, a 45-meter-long suspension bridge made of vines, is designated as an important cultural property of Japan and provides a thrilling experience and beautiful seasonal views of the surrounding nature.

A steam sand bath is a unique hot spring therapy in which you are buried under warm sand on a beach bubbling with natural hot springs. Wrapped up in pleasant warmth and moderate pressure, it promotes blood circulation and relaxation. After the steam sand, soak yourself in actual hot spring waters to relax even more. Try this distinctive hot spring experience that is also popular among Japanese tourists.