Stretching along the Ishikari River for about 24 km in the Daisetsuzan National Park, Sounkyo is a range of gorges known for its beautiful cliffs and cascading waterfalls. Its biggest attraction is the fabulous natural views of each season, but the autumn foliage and the ice pillars in winter are particularly breathtaking. The Sounkyo Ice Fall Festival, held in winter, exhibits artworks and structures created using ice. Hang around until sundown and enjoy the spectacular winter fireworks. It’s an enchanting event that lets you fully appreciate Hokkaido’s winter.

Boasting a tradition of about 270 years, the Akita Kanto Festival is one of the three great festivals of the Tohoku region. The main event of the festival is a number of performing groups holding up bamboo poles adorned with lanterns, which can be up to 10 meters high, showcasing their incredible skills and strength. The festival started as a prayer for a bountiful harvest and good health. The countless lanterns light up the streets at night, creating a mesmerizing and enchanting atmosphere.

Omagari hosts one of the largest fireworks competitions in Japan, with over 100 years of history. Pyrotechnicians gather from all over the country and display their mastery in front of 600,000 spectators. Get fascinated by the breathtaking, large-scale fireworks that vividly color the summer of Omagari, including fireworks synchronized to music, “free fireworks” that showcase creativity and originality, and daytime fireworks.

The beautiful five-arched wooden bridge fuses archeological technology and aesthetics and is a masterpiece that represents Japan. The bridge showcases different aspects depending on the season, such as cherry blossoms in spring, fireworks in summer, colorful foliage in autumn and snowy scenery in winter. During your stay, make sure to observe “ukai,” Japan’s traditional fishing method that uses cormorants to catch river fish, or marvel at the view from Iwakuni Castle adjacent to the bridge.

The Niyodo River is known for its crystal-clear water. Dubbed “Niyodo Blue” for the astonishing purity and clarity of the water, the river attracts many visitors. The color of the water changes from blue to green depending on the time of the day. In summer, you can enjoy SUP and canoeing, while in autumn, the river awes visitors with the surrounding foliage that creates a beautiful contrast against the color of the waters.

Boasting a history of over 400 years, Awa Odori is a traditional performing art that vividly colors the summer of Tokushima. Participants form groups called “ren” showcase lively dance performances to the beat of muscical instruments. The entire town gets filled with excitement, with both dancers and audiences enjoying the festival as one. At night, the lanterns illuminate the streets, creating an alluring atmosphere.

Known as one of the three premier castles in Japan, Kumamoto Castle impresses visitors with its imposing structure and beautiful architectural features. Its extensive grounds are home to approximately 800 cherry blossom trees, which create an amazing contrast with the black wall of the castle when in full bloom. In addition, the popular Kumamoto Castle Museum Wakuwakuza offers a fun way to explore the castle’s history and culture.