Hot springs, stargazing and hiking among colorful foliage in the Japanese autumn

Easily accessible from Tokyo (Haneda Airport), Toyama is full of tourist delights such as delicious foods, amazing nature and hot springs. When hiking, be sure to stop by the Kurobe Dam, where you can watch the incredible water discharge. To see a rainbow in the spray of water, visit during the morning by around mid-October. Also, try the tasty “masu-zushi” (pressed trout sushi), a local specialty dish.

Tokushima’s sea and mountains offer much to see, including the scenic Iya Valley, nicknamed Togenkyo (utopia), and the Naruto Strait, where you can observe up close one of the world’s largest whirlpools created by tidal currents. When visiting the Iya Valley, stay at a traditional thatched roof house and try your hand at cultural activities such as “washi” paper making and indigo dyeing.

Kagoshima has an abundance of natural beauties, such as the Kirishima Kinkowan National Park, where the historic Kirishima Shrine is located, and Yakushima Island, which is designated as a World Heritage site. Enjoy the rare experience of lounging in sand warmed by hot springs, or visit the many hot spring resorts across the prefecture. Be sure to try the light and mild-flavored Kagoshima ramen!