Nature

Okoshiki Kaigan (Okoshiki Seashore), Kumamoto

Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Okoshiki Seashore in Kumamoto Prefecture is a scenic spot to be selected as “Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches.” You can see the beautiful sight called tideland art.
Okoshiki Seashore is a coast located on the northern coast of Uto Peninsula in Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture. Origin of the name is said to have come from the legend that Emperor Keiko long ago remembered the beauty of this coastline when he went expedition to Kyushu. A beautiful scenic spot grabbing the hearts of many people is worth seeing at once.
In fine weather, you can see Mt. Unzen Fugendake in Nagasaki Prefecture on the other side across the Ariake Sea. Ariake Sea is known for its large tide difference. At low tide, the ocean floor appears until offshore more than 2 kilometers, and beautiful “samon” (ripple marks) can be seen at Okoshiki Seashore. The beautiful crescent shaped “samon” is as beautiful as a sculpture.

okoshikikaigan1 — wakakusa3.sakura.ne.jp

If you are going to take beautiful photos at Okoshiki Seashore, sunset time zones are recommended. It is the best time to see sunset and beautiful “samon” at the same time. However, the time of low tide and sunset will be the same time only about a few days a year. It is a good idea to plan a trip after investigating the time of low tide and sunset in advance.
Okoshiki Seashore is located 15 minutes on foot from Ouda Station on the JR Misumi line. It is approximately 30 minutes by train from Kumamoto Station. It can be accessed relatively smoothly by public transport.
“Okoshiki Seashore” spreading a mysterious sight. It is crowded with many photographers and tourists on the sunset and tideland can be seen at the same time. Please aim at a day like a miracle, please visit.

Very great Tidal range

“Okoshiki Kaigan” (Okoshiki Seashore) is located at Uto Peninsula of Kumamoto prefecture.
The tidal range is very great in the Sea of Ariake, the water line at the time when the ebb tide is more than 2km from the coastline, and a beautiful shoreline appears.

Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Sunset

It is said that an origin of “Okoshiki” is an Emperor of Japan stopping Mikoshi (a hand-carried palanquin) and having been fascinated with its beauty. The place is known for its beautiful scenery which designated as Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Sunset and Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Beaches.

Only see the picturesque scenery a few times a year

You can only see the picturesque scenery a few times a year, because the setting sun and the ebb tide of the Ariake Sea overlap with each other is several times a year, and it is influenced by the weather.

Uto City Tourist office : Time of the setting sun and the ebb tide of the Okoshiki Seashore
http://city-uto.com/shio.htm
Blue : The day of ebb tide
Yellow : The setting sun and the ebb tide overlap with each other

Ripple mark of the crescent moon type

At the time of ebb tide, the unique ripple mark of the crescent moon type appears from the Nagahama shore to the Ouda shore for approximately 5km. In these shores, the scenery of the ripple mark glistening with the setting sun of the Okoshiki seashore, which was chosen as “Japan’s 100 Most Beautiful Sunset “, is mysterious, thus many photographers both professionals and amateurs come from the whole country on the day when the sunset and the ebb tide overlap with each other.

Information

Name:	Okoshiki Kaigan (Okoshiki Seashore)
Adresse:	Toguchimachi Uto, Kumamoto 869-3174 Japan
Access:	JR Misumi-sen Line “Ouda-eki Station” (15 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 964-22-1111（Ext.2209）(Uto City Tourism of Commerce)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.city.uto.kumamoto.jp/

Tanize Suspension Bridge, Nara

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Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

Tanize Suspension Bridge in Totsukawa village in Nara Prefecture is the biggest suspension bridge in Japan (the largest suspension bridge for living). It is 297.7 meters in length and 54 meters in height from the river running down.
Totsukawa village in Nara Prefecture where there is a suspension bridge in Tanaze is a village with the most suspension bridges in Japan. It is a rare village that there are more than 60 suspension bridges in this village alone. Among them, Tanize Suspension Bridge is the most famous and historic suspension bridge. There are many suspension bridges for sightseeing in Japan, but the suspension bridge of Tanase is not made for sightseeing purpose.
Prior to this bridge, the people of Tanaze had crossed the log-bridge hanging over the Totsu River to and from the village of “Tanize” on the other side “Uenoji”. The log-bridge was dangerous and was washed away every time the flood occurred. So in 1954 the locals brought out money and Tanize Suspension Bridge was built as a bridge for everyday life. In this suspension bridge there is a hot feeling of the people of Tanze who threw out personal property and helped each other.

Tanize Suspension Bridge, now as a sightseeing spot, souvenir shops and inns also came to be adjacent. However, even now, it is used as an important bridge through which local elementary school students’ school roads and residents live.
The Tanize Suspension Bridge is suspended at both ends by wires, and the floor has only a thin plate about 80 centimeters in width in the middle. When walking on it, the left and right sides of the laying board are thrilling with full view of the bottom. Also, the width is narrow, and it is full of two people side by side. Every time it walks, it shakes swaying, and it shakes quite a lot at the middle point. And the windy days and the like seems to shake greatly. The height from the bottom of the water is 54 meters, and you may be getting a lot of fear in your feet. However, locals keep on cycling or riding a motorcycle and are coming in peace.

The longest suspension bridge in Japan

There is the longest suspension bridge in Japan in Totsukawa-mura village , Yoshino-gun located in the southernmost tip in Nara Prefecture. The magnificent views of nature are surrounded by green mountains, and the clear stream “Totsukawa river” flowing through that wilderness, it is a suspension bridge in the beautiful natural landscape. It is the popular spot so it is also used for TV commercials.

To use as a road for daily living

The Tanize Suspension Bridge built in 1945 was built by the local people to use as a road for daily living. For this reason, local residents still use this thrilling suspension bridge as a everyday community road. They are crossing by bicycle, motorbike, etc. as well as on foot.

Be filled with the feeling of fear

An announcement of “DANGEROUS, Do not pass more than 20 people at a time.” before the suspension bridge is filled with the feeling of fear.

The natural scenery is also a highlight

It seems that among the tourists who visit, people with afraid of heights, can turn back without being able to cross.
On the other hand, people who like high places will pass along very happily.
This suspension bridge does not only simply have a thrill. The natural scenery is also a highlight.

“Suspension Bridge Day”

Today, it is an event called “Yure Daiko” (Swing Drum) which is famous for the summer. This is the event where the drum performance is held at a height of 54 meters above the ground.
For this thrilling event, local people will perform on August 4th “Suspension Bridge Day” every year.

Information

Name:	Tanize Suspension Bridge
Address:	Tanize Yoshinogun Totsukawamura, Nara 637-1106 Japan
Access:	JR Wakayama-sen Line “Gojo-eki Station” (Approximately 1 hour by car)
Tel:	(+81) 746-63-0200 (Totsukawa Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://totsukawa.info/

Todoroki-Keikoku Valley, Tokyo

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Todoroki-Keikoku Valley”, the only valley in Tokyo, is located in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, and is a nature-rich park with outstanding access that can be reached in about 5 minutes from the station. There are plenty of sightseeing places in 1 kilometer full length such as “Todoroki Fudoson” (Acala) and a wonderful Japanese garden on the slope of the valley. Cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in the fall are beautiful, so please have a camera and visit.
Todoroki-Keikoku Valley was a lush valley formed by the erosion of Yazawa River and received designation of cultural property of “scenic spots” in the Tokyo Metropolitan Cultural Property Protection Ordinance in 1999. The place name “Todoroki” has a legend that it became its name because the sound of “Fudo Waterfall” in the valley roared.

As you go down the stairs, the valley continues beyond the red bridges and the spectacle that is indeed doubtful as to whether this place is really in the city center is spreading. Take a leisurely stroll through the sun peppered through the deep valleys while being wrapped in Yazawa River’s flowing stream and scent of forest flowing down the valley.
The distance to walk in the valley is not so long, but it is a expressive valley that shows various landscapes depending on the seasons you visit and also the time. Especially in autumn and spring, autumn leaves and cherry blossoms are wonderful so it is recommended season. Although the boardwalk is maintained, there are places where the foothold is not good, so it would be better to wear shoes that are easy to walk on.

Selected as the Tokyo Metropolitan Area-designated spots

“Todoroki-Keikoku” (Todoroki valley) is the only valley in the twenty three wards in central Tokyo, and is designated Tokyo Metropolitan Area-designated spots of scenic beauty. It cannot be considered that there would be any other place so splendid as here in the central of Tokyo. It is said that the place name of “Todoroki” from the sound of “Fudo-no-Taki waterfall” in the valley echoes, and roared (“Todoroku” in Japanese).

Urban oasis

The Todoroki-Keikoku where is filled with nature in a residential area is called “an urban oasis”, and is the pot which you can taste an excursion feeling in a short time.

Bright red bridge

It seems to be totally in a forest with being wrapped up in birdsong
The valley spreads out along the Tanizawa River drifting calmly. At first the bright red bridge comes into view. This bridge is called “the golf bridge”. This name derived from the fact that there was a golf course in this neighborhood early in the Showa era and the bridge was to go there.

Take a walk through willingly

Full length of the Todoroki-Keikoku is approximately 1km. It is the distance that you can take a walk through willingly. You will notice that the green opens only here around this area, when you see a map.

Wonderful place

It has a lot of beautiful nature, and is a very relaxing place. There is a wild bird and is the wonderful place where you can feel the change of the four seasons. When you wanted to feel the atmosphere of nature, why don’t you visit here.

Information

Name:	Todoroki-Keikoku Valley
Adresse:	Todoroki 1-22 Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 158-0082 Japan
Access:	Tokyu Oimachi-sen Line “Todoroki-eki Station” (3 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 3-3704-4972 (Tamagawa Park Management Office)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.gotokyo.org/

Unkai Terrace (The Terrace of Sea of Clouds), Hokkaido

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Unkai Terrace” (The Terrace of Sea of Cloud), Tomamu’s breathtaking panorama
The expression of just fantastic is perfect. Hoshino Resort Tomamu’s “Unkai Terrace” is now becoming a new feature of Hokkaido sightseeing. 2000 people will visit from early morning every day in search of fortune that can not be met without getting up early.

Unkai Terrace is, as it were, a large balcony near the top of the mountain. The exquisite position at an altitude of 1088 meters is slightly above the height at which cloud sea occurs in Tomamu. Therefore, the sea of clouds spreads as if the hands are reachable. Despite all visitors can not meet the sea of clouds, seeking a fantastic large panorama that nature creates, now 130,000 people are attracted like pilgrims annually. The fantastic scene where the carpet of fluffy clouds spreads out in front is exactly moving. On the terrace, deck chairs etc are installed, you can also buy snacks and drinks, a variety of experience menus are also prepared and pleasing visitors. You can relax and enjoy the overwhelming excitement experience and a magical time.
The charm of “Unkai Terrace” is that it made the sea of clouds a familiar presence that everyone can enjoy. You can reach the terrace in a gondola in about 13 minutes. As long as you get up early you can easily see the sea of clouds even for women and young children. The height of a terrace with an altitude of 1088 meters gives you a realistic feeling that you can reach the sea of clouds if you extend your hand unlike when you see it from the top of a high mountain.

The best view of the sea of clouds in Hokkaido

It is the “Unkai Terrace” in Tomamu, that is located almost in the center of Hokkaido prefecture, you can enjoy the best scenery of the sea of clouds in Hokkaido. This is part of the facility of “The Hoshino Resort Tomamu” that is managed by the Hoshino Resort, not only those who are lodging there but also a visitor can use it.

One of the best tourist spot

It is said that the “Unkai Terrace” is already one of the best tourist spot now. The terrace on the top of Mt.Tomamu built by Hoshino Resort is the “Unkai Terrace”. It is attractive time of 13 minutes while you are getting on the gondola.
You can enjoy approaching clouds, feeling like as if you are flying through the clouds, and being on the clouds, in the gondola.

unkaiterrace4 — hokkaido-sightseeing.com

If it is possible to get up early in the morning, you can enjoy impressive scenery of Hokkaido while breathing comfortable clean air.

Come across different types of clouds

The figures of a sea of clouds which you can see from the Unkai Terrace are different every day. You are able to come across different types of clouds whenever you go.

[Data]
Open Period
From middle of MAY to middle of OCT
Open Hours
[Middle of MAY – End of AUG] 4:00 – 8:00（Last ride up） *Last ride down9:00
[First of SEP – Middle of OCT] 4:30 – 8:00（Last ride up） *Last ride down9:00

Information

Name:	Unkai Terrace (The Terrace of Sea of Cloud)
Adresse:	Nakatomamu Yufutsugun Shimukappumura, Hokkaido 079-2204 Japan
Access:	JR Sekisho-sen Line “Tomamu-eki Station” (13 minutes by gondola) Located in the Hoshino Resorts TOMAMU. Use the shuttle bus from [RISONARE Tomamu] or [The TOWER]. (About 5 to 10 minutes you will arrive at the [Resort center])
Tel:	(+81) 167-58-1111
Price:	Passenger Fare of Gondola 1,900 yen (Adult) 1,200 yen (Under 12 years old) Free (Under 6 years old) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.snowtomamu.jp/

Iriomote-Jima Island, Okinawa

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

Yaeyama Islands located about 400 kilometers southwest of Okinawa main island. Among them, Iriomote-Jima Island boasts the largest area, has unique charm. In subtropical climate Iriomote-Jima Island, rich nature spreads, there are many attractive scenic spots including beach, mangrove forest. The subtropical rain forest reminiscent of the jungle of Southeast Asia, the waterfall that scatters the whistle while letting the sound, the beautiful beach like paradise, the charm of Iriomote-Jima Island is not exhausted.

iriomotejima1 — sweet-kimhome.cocolog-nifty.com

To Iriomote-Jima Island, you can catch a high-speed ship from Ishigakijima, the gateway to the Yaeyama Islands, in approximately 40 minutes. Since the subtropical forest occupying 90% of the island is close to the coastline, there are few flat areas and there is no road that can go around the island as a whole. There are rivers of more than 40 large and small, including Urauchigawa River, Nakamagawa River, in Iriomote Island, where the rich nature spreads due to the rainy subtropical climate. In the vicinity of the estuary there is a rich mangrove forest spreading, and upstream of the river there are many scenic spots typified by Pinaishara Falls.
There are plenty of places of interest in Iriomote-Jima Island where the wildlife unique to the subtropical climate spreads. Because the buses are not frequent, it is difficult to see sightseeing spots using only bus routes in a short time. Therefore it is recommended renting a car in order to visit many scenic spots in a short time. You can also take a day trip from Ishigakijima Island, but if you have plenty of time, please try staying. Visit the scenic spots in the inland areas such as Pinaishara Falls and Mariyudwu Falls, as well as sightseeing along the coastline prefectural highway 215 line.

the island being coverd by the Subtropical jungle

“Iriomote-Jima” island is the island of the jungles surrounded by rich subtropical plants. The subtropical jungle covering 90% of the island comes to near the shoreline, and there is little flat area. There are more than forty rivers, large and small, in the island including the Nakama-Gawa river, and very large mangrove forest opens in a brackish water region that is an area 10 km from the mouth of the river which fresh water and sea-water are mixed.

Rare animals live

It is truly a natural treasury place that rare animals like the Japan’s biggest “Plestiodon kishinouyei”, the Japan’s smallest eagles “Spilornis cheela”, “Iriomote jungle cat” designated as a national natural treasure live.

Ox-drawn carriage

The sea between small island “Yubu Island” being nearby Iriomote-Jima is very shallow, so you can go on foot anytime without the tidal hour. However, it is recommended to ride a buffalo if you go to the Yubu Island from Iriomote-Jima.

Colorful flowers bloom in profusion

It is the quiet scenery, that seems to be a southern country, from an ox-drawn carriage crossing the sea relaxedly. Subtropical plants grow thick in the island, and colorful flowers bloom in profusion throughout the year.

Island made of fragments of coral

The Barasu-to island is an island made of fragments of coral off the Uehara Port.
Around the island, you can see the colorful fish and coral reef closely. It is recommended for snorkeling and sea bathing.

Information

Name:	Iriomote-Jima Island
Adresse:	Iriomote Yaeyamagun Taketomicho, Okinawa 907-1542 Japan
Access:	There is no airport in Iriomote-Jima Island. Go over to Ishigaki-Jima Island by air and move by ship from there. Shin-Ishigaki Airport (Approximately 40 minutes by boat)
Tel:	(+81) 980-82-6191 (Taketomi Town Office)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://www.town.taketomi.lg.jp/

Akiyoshido (Akiyoshi Stalactite Cave), Yamaguchi

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Akiyoshido” in Mine City, Yamaguchi Prefecture is one of Japan ‘s three major limestone caves, and it is the largest scale cave in Japan. It is a limestone cave located 100 meters to 200 meters underground of the Karst plateau “Akiyoshidai” spreading east of Mine City. About 1 kilometer sightseeing road is open for general tourism, boasting the largest scale in Japan as a limestone cave. It is located in Akiyoshidai Quasi-national Park and is designated as a special natural treasure of the country.
Akiyoshido has long been popular with locals as “Takiana” (hole of the fall). Since

around 1907, British George Edward Luckman Gauntlett explored and investigated the inside of the cave, so it was introduced to overseas as well. It was designated as a natural treasure of the country in 1918 and has been carefully protected. And in 1926 the Emperor Showa visited and given the present name “Akiyoshido”.
Akiyoshido has an entrance height of 20 meters, a width of 8 meters, and the length of the whole cave is over 10 kilometers. The inside of the cave is about 40 meters wide, the ceiling height is about 15 meters, the length you can observe is about 1,000 meters. It is divided into two, main cave and branch cave, branch cave is open for sightseeing, the back of main cave is submerged. Many of the stalactites that you can see in Akiyoshido are as beautiful as sculptures. Each is given a name associated with the shape, among them “Hyakumai-zara” (100 plates) and “Kogane-bashira” (golden pillar) are also famous worldwide. “Hyakumai-zara” has a limestone like a staircase, “Kogane-bashira” is a huge limestone column with a height of 15 meters, it is also a symbol of Akiyoshido.

The largest karst plateau in Japan

Akiyoshidai, where spreads out in the eastern part in Mine-shi, Yamaguchi, is one of the largest karst plateaus in Japan, and stalactite caves can be seen in various places of it.

The largest of its kind in the Orient

The Akiyoshido, which spread out under the Akiyoshidai exposing white limestone, is regarded the largest of its kind in the Orient. It is said that the total extension of it is more than 10 km, and the main cave being just like underground palace and Kurotani-shido (sub cave) is open to the public.

The sightseeing course is 1 km

The sightseeing course is 1 km, but you can take a walk without getting tired because the atmosphere that stalactite and the stalagmite is expressed variously.

There is a lot of highlight

Inside of the cave in which the temperature is always around 17 degrees celsius, there is a lot of highlight like “Hyakumai-zara” (“100 pieces of plates”) which seemed to look like several pieces of plates, “Kogane-bashira” (“gold pillar”) which is a huge stalactite pillar for 15m in height, “Kasa-zukushi” (“full of umbrellas”), “Ao-tenjo” (“Blue ceiling”), “Gohyaku Rakan” (“the Five Hundred Disciples of the Buddha”).

Special Natural Monument

Many stalactite caves are designated Natural Monument, among them; only Akiyoshido has been appointed to “Special Natural Monument”, and protected by the Cultural Properties Protection Law.
It is the mysterious space where you will forget you are in the real world.

Information

Name:	Akiyoshido (Akiyoshi Stalactite Cave)
Adresse:	Shuhochoakiyoshi Mine, Yamaguchi 754-0511 Japan
Access:	JR Sanyo-shikansen Line “Shinyamaguchi-eki Station” (45 minutes by Bus)
Tel:	(+81) 837-62-0304 (Mine Municipal Tourism Department)
Price/Charge:	1,200 yen (Adult) 1,200 yen (High School) 950 yen (Jr. High) 600 yen (Elementary) Please refer this web page.
Official site:	http://www2.city.mine.lg.jp/

Yakushima Island, Kagoshima

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Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

The mysterious island “Yakushima Island” where more than 90% of the islands are covered with forests is also called “water island” brought by rich rain and “forest island” which continues from the Jomon period, attracting visitors. In the beautiful island that is also registered in the World Natural Heritage site, you can see the symbol “Jomon-Sugi” of Yakushima Island, which is also said to be the estimated tree age of 7200 years, “Shiratani-Unsuikyo” valley spreading the mossy deep green world, the nature that you want to see is full.

Yakushima Island is located on the sea about 60 kilometers south-southwest from Kagoshima prefecture Sata Cape, the southernmost mainland, and in 1993, about 21% of the area of the island is a natural rich island registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Almost all of Yakushima is a mountainous region, and it is located in an area belonging to the subtropical zone. Snow cover is also observed in the mountains of more than 1,900 meters, with a wide variety of climates ranging from subtropical to subarctic on a single island, diverse creatures are inhabited.
Yaku-Sugi (Cedar Tree) including “Jomon-Sugi” is famous, and many people visit each year. In addition, there are lots of charming spots in the island, such as Nagatahama Beach where is one of the world ‘s leading loggerhead turtles’ spawning places and is also a registered wetland of the Ramsar Convention.
For access to Yakushima Island, if you go by plane, Kagoshima Airport will be the gateway. First of all, you go to Kagoshima Airport from various airports and head for Yakushima Island from there. From Kagoshima Airport to Yakushima Airport there are 4, 5 direct flights a day, arriving in about 35 minutes.
When traveling from Kagoshima to Yakushima Island on a high-speed ship, the boarding will be from the high-speed ship terminal. From Kagoshima Airport to the high-speed ship terminal it takes about an hour by car, in addition to taxis, buses are also operated. From high-speed ship terminal to Yakushima Island, it will take about 2 hours by a high-speed ship and about 4 hours by ferry. Advance reservation is recommended for high-speed ship. The boarding on the day is only possible if there is a vacancy.

The world natural heritage site

Yakushima island where it was registered as the world natural heritage site in 1993, is the island of the natural inheritance that is famous for the Yaku-Sugi (Cedar Tree) including the Jomon-Sugi said to be aged 7,200 years.

It is an round island approximately 60km in south-southwest from the south end of Kyushu, and its circumference is approximately 130km.

The marine Alps

There are more than 40 mountains exceeding 1,000m height including Miyanoura-dake (1,935m) in the island and is called “the marine Alps”.

From a climate of Kyushu to a climate of Hokkaido

This topography makes the climate from the weather of subarctic zone to subtropical zone, and it is to be seen in one island from a climate of Kyushu to a climate of Hokkaido.

And there are more than 70% of plant species of Japan in this mysterious forest which occupies 90% of the island, so it’s called “Oriental Galapagos”.

The biggest cedar tree in Japan

Speaking of Yakushima island, after all Yaku-sugi (Yaku cedar). “The Jomon-sugi” the biggest cedar tree in Japan is discovered in 1966.

More than 7,200 years old

The felling of cedar tree is prohibited now, and you can see Yaku cedar over 2,000 years old including “The Jomon-sugi” which is said more than estimated 7,200 years old.

Information

Name:	Yakushima Island
Adresse:	Kumagegun Yakushimacho, Kagoshima 891-4311 Japan
Access:	By Plane (Yakushima Airport) By Boat (Miyanoura Port or Anbou Port)
Tel:	(+81) 997-49-4010 (Yakushima Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	Free
Official site:	http://yakukan.jp/

Sefa Utaki (Holiest Sites), Okinawa

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

In Okinawa there are many places called “sacred places”, but “Sefa Utaki” (Holiest Sites on Okinawa) is a representative of them in particular. “Utaki” is the sanctuary where God resides. “Sefa Utaki” is one of the “Utaki” which was created by Amamikiyo, the god who created Ryukyu (now Okinawa Prefecture), and is still an important place many people come to pray. When visiting here, let ‘s try action quietly refraining.
Sefa Utaki is regarded as a sanctuary for its rich forest. There is a god area in various places, and quiet air like time stops flowing from the moment you enter one step into the forest. It is a place you want to enjoy commemorative photography in memories of the trip, but taking a picture against “Uganju” (a place of worship) to devote prayer is a violation of manner. Let’s keep memories of the trip in the album of the mind.

Sefa Utaki does not have any special buildings. There is only a mysterious atmosphere space, plants, and minerals. If you do not understand this and visit in the same way as visiting other tourist attractions, you tend to have the impression that “there was nothing”. Sefa Utaki is only a sacred place. It is a place registered as a World cultural heritage, but do not forget that.
For Utaki, guidance boards that explain the history and rituals for each point are prepared, but if you want to know more deeply, guide tours are recommended. You can participate in guided tour with 300 yen per person.
In Sefa Utaki, it is advisable to take a leisurely walk with a leeway in the schedule. The journey takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Please feel the sanctuary that the people of Okinawa cherished carefully with your mind and body.

The holiest site of Okinawa

There are many sacred places called “Utaki” in Okinawa.
Among them, Sefa Utaki is considered to be one of the holiest sites of Okinawa.
It is registered as the World Heritage Site in 2000.

The Ryukyu Dynasty period

Sefa Utaki is a sacred place representing Okinawa where national sacred rites have been performed in the the Ryukyu Dynasty period. The faith continues ceaselessly and is protected carefully even now as “sacred space”.

The place men are forbidden

Originally, here was a place from which men are forbidden, so it is said that even the King of Ryukyu changed into clothes for woman when he entered this sanctuary.

Feel a sign of God

Seeing the quiet space where trees verdant with young leaves, the wind blow occasionally, the sunlight pleasantly coming from the gap of the green leaf, those makes you feel even a sign of God. It is located on the hill, so you can see the Kudaka-Jima known as an island of God in the east.

Information

Name:	Sefa Utaki (Holiest Sites on Okinawa)
Adresse:	Chinenkudeken Nanjo, Okinawa 901-1511 Japan
Access:	Naha Airport (60 minutes by car)
Tel:	(+81) 98-946-8817 (Jonan-city Tourism Association)
Price/Charge:	300 yen (Adult) 150 yen (Under 15 years old) Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://okinawa-nanjo.jp/

The Torokko Train of Kurobe Gorge, Toyama

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Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

One of Japan’s three greatest valleys and the 100 mysterious lands of Japan, Kurobe Gorge. It is a scenic sightseeing area filled with spots where you can feel nature on your skin, such as cool yearning snow in summer and emerald green in Kurobe River. In this Kurobe Gorge, tours enjoying a spectacular view while being shaken by a torokko train, former cargo carrier are popular. “Torokko” is a freight car used to transport materials from construction sites such as tunnels and dams. It is now used for sightseeing purpose and is familiar with the nickname “Torokko Train”. The train that crosses several bridges and runs through the tunnel continues to attract a lot of people.

kurobekyokokutetsudou1 — rail.hobidas.com

The Kurobe Gorge, where the torokko train runs, is a heavy snowy area, so it is operating for 8 months from April 1 to November 30. In the spring you can enjoy snow and fresh green in the valley. In the summer, the cold air in the tunnel is pleasant, the flow of the clear stream is also cool and ideal for summer heat. Also, from the end of October to the middle of November when you can enjoy autumn leaves, you can see the beautiful scenery such as the red and yellow-colored trees called “Five section dyeing of Kurobe” and the first crown of Mt. Sannabiki .
As you can see, in any season you will be able to see a magnificent view during the torokko service.
As the place to arrive by the torokko train is a mountainous canyon, shoes that are comfortable to wear are suitable. Because the temperature difference is severe in spring, please bring warm clothes just in case. In summer, because it receives strong sunshine, let’s take measures against UV rays such as sunscreen and hat. As autumn gets deeper, temperature drops sharply, so clothes with excellent warmth are recommended. Since the weather of the mountain changes easily at any time, it is safe to prepare thoroughly in advance such as rain gear and drinks.

Astonishing natural beauty and breathtaking cliff

Kurobe-kyokoku, located in the north part of Toyama prefecture, is a deep V-shaped gorge. There are the breathtaking cliffs and the astonishing natural beauties in there.
In the Kurobe gorge, visitors can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views, the trees of mountains changing color in every season, and the Kurobe River shining with emerald green which is the best clear stream in Japan.

Heartily enjoy nature of the Kurobe gorge

The torokko train which runs deep into Kurobe gorge has the roof, but not the window, so you can heartily enjoy nature of the Kurobe gorge.

Full of the seasonal highlight

It is full of the seasonal highlight like spring trees verdant with young leaves, summer clear stream, autumn colored leaves. It runs through actual nature while passing through the many bridges and tunnels.

A lot of superb views

There are a lot of superb views such as Atobiki-bashi bridge of 60m in height to appear in the Kuronagi-gawa river, Unexplored open-air bath of the Kanetsuri hot spring, and Kinshukan known as a famous spot of colored leaves on the way.

There are a restaurant and a souvenir shop in Kanetsuri-eki station and Keyakidaira-eki station on the way, you can have a break and a meal. Let’s thoroughly enjoy the Nature of the Kurobe gorge all the day!

Information

Name:	The Torokko Train of Kurobe Gorge
Adresse:	Kurobekyokokuguchi Kurobe, Toyama 938-0283 Japan
Access:	Toyama-chihou-honsen Line “Unazuki-Onsen-eki Station” (3 minutes walk)
Tel:	(+81) 765-62-1011
Price/Charge:	Tickets and Reservations
Official site:	http://www.kurotetu.co.jp/

Mizushima Swimming Beach, Fukui

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A white isolated island floating in the sea of the emerald green. There is a place in Fukui Prefecture where you can enjoy such a superb view without going to the southern country. “Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island that can cross only about two months from early July to the end of August. “I do not have time or money to go to a tropical country, but I want to enjoy the beautiful sea!” You surely should be satisfied with such a greedy guy.
“Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island located at the tip of the Tsuruga peninsula. A small island with a total length of about 500 meters is a clear blue sandy beach shining in clear blue ocean, and this beautiful scenery spread beyond the Sea of Japan.

To cross the “Mizushima Island”, you will head to Irogahama beach on the other side. It takes about 30 minutes by car from Tsuruga IC on Hokuriku Expressway. From JR Tsuruga station, take the community bus for about 30 minutes and get off at “Irogahama” stop. From Irogahama to “Mizushima Island”, only the ferry is the access method. Moreover, since this ship operates only about 2 months from the first half of July to the end of August every year, if you miss this period, you can not go there until one year later.
“Mizushima Island” is an uninhabited island, so there is only a simple toilet in the island. Since there are no convenience stores and other shops on the beach, you should bring all drinks and lunch etc. It would be better to change clothes to a bathing suit before getting on board.
As you approach the island the color of the sea changes from dark blue to beautiful emerald green. This is the perfect place for those who want to enjoy the beauty of the sea in a relaxed atmosphere with a little bit different from urban beach. Why don’t you go to the beautiful sea to heal your mind and body?

A Desert island

“Mizushima” island in Tsuruga-shi, Fukui, it is a desert island where you can pass to there only for the period of two months (July and August) of the year.

Hawaii of Hokuriku

Mizushima is located at the tip of Tsuruga Peninsula. The water around Mizushima is so pure that it is called “Hawaii of Hokuriku”, and you can see a lot of fish, too. It is famous as a diving spot because the wave is calm, too,

Suited for sea-bathing

The sea here forms a shoal, and is suited for sea-bathing. It is right Hawaii itself with the blue clear sea and the pure white sandy beach. The ferry-boat operates for every year from the beginning of July to the end of August. When you miss this chance, you cannot reach Mizushima until next year.

mizushimakaisuiyokujo4 — Fukui Tourism Association

Incredibly beautiful sea is spread in front

It is said that you can see such a beautiful sea because it is the desert island.
You never thought that here is the Sea of Japan when the incredibly beautiful sea was spread in front of you.

There is nothing other than beach, restrooms, shower because it is a desert island.
Don’t forget to take lunch, a parasol and a bath towel.

Information

Name:	Mizushima Swimming Beach
Adresse:	Irohama Tsuruga, Fukui 914-0844 Japan
Access:	Irogahama Wharf JR Hokuriku-honsen Line “Tsuruga-eki Station” (30 minutes by car) From Irogahama to Mizushima (10 minutes by ferry boat)
Tel:	(+81) 770-22-8167 (Tsuruga Tourism Association)
Price:	Passage fare for Ferry boat Approximately 1,200 yen Please refer the official web page.
Official site:	http://www.turuga.org/

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