Unzen Ropeway
A ropeway with a total length of Approx. 500 meters connecting Unzendake Nita Pass Station and Myokendake Station. It covers an elevation difference of Approx. 174 meters in Approx. 3 minutes and runs every 3 minutes. The gondolas use a three-cable system.
They said the ropeway ride would have unbelievably beautiful views the whole way up, but it was swaying so much I almost felt like I was in a washing machine.
Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
I've seen so many castles in Japan, but I truly think Himeji Castle is the most impressive. It really deserves its World Heritage status!
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Welcomed by the gargantuan 19.7-meter, life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza embodies its concept as a "theatrical urban space," offering a place to play, learn, relax, and just take in each moment of surprise and inspiration. Tantalize all five senses at this unforgettable destination that’s like none ever before.
It takes a lot of energy and time to explore this entire building.
Biwako Hotel
This resort hotel is conveniently located just a short walk from Keihan Biwako Hamaotsu Station, yet it’s situated on the shores of Lake Biwa and offers beautiful lake views. 5 different types of guest rooms are available, all with a view of Lake Biwa. The contrast between the blue water and green mountains of Mount Hiei and Hira behind Lake Biwa creates a truly spectacular view. Relax in an extraordinary space.
Every room has a great view. The buffet offers a wide variety of dishes. Overall, it feels above average!
Niji no Matsubara
Along the Karatsu Bay, a pine grove stretches in the shape of a rainbow. This national special scenic spot started when Karatsu Domain’s first lord, Terazawa Hirotaka began planting as a protection against wind and tide in the early 17th century. Roughly 1 million pine trees form a 4.5km-long and 500m-wide grove. It is one of the three most scenic pine groves in Japan along with Miho and Kii’s pine groves.
The coastline is lined with black pine trees, stretching for several kilometers and forming a tunnel—it's really spectacular and awesome!
Aoshima Shrine
Aoshima is a small island of 1.5km in circumference, which is connected with a 150m-long bridge to the main island. The whole island is Aoshima Shrine’s ground. As a holy island, no one was allowed to visit here. The whole premises are covered with areca trees and other sub-tropical plants in a very Miyazaki-like tropical scenery.
The shrine is built on a small island, and you have to cross a bridge to get there. The waves nearby create a unique rock formation called 'Ogre's Washboard.' It's a really special landscape. However, the bus service is infrequent, so transportation isn't very convenient.