Hamanako Garden Park
Hamanako Garden Park is an urban park built on the site of the 2004 Hamanako Flower Expo. Located on a peninsula jutting into Lake Hamana, it features a beautiful location surrounded by the lake and rich nature.
The lakeside paths are really comfortable, perfect for walking or jogging. There are also plenty of rest spots along the way where you can take a break and enjoy the view.
Karuizawa Taliesin
It is a comprehensive resort facility that spreads out on the shores of Lake Shiozawa which is located on the south end of Karuizawa.
Karuizawa Taliesin is great for visitors of all ages. There are play areas for kids and cozy cafes and restaurants where adults can relax.
Motsuji Temple
Motsuji Temple, designated by the government as both a Special Historic Site and a Special Place of Scenic Beauty, houses the foundation stones and other remains of many Buddhist buildings from the Heian period (794-1192).
There's a really beautiful Japanese garden inside the temple. Every autumn, lots of visitors come here to enjoy the scenery.
Chuson-ji Temple
Chuson-ji Temple, founded in 850 AD, owns over 3,000 national treasures and important cultural properties and is also registered as a World Heritage site. This temple was built to transmit the powerful wish to comfort the spirits of those killed in the Tohoku War, no matter which side they were on.
Many historical sites here are really well preserved. If you're traveling in Tohoku, you definitely shouldn't miss this World Heritage temple.
Mizuki Shigeru Museum
Mizuki Shigeru wrote one of the most famous manga comics, GeGeGe no Kitaro. His memorial museum is located in Sakaiminato City, his hometown. A 14-minute walk from JR Sakaiminato Station along "Mizuki Shigeru Road" will take you to the museum.
The street right outside the station is filled with all kinds of yokai. Even the food and souvenirs are monster-themed. It's a super fun street to explore!
Matsue Castle
Perched on a 29-meter tall hill in the flatlands near Shinji Lake, Matsue Castle was designated a Japanese national treasure in 2015. It was built some 400 years ago by Yoshiharu Horio, the lord of Izumo and Oki Provinces. The castle is sometimes nicknamed “Plover Castle” due to the castle gables resembling a plover bird with outstretched wings.
The main keep still has its original wooden structure. The stairs inside are really steep, and since you have to walk in socks, it's pretty easy to slip. But if you make it to the top, you get a great view of Lake Shinji.
Ogamiyama Shrine
It is an ancient shrine that is the center of the Oyama faith. It enshrines the Ōnamutinomikoto as the chief priest god. It is also the ninth Fudasho ( pilgrimage temples where amulets are collected) of the Izumo Shinbutsu Pilgrimage, Shinto and Buddhism temples that consists of 20 venerable shrines and temples.
On the way to the main hall, you walk up a long cobblestone staircase after passing through the torii gate. Be careful not to slip, especially when it's snowy.