Echizen Ono Castle
Echizen Ono Castle rises to the top of Mount Kameyama (249 meters above sea level) in Ono City, Fukui Prefecture. The castle was initially built around 1580 but burned down in 1775. The current castle was reconstructed in 1968.
You can see the castle sitting on top of a small mountain or maybe a hill? I spotted it from the Chubu Jukan Expressway and decided to get closer. I didn't go inside, but it looks like the view from up there would be amazing!
Tojinbo Cliffs
Tojinbo is a cliff formed by wave erosion. Since long ago, it has been recognized and honored as a scenic spot. These towering cliffs extend for about 1 kilometer along the coast, showcasing a dramatic display of columnar jointing-a geological feature so rare that only three such places are known in the world, including Tojinbo. It has been designated as a national Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
I've always wanted to come here. It's famous as the dramatic cliff you always see in the final scenes of suspense dramas! The whole area is a tourist spot, so there are plenty of souvenir shops and restaurants around.
Eiheiji Temple
The head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan. It was established by Zen Master Dogen in 1244 as a place to practice zazen. The vast site of 330,000 square meters is lined with more than 70 halls and buildings of various sizes, centering on the seven halls of the temple, where more than 100 monks practice asceticism every day.
As the head temple of the Soto Zen sect, this place is absolutely massive. I visited during the April holidays, and it was super crowded because of Golden Week. If you're driving, be prepared for traffic jams just to get into the parking lot. If you're on a motorcycle or bicycle, there's free parking close to the entrance. Also, there's a JPY 700 admission fee.
Okuhida Onsen-go (Okuhida Hot Spring Villages)
Okuhida Onsen-go consists of five hot spring resorts: Hirayu, Fukuji, Shinhirayu, Tochio and Shinhotaka Onsen. Located in the bosom of the Northern Alps, the open-air baths are blessed by nature with abundant natural hot spring water, and offer beautiful views of the mountains in each season.
I stopped by Higaku-no-Yu and the Mountaineer's Cafeteria at Shin-Hotaka Onsen after visiting the Northern Alps Bridge. They have two types of hot springs—simple and sulfur—so you can enjoy both at once! The only downside is that it's a bit pricey, but the water is excellent! I didn't eat at the cafeteria this time, but the menu looked hearty with things like Hida beef.
Takeda Shrine
Takeda Shrine venerates Takeda Shingen, a famed warlord from the Sengoku period. It is said to offer blessings for prosperity in business, good luck, victory fortune, and protection from evil. The shrine is particularly famous for its victory fortune blessing and also for blessing those who strive to overcome themselves.
This shrine is dedicated to Takeda Shingen. There were lots of visitors. The approach to the shrine is well maintained, and the restrooms were really clean!
Lake Ashinoko
The lake is said to have been created about 3100 years ago when a phreatic explosion caused by volcanic activity caused the sediment from a large collapsed mountain to dam the river. In fact, most of the water is rainwater rather than spring water, which is the source of the river. It is a huge puddle of water.
I stopped by while passing through. It was cloudy so I couldn't see Mt. Fuji, but the location was really pleasant! I was also happy to find free parking!
Ueno Park
Ueno Park, officially known as "Ueno Onshi Park," is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, the park spans an impressive area of 530,000 square meters and has a rich history.
It was cloudy, so the cherry blossoms didn't really pop—kind of a letdown! I'd love to come back on a sunny day.
Since it was a weekday, there weren't many people doing hanami, so it was easy to take photos. That was a plus!
Yanaka Ginza
After looking at Yanaka Cemetery on your left and keep going up on a gentle ascent, the Gotenzaka, you will find stairs called “the Yuyake-dandan”. The stairs are landmarks of Yanaka, which is a loved place because it is famous for its beautiful sunset. When going down the stairs, the Yanaka Ginza spreads in front of you.
It's just a few minutes' walk from JR Nippori Station. One of the best things to do is stroll around the souvenir shops and grab some croquettes or menchi katsu from the deli shops to snack on as you go!
Kominato Railway
The railroad runs 39.1 kilometers north-south through the center of the Boso Peninsula, connecting Goi Station, which is linked to the JR Uchibo Line, to the terminus at Kazusa-Nakano Station. Take a nostalgic train ride on the KiHa 200 series, a railroad fan’s favorite, while admiring the peaceful countryside scenery along the line.
So nostalgic! The atmosphere here is just amazing!
Yoro Valley
This valley was formed by the Yoro River and sits at the very center of the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture. Located just 2 hours from Tokyo, this lush, nature escape in Chiba is also home to many different hot springs. The climate is generally mild, making it a great hiking destination in winter, and also earning the title “the latest autumn leaves in Kanto”, as they come into full color from late November to early December.
I stopped by while touring the hand-dug tunnels of the Boso Peninsula. There’s a walking path along the valley, so it’s a great spot for a stroll!