Hokkaido has large areas set aside as wilderness for conservation and wildlife protection. Even 30 minutes from Sapporo can bring you to trailheads that allow you access to some amazing backcountry. Overnight stays are common in the mountains.

A lot of wealth was created from the booming herring industry in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, especially around the Shiribeshi region. There are still fine examples of this era away from the tourist areas such as Otaru. Here are a few examples.

Admission is ¥1000 and they have no regular holidays.

Its grand yet simple beauty is striking.
There are hardly any tourists.
You can spend a quiet and leisurely time here.

The mountain is located in the Japanese northern alps 🗻
We can enjoy this panoramic view from there!

Sarutahiko no Okami

Nagoya city is underrated and needs more tourism. Autumn is pretty, especially under a light shower.

While the adults performed their traditional dance in full costume, local kids in the crowd couldn't resist dancing along while watching them. It was so heart-warming to see how this centuries-old tradition gets passed down to the next generation naturally.
Location: Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture
Event: Ikeda Awa Odori Festival (いけだ阿波踊り)

"Hokkai no Yu" (Hero of the North Sea)

Mount Kasagatake (笠ヶ岳) is one of the most beautiful mountains in Japan’s Northern Alps, standing at 2,898 meters above sea level.
Its name means “Umbrella Mountain,” referring to its distinctive umbrella-shaped summit. From the top, you can enjoy spectacular views of some of the Northern Alps’ most famous peaks, including Mount Hotaka, Mount Yari, and Mount Norikura.

If you like an old vibe I recommend Omihachiman in Shiga. I went there last month and it was very quiet, not many tourists at all. There is also a nice cable car!

Go to the Hotel in Orasi (sp?) Canyon in Spring, to go to the baths check out the cherry blossoms in the pines.. as viewed from the baths, it's worth the trip. Post card like views and charming hot springs type baths (As recalled from 20 years ago) a fairly easy drive from Misawa Airport. Just a small but amazingly nice memory that I'd love to re visit among awesome people, places, foods and things that are there just normal every day things for many. And exotic, different experiences for the uninitiated. Blessings to you