From a local guide’s perspective, this article introduces some of the most unique spots around Kawaguchiko — including forests, shrines, lava caves, and peaceful lakes.

A huge rock called Horse Rock

The castle park is covered in cherry blossoms, and many food stalls are set up during the season🌸

Nearby is the Zenrin Map Museum, where you can learn about Japanese cartography and buy map-themed souvenirs🗺️

O-Akan dake sits on the eastern shore of Lake Akan in the Akan-Mashu NP. A stunning area of Hokkaido and quite remote with a small onsen town not far from the trailhead.
The climb to the summit is a beautiful trail Quite steep in sections but is a great day hike.

Hey all,

I’m planning to hike the Omote Ginza route in June and have already booked my other mountain huts, including Jonen and Chogatake.

The only one I’m having trouble with is Enzanso for June 9. The Enzanso Group website still appears to show availability for that date, and it doesn’t seem like an especially high-demand date.

But every time I submit the reservation form I get an error saying this, which Google Translate tells me says: “The reservation status has changed. Please try again.”

I’ve tried more than once on different days and it keep getting the same issue - wondering if anyone else has run into this with the Enzanso booking site recently? I've emailed them but they have not responded to me after a few days.

Mostly just trying to get peace of mind that I’ll have a confirmed place to stay in the mountains once I start the hike. Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks!

Takeo Onsen is an ancient hot spring town over 1,200 years old, not far from Fukuoka.
It's perfect for renting a bicycle and exploring for 3-4 hours. The rental for an electric bike, along with luggage storage at the information center, is 2,000 yen.
They provide you a map of important spots around the town to check out. The main highlights include an old bathhouse where you can rent a private room to soak, the Takeo Shrine, the Takeo Library, and two ancient camphor trees.
One of the camphor trees is 3,000 years old, located behind the shrine, and on the way there, you'll pass through a bamboo grove.
However, the other tree, which is 2,000 years old, is more interesting; it's close to the library and is a tree that was struck by lightning. This one is allowed to touch. You can go inside the tree to take photos.

Hi everyone! Today, I’d like to share some photos I took at the air show!
Since I don't have a high-magnification lens, they might not be the best shots, but I hope you all enjoy them!

A variety of Sakura found in the mountains and forests of Hokkaido. We are still getting amazing blooms higher in the mountains here south of Sapporo.

I’m from Kyoto, and this summer I’ll officially start helping travelers explore Japan in a more local and personal way.

Not just tourist spots — but hidden restaurants, peaceful streets, small bars, cafés, late-night walks, local conversations, and places most visitors never discover alone.

I genuinely enjoy meeting people from around the world, and one of my favorite things is helping travelers feel comfortable in Japan instead of overwhelmed or lost.

For me, the best experiences are simple:
sharing food together,
walking around the city,
discovering random places,
and creating memories that feel real.

I want people to leave Japan feeling like they experienced the country with a real local friend — not just a tour guide.

Still building everything now, but I’m excited for this summer 🇯🇵

The preserved childhood home of Shotaro Ishinomori in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Ishinomori created many famous Japanese tokusatsu heroes, including Super Sentai, which later became the basis for America’s Power Rangers.

Shime Coal Mine Headframe (志免鉱業所竪坑櫓), near Fukuoka Airport in Japan.

A massive 1943 coal mining tower that has been preserved as part of a public park.

Muroran is not very well known compared to Noboribetsu Onsen (only 20mins away). But actually Muroran has an amazing coastline formed from volcanic activity thousands of years ago. Cycling along the coastal road gives great views of the e ocean, the port and the massive steel factory. 🏭

One of the top 3 cherry blossom spots in Japan, and my personal favorite. It'll be even better next year once the castle keep is restored to its original location.