Lake Shikotsu is a crater lake known for its excellent water quality and for remaining unfrozen even in winter. It takes only about an hour by bus from New Chitose Airport. In summer, you can ride an underwater sightseeing boat or paddle a clear canoe to admire the crystal-clear water known as “Lake Shikotsu Blue”; in winter, the magical Ice Festival features spectacular ice sculptures. This guide covers transportation, must-see attractions, seasonal highlights, and other practical information to help you enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Shikotsu with ease!
Travelling in Japan
2026 Sendai Airport Guide: Transportation to Sendai Station, Floor Map, Duty-Free Shops, and Must-Buy Souvenirs
Sendai Airport is the airport with the most international flights in the Tohoku region, with direct flights from Taipei, Kaohsiung, and Hong Kong. The airport has only one terminal shared by domestic and international flights. It is not large, but it has all the essential facilities. Note that rapid trains were discontinued on March 14, 2026, and all trains to Sendai Station now stop at every station, taking about 25 minutes one way. This guide covers flights, transportation, floor information, and souvenirs to help you prepare before departure!
Aomori Museum of Art Guide: Yoshitomo Nara’s Aomori-ken, Collections, Transportation, Tickets, and Souvenirs
The Aomori Museum of Art is worth visiting not only for its artworks, but also for the architecture itself. Designed by Jun Aoki, the white building echoes the nearby Sannai-Maruyama Site. Inside, highlights include Yoshitomo Nara's 8.5-meter-tall Aomori-ken and The Child of the Forest in the Octagonal Hall. This guide covers transportation, tickets, photography rules, and souvenir information to help first-time visitors plan their trip with ease.
Sendai Castle Ruins Guide: Admission, Transportation, Date Masamune Equestrian Statue, Stone Walls, and Exhibition Hall
Sendai Castle Ruins (also known as Aoba Castle) was the residence built by Date Masamune and is one of Sendai's most representative historical attractions. From the elevated Honmaru ruins, visitors can see the Date Masamune equestrian statue and impressive stone walls up close while enjoying panoramic views over Sendai. The site is only about 23 minutes by bus from Sendai Station, making access very convenient. This guide covers the highlights, seasonal scenery, admission information, and other practical details to help you explore Sendai Castle Ruins with ease!
Aomori Station Guide: Transportation, Station Food, Shopping, and Nearby Attractions
Aomori Station is one of Aomori's most important transportation hubs. Whether you are transferring from the Shinkansen, traveling from Aomori Airport, or heading to attractions such as the Hakkoda Mountains, Lake Towada, or Sukayu Onsen, many journeys begin here. The station-connected “&LOVINA” and the apple-themed shopping complex “A-FACTORY” also offer plenty of shopping and dining options. This guide covers transportation, shopping, food, and nearby attractions around Aomori Station to help you explore Aomori with ease.
15 Best Hotels in Aomori: Where to Stay Near Aomori Station, Hirosaki, Hachinohe, and Lake Towada
Aomori's attractions are spread across several areas, so choosing accommodation that matches your itinerary can make your trip much smoother. This guide divides Aomori into four main areas—around Aomori Station, Hirosaki, Lake Towada and Oirase, and Hachinohe—and introduces 15 hotels so you can choose where to stay based on your travel plans and explore Aomori with ease.
2026 Tokyo Autumn Foliage Guide: 23 Best Fall Color Spots and Peak Viewing Times
Autumn foliage in Tokyo and the surrounding areas usually begins around mid-October at Lake Chuzenji in Nikko and continues through mid-December at Shinjuku Gyoen, giving visitors roughly two months to enjoy the colors. This guide brings together 23 top autumn foliage spots across central Tokyo, Lake Kawaguchi, Chichibu, and more, with highlights, the best viewing periods, and the 2026 foliage forecast. Whether you are strolling through central Tokyo or planning a day trip to the suburbs, you can quickly find the right place to enjoy the autumn colors.
Wakkanai Travel Guide: Japan’s Northernmost Scenic Town — Must-Try Food and Must-Visit Attractions
If you're planning an independent trip to Hokkaido, Japan, Wakkanai in the far north is highly recommended! Here you can visit the iconic Cape Soya and the “White Path” of the Soya Hills, while also tasting rich and flavorful Wakkanai milk, large and sweet scallops, and luxurious seafood rice bowls. Below is a complete guide to the must-try food, must-visit attractions, and best ways to explore Wakkanai. If you want to experience Japan's ultimate northern journey, keep reading!
Miyagi Zao Fox Village: Get Up Close with 100 Foxes! Complete Guide to Transportation, Tickets, and Experiences
Miyagi Zao Fox Village is one of the most popular and heartwarming attractions in Japan’s Tohoku region! In this nature-filled park, more than 100 foxes roam freely, allowing visitors to observe them up close as they nap, play, and interact. This guide covers transportation, the latest admission fees, must-try experiences, and entry rules. If you dream of being surrounded by fluffy foxes, read this complete guide before you go!
Complete Hakuba Village, Nagano Guide: Ski Resorts, Happo Onsen, Transportation, and Stunning Scenery in Every Season
Hakuba, located at the foot of the Northern Japanese Alps in northwestern Nagano Prefecture, is one of Japan's leading mountain and ski resort destinations and was also a venue for the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. In winter, visitors can ski and soak in hot springs; in summer, Happo Pond is ideal for hiking; in autumn, the mountains are covered in colorful foliage; and attractions such as Iwatake Mountain Harbor offer spectacular alpine views. This guide covers transportation, accommodation, hot springs, ski resorts, and seasonal attractions to help you plan an independent trip to Hakuba.