Spots List | V-Trip Japan

Lake Towada

Lake Towada is a majestic caldera lake offering a vast, open panorama.Its calm, mirror-like surface reflects the sky, fresh greenery, and autumn colors, creating a mystical and breathtaking scene.Natural beech forests and other native woods surround the lake.In spring, the trees bloom; in summer, vibrant green leaves emerge; in autumn, the mountains turn vivid shades of red and gold; and in winter, the forest transforms into a silver-white world.Each season offers its own stunning beauty.The best time to enjoy fresh greenery is May to June, and autumn foliage is at its peak from mid- to late October.From April to November,...

Aomori
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Chiba

Minamiboso City

An area blessed with a warm climate and rich sea. Famous for flower picking, strawberry hunting, and fresh seafood delicacies.

Chiba
Area Info
Spring
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Autumn
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Toyama

Toyama City Glass Art Museum

Designed by world-famous architect Kengo Kuma, this museum is a stunning blend of warm cedar wood, glass, and aluminum. It houses an impressive collection of contemporary glass art from around the world. The highlight is the "Glass Art Garden" on the top floor, a colorful and mystical installation that beautifully integrates artistic vision with modern architectural space.

Toyama
Sightseeing
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyagi

Matsushima

Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture is an extremely famous scenic spot both domestically and internationally, counted as one of "Japan's Three Most Scenic Views."Over 260 islands of various sizes dot Matsushima Bay, and this beautiful scenery has been cherished by many poets and travelers since ancient times. To fully enjoy this spectacular view, we highly recommend the Matsushima Bay cruise, where you can travel between the islands aboard an excursion boat.Matsushima also has many historical spots; the Godaidō Temple with its impressive vermilion bridge, and Zuigan-ji Temple, associated with Date Masamune, are must-sees. Furthermore, there is an abundance of fresh seafood,...

Miyagi
Activities
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyagi

Okama Crater Lake in Zao

Okama is a mysterious crater lake located in the Zao Mountain Range, straddling the border between Miyagi and Yamagata Prefectures.True to its name, which means "kettle" or "pot," it has a circular shape. It is most famous for its ethereal beauty, also known as the "Goshiki-numa (Five-Color Marsh)" because the color of the lake surface dramatically changes from emerald green to cobalt blue depending on the weather and the angle of the sun. This dramatic color change is due to the lake's composition.Due to its high altitude, it is cool even in summer, making it popular as a summer resort....

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Miyagi

Naruko Gorge

Naruko Gorge, located in Osaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is one of the most beautiful gorges in the Tohoku region, especially famous for its magnificent autumn foliage.The Ōtani River flows through the V-shaped gorge, which reaches a depth of $100text{ meters}$, and the cliffs on both sides create a dynamic landscape. The most beautiful period is typically from late October to early November, when broadleaf trees such as maples and oaks simultaneously turn fiery red and yellow.From the observation decks near the Naruko Gorge Rest House, visitors can enjoy a spectacular view overlooking the entire gorge. Furthermore, the sight of the...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Miyagi

Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple, located in Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture, is a historic and beautiful temple established as the family temple of Lord Mitsumune, the eldest grandson of Date Masamune.The highlight of this temple is its beautiful gardens which feature four different styles. In particular, the Zen garden called "Enshū no Niwa," modeled after Kyoto's rock gardens, and the "Rose Garden," which incorporates Western flowers like roses, present a unique landscape where Eastern and Western cultures merge.During the autumn foliage season, the entire garden is vibrantly colored, and the special night viewing, where the garden is illuminated after dark, is very popular, allowing...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyagi

Akiu Great Falls

Akiu Great Falls, located in the suburbs of Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, is a powerful waterfall boasting a width of approximately $6text{ meters}$ and a drop of about $55text{ meters}$. Designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty, it is a spot where you can feel the power of Japan's rich nature.The splashing water and roaring sound as it powerfully cascades down, carving the bedrock, are overwhelming. You can enjoy a magnificent view especially when the water volume increases. A walking trail leads to the waterfall basin, allowing visitors to experience the waterfall's power up close.Surrounded by lush forests, the...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Miyagi

Izunuma Marsh

Izunuma and Uchinuma Marshes, located in northern Miyagi Prefecture, are natural-rich lakes and marshes registered under the Ramsar Convention as internationally important wetlands.The greatest attraction of this area is the arrival of migratory birds in winter. The sight of large flocks of greater white-fronted geese and swans is nothing short of awe-inspiring. The dramatic scenes of "roost departure (Negura-dachi)" and "roost arrival (Negura-iri)," where tens of thousands of birds take flight simultaneously in the early morning or at dusk, captivate birdwatchers worldwide.Furthermore, in summer, the lotus flowers that cover the lake surface are famous, and you can enjoy the elegant...

Miyagi
Sightseeing
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akita

Tamagawa Onsen

A famous hot spring in Akita Prefecture known for its highly acidic waters and natural steam vents, surrounded by the scenic beauty of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.

Akita
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Akita

Lake Tazawa

Surrounded by lush green mountains, Lake Tazawa is Japan’s deepest lake,reaching a depth of 423.4 meters and known for its striking sapphire-blue waters.Sightseeing boats operate from the Kohan Spring area, offering scenic cruises across the lake.Around the lakeshore, you’ll also find attractions such asthe Jōmon-no-Mori Tazawako Auto Campground,Gozaishige Shrine, Heart Herb Garden,the legendary Statue of Tatsuko, and Ukigi Shrine (Kanza-gū).

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
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Autumn
Winter

Akita

Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway

The Akita Nairiku Jūkan Railway (Akita Inland Line) is a local line running $94.2text{ km}$ between Kakunodate Station and Takanosu Station.The line passes through major tourist destinations in Semboku City, including Kakunodate, known as the "Little Kyoto of Michinoku," and the nearest station to Lake Tazawa, Japan's deepest lake. During the seasons of fresh greenery and autumn leaves, passengers can enjoy the beautiful, ever-changing scenery from the train window, such as mountain terraced rice fields and majestic mountains.The sightseeing train "Emi" (Smile) is also in operation, offering travelers a charming journey where they can enjoy heartwarming interactions with the local...

Akita
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Winter

Akita

Oyasu Gorge

At Oyasu Gorge, the “Great Boiling Spring” (Oyasu Daifunto) dramatically erupts with hot water and steam,as if the earth itself were breathing.At the bottom of the 60-meter-deep gorge, scalding water bursts out between steep rock walls with a roaring sound—a truly overwhelming natural spectacle.The scenery created by the gorge, surrounded by trees and rising steam, is breathtaking in every season:fresh greenery in spring, vibrant foliage in autumn, and huge icicles—called “shigakko”—hanging from the cliffs in winter.It is a photogenic spot all year round.This area features an extremely rare geological formation where cracks in a geothermal reservoir are exposed at the...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Winter

Akita

Dakigaeri Keikoku Gorge

Dakigaeri Keikoku Gorge, famous for its fresh green foliage and autumn leaves, is a 10-kilometer long gorge that follows the middle reaches of the Tamagawa River, which flows through Lake Tazawa and Kakunodate.It was named "Dakigaeri" (meaning "hugging and turning back") because the mountain path was once so narrow and steep that people had to pass each other by virtually hugging and turning back.The Mikaeri no Taki (Return-Gazing Waterfall), so beautiful it makes you want to turn back and look at it again and again, is the gorge's top attraction.You can walk along the gorge up to the Iimura Shonen...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Autumn

Akita

Kawarage Jigoku

Kawarage Jigoku is a mountain where sulfurous gas still erupts, preventing plant life from growing, leaving the entire mountain exposed as a rocky surface of strange and jagged stones. Also known as the sacred mountain "Kawarage," its landscape is intensely eerie, truly resembling the appearance of hell.It is counted as one of the Three Great Sacred Places of Japan, alongside "Mount Osore of Nanbu" and "Mount Tateyama of Etchū."Note: Roads are closed during the winter season, from early November to early May.

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Akita

Hachimantai Ōnuma

Ōnuma Pond, located in the Hachimantai area spanning Akita and Iwate Prefectures, is a beautiful crater lake surrounded by abundant nature.A walking trail is maintained around the lake, allowing visitors to walk around in about $30text{ minutes}$. It is particularly rich in marshland plants, and the fantastic scenery, where the autumn leaves and the bright yellow Nikko Daylilies (Nikkō Kisuge) in early summer reflect on the water's surface, is a major attraction.Nearby is Goshōgake Onsen, where you can enjoy strolling through the geothermal area with rising steam. It is a popular rest spot for drives and a base for sightseeing...

Akita
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Yamagata

Yamadera (Rissyakuji Temple)

Hojuzan Rissyakuji Temple, affectionately known as "Yamadera," is a sacred Tendai sect temple founded in 860 by Jikaku Daishi. Climbing the 1,015 stone steps is said to be an ascetic path that washes away worldly desires. The panoramic view of the rustic landscape from Godaido Hall, which clings to the cliffside, is simply breathtaking. Famous as the site where haiku master Matsuo Basho composed one of his most celebrated poems, it offers a mystical serenity and powerful natural beauty that changes with each season. For international travelers seeking spiritual healing and spectacular views, it is a must-visit "power spot" in...

Yamagata
Sightseeing
Winter

Yamagata

Mount Haguro (Dewa Sanzan)

Mount Haguro, revered as the site to pray for happiness in the "Present" within Yamagata's Dewa Sanzan, is famous for its 2,446 stone steps flanked by centuries-old giant cedars—a path awarded three stars by the Michelin Green Guide Japan. This route serves as an ascetic training ground to wash away worldly impurities. Visitors can experience the pinnacle of religious architecture, including the National Treasure Five-Story Pagoda nestled quietly in the forest and the Sanjin Gosaiden, which features one of Japan's largest thatched roofs. With its living Yamabushi traditions, Shugendo spirituality, and a sacred atmosphere that purifies the soul throughout the...

Yamagata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn

Yamagata

Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen, nestled quietly in the mountains of Obanazawa City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a hot spring town with a history of thriving silver mining. Its charm lies in a nostalgic landscape that feels as though time has stood still, with multi-storied wooden inns of Western-style architecture built from the late Taisho to early Showa eras lining both banks of the Ginzan River. At dusk, the soft glow of gas lamps illuminates the streets, and during snowy winter nights, its mystical beauty reaches its peak, reminiscent of the world in Spirited Away. Guests can stroll through the snow in kimonos, heal...

Yamagata
Sightseeing
Accommodation
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamagata

Gassan Dam

Gassan Dam, located in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture, is a gravity concrete dam standing at the foot of the majestic Three Mountains of Dewa. Not only is the seasonal panoramic view from the observation deck—where the beautiful Lake Asahi Gassan meets the surrounding primeval forests—truly breathtaking, but the dam also offers a unique learning experience. Through guided tours of the massive inspection tunnels inside the dam, visitors can get a close-up look at Japan's advanced civil engineering and the wisdom used to protect water resources. With the dynamic movement of water during discharge and the mystical limited-time nighttime illuminations, it...

Yamagata
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Yamagata

Mogami River

The Mogami River, flowing through Yamagata Prefecture from south to north and beloved as the Mother River, is one of Japan's three swiftest currents. It is a majestic river steeped in history and culture, famously known as the place where the haiku master Matsuo Basho composed one of his most celebrated poems. A boat ride down the river, accompanied by the soulful melodies of the Mogami River Boat Song sung by the boatmen, allows visitors to admire the seasonal beauty of the canyon up close—from the fresh greenery of spring and fiery autumn foliage to the winter snowscapes that resemble...

Yamagata
Sightseeing
Activities
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukushima

Lake Inawashiro

Also known as "Heaven’s Mirror Lake," this is Japan’s fourth-largest lake and is famous for its incredible clarity. The sight of the majestic Mt. Bandai reflected in the mirror-like water is spectacular. Visitors can enjoy dynamic nature year-round: lake swimming and camping in summer, autumn colors, and thousands of swans migrating from Siberia in winter. The "shibuki-gori" (splash ice) sculptures created by the intense winter cold are a world-renowned natural wonder.

Fukushima
Sightseeing
Nature
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukushima

Tadami Line First Bridge

The most iconic photo point of the Tadami Line, a local railway famous worldwide. The sight of a train crossing the arched iron bridge is reflected perfectly in the mirror-like surface of the Tadami River. The scenery changes dramatically and beautifully through fresh greenery, autumn colors, and snow. This perfect harmony of nature and railway is highly acclaimed internationally as one of Japan's most beautiful railway landscapes and is a view everyone should see at least once.

Fukushima
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Fukushima

Ouchijuku

A precious historic site that preserves the appearance of an Edo-period post town, featuring rows of thatched-roof houses. The unpaved streets retain the atmosphere of centuries past, making visitors feel as though they have slipped through time. The local specialty, "Negi-soba," is incredibly popular with international tourists for its unique style of eating with a whole leek instead of chopsticks. It is a place where traditional Japanese streetscapes and unique food culture merge into an unforgettable experience.

Fukushima
Sightseeing
Food
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter