{"id":5191,"date":"2024-07-31T17:49:20","date_gmt":"2024-07-31T09:49:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=5191"},"modified":"2025-08-25T17:32:54","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T09:32:54","slug":"8-of-japans-coolest-national-parks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/8-of-japans-coolest-national-parks\/","title":{"rendered":"8 of Japan\u2019s Coolest National Parks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5196\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_2-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Komezuka of Mount Aso (Aso-san), the largest active volcano in Japan stands in Aso Kuju National Park, Aso (Aso-shi), Kyushu Region,Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan (photo grain some noise for film colour)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">So you\u2019ve been to Japan\u2019s big cities and maybe a city park or two, what\u2019s next?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">How about a real park &#8211; a <em>national<\/em> park?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Established in 1957, Japan\u2019s 35 national parks encompass a staggering variety of diverse habitats such as massive mountains ranges, verdant valleys, serene lakes and heavenly islands. Due to historical and practical reasons, many of these parks also include private and residential properties that give visitors a taste of rural Japanese life as well. In a testament to Japan\u2019s nature-worshipping Shinto faith, many of these national parks also feature sacred sites and temples.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To help you on your next nature retreat, here are some of the best national parks that Japan has to offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Akan-Mashu National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5199\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-2048x1367.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-1920x1282.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-1170x781.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-585x391.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">View of Lake Kussharo from Bihoro Pass. Photo: Stock Image<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hokkaido is already renowned for its natural beauty, so it\u2019s not surprising that it has a whole seven national parks, one of them being the absolutely gorgeous Akan National Park at Hokkaido\u2019s eastern side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ever since its establishment in 1934, Hokkaido\u2019s oldest national park has wowed visitors with its three gorgeous caldera lakes \u2013 Akan, Mashu and Kussharo. Contrasting beautifully with the surrounding coniferous forests, these lakes combine to create some of Hokkaido\u2019s best natural scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"515\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-1024x515.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5202\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-1024x515.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-300x151.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-768x386.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-1536x773.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-2048x1031.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-1920x966.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-1170x589.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Akan-Mashu-National-Park-Hokkaido-Japan_2-585x294.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photo: Stock Image<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting off, you have Lake Akan, a geologically active lake that\u2019s home to <em>marimo<\/em>, bizarre underwater algae that grow into colonies of large green spheres. A community of indigenous Ainu also live here in Ainu Kotan, Hokkaido\u2019s largest Ainu village, where they offer visitors a slice of Ainu culture with cuisine and handicrafts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the other side of the park lies both Lake Mashu and Kussharo, both sanctuaries for pretty plants and migrating birds. Both lakes have a fascinating phenomenon where mist descends upon them, creating a mesmerizing sea of clouds that looks amazing from multiple highland observatories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Akan National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fly from Haneda Airport to Kushiro Airport (95 minutes)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Take the Akan Bus to Lake Akanko Onsen (~70 minutes)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Towada-Hachimantai National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5204\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lake Towada in autumn Photo: Stock Photo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hop over the Tsugaru Strait into the northeastern Tohoku region, and you have the twin paradises of Towada-Hachimantai National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Split into the northern Lake Towada-Mount Hakkoda and southern Hachimantai mountains, this park features a collection of streams, lakes and virgin forests that are famed for their autumn and winter sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5206\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-2048x1366.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Hakkoda_snow_monsters_51885477032-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The \u201csnow monsters\u201d of Mount Hakkoda. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Hakkoda_snow_monsters_%2851885477032%29.jpg\">Raita Futo<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the northern Towada-Hakkoda area, you can scale the heights of Mount Hakkoda by foot or cable car to see the famous \u201csnow monsters\u201d born from frozen trees or ski down its slopes. Or, if you\u2019d rather not freeze, you can visit the Oirase Gorge during the summer or autumn, where a bubbling stream of white water snakes its way through forests of glittering gold or sparkling green.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5210\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-1170x781.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/towada_hachimantai_hachimantai_from_morino_ohashi_m89hr7.jpg 1650w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mount Hachimantai. Photo: Stock Photo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Down to the south, you have the Hachimantai area, which can be described as high and hot thanks to its many mountainous hot springs. Trekking the mountain trails will reward you with picturesque vistas overlooking the area\u2019s many volcanic peaks and valleys. Numerous unique hot springs also dot the region, including the Tamagawa Onsen, which features Japan\u2019s most acidic hot springs, and the 300-year-old Nyuto Onsen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Towada-Hachimantai National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From Tokyo Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Morioka Station (approximately 135 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Morioka Station, continue on the Tohoku Shinkansen to Hachinohe Station (approximately 40 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Hachinohe Station, take the Tohoku Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station (approximately 30 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Shin-Aomori Station, take the JR Bus &#8220;Mizuumi&#8221; to Towadako Kyoya bus stop (approximately 170 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nikko National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-1024x640.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5213\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-2048x1280.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-1920x1200.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-1170x731.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/takashi-miyazaki-SditEpvMS_s-unsplash-585x366.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nikko marshlands. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-body-of-water-surrounded-by-mountains-and-trees-SditEpvMS_s\">Takashi Miyazaki<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nikko is almost synonymous with day trips from Tokyo, but really, an entire trip could be planned here just to appreciate its countless natural and manmade wonders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hikers will find in Nikko a treasure trove of trails that take you through the idyllic Numappara Marshlands up to the Nasu Highlands three peaks. For an easier time though, you can satisfy your adventurous spirit with a stroll through Mount Nasu\u2019s foothills and their famous blood-red rhododendron flowers. Keep an eye out though, many wildlife including serow, deer, macaques and even bears frequent the thick forests here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/axp-photography-B9iyYEpcmec-unsplash-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Shinkyo Bridge. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/a-bridge-over-a-river-B9iyYEpcmec\">AXP Photography<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Besides nature, Japanese culture enthusiasts will also appreciate Nikko for its many Shinto or Buddhist temples and shrines, including the world-famous Nikko Toshogu Shrine, the crimson Rinnoji Temple and the iconic Shinkyo Bridge \u2013 all immersed within nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nikko also has not one, but <strong>three<\/strong> falls for you to gaze at in awe \u2013 the Kegon, Yudaki Fallsn and Kirifuri Falls. Kegon is a particularly stunning must-see due to its towering, dramatic drop into a vast gorge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for which season to choose, autumn is arguably the best time to visit Nikko in order to see its warm colours enveloping its mountains and shrines, it\u2019s even said to have the best autumn views in Japan-period!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Nikko National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By bullet train<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Tokyo Station, take the Shinkansen bullet train to Utsunomiya Station (~50 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, transfer to the JR Nikko Line and continue to Nikko Station (~50 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By express train<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From Asakusa Station, take the Tobu Railway limited express train to Shimo-Imaichi Station (~100 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then, transfer to the Tobu Nikko Line and continue to Nikko Station (~10 minutes).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ise-Shima National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-1920x1280.webp 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-1170x780.webp 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-585x390.webp 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_anorisaki_jwli4l-263x175.webp 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Anorisaki Lighthouse. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/national-parks\/parks\/ise-shima\">japan.travel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Warmer weather, countless islands, coastal treks and Japan\u2019s most sacred shrines \u2013 Ise-Shima is truly blessed by the heavens when it comes to the sheer number attractions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For a crash course on some of southwestern Japan unique charms, set out on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/national-parks\/parks\/ise-shima\/see-and-do\/anorisakidaiosaki-hiking-trail\/\">Mie stretch of the Kinki Nature Trail<\/a>, a scenic route that takes you through beaches with stellar views of the Pacific and various charming fishing villages.<br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5227\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u5916\u5bae_Geku_Ise_Jingu_26913293113-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The Ise Jingu Shrine is surrounded by forests. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:%E5%A4%96%E5%AE%AE_Geku_Ise_Jingu_(26913293113).jpg\">nobu3withfoxy<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ise-Shima is also home to some of the oldest and most sacred Shinto shrines, particularly the Ise Jingu Shrine, which was built to worship the sun god Amaterasu. This collection of ancient shrines was built in native pre-Buddhist architecture that, when paired with its forested surroundings, give it a mysterious air of divinity. There\u2019s even a tradition of rebuilding the inner shrines and its bridge every 20 years, making them some of the oldest examples of ancient Japanese architecture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-1024x683.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5229\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-1024x683.webp 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-300x200.webp 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-768x512.webp 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-1536x1024.webp 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-2048x1365.webp 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-1920x1280.webp 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-1170x780.webp 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-585x390.webp 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/ise-shima_meoto_iwa_rocks_ecudzp-263x175.webp 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The twin Meotoiwa Rocks. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/national-parks\/parks\/ise-shima\/explore\/\">japan.travel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, for a truly stunning example of nature and faith joined in harmony, hit the coast and gaze upon the Meotoiwa Rocks, a pair of twin rocks of differing heights-one with a torii on top-jutting out dramatically from the Pacific and linked with a sacred rope. &nbsp;Worshipped as a symbol of marriage, the Shinto faithful constructed a tiny torii on the taller rock while draping a divine rope between them. The contrast between these objects of faith, the majestic rocks and the vast ocean makes it one of Ise-Shima\u2019s most memorable views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Ise-Shima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>From Tokyo Station, take the Tokaido\/Sanyo Shinkansen to Nagoya Station (~100 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Nagoya Station, take the Kintetsu Nagoya Line express train to Matsusaka Station (~85 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Matsusaka Station, take the Kintetsu Yamada-Toba-Shima Line to Toba Station (~50 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Toba Station, continue on the Kintetsu Yamada-Toba-Shima Line to Kenshima Station (~30 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Daisen-Oki National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5232\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-2048x1360.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-1920x1275.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-1170x777.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-585x388.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Daisen_in_Autumn-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/File:Daisen_in_Autumn.jpg\">Reggaeman<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A land right out of myth and legend, Daisen-Oki National Park is a rugged Eden of volcanic mountains and islands ringed by cliffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chief among mountains here is Mount Daisen, a monumental volcanic peak that looks surprisingly like Mount Fuji from afar. Considered sacred, monks were once required to accompany any climbers up to its peak. Nowadays, any climber can make a pilgrimage by themselves through ancient beech and yew forests to reach Misen Peak, where you\u2019ll be rewarded with commanding views of the Sea of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5234\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-2048x1362.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-1920x1277.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-1170x778.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-585x389.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Izumo Grand Shrine. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Haiden_of_Izumo-taisha-1.JPG\">Saigen Jiro<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The sacred slopes of Daisen also inspired the building of Shinto-Buddhist temples of Daisenji and Ogamiyama, both spiritual retreats surrounded by nature. However, arguably the region\u2019s most famous place of worship is the Izumo Grand Shrine, dedicated to the creator god and blesser of marriages Okuninushi. Make sure to say a prayer or two for some luck in your love life!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Back down to earth, Daisen-Oki\u2019s lustre is also clear to see in the rugged Oki Islands, a UNESCO-recognized geopark that boasts islands full of hilly grasslands and sheer cliffs. Your first stop here should be the Kuniga Coast, which has coastal grassy plains that plummet into the 90-degree slopes of Matengai Cliff and the outstretched Tsutenkyo Arch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"669\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5235\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6-300x201.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6-768x514.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6-585x391.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/\u30ed\u30fc\u30bd\u30af\u5cf6-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kankou-shimane.com\/en\/destination\/4347\">Shimane Tourism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But, for a truly serendipitous sight, head to the northern coast of Dogo Island during sunset. Here at Candle Island, the sun descends on upon a lonely spire of rock, \u201cilluminating\u201d it like a candle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Daisen-Oki National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fly from Haneda Airport to Yonago Kitaro Airport (~90 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Yonago Kitaro Airport, take a Hinomaru Jidosha bus to Yonago Station (~30 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Yonago Station, take a Nihon Kotsu bus to Daisenji Temple (~50 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Aso-Kuju National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Mount-Aso-Kumamoto-Japan_5-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image: Mount Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. Photo: Stock Photo <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Aso-Kujyu National Park is centered on a vast caldera of blackened plateaus and green hills, all formed through past volcanic activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Characterized by huge black hills of volcanic stone, the Mount Aso caldera features many rugged and stark peaks, with its most picturesque at Mount Nakadake thanks to its pool of steaming turquoise blue water. For a total 180 contrast though, look northwest towards the humbler Komezuka peak, a green peak amidst vast grassland which attracts shutterbugs due to its unusually perfect mound shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"698\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01-1024x698.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5240\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01-1024x698.webp 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01-300x205.webp 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01-768x524.webp 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01-585x399.webp 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/chojabaru-visitor-center_01.webp 1100w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Boardwalks that traverse the grassland. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visit-kyushu.com\/en\/see-and-do\/spots\/chojabaru-visitor-center\/\">Visit Kyushu<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continuing with the green theme, the Kuju Mountains are full of charming, hikable grassland. Besides sustaining the local wildlife, these plains also help feed cattle and horses, which means beef and horseback riding for visitors. Meanwhile, its lower altitudes are populated by mashes and wetlands that can be comfortably traversed with raised boardwalks. Here, rare and dainty flowers like the <em>shimuraninjin<\/em> can be spotted alongside soaring eagles and falcons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being yet another geologically active region, who could forget about the hot (and cold) springs! From pristine cold springs like the Yamabuki Springhead to renowned hot spring hotspots like Beppu and Yufuin, there\u2019s plenty of opportunities to soak away your worries at Aso-Kuju!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Aso-Kujyu National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fly from Haneda Airport to Oita Airport (~105 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Oita Airport, take the Airport Connecting Bus to Yufuin Station Bus Center (~55 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Yufuin Station, take the Sanko Bus Express Bus to Kujyu Trailhead (Chojabaru) (~52 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5242\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-1170x777.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-585x389.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/eK2NvUn5tmWjT5akou794JoXg6BKX9k2QKvfrm03__1757_1167.jpg 1757w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mount Kirishima. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kanko-miyazaki.jp\/feature\/kinkouwan\">Miyazaki Tourism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We\u2019ve seen plenty of dormant volcanos on this list, so how about an active one?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representing both land and sea, the twin park areas of Kirishima and Kinkowan feature their own geological quirks that attract thousands of visitors each year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting inland, the Kirishima area is basically volcano central, featuring crater lakes, fumaroles, hot springs, and plateaus all shaped by Mother Nature\u2019s explosive power. Its many peaks include Mount Takachiho-no-Mine, where the sun-god Amaterasu was said to have descended onto earth. There\u2019s even a sizable bronze spear stuck at the peak, rumored to be the Ame-no-Sakahoko spear that created the world. Regardless of these legends though, when you look at its splendid ridges and commanding views, it\u2019s easy to see why the ancients worshipped it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-1024x680.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5244\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-1024x680.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-300x199.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-768x510.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-1536x1020.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-2048x1361.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-1920x1276.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-1170x777.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-585x389.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Onamiike_volcano_2012-11-18_8336171533-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Onamiike Crater Lake. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?search=Onamiike+Crater+Lake&amp;title=Special:MediaSearch&amp;go=Go&amp;type=image\">tsuda<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019d like more commanding views though, try challenging the slopes of Karakuni-dake. The Kirishima area\u2019s tallest peak, it is said to offer views to as far as Korea. Don\u2019t forget to take a detour to the nearby Onamiike Crater Lake, an unusually egg-shaped lake that is also Japan\u2019s highest crater lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"684\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5246\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-1920x1282.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-1170x781.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan-263x175.jpg 263w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Sakurajima-Volcano-Kagoshima-Japan.jpg 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mount Sakurajima. Photo: Stock Photo<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moving down south, you have the Kinkowan or Kinko Bay area, which has the city of Kagoshima and the towering Mount Sakurajima, Japan\u2019s most active volcano. As it regularly spews ash and erupts at times, visitors aren\u2019t allowed access to the craters. Despite that, there are numerous observation points that afford onlookers strategic views of this volatile mountain such as the Yunohira, Kurokami and Arimura observation points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Kirishima-Kinkowan National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fly from Haneda Airport to Kagoshima Airport (~120 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Kagoshima Airport, take the airport shuttle bus to Kagoshima Chuo Station (~40 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Kagoshima Chuo Station, take the Iwasaki Bus to Kagoshima Shinko Port (~20 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Kagoshima Shinko Port, take the Sakurajima Ferry to Sakurajima Ferry Terminal (~15 minutes).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Keramashoto National Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5248\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-1170x780.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-585x390.jpg 585w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/romeo-a-VAtK8vTHb4Q-unsplash-263x175.jpg 263w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/aerial-photography-of-island-VAtK8vTHb4Q\">Rom\u00e9o A.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just west of Naha City in sunny, tropical Okinawa lies the Kerama Islands National Park. Surrounded by the Churaumi Sea, the park is centered around the 30 Kerama Islands alongside countless reefs that make up to two-thirds of Japan\u2019s coral reefs. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The main islands of Tokashikijima, Zamamijima and Akajima islands are also home to uniquely blue waters. Dubbed Kerama Blue, this shade of deep blue was formed due to the lack of algae and purity of the waters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5249\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/cindy-chan-VLQj5niaT4E-unsplash-585x439.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Impossibly blue waters in Okinawan reefs. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/brown-and-black-turle-VLQj5niaT4E\">Cindy Chan<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And what better way to experience the pristine waters than with some diving and snorkelling? Diverse populations of rare sea turtles and tropical fish await curious divers within the nooks and crannies of the area\u2019s blue-tinted reefs, making Keramashoto a premiere diving destination. Make sure not to disturb the turtles or step on the reefs to keep the area pristine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And there\u2019s more \u2013 Keramashoto is one of the few spots in Japan where you can go whale-watching! Board a boat and get up close to a powerful, 300-ton humpback whale as it breaches the waters before slamming back down in a thunderous roar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1024x768.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5250\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1200x900.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1920x1440.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-1170x878.jpg 1170w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/2560px-Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_7373-585x439.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Aharen Beach. Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Aharen_Beach_On_Tokashiki_Island_2009_(7373).JPG\">Toma\u017e Vajngerl<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Don\u2019t forget Keramashoto\u2019s islands too! Fine beaches like Aharen Beach feature blinding white sands gently sloping down into turquoise blue waters while hiking trails reward you with views over rustic fishing towns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to get to Keramashoto National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fly from Haneda Airport to Naha Airport (~3 hours).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Naha Airport, take a cab to Naha Tomari Port (~20 minutes).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>From Naha Tomari Port, take either a high-speed boat (~35 minutes) or a ferry (~1 hour and 10 minutes) to Tokashiki Island.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"772\" height=\"539\" src=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/422768ffd2c8726e4b4219c6fb1f587c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5252\" srcset=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/422768ffd2c8726e4b4219c6fb1f587c.jpg 772w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/422768ffd2c8726e4b4219c6fb1f587c-300x209.jpg 300w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/422768ffd2c8726e4b4219c6fb1f587c-768x536.jpg 768w, https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/422768ffd2c8726e4b4219c6fb1f587c-585x408.jpg 585w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 772px) 100vw, 772px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Photo: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.h-kazuno.co.jp\/raiman\/archive.php?id=163\">h-kazuno.co.jp<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ready to jump into Mother Nature\u2019s embrace in Japan? Make sure to prepare the essentials, keep up to date on weather conditions and, above all, snap tons of photos!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If nature\u2019s not really your thing, then why not take a dip at<strong> <\/strong>the <a href=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/soak-away-your-worries-with-the-8-baths-of-beppu-japan\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4215\">onsen hotspots of Beppu and Yufuin<\/a> or visit <a href=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/go-to-hell-with-the-seven-hells-of-beppu\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4160\">seven different hells<\/a>! You could even visit some of <a href=\"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/8-famous-anime-sacred-sites-to-visit\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"4744\">anime&#8217;s most iconic locations in Japan<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/rtrp.jp\/articles\/59894\/?page=2\">https:\/\/rtrp.jp\/articles\/59894\/?page=2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/national-parks\/parks\">https:\/\/www.japan.travel\/national-parks\/parks<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Written with research by Rin Matsumoto<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So you\u2019ve been to Japan\u2019s big cities and maybe a city park or two, what\u2019s next? How about a real&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":5204,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[251,23],"tags":[69,178,19,163,176,82,115,177],"class_list":["post-5191","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international","category-travel","tag-japan","tag-lakes","tag-lists","tag-mountains","tag-national-parks","tag-nature","tag-sea","tag-volcanoes"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-scaled.jpg",2560,1707,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1024x683.jpg",1024,683,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1536x1024.jpg",1536,1024,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-2048x1365.jpg",2048,1365,true],"penci-recipe-1200x1200":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1200x1200.jpg",1200,1200,true],"penci-recipe-1200x900":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1200x900.jpg",1200,900,true],"penci-recipe-1200x675":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1200x675.jpg",1200,675,true],"penci-single-full":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1920x1280.jpg",1920,1280,true],"penci-slider-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1920x800.jpg",1920,800,true],"penci-full-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1170x780.jpg",1170,780,true],"penci-slider-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-1170x663.jpg",1170,663,true],"penci-magazine-slider":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-780x516.jpg",780,516,true],"penci-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-masonry-thumb":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-585x390.jpg",585,390,true],"penci-thumb-square":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-585x585.jpg",585,585,true],"penci-thumb-vertical":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-480x650.jpg",480,650,true],"penci-thumb-small":["https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Lake-Towada-Aomori-Japan_2-263x175.jpg",263,175,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Wei Yip","author_link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/author\/weiyip\/"},"uagb_comment_info":5,"uagb_excerpt":"So you\u2019ve been to Japan\u2019s big cities and maybe a city park or two, what\u2019s next? How about a real&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5191","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5191"}],"version-history":[{"count":45,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5191\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5259,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5191\/revisions\/5259"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5204"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5191"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5191"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5191"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}