Spots

100 landscapes total

岐阜県

Shirakawa-go

Best period Winter (roughly January–February) is the highlight season, with snow-covered rooftops and the famous evening illumination events. Autumn foliage typically peaks late October to early November. Illumination evenings usually require advance lottery registration — check the official site well ahead of time.

山形県

Zao Juhyo (Frost-Covered Trees)

Best period Peak season is typically late January through late February. The ropeway suspends operation in strong winds or poor visibility — always check the official website for real-time status before heading up. Clear mornings offer the sharpest views and somewhat smaller crowds than afternoons.

北海道

Shiretoko Drift Ice

Best period February is generally the peak month for drift ice, though ice can appear from late January and persists into early March. Conditions vary considerably year to year. Check the latest ice contact and density reports through the Drift Ice Information Center or the icebreaker's official site before you travel.

静岡県

Atami Plum Garden

Best period Early cultivars typically begin blooming in early January, with peak plum season generally running from late January through mid-February. Different varieties extend the show over several weeks. The annual plum festival (usually held January–February) draws crowds; weekday mornings are much quieter. Autumn foliage peaks around late October to November.

福島県

Ouchi-juku

Best period The winter snow scene, roughly late December through February, is the most iconic. The annual snow festival (usually late January to early February) adds torchlight and lanterns after dark. Autumn colour typically peaks in late October to early November. Weekends fill the car park by mid-morning; a weekday or early arrival is strongly recommended.

青森県

Hakkoda Frost-Covered Trees

Best period Peak season for frost-covered trees is typically late January through late February. Clear mornings offer the best visibility and light for photography from the ropeway. Weekends and public holidays see long queues; early weekday departures are advisable. Summit weather can change rapidly — full cold-weather and windproof gear is essential.

茨城県

Kairakuen Garden

Best period Plum blossoms typically peak from mid-February to mid-March, with different cultivars blooming in sequence across several weeks. The Mito Plum Festival draws large crowds; weekday mornings are far quieter. The garden also merits a visit in early summer and autumn.

静岡県

Kawazu-zakura Cherry Blossom Festival

Best period Peak bloom typically falls between early February and early March — an unusually long season of around one month, giving visitors more flexibility than most cherry blossom spots. Weekends draw large crowds; weekday visits are highly recommended. Evening illuminations add a different dimension to the experience.

東京都

Yushima Tenjin Shrine

Best period Plum blossoms typically peak from early to mid-February through early March. The annual plum festival draws large crowds; early mornings on weekdays are the quietest. Autumn foliage (mid to late November) is also beautiful. Examination season (December–February) brings a constant stream of hopeful students.

京都府

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

Best period Plum blossoms typically peak from early February to mid-March, when the inner plum garden opens for a fee. Autumn foliage in the maple garden usually runs mid-November to early December. The Tenjin-ichi market is held on the 25th of every month. Check the official site for exact admission periods and fees.

神奈川県

Miura Coast Cherry Festival

Best period Kawazu cherries typically peak from early to mid-February, lasting into early March. The long bloom period offers flexibility, but weekends become very crowded — a weekday visit or early-morning arrival is strongly recommended. Check official sources for current bloom conditions.

北海道

Otaru Snow Light Path Festival

Best period The festival typically runs for around ten days in early to mid-February; exact dates change each year, so check the official website before visiting. Weekday evenings are noticeably quieter than weekends. Temperatures regularly drop to around -5 to -10 °C — warm layers and non-slip footwear are essential.

山形県

Mt. Nishi-Azuma Frost-Covered Trees

Best period Frost trees are typically at their most dramatic from late December through early March, with peak development in January and February. Clear mornings offer the best light and visibility. Never attempt to reach the summit in low-visibility or strong-wind conditions without appropriate alpine gear.

北海道

Abashiri Drift Ice (Aurora Icebreaker Cruise)

Best period Drift ice typically arrives in late January and retreats by early March, with the densest coverage usually in the first half of February. Aurora cruises run subject to ice and weather conditions — confirm schedules and book ahead on the official website. Warm, windproof layers, gloves, and ear protection are essential on deck.

山梨県

Lake Yamanaka Diamond Fuji

Best period Two viewing windows per year: roughly mid-October to February (sunset alignment) and April to May (sunrise alignment). The diamond effect peaks over just a few days in each window — check a local tourism calendar for exact dates. Clear, windless mornings with no cloud cover give the best results.

東京都

Chidorigafuchi Moat

Best period Cherry blossoms typically peak from late March to early April, and the promenade can be extremely crowded on weekends — even late into the evening. Evening illuminations are usually held during blossom season (check official sources for current details). Arriving early on a weekday morning gives the most serene experience.

東京都

Meguro River Cherry Blossoms

Best period Cherry blossoms typically peak between late March and early April, though the exact timing shifts with winter temperatures each year. Peak weekend afternoons are extremely crowded; weekday mornings or evening hours during the illumination period offer a noticeably calmer experience.

大阪府

Osaka Castle Park

Best period Peak bloom typically falls in late March to early April, though exact dates shift with each year's temperatures. Visit on a weekday morning or just after the evening illuminations begin to avoid the heaviest crowds. Confirm current bloom status on the official Osaka Castle website before heading out.

京都府

Daigo-ji Temple

Best period Cherry blossoms typically peak in late March to early April, with the weeping cherry at Sanbo-in especially prized. Autumn foliage is at its best mid-to-late November. Both seasons bring large crowds; early morning entry is strongly recommended. The trail to Upper Daigo suits fit walkers.

京都府

Maruyama Park

Best period The weeping cherry typically blooms late March to early April. Evening illuminations are held during peak bloom — hours vary by year, so check the latest official information. Weekday mornings and evening visits during blossom season offer far fewer crowds than weekend afternoons.

京都府

Philosopher's Path

Best period Cherry blossoms typically peak from late March to early April; autumn foliage is usually at its best from mid- to late November. Weekend mornings during blossom season draw very large crowds — a weekday visit before 8 a.m., walking south from the Ginkaku-ji end, is the best way to experience the path in relative peace.

東京都

Shinjuku Gyoen

Best period Cherry blossoms typically run from late March to late April, with multiple varieties extending the season longer than most Tokyo parks. Autumn colour usually peaks from mid-November to early December. Weekend mornings during both seasons draw large crowds; arriving on a weekday, shortly after opening, is the most effective way to enjoy the garden at its best. Note that alcohol is not permitted inside (confirm current entry fees and rules on the official website).

奈良県

Mt. Yoshino

Best period Cherry blossoms typically peak from early to mid-April, with Shimo-Senbon blooming first and Oku-Senbon last (about a two-week window across the mountain). Autumn foliage generally peaks late October to mid-November. Weekday visits and early starts are strongly recommended during both seasons to avoid heavy crowds.

茨城県

Hitachi Seaside Park

Best period Peak seasons are mid-April to early May for nemophila and mid-October for kochia. Arrive at opening time on weekdays to avoid the largest crowds. Check the official website for real-time bloom updates before your visit.