beautiful Japan
On the border between Wakayama and Mie prefectures, nature has created a fantastical terrain. The secluded Kizuro Village is encircled by a river and pebble beaches, turning it into a half-island paradise that’s also abundant in good qi.
Nope, the above image isn’t a production still from a live-action version of The Pilot’s Love Song or Zelda: Skyward Sword. Rather, this glorious view can be seen from the popular “Sea of Clouds” (unkai) Terrace on Mount Tomamu, which is entering its ninth year of service.
Such a magnificent vista is generally the sole privilege of determined hikers, but this resort attraction in the heart of Hokkaidō delivers you to it in a mere 13 minutes, and you don’t even need an ounce of upsidasium! Whether you’re a nut for Laputa, a hardcore Bioshock Infinite cosplayer, or just a nature lover like me, you’ve got to check out this unique mountaintop experience.



Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese convenience store chain has beer and sake dispensers that few people know about
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
16-year-old Japanese girls will no longer be allowed to marry, age of legal adulthood moves to 18
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
McDonald’s releases new Come on Baby New York Burgers in Japan
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
16-year-old Japanese girls will no longer be allowed to marry, age of legal adulthood moves to 18
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
McDonald’s releases new Come on Baby New York Burgers in Japan
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Family Mart serves up Japanese nostalgia with new frozen choco banana that’s a sell-out hit
Japan’s biggest manga magazine is raising its minimum payment rate for creators
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Tokyo travel hack: How to enjoy a free sightseeing boat tour around Tokyo Bay
Hey, Japanese taxi driver! Take us to the best Turkish rice restaurant in Nagasaki!