A giant rock magnificently shaped like an elephants back [Mie : ‘Zou no se’]
Located near the summit of Mount Binshiyama (便石山), on the border between the cities of Owase (尾鷲) and Kihoku (紀北), the gigantic rock known as ‘Zou-no-se (象の背 Elephant’s back)’ is a hugely popular photo spot for climbers, as you can take pictures that look like you’re riding on the back of a giant elephant. From the Elephant’s Back, you can enjoy a grand panoramic view that includes Mount Tengurasan (天狗倉山), the city of Owase, and Owase Bay.
Location : Kihoku-cho, Kitamuro-gun, Mie Prefecture
Contact : Kihoku Town Tourism Association (紀北町観光協会)
Website : kihoku-kanko.com/
A stunning scenic bench with a view of Lake Biwa! [Shiga : Ano Bench]
This single bench, placed on the shore of Lake Biwa (琵琶湖), is a spectacular viewpoint offering a sweeping view of the lake, Takeshima (多景島) Island, and the Hira (比良) mountain range on the opposite shore. Originally installed by a local resident so people could relax and enjoy the view of the lake, the bench became a sensation on social media and is now affectionately known as ‘that bench’.
Location : Lakeshore of Ishidera-cho, Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture
Contact : Shiga Prefecture Official Tourism Site (滋賀県)
Website : biwako-visitors.jp
A cluster of ancient tombs with a unique natural landscape [Kyoto : Onaru Kofun Group]
The Onaru Kofun (大成古墳) Group, consisting of 13 stone burial chambers dating from the late 6th to early 7th centuries, is a beautiful spot within thde San’in Kaigan (山陰海岸) UNESCO Global Geopark. In early summer, the white flowers of Japanese radishes bloom across the area, creating a stunning contrast with the Sea of Japan. In the evening, you can enjoy the view of Tateiwa (立岩) rock and the sunset over the Sea of Japan.
Location : Takenochi, Tango-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture
Contact : Umi no Kyoto (海の京都)
Website : uminokyoto.jp/spot/detail.php?sid=1059
The sheer thrill of a never-ending stream of planes! [Osaka : Senrigawa embankment]
The Senrigawa (千里川) Embankment, located just south of Osaka International Airport, is a superb spot to get up close and personal with planes as they come in to land. The sight of planes flying in one after another is truly breathtaking. It’s often called a ‘pilgrimage site for plane spotters,’ attracting aviation enthusiasts from all over Japan.
Location : 2-chome, Toyonaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Contact : Osaka Prefecture (大阪府)
Website : pref.osaka.lg.jp/o130170/kenshi_kikaku/viewspotosakaproject/index.html
A power spot with a beautiful sunset! [Hyogo : Iwatsuhime Shrine]
The Iwatsuhime (伊和都比売) Shrine is located on the Misaki (御崎) coast in Ako (赤穂) City, an area famous as one of ‘Japan’s 100 Best Sunset Spots.’ The shrine was originally located on the sacred rocks known as Gozen-iwa (御前岩, Haccho-iwa; 八丁岩) offshore, but it is said that Asano takumi no kami (浅野内匠頭) —famous from the tale of the Chushingura (忠臣蔵, 47 Ronin)—relocated it to its current spot. In addition to being a popular site for praying for a good catch of fish, the shrine is also believed to bring good fortune in love, and its monthly-changing limited-edition goshuin (御朱印, red seal) are particularly popular.
Location : 1 Misaki, Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture
Website : iwatsuhimejinja.jp/
Countless lights illuminating a Nara summer [Nara : Nara Tokae]
Held in August around Nara Park, the ‘Nara Tokae (なら燈花会)’ is a stunning event that began in 1999, illuminating the vast historical sites of the ancient capital with countless candles. This year, it is held from the 5th to the 14th of August. Unlike urban light-ups, the gentle glow of the candles perfectly suits the serene atmosphere of the ancient city, and it has now become a signature summer event in Nara.
Location : Kasugano-cho, Nara City, and other locations
Website : toukae.jp
“Breathtaking Rice Fields Painting the Seasons in Green to Gold” [Wakayama : Aragi-jima Island]
Aragi-jima (あらぎ島) Island is a terraced rice field developed in the early Edo period. Surrounded by a river, it looks just like an island. This beautiful natural formation was designated as a National Important Cultural Landscape in 2013 and is also selected as one of ‘Japan’s 100 Best Terraced Rice Fields.’ The changing scenery and colours throughout the four seasons are a highlight.
Location : 387-1 Shimizu, Aridagawa-cho, Arida-gun, Wakayama Prefecture
Contact : Aridagawa Town Industrial Promotion Office (有田川町産業振興室)
Website : town.aridagawa.lg.jp/
This article is a reproduction from the August/September 2024 issue of WARAKU magazine.
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/247441/
