More than 9 million residents live in the capital city of Tokyo. Tokyo has various kinds of tourist attractions. The latest cultural trends can be found in Shibuya or Harajuku, Shinjuku and Ginza are known for shopping, and Tokyo is full of traditional sites including Asakusa’s Sensoji Temple and Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Kamakura is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo. It is located about 60 km southwest of Tokyo and accessible by one-hour train ride. It used to be the seat of the Kamakura Government lead by Minamoto Yoritomo and his successors around the 13th century. Kamakura has an old town atmosphere similar to Kyoto with dozens of traditional temples and shrines. The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in is over 11-meters tall and is one of the most renowned landmarks in the town.
Saga is located in the north west of Kyushu Island, next to Fukuoka Prefecture. Yutoku Inari Shrine is one of the three most famous shrines dedicated to Inari along with Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari Shrine in Aichi Prefecture. Its main hall stands on tall wooden beams 18 meters above the valley floor. Ouo Shrine Torii Gate is another popular spot with mysterious atmosphere. A couple of red torii gates in the sea almost soak in the high-tide water while you can walk around the gates at the low tide.
The Kiyosato Highlands in Hokuto City, Yamanashi Prefecture is located at the southern foot of the Yatsugatake mountains on the border between Nagano Prefecture. The resort town is popular for its old-fashioned atmosphere and beautiful views, especially famous for the Seisen-ryo Farm with its creamy ice cream. In several-minute ride from Kiyosato Station, JR Koumi Line passes the highest point of any JR line in the country. The view of the sunflowers in Akeno are observed between mid. Jul. and late Aug. Some others tourist attractions in the region are available during the limited period of the year. *The Yatsugatake Western Ranch suspended operation as of Apr. 2018.