Breathtaking beauty: Ten rare and magical wonders you have to see to believe

By the MOOK Scenic Spots Travel Life Network Editorial Department

 
When thinking of Japan, many world-renowned scenic spots come to mind, such as the majestic Mount Fuji and the picturesque ancient streets of Kyoto. In recent years, however, these classic routes have failed to satisfy travelers, and seeking out lesser-known private spots from books has become more appealing. To this end, tourism operators have released a list of Japan’s “Top Ten Breathtaking Wonders,” where astonishing natural phenomena leave visitors in awe.

● The “Angel Road” Where Lovers Are Said to Be United
Located on the connecting sandbar of Shodoshima Island in Kagawa Prefecture, this path only mysteriously appears from the sea during low tide—twice a day. As the ocean recedes, the sandy strip that links the mainland to the island emerges. Legend has it that if lovers hold hands at the center of this “Angel Road,” they will be bound together in matrimony.

● The “Winter Flowers” Floating on Lake Akan in Hokkaido
Frost flowers are ice crystals formed when water vapor cools on the surface of a cold lake, also known as “winter flowers.” These delicate yet fragile formations melt away with even the slightest breath. Due to geothermal springs bubbling up from the bottom of Lake Akan, the lake's ice remains thin in winter, facilitating the formation of frost flowers. This makes the lake a renowned spot from December through March.

● The Rare “Daruma Sun” Phenomenon in Kochi Prefecture
The “Daruma Sun” at Cape Muroto is said to bring good luck, but this spectacle occurs only once or twice a year. When the air near sea level is refracted, a second sun appears on the ocean surface, forming a snowman-like figure beneath the waves—essentially a type of mirage resembling a Daruma (a traditional round, red Japanese amulet doll). This site is also where the monk Kūkai (also known as Kōbō Daishi) attained enlightenment, adding a solemn and majestic atmosphere to the view.

● The Dreamlike “Diamond Dust” of Hokkaido
Diamond dust, commonly referred to as ice crystals, forms in a similar way to snow, but the crystals are much smaller, allowing them to float and shimmer continuously in the air. When there is no wind, sunlight reflects evenly off the hexagonal ice crystals, creating a magical, dreamlike light column. This phenomenon can only be seen in the very coldest months—January and February—in the Biei area of Hokkaido.