Must-Visit in a Lifetime: Japan’s Six Most Breathtaking Scenic Spots

Written / Compiled and reported by the editorial team of MOOK Scenic Spots Travel & Lifestyle Network
 
Taiwanese people love traveling to Japan, where it seems there’s always an endless array of beautiful sights waiting to be explored. But what are those once-in-a-lifetime dreamlike wonders you simply must see? Here we’ve handpicked six stunning Japanese scenic spots that will take your breath away. If you’re planning a trip to Japan in the future, consider adding them to your travel list and conquering them one by one.

● Hyogo Prefecture | Tajima Castle
Perched atop a mountain at 353.7 meters above sea level, Tajima Castle was abandoned 400 years ago and forgotten—until a dreamlike photo of the castle floating above a sea of clouds captured the public’s imagination. This real-life sky city began attracting attention. The ruins of this mountain castle, spanning approximately 400 meters from north to south and 100 meters from east to west, now consist mostly of square stone walls. But climbing to the top rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views that make you feel on top of the world. The colorful rice fields, small townhouses, and distant white bridge below all look like tiny toys. Japan’s very own Machu Picchu truly lives up to its name. Whether it's the pink hues of cherry blossoms in spring or the snowy white landscapes of winter, the views are captivating. But catching a glimpse of the castle surrounded by mountain mist and clouds isn't easy—it only happens in autumn (September to November) when temperature differences are significant, the weather is clear, and there’s no wind, and only before 8 a.m.

● Saitama | Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel
Resembling an “underground temple,” the Metropolitan Outer Area Underground Discharge Channel in Saitama Prefecture is actually a massive underground drainage system built to handle Tokyo’s high population density. To manage heavy rainfall, the Japanese government constructed this world-class facility 50 meters underground. The system centers around five enormous water silos, each about eight stories tall—massive cans, as the Japanese call them. They're supported by 59 concrete pillars, each weighing 500 tons, standing upright in the underground space like soldiers, creating a majestic scene reminiscent of an ancient Greek temple. This has made the “underground temple” a famous sightseeing spot.

● Hokkaido | Shirogane Blue Pond
When visiting Biei in Hokkaido, many people include a stop at Shirahige Onsen for some relaxation in the hot springs. Along the way lies the dreamy, unintentionally created scenic wonder: Shirogane Blue Pond. The pond appears blue because the blocked lake water contains aluminum hydroxide, which scatters sunlight. Shorter blue light wavelengths scatter more easily into our eyes, giving the water its striking blue hue.