This is one of the most famous rice paddy areas, part of the Echigo Matsudai rice paddy field group, located in Tokamachi city. April to June and October to November is the "water mirror" season where one can see a clear reflection of the landscape in the brilliantly clear water. Due to the high altitude, once can also see the sea of clouds below during the autumn season.
This is a hidden bath house at the northernmost tip of Noto peninsula. The "Lamp House" bath house has a history of around 450 years with around 50 lamps inside, and has magical and romantic views of the Japanese sea from the bathing areas. ※Credit:石川県観光連盟
This is a wetland area in Niigata prefecture. From around October to March, around 6,000 swans migrate across this landscape, for which this area is famous. There are also around 100 other different types of birds that inhabit this area. This area was created around 400 years ago, and was so called due to its shape resembling the gourd fruit.
This is an Onsen in the eastern part of Niigata prefecture. The water contains sulphur and is good for the skin, so is often known as an Onsen where "one can become beautiful". In the local town, there are numerous trendy cafes as well as traditional manju shops (manju is a bun with a yeast filling), Sake shops, sushi restaurants and traditional Izakaya.
This is an old Onsen in Mount Kenashi, in northern Nagano prefecture. It has 1,300 years of history, and there are 13 outdoor baths. The onsen is popular as a place to mingle with the locals. On the slope, there is a ski area (the Nozawa ski area) which makes the area popular for skiing in the winter. The area is also famous for its Nozawa pickles.