Introducing early summer 2022 sightseeing spots! ◎ Refresh while avoiding crowds♪

Recommended for early summer sightseeing! Here are perfect spots to refresh in spring and summer, enjoying scenery and gourmet food while avoiding crowds.

Early summer is the season from March to May when it gets warmer. It’s the best season for sightseeing, without the extreme heat of midsummer or the cold. That said, for early summer sightseeing in 2022, it’s still necessary to take infection control measures and avoid places that are likely to be crowded. So, what kind of sightseeing spots meet these conditions?

Refresh in preparation for summer. Take a look for hints on early summer sightseeing!

Oirase Gorge

Oirase Gorge is a breathtaking spot located deep in Aomori Prefecture, within Towada-Hachimantai National Park, overflowing with mysterious scenic beauty.
The Oirase River flows from Lake Towada, which lies on the prefectural border, and continues for 14 km, forming clear streams and waterfalls along the way. A walking trail runs along the river, with little elevation change, allowing visitors to enjoy the gently flowing stream. The trail is full of negative ions, and the magnificent nature has a healing and even dreamlike quality.
Oirase Gorge is also a sightseeing spot that changes its appearance with the seasons. Visiting in early summer, you will be welcomed by fresh greenery that feels refreshing. It is a perfect place to recharge before summer.
Access to the site takes time, and visiting by car is the standard. While it is a popular sightseeing spot, you can avoid crowds during the trip, and since it is outdoors, it is easy to maintain distance from others. That is why it is an especially suitable sightseeing spot for this period.
When visiting Oirase Gorge, be sure to also try Aomori’s local specialty, “Senbei-jiru” (rice cracker soup). It is a traditional local dish that has existed since the Edo period, made with Aomori Nanbu senbei simmered in a soy sauce broth. While the dish originates from Hachinohe City in Aomori, which is a bit far from Oirase Gorge, it is definitely worth tasting if you get the chance.

Shimizu Keiryu Square

Next up, we introduce a recommended early summer sightseeing spot located in the Kanto region, which can also be visited from Tokyo.
Shimizu Keiryu Square is located in Kimitsu City, Chiba Prefecture, and is another place where you can enjoy the enchantment of untouched nature. When visiting in early summer, you can enjoy the beautiful greenery, crystal-clear streams, and light filtering in through caves—scenery free of artificial elements.
Everywhere you look in Shimizu Keiryu Square is filled with negative ions, offering an otherworldly view as if stepping into a fantasy world. You can fully refresh yourself while bathing in healing greenery, and it is also perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. The light shining into the cave reflects on the water’s surface in the shape of a heart, which became a popular topic, making it a must-capture moment if you get the chance.
The best seasons for visiting Shimizu Keiryu Square are said to be March and September. It is more of a spring spot than early summer, but it’s worth visiting between March and early April. Be sure to experience its breathtaking scenery in person.

Ryujin Suspension Bridge

The Ryujin Suspension Bridge, located in Ibaraki Prefecture, is one of the tallest and longest suspension bridges in Japan. The bridge itself is incredibly impressive, but the view from the top in early summer is stunning, allowing you to fully enjoy the lush green scenery.
The Ryujin Suspension Bridge is also known as one of Ibaraki’s top driving spots. A road trip allows you to travel without worrying about crowds, making it convenient for a day trip and easy to plan into your schedule. During Golden Week or other holidays, why not add it as a stop on your Ibaraki sightseeing course?
Additionally, you can enjoy activities such as bungee jumping at this bridge. The thrill of jumping from one of the highest spots in Japan is among the best in the country. It is a sightseeing spot full of unique attractions that can only be experienced here.

Oze National Park

Oze National Park is a vast natural park spanning the Kanto, Hokuriku, and Tohoku regions. It touches four prefectures: Gunma, Tochigi, Niigata, and Fukushima, and in early summer, you are greeted by a dazzling array of colorful plants.
Since the park is so large, walking trails are well maintained, making it a popular hiking destination for beginners. You can enjoy the extraordinary natural landscape and breathtaking views without difficulty.
Within Oze National Park, a walk through the expansive Oze Marshland is highly recommended. In early summer, the trails are surrounded by fresh greenery, and the wetland is famous for flowers such as skunk cabbage and azaleas. The various alpine plants also add to the charm, making it a spot full of highlights.

Nippara Limestone Caves

The Nippara Limestone Caves are located in Okutama, Tokyo, and are one of the city’s most popular mysterious natural attractions. Western Tokyo is home to many nature spots, such as Mt. Takao, but this mystical cave is also a must-visit spot for early summer sightseeing.
Nippara Limestone Caves also have a historical aspect as a sacred site for mountain worship. The entrance cliffs are overwhelming, and countless stalactites hang like icicles from the ceiling, enhanced by colorful lighting that creates a fantastical atmosphere. Inside the cave, you’ll also find attractions such as the “Suikinkutsu,” where dripping water creates sounds like a koto harp, adding to the mystical feel of the place.
As mentioned earlier, Okutama is a treasure trove of nature, making it a perfect spot for those who want to enjoy greenery in early summer. In addition to the limestone caves, there are many other attractions such as water activities and hot springs. You can plan a fulfilling sightseeing trip by making the cave the main destination while also enjoying other local experiences.

Shiraito Falls (Nagano)

Shiraito Falls is a sightseeing spot located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, where you can enjoy the mysteries of nature. The waterfall is formed by underground water springing out from a cliff, with a drop of about 3 meters. True to its name, the underground water flows like numerous white threads, creating a curtain-like appearance where you can feel a rich amount of negative ions.
Although 3 meters may seem unimpressive for a waterfall, Shiraito Falls is 70 meters wide, making it one of the longest in Japan.
Another feature of Shiraito Falls is that it offers a different appearance in each season. For example, if you visit in February, the entire waterfall freezes, transforming into a powerful silver-white waterfall. At night, it is illuminated, highlighting its fantastical and extraordinary scenery. In early summer, you are welcomed by the beauty of fresh greenery, where the pure waterfall heals your heart.
Before or after enjoying Shiraito Falls, you can head toward downtown Karuizawa via the Shiraito Highland Way and find another mystical natural spot, Ryugaeshi Falls. There, you can get close to the water’s surface and enjoy the stream, while admiring the bold and powerful waterfall. Stay overnight at one of Karuizawa’s hot spring inns and enjoy a fulfilling vacation refreshed by visiting both waterfalls.

Fuji Motosuko Resort

Fuji Motosuko Resort is a lakeside resort area located south along Route 139 from Lake Motosu, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. Its biggest attraction in early summer is the blooming moss phlox, and from mid-April to late May, the “Fuji Shibazakura Festival” is held.
The moss phlox seen here blooms in shades of pink, with about 800,000 plants in total. The area is dyed pink, offering a spectacularly beautiful view. From the resort, you can also see Mt. Fuji, and the combination of moss phlox and Mt. Fuji is a classic early summer view of Motosuko Resort.
At the same time as the Fuji Shibazakura Festival, the “Fuji Tasty Food Festival” is also held. Visitors can enjoy local gourmet specialties and famous dishes from around Mt. Fuji. It is a sightseeing spot where you can enjoy both the spectacular moss phlox and delicious local cuisine.
Lake Motosu itself is registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, known for its high transparency. There are many spots to admire Mt. Fuji, sightseeing boats, and leisure facilities around the lake. After exploring Fuji Motosuko Resort, taking a trip around the entire lake is also recommended.

Biwako Valley

When it comes to Shiga Prefecture, Lake Biwa is the must-see. Known for its fame and proximity to Kyoto, it has excellent access, but if you want to enjoy Lake Biwa in early summer, “Biwako Valley / Biwako Terrace” is highly recommended.
Biwako Valley / Biwako Terrace is located in the mountains west of Lake Biwa. In winter, it is a famous ski resort and one of the top scenic spots around Lake Biwa. Until February, Biwako Valley is covered in snow for skiing, but in early summer, it transforms into the “Green Season,” featuring activities such as zip-lining, a dog run, and lush green landscapes. From the “Grand Terrace,” you can overlook the vast Lake Biwa, which looks almost like the sea.
If you take the lift from the terrace further up to the mountaintop, you will find “CAFÉ 360 (San-Roku-Maru),” a terrace offering a 360-degree panoramic view. You can enjoy the sweeping scenery that includes Osaka and even the northern mountains.
The terrace also has “Terrace Café,” where you can enjoy local Shiga specialties such as the famous “Biwako Curry Bread” and “Gelato” made with beef and milk from local farms, along with alcohol, French fries, and more. It is the perfect place to savor Shiga’s hidden gourmet delights along with stunning scenery.

Nakatsu Gorge

Nakatsu Gorge is a hidden walking spot in the heart of Shikoku, located in Agawa District, Kochi Prefecture. The water flowing near Nakatsu Gorge connects to the Niyodo River, which has been selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as “Japan’s river with the best water quality.” This clear stream, known as “Niyodo Blue,” is a must-see when visiting the mountains of Kochi Prefecture.
Nakatsu Gorge is one of the spots where you can enjoy this Niyodo Blue. In early summer, the gorge becomes a breathtaking sight with its fresh greenery, mysterious rock formations, and waterfalls. Even in Shikoku, which is rich in nature, Nakatsu Gorge feels like stepping back into ancient times, with its dreamlike atmosphere. Walking trails are well maintained, allowing visitors to enjoy the feeling of blending into the scenery while strolling.
At the end of the gorge, you’ll find a stone pillar, which is another well-known landmark within Nakatsu Gorge. However, since it takes about 1.5 hours round-trip from the entrance, it is best to allow plenty of time for your visit.

Takachiho Gorge

One of the best sightseeing spots in Kyushu for early summer is Takachiho Gorge. It is a famous tourist destination located in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, and is known as a spectacular scenic spot. Situated in the heart of Kyushu, it lies southeast of Mount Aso.
Takachiho Gorge was formed in ancient times by pyroclastic flows from the Aso volcano. The Gokase River flows through the center of the gorge, which is surrounded by magnificent cliffs averaging about 80 meters in height.
From the parking lot, you can head down to the river where there is a boat rental area. Taking a boat allows you to experience the grandeur of the cliffs up close. While there is a fee, looking up at the massive gorge from the water’s surface is an unforgettable sight. In early summer, the fresh greenery enhances the beauty even more, making the scenery even more captivating.
The mountains near Takachiho Gorge are also featured in Japanese mythology, and in fact, several sites and relics connected to the myths can be found in the area. When visiting Takachiho, be sure to explore these spiritual spots as well.

Summary of Early Summer Sightseeing in 2022

We have introduced carefully selected spots that are highly recommended for early summer sightseeing in 2022. Considering infection control, outdoor locations filled with nature are especially recommended this year.
As spring transitions into summer, early summer is a season where you can feel the refreshing coolness while gradually warming up. Please use this guide for planning trips during Golden Week holidays or for June travel to prepare for the summer.

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Introducing early summer 2022 sightseeing spots! ◎ Refresh while avoiding crowds♪