Cool Down in the Sapphire Waters of Kinomata River, in Nasushiobara’s Kinomata Valley
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Ready to escape the summer heat and dive right into the water? Nothing compares with the gem-like beauty of the Kinomata River.
When it comes to beautiful blue waters in Japan, do you think of Hokkaido's Blue Pond? Well, a little north of Tokyo, there's a much closer place to enjoy the beauty of H2O. The Kinomata River is a tributary of the Nakagawa River, a larger body that runs through the prefecture of Tochigi, and this lazy stream is popular thanks to its clean, clear water. The river is crystalline, straight down to the rocky bottom, and the reflecting light gives the water a vibrant blue color as it runs through a valley that look like a Studio Ghibli background.
From local fishermen, who call the Nakagawa River and its tributaries a "natural sweetfish factory" due to the fish that thrive in this clean water, to hikers who explore the surrounding valley, and the many people who come to revel in the cold river water, the Kinomata Valley is slowly gaining a reputation as a must-see destination in the area thanks to some great word-of-mouth reviews.
While it's tempting to compare the river to the Blue Pond or Miyagi's Okama Crater Lake, Kinomata Valley is unique because it isn't just a beautiful sight, it's also a pretty fun destination. Groups of students on summer vacation, locals walking their dogs, families with young kids, and even some international travelers will all come to this little swimming hole on hot summer days, to splash around in the shallow parts of the river or even do some short laps where the water gets deep! You're free to take plenty of pictures of the picturesque blue water running through the rocks like a seam of turquoise, but you can also jump right in and enjoy the cool rushing of the water in this shady little oasis.
Even when it's too chilly to swim, many visitors also come to enjoy the foliage growing up on either side of the water in Kinomata Valley. There are trails along the river banks and bridges stretching from one side to the other, making it a good place for a relaxing hike or a little photography session. In spring, the forest comes alive with fresh green growth, and fall brings a mosaic of reds and yellow to the trees. Plus, for those with a particular interest in botany, the area is famous for a particular type of willow tree, called obayanagi in Japanese (オオバヤナギ), or Salix urbaniana. So whether you'd like the dip your toes in the stream from the pebbly shores, immerse yourself in the chilly, vibrant blue waters, or admire the view as you stroll through the trees, make sure to pay the Kinomata Valley a visit next time you're in Tochigi.
For more info and updates from Japan, check Japankuru for new articles, and don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook!
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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