Japan Weather & What to Wear Guide

Chitose-Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late January to late February (about 3–4 weeks)

2027: Jan 30 – Feb 23

Sounkyo Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually late January to early March (about 6 weeks)

Hakone Ekiden (Tokyo-Hakone Round-Trip College Ekiden Race)

Tokyo & Around ・ Hakone

Every year on January 2 (outbound) and January 3 (return)

103rd race: Jan 2, 2027 (Sat) outbound, Jan 3 (Sun) return

Wakakusa Yamayaki

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually the fourth Saturday of January (fireworks from around 18:15 in the evening, ignition around 18:30)

Kobe Luminarie

Kansai ・ Kobe & Arima Onsen

Usually about 10 days from late January to early February (lit from dusk to around 21:30)

2027 (32nd): Jan 29 – Feb 7

Shirakawa-go Winter Light-up

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Shirakawa-go

Usually a few days in January–February (fully reservation-only)

2027 (41st): 4 days, Jan 11 (Mon, holiday), Jan 17 (Sun), Jan 24 (Sun) & Jan 31 (Sun)

Sapporo Snow Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early February (about one week)

2027 (77th): Feb 4 (Thu) – Feb 11 (Thu, holiday), 8 days

Otaru Snow Light Path

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually about one week in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027: Feb 6 – Feb 13

Asahikawa Winter Festival

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually about 6 days in early to mid-February (around the same time as the Sapporo Snow Festival)

2027 (68th): Feb 6 – Feb 11

Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually early February to early March (about one month). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late February

Atami Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually held a dozen or more times a year in spring (April–May), summer (July–August), autumn (September–November), and winter (December–February). Each show runs around 20:20–20:40 (from 20:15 in July and August)

Next show: Oct 25, 2026 (Sun), followed by Nov 8, Nov 23, Dec 6, Dec 25, and Feb 21, 2027 (all 20:20–20:40)

Baikasai (Plum Blossom Festival)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on February 25 (outdoor tea ceremony 10:00–15:00)

Every year on February 25 (Feb 25 in 2027)

Okinawa Pro Baseball Spring Camp

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually February 1 to late February (the Yomiuri Giants' Naha camp runs from mid-February to early March)

Yokote Kamakura Festival

Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen

From 2026, held every year on the second Friday and Saturday of February (the Friday and Saturday just before the Bonden events; changed to the second Friday and Saturday on a trial basis through 2029)

2027: Feb 12 (Fri) & Feb 13 (Sat)

Nagasaki Lantern Festival

Kyushu ・ Nagasaki

Usually around February, at the time of the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) (17 days from February 5 to 21 in 2027)

2027: Feb 5 (Fri) – Feb 21 (Sun), 17 days

Tokyo Marathon

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually a Sunday in early March

2027: Mar 7 (Sun)

Shuni-e (Omizutori) at Todai-ji Nigatsu-do

Kansai ・ Nara

Every year, March 1–14 (Otaimatsu nightly around 19:00; 19:30 on the 12th, 18:30 on the 14th)

2027 (the 1,276th): Mar 1 – Mar 14

Lake Toyako Long Run Fireworks Display

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

Usually every night from late April to October 31 (about 20 minutes from 20:45)

2026: Apr 28 – Oct 31 (held nightly; currently underway)

Fuji Shibazakura Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually mid-April to late May (April 11 – May 24 in 2026; may vary with bloom conditions)

Bunkyo Azalea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually around April 1–30 (the 55th festival was held April 1–30, 2026). Peak bloom is usually mid- to late April

Japan Mint Cherry Blossom Walk-Through (Sakura no Torinuke)

Kansai ・ Osaka

Usually 7 days in early to mid-April (dates set according to the bloom)

Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival

Tohoku ・ Hirosaki

Usually late April to early May (timed to the cherry blossom season; April 10 – May 5 in 2026)

2027: Apr 16 (Fri) – May 5 (Wed, holiday), 20 days

Inuyama Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

Usually the first Saturday and Sunday of April (Saturday is the Shigaku-sai, Sunday the Honraku-sai)

Spring Takayama Festival (Sanno Matsuri)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama

Every year April 14 and 15

2027: Apr 14 (Wed) – Apr 15 (Thu), 2 days

Yuki no Otani Snow Wall Walk (Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Usually mid-April (the day the Alpine Route fully opens) to late June

Kintaikyo Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai

Every year April 29 (Showa Day)

Arita Ceramic Fair

Kyushu ・ Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen

Every year April 29 – May 5

Sapporo Lilac Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually mid- to late May (about 10 days at the Odori Site, and 2 days on the final weekend at the Kawashimo Site)

Sanja Matsuri

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-May, on the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday around the third Saturday of May (May 15–17 in 2026, with the ceremony to install the deities in the mikoshi on the Thursday evening before)

Nikko Toshogu Shrine Grand Spring Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko

Every year on May 17 and 18 (fixed dates as a Shinto ritual)

2027: May 17 (Mon) – May 18 (Tue)

Aoi Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on May 15 (postponed to the 16th if it rains; if it also rains on the 16th, the procession is canceled). Preliminary rites such as Yabusame horseback archery (May 3) and the Saio-dai purification ceremony (May 4) are held in early May

2027: May 15 (held every year on May 15; postponed to the 16th if it rains)

Noryo Yuka / Kawadoko (Kamogawa & Kibune)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Kamogawa Noryo Yuka usually runs May 1 – October 15, and Kibune Kawadoko usually runs May 1 – September 30 (season and hours vary by restaurant). In 2026, Kamogawa Noryo Yuka runs until October 15

Naha Hari (Dragon Boat Race)

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually May 3–5 (Golden Week)

Spring Fujiwara Festival

Tohoku ・ Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki

Every year May 1–5

Hiroshima Flower Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima

Every year May 3–5

Hakata Dontaku Port Festival

Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu

Every year May 3 and 4 (eve festival on May 2)

YOSAKOI Soran Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually Wednesday to Sunday (5 days) in early to mid-June

2027 (36th): Jun 9 (Wed) – Jun 13 (Sun), 5 days

Hokkaido Jingu Festival (Sapporo Matsuri)

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually June 14–16 (14th: eve festival, 15th: main festival, 16th: mikoshi procession)

Shimoda Hydrangea Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Izu

Usually June 1–30 (peak bloom mid- to late June)

Kanazawa Hyakumangoku Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Kanazawa

Usually 3 days in early June (the Hyakumangoku Procession is on Saturday; June 5–7 in 2026, procession on June 6)

Sumida River Fireworks Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday of July (19:00–20:30)

Gion Matsuri

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Usually July 1–31 (Yamahoko procession: Saki Matsuri July 17, Ato Matsuri July 24; Yoiyama eves: Saki Matsuri July 14–16, Ato Matsuri July 21–23)

Sapporo Summer Festival

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late July to mid-August (the beer gardens run for about 4 weeks; Hokkai Bon Odori is held during Obon, and the Susukino Festival for 3 days in early August)

Otaru Ushio Festival

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

Usually Friday to Sunday in late July (3 days, with a grand fireworks display on the final night)

Shiman-rokusen-nichi / Hoozuki Market

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year on July 9 and 10

Every year on July 9 and 10 (same dates in 2027)

Tenjin Matsuri

Kansai ・ Osaka

Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June

2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)

Nachi Fire Festival (Nachi no Ogi Matsuri)

Kansai ・ Shirahama & Nanki

Every year on July 14 (held during the day; Yoimiya offering events are also held the day before, on the 13th)

2027: Jul 14 (held every year on July 14)

Kangensai Festival at Itsukushima Shrine

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima

Every year on the 17th day of the 6th lunar month (between July and early August on the modern calendar, depending on the year)

Hakata Gion Yamakasa

Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu

Every year July 1–15 (the Oiyama race starts at 4:59 in the early morning of the 15th)

Gozan Okuribi (Kyoto Five Mountains Bonfires)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on August 16 (from 20:00)

2027: Aug 16 (Mon)

Okinawa Zento Eisa Matsuri

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually three days, Friday to Sunday, on the weekend after the lunar Obon (late August to early September)

Hakodate Port Festival

Hokkaido ・ Hakodate

Usually August 1–5 (fireworks on the first day, parades on the 2nd and 3rd)

Noboribetsu Jigoku Matsuri (Hell Festival)

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

Usually a Saturday and Sunday in late August (2 days)

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually the last Saturday and Sunday of August (around 17:00–20:00)

Koyasan Candle Festival (Mando Kuyo-e)

Kansai ・ Koyasan

Every year on August 13 (the candle festival runs from evening into the night; the Mando Kuyo-e memorial service starts at 20:00)

2027: Aug 13 (held every year on August 13)

Biwako Grand Fireworks Festival

Kansai ・ Lake Biwa

Usually a weekday evening in early August (about 1 hour)

Akita Kanto Festival

Tohoku ・ Kakunodate, Lake Tazawa & Nyuto Onsen

Every year August 3–6 (night kanto on all 4 days; daytime kanto = Myogi Taikai skills competition on the 4th–6th)

Aomori Nebuta Festival

Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda

Every year August 2–7 (eve festival on August 1; night parades August 2–6; daytime parade, evening sea parade and Aomori Fireworks Festival on the 7th)

Morioka Sansa Odori

Tohoku ・ Morioka & Koiwai

Every year August 1–4

Sendai Tanabata Festival

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

Every year August 6–8 (Sendai Tanabata Fireworks Festival as the eve event on August 5)

Yamagata Hanagasa Festival

Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera

Every year August 5–7

Gero Onsen Matsuri

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Gero Onsen

Every year August 1–4

Matsumoto Bonbon

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Matsumoto / Kamikochi

Usually the first Saturday of August

Awa Odori

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Tokushima, Naruto & Iya

Every year August 11–15

Tottori Shan-Shan Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Tottori

Every year August 13–15 (eve festival on the 13th, mass umbrella dance on the 14th, Civic Summer Fireworks Festival on the 15th)

Yosakoi Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto

Every year August 9–12 (eve festival on the 9th, main festival on the 10th and 11th, national contest and after-party on the 12th)

Sapporo Autumn Fest

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually early to late September, or into early October (about 3 weeks)

2026: Sep 11 – Oct 3 (currently underway)

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Annual Grand Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Kamakura & Enoshima

Every year September 14–16 (yabusame on the 16th)

Every year September 14–16 (same dates in 2027)

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Kansai ・ Osaka

The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)

Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20

Owara Kaze no Bon

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

Every year September 1–3

Hojoya Festival at Hakozakigu Shrine

Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu

Every year September 12–18

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

Every year on October 22 (postponed to the 23rd if it rains)

2026: Oct 22 (Thu). Postponed to Oct 23 if it rains

Annual Exhibition of Shōsōin Treasures

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually late October to early November (about 2–3 weeks)

2026 (78th): Oct 24 – Nov 9, open every day during the exhibition

Kanname-sai

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

Usually October 15–17 (Geku first, then Naiku). Hatsuhobiki is usually on October 15 and 16

2026: Oct 15 – Oct 17 (Geku: night of Oct 15 – Oct 16; Naiku: night of Oct 16 – Oct 17)

Naha Great Tug-of-War Festival

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually the three-day weekend around Sports Day (formerly Health and Sports Day) in October. The tug-of-war is on the Sunday in the middle of the long weekend

2026 (56th): Oct 10 (Sat) – Oct 12 (Mon, holiday); Hatagashira procession and tug-of-war on Oct 11 (Sun)

Nagoya Festival

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

Usually a Saturday and Sunday in mid-October

2026 (72nd): Oct 17 (Sat) – Oct 18 (Sun), 2 days (no Nagoya Festival processions)

Autumn Takayama Festival (Hachiman Matsuri)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama

Every year October 9 and 10

2026: Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 10 (Sat), 2 days

Kotohiragu Shrine Annual Grand Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima

Every year October 9–11 (mikoshi procession on the night of the 10th, return procession on the night of the 11th)

2026 (Reiwa 8): Oct 9 (Fri) – Oct 11 (Sun); mikoshi procession from 21:00 on the 10th

Matsuyama Autumn Festival

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Matsuyama & Dogo Onsen

Every year October 5–7 (Yoimiya on the 5th, main festival on the 6th, Honmiya on the 7th; the hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station is early in the morning of the 7th)

2026: Oct 5 (Mon) – Oct 7 (Wed); hachiawase in front of Dogo Onsen Station early in the morning of the 7th

Nagasaki Kunchi

Kyushu ・ Nagasaki

Every year October 7–9

2026: Oct 7 (Wed) – Oct 9 (Fri), 3 days

Sapporo White Illumination

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late November to mid-March of the following year (the Odori Site runs from late November to December 25)

2026: Opens Nov 20 (Odori Site until Dec 25; Ekimae-dori Site until Feb 11, 2027; Minami 1-jo-dori, Kita 3-jo Plaza, and Sapporo Station South Exit until Mar 14, 2027)

Munich Christmas Market in Sapporo

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

Usually late November to December 25 (about 1 month)

2026: Nov 20 (Fri) – Dec 25 (Fri)

Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves Festival

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

Usually early to late November (about 3–4 weeks). The leaves are usually at their best in early to mid-November

2026: Nov 7 (Sat) – Nov 29 (Sun)

Tori-no-Ichi

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually on the Days of the Rooster in November (2–3 days, 12 days apart). At Otori Shrine in Asakusa, it runs from midnight to midnight (0:00–24:00) on each Rooster Day

2026: two days, Ichi-no-Tori on Nov 7 (Sat) and Ni-no-Tori on Nov 19 (Thu) (no market on the days in between)

Marunouchi Illumination

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Usually mid-November to mid-February of the following year (about 3 months)

2026: Nov 12 (Thu) – Feb 14, 2027 (Sun)

Kamiarisai at Izumo Taisha

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue

Every year on the 10th to 17th days of the 10th lunar month (varies by year on the modern calendar, usually around November)

2026: Nov 18 (Wed) Kamimukaesai – Nov 25 (Wed) Karasadesai

Huis Ten Bosch Winter Illumination

Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

Usually early November to late February

2026–27 season: Nov 6 (Fri) – Feb 25, 2027 (Thu)

Takachiho Yokagura (Night Kagura)

Kyushu ・ Takachiho

Usually mid-November to early February the following year (dates differ by village)

Ohara Festival

Kyushu ・ Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki

Every year November 2 (Yoru Matsuri) and 3 (Hon Matsuri)

2026: Nov 2 (Mon) Yoru Matsuri & Nov 3 (Tue, holiday) Hon Matsuri

Karatsu Kunchi

Kyushu ・ Karatsu, Arita & Ureshino Onsen

Every year November 2–4 (Yoiyama on the 2nd, Otabisho Shinko on the 3rd, Yokujitsu-sai town tour on the 4th)

2026: Nov 2 (Mon) – Nov 4 (Wed), 3 days

Asahiyama Zoo Penguin Walk

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Usually held daily from mid- to late December (once there is enough snow) until around mid-March

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy

Hokkaido ・ Hakodate

Usually starts in late November to early December and runs until December 25

2026: Dec 1 (Tue) – Dec 25 (Fri)

Hagoita-ichi (Battledore Market)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Every year December 17–19 (Senso-ji explicitly states "the three days from December 17 to 19")

2026: Dec 17 (Thu) – Dec 19 (Sat)

Kasuga Wakamiya On-matsuri Festival

Kansai ・ Nara

Usually December 15–18 (the Owatari-shiki starts at noon on December 17)

2026: Dec 15 (Tue) – Dec 18 (Fri); Owatari-shiki on Dec 17 (Thu)

NAHA Marathon

Okinawa ・ Naha

Usually the first Sunday of December

2026 (40th anniversary race): Dec 6 (Sun), 9:00 start

Zao Snow Monsters Light-up

Tohoku ・ Yamagata, Zao & Yamadera

The light-up is usually held on selected days from late December to late February (36 days between December 27 and February 22 in the 2025–2026 season). The best season for the snow monsters is late January to late February

SENDAI Pageant of Starlight

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

Usually December (December 5–28 in 2025)

Otaru Canal in Winter

Hokkaido ・ Otaru

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Jan

Amaharashi Coast

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takaoka, Toyama

❄ Best season: Early Nov – Late Mar

Tsuruga Castle (Aizu-Wakamatsu Castle) in Snow

Tohoku ・ Aizu-Wakamatsu & Ouchi-juku

❄ Best season: Mid Nov – Mid Mar

Kusasenri Rime Ice (Aso)

Kyushu ・ Kumamoto & Aso

❄ Best season: Late Nov – Mid Feb

Hirosaki Park (Hirosaki Castle) in Winter

Tohoku ・ Hirosaki

❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Feb

Geibikei Gorge Kotatsu Boat

Tohoku ・ Hiraizumi & Ichinoseki

❄ Best season: Early Dec – Late Feb

Asahikawa City Asahiyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Asahikawa & Biei

Run by the City of Asahikawa, this zoo is famous for its “behavioral exhibits,” which let animals show off their natural movements and abilities. It opens in separate summer and winter seasons, with closure periods in spring and autumn.

Sapporo Maruyama Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Maruyama

Opened in 1951, this is Hokkaido's oldest zoo and is run by the City of Sapporo. Set next to Maruyama Park, its grounds cover about 22 hectares and are home to around 140 species of animals.

AOAO SAPPORO

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo / Tanukikoji

An urban aquarium on the 4th to 6th floors of moyuk SAPPORO, a shopping complex facing the Tanukikoji shopping arcade. Built around the concept "The Wonder of Life: Seeing the Unseen," it serves as a gateway to nature in the middle of the city and stays open until 22:00.

Otaru Aquarium

Hokkaido ・ Otaru / Shukutsu

Located on the coast at Shukutsu in Otaru, this aquarium consists of an indoor main building and the outdoor "Marine Mammal Park," built by partitioning off part of the Sea of Japan. It operates with different dates and hours in winter, and closes from late November to early December and from late February to mid-March.

Obihiro Zoo

Hokkaido ・ Obihiro & Tokachi

A city-run zoo inside Midorigaoka Park in Obihiro. In addition to its summer season from spring to autumn, it opens on weekends and holidays from December to February for the winter season. Admission is free for junior high school age and under, and with its play area it's a family-friendly zoo.

Kushiro Zoological Park

Hokkaido ・ Kushiro & Akan

A city-run zoo about 11 minutes by car from Kushiro Airport. It's open year-round, so you can watch the animals in the snow in winter too. Admission is free for junior high school age and under.

Shiroi Koibito Park

Hokkaido ・ Sapporo

A confectionery theme park attached to the factory of Ishiya, the maker of Shiroi Koibito, a classic Hokkaido souvenir. It offers production line tours, sweets-making experiences, cafés, and shops, and the shops and rose garden can be used without an admission ticket. It's about a 5-minute walk from Miyanosawa Station on the Tozai subway line, making it easy to reach from central Sapporo.

HOKKAIDO BALLPARK F VILLAGE

Hokkaido ・ Kitahiroshima

A ballpark centered on ES CON FIELD HOKKAIDO, home of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, open 365 days a year. On non-game days, you can enter the stadium's outfield area for free and enjoy stadium tours, hot springs, kids' facilities, and restaurants. It's about 17 minutes from Sapporo Station to Kitahiroshima Station on the JR Rapid Airport, then about 5 minutes by shuttle bus from the station.

Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

A marine park centered on a castle-shaped aquarium, a 5-minute walk from JR Noboribetsu Station. It exhibits about 20,000 creatures of some 400 species, making it one of the largest in Hokkaido. It's easy to stop by from Noboribetsu Onsen or New Chitose Airport.

Noboribetsu BearPark

Hokkaido ・ Noboribetsu & Lake Toya

A zoo of Ezo brown bears on a mountaintop 550 m above sea level, about 7 minutes by ropeway from the center of Noboribetsu Onsen. More than 70 brown bears live here, and the round-trip ropeway fare is included in admission. The park also has a Brown Bear Museum and facilities introducing Ainu culture.

Tokyo Disney Resort (Tokyo Disneyland / Tokyo DisneySea)

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

Located in Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, this resort centers on two theme parks: Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. It’s about 20 minutes from Tokyo Station on the JR Keiyo Line, close enough for a day trip from central Tokyo. Park tickets are date-specific with variable pricing and must be bought in advance on the official website or official app.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter

Tokyo & Around ・ Central Tokyo

This indoor walk-through attraction takes you behind the scenes of the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts film series. It opened in June 2023 on the former site of Toshimaen. There are no rides; instead, you explore sets, props, and costumes on foot at your own pace.

Sanrio Puroland

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Tama

A fully indoor theme park where you can meet Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, and other Sanrio characters. Parades, musical shows, rides, and character greetings are packed into a four-story building, so you can enjoy a full day regardless of the weather.

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Toyosu

An immersive museum by the art collective teamLab where you walk barefoot into the artworks. It's a series of vast spaces, including works you wade through water to experience, where your whole body becomes one with the art. It's scheduled to run until the end of 2027.

Ueno Zoological Gardens

Tokyo & Around ・ Tokyo / Ueno

Japan's oldest zoo, located inside Ueno Park. With affordable admission, it's a central Tokyo zoo that's easy to combine with Ueno's art galleries and museums.

Sumida Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Oshiage / Tokyo Skytree Town

An urban aquarium on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi. It's entirely indoors and directly connected to the station, so you can drop by whatever the weather. It stays open into the evening, making it easy to pair with the Skytree observation decks or sightseeing in Asakusa.

Hakone Kowakien Yunessun

Tokyo & Around ・ Hakone / Kowakidani

A hot spring theme park in Kowakidani, Hakone. It has two areas: "Yunessun," a hot spring and spa area where you wear swimsuits, and "Mori no Yu," a day-use hot spring where you bathe without clothes. Families and groups can enjoy Hakone's hot springs regardless of the weather.

Fuji-Q Highland

Tokyo & Around ・ Fuji Five Lakes

A free-admission amusement park at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Known for its record-breaking thrill coasters, it's one of Japan's top thrill parks and draws visitors from Japan and abroad. There are also areas for small children, such as Thomas Land.

EDO WONDERLAND Nikko Edomura

Tokyo & Around ・ Nikko / Kinugawa

A cultural theme park that recreates an Edo-period townscape. Stroll through a town where staff dressed as villagers go about their lives, watch plays and ninja shows, and experience Edo culture firsthand. Popular with international visitors, it's a place to both watch and join in.

Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland

Tokyo & Around ・ Kusatsu Onsen

This privately run zoo in the Kusatsu Onsen hot spring town is known as the highest-altitude zoo in Japan. Inside a 15 m-tall dome heated by hot spring water, a subtropical climate lets you see tropical plants and animals even in chilly Kusatsu.

Izu Shaboten Zoo

Tokyo & Around ・ Ito / Izu Kogen

This zoo in Izu Kogen lets you enjoy animals alongside cacti and succulents. Ring-tailed lemurs and peacocks roam freely, so you can get unusually close to the animals.

Kamogawa Sea World

Tokyo & Around ・ Kamogawa, Chiba

An aquarium on the Pacific coast of the Boso Peninsula where you can see performances by four species: orcas, belugas, dolphins, and sea lions. Admission includes all performances. It's about 2 hours from Tokyo Station by the Limited Express Wakashio or the direct Akushi-go highway bus (アクシー号), so it works as a day trip.

Yomiuriland

Tokyo & Around ・ Inagi

An amusement park in Inagi, Tokyo, with something to enjoy year-round: pools in summer and illuminations in winter. Inside the park is PokéPark KANTO, an area where more than 600 Pokémon live. It's about 10 minutes from Keio-yomiuri-land Station by the Sky Shuttle gondola.

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Tokyo & Around ・ Yokohama

A marine leisure complex on Hakkeijima, an artificial island in Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama, with aquariums, an amusement park, a shopping mall, restaurants, a hotel, and a marina. Entry to the island is free, and you buy passes to enjoy the four aquariums and the rides. You can choose tickets to suit what you want to do.

Enoshima Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Kamakura & Enoshima

An aquarium on Katase Beach in Shonan. Centered on zones introducing the creatures of Sagami Bay, it features jellyfish, deep-sea creatures, dolphin shows, and more. It's just a 3-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Enoshima and Kamakura.

TOBU WORLD SQUARE

Tokyo & Around ・ Kinugawa

A miniature theme park in Kinugawa Onsen that recreates famous buildings and World Heritage Sites at 1/25 scale. With 102 structures from 22 countries and regions, you can feel like you're traveling around the world in about half a day. Dogs are also welcome.

Sunshine Aquarium

Tokyo & Around ・ Ikebukuro

An urban aquarium on the roof of the World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro's Sunshine City. Themed as an oasis in the sky, it consists of indoor exhibits on two floors and the outdoor Marine Garden. It's within walking distance of Ikebukuro and Higashi-Ikebukuro stations, making it easy to drop by between other Tokyo sightseeing.

Universal Studios Japan

Kansai ・ Osaka

This large theme park in Osaka’s Bay Area lets you step into the worlds of Hollywood movies and popular characters. Ride attractions, shows, and seasonal events can easily fill a full day.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Kansai ・ Osaka

Located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Tanks recreating the natural environments of the Pacific Rim are arranged along a route that leads from the top floors down. It houses about 30,000 creatures of some 620 species.

NIFREL

Kansai ・ Suita

A "living museum" inside EXPOCITY, the large entertainment complex next to Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Blending elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, it's built around the theme of "touching" the individuality of living creatures. It's run by the same company as Kaiyukan.

Tennoji Zoo

Kansai ・ Osaka

Opened in 1915, this urban zoo run by the City of Osaka has more than 100 years of history. It sits in Tennoji Park right next to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower, and keeps about 1,000 animals of some 170 species across roughly 11 hectares. Admission prices were revised in July 2026.

Kyoto Aquarium

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Its exhibits explore Kyoto's waterside nature and how it connects, from the "Kyoto River" to the "Kyoto Sea." With a dolphin stadium and jellyfish displays, it's an easy stop between Kyoto sightseeing spots.

Kyoto City Zoo

Kansai ・ Okazaki, Kyoto

A city-run zoo inside Okazaki Park, home to Heian Shrine and several art museums. In its compact grounds you can see elephants, gorillas, and wild animals from Kyoto's forests. Admission is free for junior high students and younger, and just ¥750 for adults.

Kobe Suma Sea World

Kansai ・ Suma, Kobe

An aquarium with orcas that opened in Suma Beach Park in 2024. Along with orca and dolphin performances, you can enjoy exhibits of all kinds of marine life. It faces the Suma seaside and has an adjoining hotel.

Safari Resort Himeji Central Park

Kansai ・ Himeji, Hyogo

The only safari park in the Kansai region, combining a safari park and an amusement park in one. You can enjoy both a drive-through safari, cruising among big predators in your own car or a safari bus, and a walking safari on foot. Seasonal facilities include a pool in summer and an ice rink in winter.

Adventure World

Kansai ・ Shirahama, Wakayama

A theme park in Nanki-Shirahama that combines a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park. With Safari World for land animals, Marine World for sea creatures, a petting area, and the "Play Zone" amusement park, it easily fills a full day. All four giant pandas left for China in June 2025, so the highlights now center on penguins, the safari, and marine shows.

Hirakata Park

Kansai ・ Hirakata

Opened at its current location in 1912 (Taisho 1), it's the oldest continuously operating amusement park in Japan. It has about 40 kinds of attractions and is just a short walk from Hirakatakoen Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto.

Nintendo Museum

Kansai ・ Uji

A museum in Uji, Kyoto, that displays Nintendo's products through the years and lets you play hands-on exhibits. Tickets are date- and time-specific and must be reserved in advance, through a monthly lottery or first-come, first-served sales of slots that open up. If you want to include it in your itinerary, applying from the lottery 3 months before your visit is the surest way.

Toba Aquarium

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

An aquarium facing Toba Bay that claims the largest number of species kept in Japan (about 1,200). It's the only aquarium in Japan where you can see a dugong, and its sea otters and walruses are also popular. The building is all-weather, and it's within walking distance of JR/Kintetsu Toba Station.

Shima Spain Village PARQUE ESPAÑA

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

A Spain-themed park in Ise-Shima. From thrilling roller coasters to rides for kids, parades, and flamenco shows, it offers a full day of fun. A hotel and the Himawari no Yu hot spring are also on site.

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE

Kansai ・ Uzumasa

Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a samurai-drama theme park that opened in 1975, reopened on March 28, 2026 as UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE after the first phase of its renewal. It is now an immersive park for adults built around the concept of wandering into Kyoto in the Edo period, with the second phase scheduled to open in spring 2027. It stays open until 21:00.

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kansai ・ Port Island, Kobe

A zoo on Kobe's Port Island where you can interact with flowers and animals. Its exhibits bring you close to the animals, including shoebills, capybaras, and alpacas. It has extensive indoor areas and is easy to reach, about 14 minutes from Sannomiya on the Port Liner.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Okinawa ・ Motobu & Churaumi

This aquarium sits in Ocean Expo Park on the Motobu Peninsula in northern Okinawa Island. Its exhibits trace the creatures of Okinawa’s waters in sequence, from coral reefs out to the open ocean. It’s about 2 hours by car or about 2.5 hours by express bus from Naha Airport.

JUNGLIA OKINAWA

Okinawa ・ Nakijin / Nago

An immersive, nature-themed park that opened in July 2025 near the Yanbaru forest in northern Okinawa Island. Set on vast grounds that were once a golf course, it offers a dinosaur safari, aerial attractions, a spa with spectacular views, and restaurants serving Okinawan ingredients.

Okinawa Zoo & Museum

Okinawa ・ Okinawa City

A facility in Okinawa City that combines a zoo with a hands-on museum. With the outdoor Animal Zone and the indoor Wonder Museum, it's fun rain or shine. Admission is free for ages 15 and under.

Southeast Botanical Gardens

Okinawa ・ Okinawa City

An outdoor botanical garden in Okinawa City, officially named "Churayashi Park Okinawa Southeast Botanical Gardens." You can see about 1,300 species of tropical and subtropical plants, and an evening illumination is usually held from autumn through spring.

Neo Park Okinawa

Okinawa ・ Nago

A zoo in Nago City whose official name is Nago Nature Botanical and Zoological Park. It uses what is said to be Japan's largest flying-cage system, and many animals roam freely in the park. Walking through areas themed on Africa, South America, and Oceania, you can experience how close you get to the animals.

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Okinawa ・ Tomigusuku

An aquarium inside the iias Okinawa Toyosaki shopping center, about 20 minutes by car from Naha Airport. Opened in 2020, it combines spatial effects using video and light with hands-on encounters with marine life. It's open until 19:00, making it easy to drop by on your arrival day or before departure.

Okinawa World

Okinawa ・ Nanjo

A theme park in Nanjo City in the south of Okinawa Island, centered on the Gyokusendo limestone cave. Besides exploring the cave, you can watch Eisa dance and try crafts in the Ryukyu Kingdom castle town lined with old houses, visit the Habu Museum Park, and experience Okinawa's nature and culture all in one place. It's about 30 minutes by car from Naha Airport.

Akita Omoriyama Zoo

Tohoku ・ Akita City, Akita

A zoo in Omoriyama Park run by Akita City. As of August 2026, it keeps 524 animals of 88 species. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and with the Anipa amusement park and large play equipment on site, families can spend a whole day here.

Aquamarine Fukushima

Tohoku ・ Iwaki, Fukushima

An environmental aquarium at Onahama Port in Iwaki. It showcases a wide range of waterside nature and wildlife, from the rivers and sea of Fukushima to the Shiome no Umi, where the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents meet, as well as northern seas and coral reefs. It's open year-round, and a visit typically takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

Aomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium

Tohoku ・ Aomori & Hakkoda

An Aomori Prefecture-run aquarium in Asamushi Onsen, facing Mutsu Bay. Admission is free for high school students and younger, and just ¥1,200 for general visitors. It's about a 10-minute walk from Asamushi-Onsen Station on the Aoimori Railway and about 20 minutes by train from Aomori Station, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Aomori City.

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium (Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui)

Tohoku ・ Tsuruoka, Yamagata

An aquarium in Tsuruoka facing the Sea of Japan, known for its jellyfish exhibits. After a five-month closure, it reopened after renovation on April 1, 2026 under the nickname Tohoku Epson Aquarium Kamosui. It displays about 100 species of jellyfish.

Koiwai Farm Makiba-en

Tohoku ・ Morioka & Koiwai

The visitor area of Koiwai Farm in Shizukuishi, Iwate Prefecture. You can tour cattle barns designated as Important Cultural Properties, ride horses, and join programs that take you around the farm. It's about 35 minutes by bus from Morioka Station, or about 15 minutes by car from Morioka IC.

Oga Aquarium GAO

Tohoku ・ Oga, Akita

An aquarium on the Sea of Japan coast of the Oga Peninsula. It has a large tank recreating the Oga sea, exhibits of polar bears, seals, penguins, and more, and a museum devoted to hatahata (sandfish), an Akita specialty. From Akita Station, take the JR Oga Line to Oga Station (about 1 hour), then a bus or shared taxi.

Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

An aquarium near Sendai Port. Across two floors, it shows sea life from Tohoku, Japan, and the world's oceans, starting with the large Sanriku-themed tank Inochi Kirameku Umi. It's about 18 minutes from Sendai Station to Nakanosakae Station on the JR Senseki Line, so it's easy to fit in between sightseeing in the city.

Spa Resort Hawaiians

Tohoku ・ Iwaki, Fukushima

A hot spring and pool leisure complex in Iwaki, Fukushima Prefecture. A single admission ticket gives access to the Water Park's pools and water slides, the Spring Park hot spring area, the open-air bath Edo Jowa Yoichi, and more. Polynesian shows run from midday into the night, so you can enjoy it on a day trip or an overnight stay.

Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori

Tohoku ・ Sendai & Matsushima

A zoo run by Sendai City on Yagiyama hill. It's close to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station on the Tozai Subway Line, about 12 minutes from Sendai Station. General admission is an affordable ¥480, making it a good half-day trip from central Sendai.

Miyagi Zao Fox Village

Tohoku ・ Shiroishi, Miyagi

A facility in Shiroishi, Miyagi Prefecture, where you can see foxes. The foxes roam freely inside, and you walk among them. Admission is free for elementary school students and younger.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Katsuyama, Fukui

A dinosaur-themed museum in Katsuyama, Fukui Prefecture. It displays 51 complete dinosaur skeletons along with fossils, dioramas, and life-size models, and a new wing was added in 2023. Tickets are generally bought in advance for a specific date and time, so book on the official website once your itinerary is set.

Ghibli Park

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagakute, Aichi

A park facility recreating the worlds of Studio Ghibli films, located inside Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture. It's divided into five areas, and all tickets are date-specific and must be bought in advance; you cannot buy admission at a ticket window on the day. Tickets go on sale at 14:00 on the 10th of the month two months before your visit, so plan your purchase early once your itinerary is set.

Hida Folk Village (Hida no Sato)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Takayama

An open-air museum in Takayama where more than 30 buildings, including thatched- and shingle-roofed farmhouses relocated from across the Hida region, are arranged like a village. It's about 9 minutes by Sarubobo Bus from the Takayama Nohi Bus Center, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Takayama's old town.

Higashiyama Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

A zoo and botanical garden run by Nagoya City, home to about 450 animal species and about 7,000 plant species on roughly 60 ha. It's a 3-minute walk from Higashiyama-koen Station on the Higashiyama Subway Line, easy to reach from the city center, and you can spend a full day enjoying the zoo, the botanical garden, and Higashiyama Sky Tower. Admission fees were revised on October 1, 2026.

Jigokudani Yaen-koen (Snow Monkey Park)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagano / Yudanaka-Shibu Onsen

A park in the mountains of Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, where you can observe wild Japanese macaques up close. It's famous for its monkeys bathing in hot springs in winter. The entrance is about a 30-minute walk along a mountain path from the parking lot or bus stop, so wear shoes and clothing suited to the season.

Kurobe Gorge Railway (Torokko Train)

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Toyama / Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route

A torokko (open-air) train running from Unazuki Onsen deep into the Kurobe Gorge. Full-line service between Unazuki and Keyakidaira resumed on October 1, 2026, and you can ride all the way to the Keyakidaira terminus during the operating season until November 30. From the windowless open cars, you can enjoy the beauty of the gorge and the views from the railway bridges.

LEGOLAND Japan Resort

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

An outdoor theme park based on the world of LEGO bricks, located at Kinjo Pier in Nagoya Port. Aimed mainly at children aged 2–12 and their families, it has more than 40 rides, shows, and attractions. Together with the adjoining SEA LIFE Nagoya aquarium and hotel, it forms a resort.

Museum Meiji-mura

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Inuyama, Aichi

An open-air museum in Inuyama, Aichi Prefecture, where buildings from the Meiji era have been relocated, preserved, and opened to the public. The buildings are spread across the large village grounds, and you can walk through Meiji-era streetscapes while touring their interiors. You can also ride the SL (steam locomotive) and streetcar that run through the village.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

A large aquarium at Garden Pier in Nagoya Port, made up of two buildings: the North Building, showing marine mammals such as orcas, belugas, and dolphins, and the South Building, themed on a journey to Antarctica. It's a 5-minute walk from Nagoyako Station on the Meiko Subway Line, and conveniently reachable from central Nagoya by subway alone.

SCMAGLEV and Railway Park

Chubu & Hokuriku ・ Nagoya

A railway museum run by JR Central, displaying real Shinkansen, conventional line, and superconducting maglev vehicles. It's entirely indoors and about a 2-minute walk from Kinjofuto Station on the Aonami Line. With driving simulators and a large diorama, it's fun for families as well as railway fans.

Akiyoshidai Safari Land

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hagi, Tsunoshima & Akiyoshidai

A safari-style animal park in the Akiyoshidai area where you can see animals without leaving your car. Besides the Safari Zone that you drive through in your own car, there's a feeding bus that tours by dedicated bus, a Walking Zone where you can interact with animals on foot, and an amusement park with free admission.

Shimonoseki Marine Science Museum Kaikyokan

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi

A Shimonoseki City aquarium facing the Kanmon Straits. Under the concept Life in the Sea, the Sea and Life, it's known for a tank recreating the Kanmon Straits currents and its world-leading display of about 100 species of pufferfish. It reopened after renovation in August 2025, adding Hireashi Beach, a new California sea lion exhibit.

Katsurahama Aquarium

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Kochi & Shimanto

An aquarium inside Katsurahama Park, right in front of Katsurahama, one of Kochi's most famous scenic spots. It keeps about 4,000 creatures of around 220 species, and most of the facility is an open-air outdoor area with views of Katsurahama Beach and Tosa Bay. You can also bring your pet inside.

Matsue Vogel Park

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Izumo & Matsue

A flower and bird themed park spread over hills on the shore of Lake Shinji. Its 320,000㎡ grounds include display greenhouses totaling 12,000㎡, and the main facilities are linked by covered walkways, so you can get around without an umbrella even on rainy days. The Ichibata Electric Railway station connects directly to the park.

Miyajima Public Aquarium (Miyaji-Marine)

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Hiroshima & Miyajima

An aquarium themed on the Seto Inland Sea, on Miyajima, home of the World Heritage-listed Itsukushima Shrine. It reopened after renovation in 2011 and displays more than 15,000 creatures of 380 species, centered on Seto Inland Sea life. It will be closed from December 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027 for equipment upgrades and repair work, so visit by November 30.

Ritsurin Garden

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Takamatsu, Naoshima & Shodoshima

A feudal lord's garden in central Takamatsu, designated a national Special Place of Scenic Beauty. With 6 ponds and 13 artificial hills, and Mt. Shiun and its pine forest behind it as borrowed scenery, it offers views that change with every step. It opens early in the morning, making it good for a morning stroll.

Shikoku Aquarium

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Utazu, Kagawa

An aquarium that opened in Utazu, Kagawa Prefecture, in 2020. Themed on Shikoku Waterscapes, it recreates the waters surrounding Shikoku, including the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean with the Kuroshio Current, and clear rivers such as the Shimanto and Niyodo, in about 70 waterscape exhibits. It's about a 12-minute walk from JR Utazu Station.

Ehime Prefectural Tobe Zoological Park

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Tobe, Ehime

An Ehime Prefecture-run zoo in Tobe, about 20 minutes by car from central Matsuyama. Under the concept A Zoo Full of Everyone's Smiles, it keeps many animals, including polar bears, African elephants, Malayan tapirs, sea lions, and flamingos. Admission is an affordable ¥600 for adults.

Tottori Sand Dunes Sand Museum

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Tottori

The world's first museum dedicated to sand sculptures, right next to the Tottori Sand Dunes. The theme changes every year, and works by sand sculptors from Japan and abroad are displayed indoors. From April 24, 2026 to January 3, 2027, the 17th exhibition, Travel Around the World in Sand: Spain, is on.

Onaruto Bridge Walkway Uzu-no-Michi

Chugoku & Shikoku ・ Naruto, Tokushima

A 450m-long walkway built inside the girders of the Onaruto Bridge. From 45m above the sea, you can look straight down on the whirlpools of the Naruto Strait. It's a Tokushima Prefecture facility inside Naruto Park and can be visited together with the neighboring Onaruto Bridge Memorial Hall Eddy.

Kyushu Natural Animal Park African Safari

Kyushu ・ Usa, Oita

A safari park in Ajimu, Usa City, Oita Prefecture, where you tour free-roaming animals by car or bus. You can explore in two ways: the My Car Safari, driving your own car through the Safari Zone with lions, elephants, and more, or the Jungle Bus, which moves along as you feed the animals. It's about 7 minutes by car from Beppuwan Smart IC, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Beppu and Yufuin.

Aso Cuddly Dominion

Kyushu ・ Kumamoto & Aso

A zoo in Aso City where you can interact with 350 animals of 60 species. It centers on animal shows and close-contact facilities with bear cubs, capybaras, and penguins. It's about 1.5 km from JR Aso Station, and highway buses between Kumamoto and Oita/Beppu stop in front of the park.

Beppu Jigoku Meguri (Hells of Beppu)

Kyushu ・ Beppu & Yufuin

A Beppu sightseeing classic: touring the seven hot spring sources known as jigoku (hells) in the Kannawa and Kamegawa areas of the hot spring town of Beppu. The hells each differ in color and form, from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku and the red Chinoike Jigoku to Tatsumaki Jigoku, which erupts at regular intervals. A combined ticket covers all seven, and you can tour them in about 2.5 hours including travel.

Huis Ten Bosch

Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

A theme park resort in Sasebo, Nagasaki Prefecture, recreating Dutch townscapes. Attractions, shops, restaurants, and hotels are spread across large grounds laced with canals. It's about a 5-minute walk from JR Huis Ten Bosch Station and about 1 hour 45 minutes by limited express from Hakata, so a day trip from Fukuoka is possible.

Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium

Kyushu ・ Kagoshima, Sakurajima & Ibusuki

An aquarium in Honkoshin-machi, Kagoshima City, themed on Kagoshima's seas, from Kinko Bay to the Nansei Islands. It displays about 800 species, and the large Kuroshio tank with its whale shark and the dolphin programs are popular. It's about 15 minutes by streetcar from Kagoshima-Chuo Station, making it easy to drop by while sightseeing in the city.

Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara

Kyushu ・ Sasebo & Huis Ten Bosch

An aquarium in Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort in Sasebo. It focuses on sea life from the Kujukushima Islands, and its jellyfish exhibit and dolphin shows are popular. The Kujukushima sightseeing boat pier is in the same resort, so you can enjoy it together with a cruise.

Marine World Uminonakamichi

Kyushu ・ Fukuoka & Dazaifu

An aquarium themed on the seas of Kyushu, located at Uminonakamichi in Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City. It mainly shows sea life from the four seas surrounding Kyushu, and also holds dolphin and sea lion shows and a penguin parade. From Hakata Station it's one transfer by JR, and you can also get there by boat from Bayside Place Hakata.

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Kyushu ・ Nagasaki

An aquarium specializing in penguins, keeping 9 of the world's 18 penguin species. It's said to keep the most penguin species in the world and has one of Japan's largest penguin pools. Admission is an affordable ¥800 for adults, and it can be reached by bus from central Nagasaki.

Sun Messe Nichinan

Kyushu ・ Miyazaki & Nichinan

A park on a hill overlooking the Nichinan coastline, known for its seven Moai statues, reproduced with permission from the Council of Elders of Easter Island. The highlights are the Moai standing with their backs to the sea and the views across the spacious grounds. It's about 40 minutes by car from Miyazaki Airport and can also be reached by local bus from Miyazaki Station.

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago

Kyushu ・ Takasakiyama, Oita

An aquarium near Mt. Takasaki in Oita City, themed on becoming friends with animals. Performances by dolphins, walruses, and others are held many times a day, and you can get close to the animals. It can be reached by bus from Beppu Station and Oita Station, making it easy to combine with sightseeing in Beppu.