Searching for memorable scenery on your travels. ~Red Edition~

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[Yamagata] Notoya Ryokan illuminated in nostalgic red

Ginzan Onsen can be reached in 40 minutes using the "Delicious Yamagata Airport Tourist Bus" which departs from Yamagata Airport and does not require a reservation. Ginzan Onsen is a popular hot spring town with a retro townscape reminiscent of the Taisho period. It is said to have a history of over 500 years.

Notoya Ryokan, located in Ginzan Onsen, is a three-story wooden hot spring inn that was founded in 1892. In addition to being designated as a national registered cultural property, the scenery, which is protected by the Ginzan Onsen House Preservation Ordinance, is truly reminiscent of the romanticism of the Taisho era.

During the day, the building doesn't give off a red vibe, but as the sun goes down and the lights come on, the atmosphere changes completely, with the building taking on a vibrant red exterior.

The red feel isn't limited to the exterior: the deep, lustrous red is used throughout the facility, including the staircase, which has remained in its original state since the Taisho era, creating a warm interior.

Spending time at Notoya Ryokan allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of good old Japan. Enjoy the hot spring water, which has been flowing for over 500 years, in the cave bath, which has been used as the source of the water since the inn opened, and the open-air observation bath overlooking the silvery waterfall. Another thing to enjoy is the hospitality of the cuisine, which uses locally produced ingredients such as Obanazawa beef and duck.

In winter, Notoya Ryokan creates a beautiful contrast with the whiteness of the falling snow. Why not experience a different flow of time surrounded by nostalgic red?

Notoya Ryokan

[Kyoto] Calm your mind with the stern red of Kifune Shrine

About 5 minutes by bus from Kibuneguchi Station on the Eizan Railway in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture. Kibune Shrine is also known as a matchmaking spot, as it is said that the Heian period poet Izumi Shikibu visited the shrine and reunited with her husband.

This shrine enshrines Takaokami-no-Kami, the god of water, and has been worshipped by people whose occupations involve water or cooking. The grounds, located in the mountains of Kyoto, are beautiful, and it is also attractive that you can see different scenery throughout the seasons.

Kifune Shrine is also popular as a winter tourist spot. After passing through the large red torii gate, you will see red lanterns lined up on both sides of the stone steps leading to the main shrine. When the sun goes down and the lanterns are lit, the red color becomes even more vivid.

The contrast with the white snow, a seasonal feature of winter, is also a secret to its popularity. Many people visit on snowy days just to see this fantastical scenery.

Why not visit this place to soothe your soul and enjoy the beautiful nature and the sights created by these power spots?

Kifune Shrine

[Kochi] A red miracle that only appears in winter: The "Daruma Sunset" at Sukumo Bay

Sukumo City is located about 2 hours and 30 minutes by car from Kochi Airport. The "Daruma Sunset" is a miraculous sight that can only be seen on winter evenings from early November to mid-February in Sukumo Bay, located on the Pacific coast of the city.

The "Daruma Sunset" is a type of mirage in which just before the sun sets over the sea, another shining red sun rises from the surface of the sea and connects with the real sun, looking like a "Daruma" doll. This phenomenon occurs when light reflects off the boundary between the warm water vapor rising from the Kuroshio Current and the cold winter air.

However, this Daruma sunset cannot be seen all year round in winter. It is said that you can only see this view about 20 times in a winter, and only 10 of those times will you see the perfect Daruma.

It is not possible to see it at any time, but only at rare times when various weather conditions are right, so it has come to be called the "lucky sunset."

There are several places to watch the sunset, depending on the angle of the sun. One of them is Kanyoto Island. It is an uninhabited island on the west coast of Oshima, an island that can be reached by bridge. Many tourists gather here on cold winter days to watch the sunset from between the rocks.

It's such a spectacular view that it has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Sunsets in Japan." Why not try visiting and see if you're lucky enough to encounter this fiery red?

Sukumo Bay "Daruma Sunset"

[Yamaguchi] The beauty of vibrant red flowers shining under the cold sky. "Hagi Camellia Festival"

Kasayama is located about an hour and 45 minute drive from Yamaguchi Ube Airport. At the northern end of the mountain, in Toragasaki, you can enjoy camellias that bloom from early December to late March, and are usually at their best from mid-February to late March.

The Hagi Camellia Festival is held every year to coincide with the peak viewing time of the flowers.

Kasayama Camellia Forest, designated a city natural monument on August 1, 2002, is home to approximately 25,000 wild camellia trees growing in an area of approximately 10 hectares. You can enjoy the spectacle of colorful camellia flowers blooming on the tall trees and "fallen camellias" coloring the ground red as they fall from the trees.

In this special space, surrounded by camellias from head to toe, you will be able to feel the vitality of the red camellias that thrive in the cold of winter.

When you come into contact with the red of a camellia, which seems ephemeral yet is full of strength, you will feel as if you are mysteriously filled with energy.

On certain days, there will be free guided tours of the forest by camellia viewing guides, and photo spots will be set up. Be sure to come to the festival and bathe your whole body in the red of the camellias.

Hagi Camellia Festival

Red landscapes are spread all over Japan. Some of them appeal passionately, while others evoke nostalgia, evoking a variety of emotions within us.

Deciding on a travel destination based on color inspiration is one way of planning and one way of enjoying a trip. Why not try visiting these reds on your next trip?