Worth a visit! Visit the one and only place in Japan that you'll want to share on social media

[Izu Oshima] Japan's only desert, the "Ura Desert"

The only area labeled as a "desert" on maps published by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan is the "Ura Desert" on Izu Oshima. It spreads across the eastern side of Mt. Mihara, which stands almost in the center of the island, and its surface is covered with black volcanic rock (scoria).

This "Ura Desert" was created by the repeated eruptions of Mount Mihara, the symbol of Izu Oshima. It is said that the magma that fell from the eruptions scorched the earth and burned the plants, turning the world into a pitch black mess.

To get to the "Ura Desert" from the "Moon and Desert Line", park in the designated parking lot and walk for about 10 minutes, or take the hiking route. The "Ura Desert" is unobstructed and the wind and sunlight are strong, so be sure to dress warmly and take measures against sunburn depending on the season and weather.

The classic shot of the vast "Ura Desert" is jumping! If you jump with all your might, you'll be able to feel the grand scale of the place. We also recommend lying down and feeling the power of the earth. You'll feel a gentle warmth coming from the earth as it absorbs the heat of the sun.

Ura Desert

[Ishikawa Prefecture] The only beach in Japan where you can drive on sand: Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

There is a place in Ishikawa Prefecture where you can see a scene straight out of a movie, with blue skies, ocean, and cars driving along the shore. Chirihama Nagisa Driveway is the only beach in Japan where you can drive on a sandy beach, which is rare even in the world.

This beach is possible to drive on because the sand is fine, moderately moist, and compacted. The car does not have to be a 4WD. You can easily drive on it in a rental car with normal tires, so why not take a photo with the sea and your car in the background as a memento of your trip?

If you want to enjoy the view quietly, we recommend going before dawn. There will be fewer people and if you're lucky, you might even be able to see the morning mist. The mystical scenery that can only be seen by those who get up early is also stunningly beautiful.

Chirihama Nagisa Driveway

[Kyoto Prefecture] Mikami Shrine, the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the god of hair

Located at the foot of Mount Ogura in Sagano, Kyoto, which was also featured in the Hyakunin Isshu, Mikami Shrine is the only shrine in Japan that enshrines the god of hair. It enshrines Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, who is said to be the founder of the Japanese hairdressing profession. It is said to bring good luck in hairdressing and beauty, and is deeply revered by barbers and people with hair problems from all over Japan.

The way to pray at Mikami Shrine is very unique. It is called "Kenpattsu" and involves having a priest cut off a piece of your hair (about five strands, 3-4cm long) and offering it to the shrine while making a wish. Of course, you can still receive blessings even if you don't donate your hair, so don't worry.

Combs have been known since ancient times as talismans to ward off evil, so the shrine also offers comb-shaped charms and votive plaques in honor of hair. They're so cute you'll want to post them on social media, so be sure to check them out too.

Mikami Shrine

[Shimane Prefecture] The only natural history museum in Japan where you can stay overnight: Okuizumo Tane Natural History Museum

The Okuizumo Tane Museum of Natural History is a popular spot that is visited by about 20,000 people a year, even though it is located in the mountains. Here, fossils and dinosaur skeletons from various eras are exhibited, with the theme of "The Evolution of the Universe and the History of Life."

The museum is lined with dinosaurs that look as if they could come to life at any moment, including the gigantic 6m long Euoplocephalus and a Tyrannosaurus skull, and the museum even has a hotel on the 3rd to 5th floors. If you stay overnight, you can enjoy the "Exciting Night Museum" and also play about 20 types of board games.

Guests staying at the hotel can enter the museum for free, so you can visit it once during the day and again at night, as many times as you like. At night, the dinosaurs are lit up in dim lighting, a stark contrast to the daytime. Combined with the realistic sounds they make, the sense of realism is heightened. You'll lose track of time and be transported to the world of ancient dinosaurs.

In addition to standard guest rooms, the hotel offers a dinosaur room, which is decorated with dinosaur figures and other dinosaur-themed items. This unique museum is a must-see for dinosaur lovers, and allows you to spend a day filled with dinosaurs.

Okuizumo Tane Nature Museum

[Yonaguni Island] The only spot in Japan where you can watch the sunset at the very end, "Irizaki"

It's the most remote part of Japan that everyone wants to visit at least once in their life, but due to various circumstances, there is only one place that anyone can visit using regular transportation: Irizaki, located on Yonaguni Island, the westernmost point of Japan.

Irizaki is a cape at the westernmost point of Yonaguni Island, and is home to the Westernmost Point of Japan Monument, a lighthouse, and an observation deck. On clear days, you can see Taiwan far to the west.

Although it's nice to view the endless blue sea during the day, we recommend visiting at dusk. As the westernmost point, it means that the sun sets last in Japan. The sun sinking quietly into the sea is a spectacular sight that you'll want to share on social media.

Nishizaki

We have introduced various unique places all over Japan. Even if they are far away, they are worth the trip, as there are many sights you can only see there and experiences you can only have there. Why not share the impressions you get there on social media?

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