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We are now well into the 2nd month of Japan's international border reopening for tourists.
How is planning for that next Japan trip going?
If you're still unsure of where to visit, read on for the latest attractions
that popped up circa 2020 to now, while you weren't looking. |
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RENEWAL OPENING IN OCT 2022 |
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Itadaki no Mori
New area of Shinhotaka Ropeway
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The only double decker ropeway in Japan and one that ascends up to nearly 1000 metres, Shinhotaka Ropeway in Gifu prefecture connects grand panoramic vistas across four stations up the Hotaka Mountain range.
Starting just last month, visitors can now enjoy stunning scenic views across all four seasons at Itadaki no Mori, a newly renovated viewing area at the ropeway summit.
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Itadaki no Mori, which stands for Forest of the Summit, features 4 areas:
- A relaxing wooden terrace surrounded by a primeval forest - Forest Terrace
- A view deck of Mt. Haku and the coming and going of cable cars - Forest Counter
- A resting area perfect for cozy picnics and immersing in nature - Forest Table
- A boomerang-shaped protruding viewing deck, suspending you over a view of the Yari Mountain Range - Yari no Kairo
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Accessible from the same stop as Itadaki no Mori is the Nishihotakaguchi Station
Observatory. The 360° panoramic views of surrounding mountains here earned it 2 stars from Michelin Green Guide Japan.
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Plenty of other attractions await you on the way to the summit, like the natural hot spring experience at Kamitakaranoyu Hot Spring and soothing mountain trail of the second Nabedaira Kogen station.
For limited periods yearly,
the ropeway also has special after-dark stargazing tours.
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TOWER SLIDER
New-Age Touch to Osaka's Tsutenkaku Tower
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©Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau |
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You're sure to have seen it before: the Tsutenkaku Tower makes for one of downtown Osaka's most recognizable cityscapes. Often pictured flanked by the vibrant signs and glowing lights of the famed retro district Shinsekai, the registered tangible cultural property received a fun modern upgrade this year: the 60-meter long giant spiral slide, TOWER SLIDER.
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The giant slide wraps around the outside of the tower, taking adventurous visitors from the 3rd-floor observation deck all the way down to its basement in a futuristic setting. And If you're able to keep your cool while zipping down the thrilling tube, the ceiling panels are also transparent and gives a surreal clear view of surrounding buildings flurring past.
The TOWER SLIDER is only the latest addition to a long list of fun waiting for you at Tsutenkaku Tower. Every floor is packed with attractions such as the Kansai regional food haven WAKUWAKU LAND, and the outdoor observation deck, Tembo Paradise.
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Like TOWER SLIDER, Tembo Paradise is home to TIP THE TSUTENKAKU, where visitors get to experience stepping out and "floating" in the Osaka sky.
Safely, of course!
Shinsekai is bound to be in the itineraries of anyone visiting Osaka, so don't forget to drop by Tsutenkaku Tower while you're there!
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LYING IN WAIT SINCE EARLY PANDEMIC |
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HANA・BIYORI
Tokyo's New Style Botanical Garden
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Having opened around back when the pandemic forced border closures worldwide, many overseas visitors have yet to witness the stunning HANA・BIYORI. Connected to Tokyo's largest amusement park, Yomiuriland, dropping by is a must.
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It is Japan's first garden to feature permanent project mapping amidst real-flowers in a greenhouse setting. Visitors here are treated to a spectacle of sight and sound, under over 300 suspended flower arrangements dubbed 'Floral Chandeliers'.
On top of that, an 8-meter long decorative aquarium is the beautiful home to colourful fish from Okinawa, complete with water plant decorations.
Coffee-lovers are in for a treat, as HANA・BIYORI is also home to Japan's first botanical garden-themed Starbucks. Enjoy here the best of both modern lifestyle and soothing nature with a cup of coffee under warm, bright sunlight.
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If you want more than just a viewing experience, you can try crafting your own unique flower arrangement or moss terrarium with the in-house workshops. Slots are available every day, with some limited-period special courses too! |
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OPENED IN JULY 2022, THE LATEST ADDITION |
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Fujiyama Slider
Spiral down the sky of Fuji-Q Highland
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Scaling Japan's most famous mountain isn't the only thrill you can seek at Yamanashi prefecture - In last July 2022, famous theme park Fuji-Q Highland at the base of Mt. Fuji officially added an extreme slide experience, Fujiyama Slider to its long list of exciting attractions and record-breaking roller coasters.
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Armed only with a hard hat, those who dare try Japan's current longest tube slide here are sent spiralling down a length of 120 metres from 55 metres up in the air. |
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The Fujiyama Slider is the latest addition to Fujiyama Tower, the park's observation deck that also only opened in late 2021.
At the tower, you can also put on a harness and challenge the winds up on the Fujiyama Walk - without rails! |
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Use your hands instead to wave at those jetting pass on the King of Coasters Fujiyama, one of the longest in the world to include sudden descents, rises, turns, rolls and stops. |
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Try and also see if you can conquer some of the park's other heart-racing classic attractions, including falling off 121° degress on the Takabisha, endless revolving on the 4th-dimensional Eejanaika, a near 1km-long courage walk in the Haunted Hospital and so much more! |
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