Hakone/Lake Ashi: Hakone Shrine - Pray for victory and good fortune at this shrine for peace and prosperity! A pure and refreshing first shrine visit of 2026.

For my first shrine visit of the year, I went to Hakone Shrine, which I also visited last autumn. The shores of Lake Ashi, welcoming the new year, were enveloped in the crisp, clear air unique to winter, and a serene stillness permeated the air. The aromas of buttered potatoes and yakisoba greeted the visitors...

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Yokoyama Observatory & Sky Cafe Terrace in Shima, Mie Prefecture: An observation deck offering panoramic views of Ago Bay.

Yokoyama Observatory is a renowned viewpoint offering panoramic views of the beautiful scenery of Ise-Shima National Park and Ago Bay. Located on Yokoyama Mountain, 203 meters above sea level, in Ugata, Ago-cho, Shima City, Mie Prefecture, in the southern part of the Shima Peninsula, the observatory's name comes from the fact that this mountain is visible from offshore...

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