Enjoy a relaxing moon-viewing experience at a hotel or onsen ryokan. 7 hotels nationwide where you can see Japan's 100 famous moons
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As written in the Man'yoshu, Kojiki, poetry and haiku, Japanese people have been fascinated by the moon since ancient times. From warlords to haiku poets and writers, everyone loves the moon. In modern times, how about taking a trip to see the moon at one of the 100 most beautiful moons in Japan? Like a power spot, it may bring energy to your heart.
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Full moon, new moon, first quarter, last quarter... It is said that the phases of the moon affect the rhythm of the mind. When you feel a bit down, or when you want to calm your feelings, why not follow the flow of your heart and go on a moon-viewing trip? Gazing at the fantastic moon and spending some relaxing time at ryokan) may help you to find a calmer self.
The 100 Most Famous Moons of Japan is a system that certifies and registers "famous moons that we want to pass on to future generations" based on certain criteria. One of the selection criteria is not only the beauty of the landscape with the moon, but also safety at night. It has been attracting attention as a new standard for night views that are easy to enjoy even on girls' trips or solo travelers. There are currently 37 certified and registered locations across the country. If you find a spot that catches your eye, it may be proof that the moon is calling you.
*The number of certified registrations is as of February 2020.
Matsushima in Miyagi is one of the Three Most Scenic Spots of Japan. The moon rises, enveloping the 260 or so islands, large and small, lyrically lighting up the night. Fukuura Bridge, which is usually lit up, is turned off three days before and after the full moon. The Matsushima moon has been loved by many famous people since ancient times. Don't you feel like you can get intellectual power from it?
Komatsukan Kofu-tei is about a 15-minute walk from Matsushima Kaigan Station. It is a popular inn with a spectacular view built along the coast. The rooms with open-air baths are the ones that make you feel closest to Matsushima. You can enjoy watching the moon and bathing at the same time. You will be reluctant to see the dawn, so you can spend a night with a spectacular view.
You can enjoy watching the moon while soaking your feet in the "Moon Viewing Platform Footbath." It's a comfortable place with an open terrace feel, where you can feel the night breeze. The open atmosphere will gently loosen your mind. You can talk openly about your daily worries and stress here. The power of the moon will surely purify you of any unpleasant things.
Detailed information
onsen Onsen Komatsukan Kofutei
Miyagi /Matsushima/ ryokan
- address
- Miyagi 35-2 Matsushima Senzu, Matsushima-cho, Miyagi-gun
- access
- Approximately 40 minutes from JR Sendai Station on the Senseki Line or Tohoku Main Line. Approximately 5 minutes by car from Matsushima Kaigan Station on the Senseki Line or Matsushima Station on the Tohoku Main Line
Gifu Castle is located on the summit of Mount Kinka at an altitude of 329m. The sight of the moon rising against the backdrop of the castle is so impressive that it makes you feel like you've traveled back in time. It reminds you of the scenery when the castle was built. It's rare to see such a luxurious moon. The overwhelming power of the moon may give courage and resolve to even the most confused hearts.
Nagaragawa onsen Juhachiro is located at the foot of Mt. Kinka, about a 15-minute drive from Gifu Station. It is a very old inn founded in 1860. From the rooms, you can see the clear waters of the Nagaragawa River, and the flow of the water is soothing. At night, why not enjoy the moonlight while listening to the murmuring of the river? The pure scenery is sure to calm your mind. If you travel with your partner, it may be an opportunity to talk about your feelings again.
The inn's onsen offer a variety of baths with different themes. One that stands out among them is the "Kurano-yu." A nostalgic space where a storehouse built in the Meiji era has been revived as a large bath. Surrounded by historical beams and stained glass, it seems like you can get the power of the good old days.
Detailed information
Nagaragawa Juhachiro onsen
Gifu / Gifu / ryokan
- address
- Gifu 10 Minato-cho, Gifu City
- access
- (Train) About 15 minutes by route bus from JR Gifu Station Meitetsu Gifu Station Get off at Nagarabashi bus stop (Car) About 30 minutes from Tokai Hokuriku Expressway Ichinomiya Kisogawa IC
Izu Kitagawa in Shizuoka is a onsen resort along the coast with a population of about 300 people. The moon road drawn by the moonlight on the surface of the sea is a mystical sight that will leave you speechless. When you look at the straight shining moon road, it feels like your secret wish will reach the moon. Why not offer a prayer to the moon with a sacred feeling while walking along the moon road terrace along the coast?
"Bousui" is about a 6-minute drive from Izu Atagawa Station. Outside the large windows, you can see the ocean as far as the eye can see. The Moon Road is said to be "too bright" with moonlight. On a full moon day, it might be nice to turn off the lights and spend a more mystical time. The moon may create an extremely romantic atmosphere.
Detailed information
Mosui
Shizuoka /Higashiizu, Izu/ ryokan
- address
- Shizuoka Kitagawa, Higashi Izu-cho, Kamo-gun onsen
- access
- Izu Kyuko Line Izu Kitagawa Station Shuttle available (reservation required)
Kairakuen in Ibaraki is one of the three most famous gardens in Japan. Approximately 750 flowers bloom in every season, and it is especially known as a famous plum blossom spot. The contrast between the illuminated flowers and the moon is somehow bewitchingly beautiful. You will be captivated by their elegance and transience. Their competing beauty will naturally stimulate your sense of beauty.
Mito Plaza Hotel is about 15 minutes away from Mito Station by free shuttle bus. It is a luxurious hotel known as a guesthouse in the forest. The interior is surrounded by luxurious interiors. You will feel like a VIP guest. Kairakuen is about 10 minutes away by car. You will be greeted by the moon's power to celebrate your renewed self.
For girls' trips, we recommend the Jacuzzi Twin Room. The colorful space will brighten your mood. No matter where you are in the room, it will look picturesque, so it will look great in photos. It's an extraordinary feeling, like a scene from a movie or drama. It will make you feel like you're at a girls' party in a foreign drama you once saw on TV.
Detailed information
Mito Plaza Hotel
Ibaraki /Mito/City Hotel
- address
- Ibaraki 2078-1 Senba-cho, Mito City
- access
- It is about 15 minutes by taxi from the south exit of JR Joban Line Mito Station, or about 15 minutes by car from Mito IC.
Enoshima in Kanagawa is a land-tied island that juts out from the Shonan coast into Sagami Bay. From the observation deck "Sea Candle," you can enjoy the glittering city lights and the full moon. In the evening, you can also see the pairing with Mt. Fuji. It's a dramatic sight that changes depending on the time of day. How about a romantic moon-viewing date at this atmospheric spot?
Enoshima Iwamotoro Honkan is about a 12-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station. It is a long-established ryokan that was founded over 150 years ago and stands on Benzaiten Nakamise Street. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Fuji from the guest rooms. The view is enjoyable not only in the evening, but also in the dim light of dawn. You will feel a divine aura from the view of the faintly floating moon and Mt. Fuji. It seems like you will be able to receive some majestic power from here.
Aside from the view, the inn's baths are also a must-see. The main building's Roman bath features a light dome ceiling reminiscent of a cathedral and heavy windows. It has also been designated a registered tangible cultural property. The other is the Benten Cave Bath. It is a bath about 20m deep that uses a cave that was used as the Bentendo Hall. Both have a mysterious and unique atmosphere. Come and enjoy a rare bathing experience♪
Detailed information
Enoshima Iwamotoro Main Building
Kanagawa /Enoshima, Fujisawa, Shonan/ ryokan
- address
- Kanagawa 2-2-7 Enoshima, Fujisawa City
- access
- 12 minutes on foot from Katase-Enoshima Station on the Odakyu Line
Aomori Kamafuseyama is the main peak of Mutsu City at 878.6 meters. From the observatory, visitors can enjoy a spectacular 360°C panoramic view. The outline of the night view cut out by Mutsu Bay is famous for its resemblance to a swallowtail butterfly. You will encounter a romantic scene as if you are flying toward the shining moon. The moonlight seen from the hilltop is a powerful sight. You will be tempted to reach out and touch it.
The observatory may be closed due to weather conditions, so advance confirmation is recommended.
Plaza Hotel Mutsu is about a 3-minute walk from Shimokita Station. From the large windows of the rooms, you can see the rural landscape and mountains of Shimokita. A peaceful and soothing atmosphere, far removed from the hustle and bustle. You'll feel like you want to go somewhere far away. It's the perfect location for when you're tired of the city.
For dinner, you can enjoy Aomori's local cuisine made with plenty of fresh seafood. "Miso Kaiyaki," a scallop shellfish dish, is a popular local dish. It is a simple dish that is full of the delicious flavor of seafood. The moon is beautiful, the rice is delicious... It seems like a trip back to your roots where you can rediscover the simple joys of life.
Detailed information
Plaza Hotel Mutsu
Aomori / Shimokita Peninsula / City Hotel
- address
- Aomori 2-46 Shimokita-cho, Mutsu City
- access
- 2 minutes walk from Shimokita Station on the JR Ominato Line.
Katsurahama Beach in Kochi is a curved coastline. It is a scenic spot known since ancient times as a famous spot to view the moon. The moon road reflected in the Pacific Ocean and the contrast between the moon and the darkness are fantastical. There is an air of sanctuary that makes you want to hold your breath. If you look up at the moon as if you are having a conversation with it, you might get a hint to break through your worries and doubts...
Located just a few steps from the Kamimachi 1-chome tram stop in Kochi City, Jyoseikan is a high-class ryokan founded in 1874, and is known as a frequent lodging for members of the imperial family. One of its charms is the variety of guest rooms, with a Japanese and Western style. The modern rooms with hanging chairs are also recommended for a relaxed girls' trip. Why not relax or enjoy a good book while swaying back and forth?
The top floor Yuagari Chaya Castle Lookout Tower is a space where you can see Kochi Castle. In fact, you can light up Kochi Castle with a searchlight from here. Anyone can operate the searchlight. It's a rare experience, so please try it. With the feeling of sharing the power you received from the moonlight, try lighting up the castle this time.
Detailed information
Jyoseikan
Kochi / Kochi / ryokan
- address
- Kochi 2-5-34 Uemachi, Kochi
- access
- In front of the streetcar Kamimachi 1-chome streetcar stop. 7 minutes by car from JR Kochi Station, 20 minutes by car from Kochi IC
As can be seen in the Man'yoshu, Kojiki, poems, haiku and other writings, Japanese people have been fascinated by the moon since ancient times. From warlords of the Sengoku period to haiku poets and writers, Japanese people have adored the moon. They also like to eat rice dumplings and watch the moon. In modern times, it seems like it would be nice to take a trip to watch the moon and spend a relaxing time.