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If you have done the things to do in Japan, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Futamatagawa.
Welcome to Futamatagawa, a vibrant and bustling city that promises to enchant you with a cornucopia of experiences.
From the tranquil gardens to the buzzing nightlife, Futamatagawa has something to offer every explorer.
So buckle up and get ready to embark on a journey of a lifetime, as we dive into the top things to do in this city.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Futamatagawa:
1. Futamatagawa Station
Futamatagawa Station is a train station located in Kawasaki, Japan.
It serves as a stop for both the Keihin-Tohoku and Tokaido Main Lines, making it a convenient transportation hub for commuters and travelers alike.
What to see or do: While there isn’t much to do directly at the station, it’s a great starting point for exploring the nearby areas. From Futamatagawa Station, you can easily access popular destinations such as Yokohama and Tokyo.
Don’t miss: If you’re looking for something to do near the station, head to the nearby Todoroki Ryokuchi Park. This beautiful park offers plenty of green space, hiking trails, and even a traditional Japanese garden.
Insider travel tips: If you’re arriving at Futamatagawa Station, be prepared for crowds during peak commuting hours. Consider traveling outside of rush hour to avoid the crowds and make your journey more comfortable.
Additionally, the station is equipped with helpful signage in both English and Japanese, making navigation a breeze.
2. Meiji Seimei Kan
A museum dedicated to the life and accomplishments of Meiji era statesman and entrepreneur, Iwasaki Yanosuke.
What to see or do: Explore the exhibits and learn about Iwasaki Yanosuke’s role in shaping modern Japan. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the building and its surrounding gardens.
Don’t miss: The opportunity to view historical documents, artwork, and artifacts from the Meiji era. Take a stroll through the Japanese garden and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the weekdays to avoid crowds. The museum also offers audio guides in English for foreign visitors.
Enjoy a cup of green tea in the tea house located in the garden.
3. Tashiro No Torii
Tashiro No Torii is a stunning red gate located in Futamatagawa, Japan, that serves as the entrance to a sacred Shinto shrine.
What to see or do: Take a walk through the gate and explore the peaceful shrine grounds, which are surrounded by lush green forests and offer breathtaking views of the sea.
Don’t miss: Be sure to stop and admire the intricate carvings and details of the gate, which have been beautifully preserved over the centuries.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, try to visit the shrine during the early morning or late afternoon. And don’t forget to bring along some coins to make offerings at the shrine’s various altars and sacred sites.
4. Toga Shrine
Toga Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the town of Futamatagawa in Japan’s Toyama Prefecture. It is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and is a popular place for locals and tourists alike to visit.
What to see or do: Visitors can walk through the shrine’s gardens and admire the beautiful cherry blossom trees that line the path from the entrance to the main shrine building.
The shrine itself is quite small, but its tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains make it a must-visit destination in the area.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the shrine’s famous “Sugi no Ichiyōbako,” or cedarwood boxes that are said to bring good luck to those who visit the shrine.
The boxes are sold at the shrine’s gift shop and make for a unique and special souvenir of your trip.
Insider travel tips: If you’re planning to visit Toga Shrine during cherry blossom season, be sure to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
The shrine can get quite busy during this time, but it’s well worth the trip!
Additionally, if you have a chance, consider taking a hike in the nearby countryside to experience the natural beauty of this stunning region.
5. Tokoji Temple
Tokoji Temple is a quaint and serene Buddhist temple located in the scenic area of Futamatagawa.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the temple grounds and admire the beautiful gardens, serene ponds, and traditional architecture. The temple also houses a museum displaying ancient artifacts, religious sculptures, and traditional Japanese art.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the temple’s breathtaking autumn colors in November, or the beautiful blooming cherry blossoms in April.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as the temple grounds have many steps and uneven paths. It’s also recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere.
Don’t forget to try the local matcha green tea and traditional Japanese sweets at the temple’s tea house.
6. Notsuke Bay
Notsuke Bay is located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Japan. It is a shallow and vast bay with a total area of 190 km2.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning views of the bay while taking a walk on the Notsuke Peninsula. Visit the Notsuke Peninsula Nature Center to learn about the local flora and fauna.
Take a boat tour to see the endangered Steller’s sea eagles and white-tailed eagles. Go fishing for Hokkai shrimp or surf clams in the bay.
Don’t miss: The Notsuke Lighthouse, which is the oldest wooden lighthouse in Japan and offers panoramic views of the bay. The annual Notsuke Peninsula Bird Festival in May, where you can see a variety of migratory birds.
Insider travel tips: It can get quite cold in the winter, so make sure to dress appropriately. The best time to visit is during the summer months when the weather is mild.
Bring insect repellent as there can be a lot of mosquitoes in the area. Make sure to try the local seafood, which is some of the freshest in Japan.
7. Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf
Kushiro Fisherman’s Wharf is a bustling commercial port in the city of Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at the many restaurants and food stalls, browse shops selling Hokkaido souvenirs, and watch a variety of fishing vessels come and go from the harbor.
Don’t miss: The outdoor observation deck provides panoramic views of the harbor and the surrounding mountains, and the nightly illuminations create a stunning atmosphere.
Insider travel tips: Try the local specialty of grilled squid, or sample a variety of seafood in a donburi rice bowl.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex, and the adjacent Kushiro City Marsh Observatory provides beautiful views of the nearby wetlands.
8. Crane Nature Park
Crane Nature Park located in Futamatagawa, Japan, is a unique nature park that aims to preserve and raise awareness about the Japanese Red-crowned cranes.
What to see or do: At the park, visitors can observe these elegant birds and learn more about their natural history and cultural significance through informative displays, shows, and guided tours.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is the breathtaking “Dance of the Cranes” show, where visitors can witness the cranes perform a courtship dance that has been passed down through generations.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to arrive early to secure a prime viewing spot for the dance show. Also, consider visiting the park during the winter months when the cranes congregate in large numbers.
9. Kushiro Marsh Observatory
Kushiro Marsh Observatory is a nature observation center located on the eastern edge of Hokkaido island, Japan.
What to see or do: The observatory offers a panoramic view of the largest wetland in Japan, Kushiro Marsh, which is home to over 600 species of plants and wildlife.
Visitors can enjoy bird-watching, hiking, canoeing, and learning about the unique ecosystem of the marshland.
Don’t miss: The “Moss Garden” exhibition, which shows various types of mosses found in Kushiro Marsh, is a must-see. Don’t forget to also visit the observation tower, which offers breathtaking views of the marshland and its inhabitants.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Kushiro Marsh Observatory is from May to October when the weather is mild and the marsh is at its most beautiful.
10. Hosooka Observatory
Hosooka Observatory is a popular viewing spot overlooking Sagami Bay, located in Futamatagawa, Japan.
What to see or do: The observatory offers panoramic views of the bay with Mount Fuji in the distance, and visitors can enjoy picturesque sunsets. The spot is also popular for stargazing.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see a stunning view of Mount Fuji during clear days. The sunset view is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: Visitors can reach the observatory by car or train, and there is a spacious parking lot available. It’s recommended to bring binoculars to enjoy the scenery.
The observatory can get quite crowded during peak season, so it’s best to arrive early.
11. Kushiro Shitsugen National Park
Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is a vast wetland located in eastern Hokkaido, Japan. It covers an area of around 269 square miles and is one of the largest wetlands in Japan.
The park is known for its unique flora and fauna and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
What to see or do: The park offers several activities for visitors to indulge in.
You can take a boat tour and explore the wetland while spotting wildlife such as the Japanese crane, deer, brown bear, and antelopes.
The park also has hiking trails for those who want to explore the wilderness on foot. Additionally, the park has several places where you can enjoy bird watching and photography.
Don’t miss: One of the major attractions of Kushiro Shitsugen National Park is the Kushiro Marsh Observatory. Here, you can get a panoramic view of the wetland from an elevated platform.
The observatory also has an exhibition hall where you can learn about the park’s ecosystem and wildlife.
Insider travel tips: When visiting the park, make sure to wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing as the weather can be unpredictable. It is also recommended to book a guided tour to get the most out of your visit.
Lastly, do not forget to try the local cuisine which includes seafood and Niboshi ramen.
12. Yomemabetsu Satoumi Park
Yomemabetsu Satoumi Park is a stunning coastal park located in the town of Futamatagawa in Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors to the park can explore its walking trails, enjoy a picnic, or simply relax and take in the stunning views of the Sea of Japan.
The park is also home to a number of protected species of plants and animals, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Don’t miss: The dramatic views of the Sea of Japan at sunset are not to be missed. The vibrant colors of the sky reflecting off the water make for a truly breathtaking experience.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable shoes as some of the walking trails can be steep and rocky. Additionally, check the weather forecast before visiting as the park can be windy and chilly, even during the summer months.
13. Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park
Higashimokoto Shibazakura Park is a floral paradise located in the town of Ozora, Hokkaido. It is known for its stunning Shibazakura, or pink moss phlox, which bloom in late April to early June.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander through the park’s vast fields and marvel at the sea of vibrant colors created by over a million Shibazakura flowers.
There are also numerous walking paths that lead you to different viewing spots, allowing you to enjoy the stunning beauty of the flowers from various angles.
Don’t miss: The most popular attraction of the park is the “Miharashi no Oka” or the Hill of Observing the Beautiful View, which provides an unobstructed panoramic view of the Shibazakura fields with the majestic Takanashi Mountain Range in the background.
Insider travel tips: – The peak bloom of Shibazakura usually occurs in early May, so plan your visit accordingly.
14. Akan National Park
Akan National Park in Futamatagawa is a stunning natural wonderland renowned for its crystal-clear lakes, active volcanoes, and hot springs.
What to see or do: Visit Lake Mashu, regarded as Japan’s most pristine lake, and admire its ethereal beauty. Take a boat ride on Lake Akan to spot marimo, a rare spherical algae native to Hokkaido.
Discover the fury of nature at Mount Meakan, an active volcano with stunning hiking trails.
Explore the caldera of Lake Kussharo, Japan’s second largest caldera lake, and relax in the hot springs of the Kotan Onsen village.
Don’t miss: Witness the fantastic display of winter fireworks over Lake Akan, which illuminate the night sky in a stunning spectacle of colors.
See the mesmerizing firewalking show during the annual Marimo Festival in October, where locals walk barefoot on hot coals.
Insider travel tips: Book your accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season. Don’t forget to try local specialties like the delicious Ainu-style cuisine, including grilled fish, venison, and wild plants.
Try Hokkaido’s famous soft-serve ice cream, made with fresh milk and cream.
15. Lake Mashu
Lake Mashu is a volcanic caldera lake located in Akan Mashu National Park, Hokkaido, Japan.
What to see or do: Visitors can take in the stunning views of the crystal clear lake from designated observation decks, which offer panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Don’t miss: A boat cruise on the lake, which offers a unique perspective on the caldera and the surrounding wilderness.
Insider travel tips: – The lake is often shrouded in mist, so it’s best to visit on a clear day for the best views.