Japanese Language Blog

There is definitely no shortage of lakes in Japan. One of the most beautiful lakes that I’ve ever encountered is Lake Towada (十和田湖). Lake Towada is in Honshū (本州) Island between the border of Aomori Prefecture (青森県) and Akita Prefecture (秋田県). Lake Towada is a crater lake created by volcanic eruptions. Today tourists go to to see the rainbow trout, eels, salmon and crap of Lake Towada.

Lake Ashi (芦ノ湖) is located in Kanagawa Prefecture (神奈川県). Lake Ashi provides a good view of Mt. Fuji (富士山) and that’s why you’ll see many ferries and boats that offer rides for tourists. Lake Ashi is a crater lake with many hot springs. The resorts, hotels and restaurants in the area are what makes Lake Ashi a popular tourist destination.

Lake Biwa (琵琶湖) is located in Shiga Prefecture (滋賀県) and is the largest freshwater lake in Japan. Lake Biwa is famous for its historical and literary importance. Many battles have occurred near this Lake and there are frequent references to this Lake in Japanese poetry. Today, Lake Biwa is home to an assortment of flora and fauna.

Lake Shinji (宍道湖) is located in Shimane Prefecture (島根県) and is most famous for its clams. Tourists from all over flock to Lake Shinji to get a taste of Lake Shinji’s clams. If you don’t like clams, you can also choose from an array of sea bass, eel and many other aquatic fish from Lake Shinji. There are also local cruises around Lake Shinji that provide a scenic view of the area and just a plain good old chance to relax.

Lake Kasumigaura (霞ヶ浦湖) is the second largest lake in Japan that contains a numerous bunch of other small lakes. There is so much to do in Lake Kasumigaura which include bird watching, boat racing and fishing. The waters of Lake Kasumigaura are used to irrigate the farmland around the area, so there are lots of crops and flowers that tourists can see in plain sight.

In June of this year the smaller islands on Ogasawara Islands (小笠島) were designated as World Heritage Sites. Some of the islands have interesting names. In particular, some of the islands are named after family member. For example, there is Chichi Jima (父島), which means ‘Dad Island’. It is the largest of the Ogasawara Islands, hence its name.

There’s also the Haha Jima (母島), which means ‘Mom Island’. It is the second largest island and is famous for its variety of snail species.

Ani Jima (兄島) means ‘Elder Brother Island’. It was formerly called Buckland Island after William Buckland, who was a British palaeontologist.

Ane Jima (姉島) means ‘Elder Sister Island’. The Green Turtle is an endangered species on this island because turtles are consumed for its protein. Efforts are being made to preserve the turtle by raising them in special facitilies.

Imōto Jima (妹島) means ‘Younger Sister Island’. The people of this island share a unique ancestry of European, American and Japanese descent.

Otōto Jima (弟島) means ‘Younger Brother Island’. The island is famous for its various bird species.

Mei Jima (姪島) means ‘Niece Island’. It is a small island with a few goat-raising farms.

Mago Jima (孫島) means ‘Grandson Island’. It is the smallest of the family islands, but it is also the most ecologically pristine island because there are few people to pollute it.

Some of the most beautiful sights that you’ll ever set your eyes upon are the observation towers that light up the night sky. Probably the most famous of all the observation towers is the Tōkyō Tower (東京タワー,). The Tōkyō Tower serves as a support structure for radio and television broadcasting stations. The Tower is also a major tourist site where tourists can go inside the tower and view museums and art galleries, eat at cafes and restaurants, and even go shopping for souvenirs at the various gift shops.

The Kyōto Tower (京都タワー) is a steel tower with nine elevators. Inside the elevator visitors can visit a spa, even get their teeth cleaned at a dentist office, play arcade games and even spend the night at a hotel. Kyōto is known for being a place of tradition and old customs. The Kyōto Tower is a bit of an anomoly because it is a modern tower with steel rings stacked one on top of the other and able to withstand an earthquake.

The Kōbe Port Tower (神戸ポートタワー) is located in Kōbe and is a beautiful tower that is one hundred and eight meters tall. The Kōbe Port Tower is famous for its hyperboloid structure, which refers to the intricate latticed steel beams that decorate the Tower. For a small fee visitors can go up to the highest part of the observation deck and get a view of the Kōbe bay area. The Kōbe Port Tower is open seven days a week so there’s no excuse not to visit such a fabulous tower!

The Yokohama Marine Tower (横浜マリンタワー) is one hundred and six meters high and serves both as an observation tower and lighthouse. It is located in the inner harbor of the Yokohama bay area. From the observation deck of this tower, visitors can see Mount Fuji. Also impressive is the lighting of the Yokohama Marine Tower. Against the night sky the Yokohama Marine Tower looks as if it is a huge diamond.

The Sapporo Tv Tower (さっぽろテレビ塔,) is located in the middle of Odori Park (大通公園,). From the observation deck, tourists can see the entire park for a fee. The Tower is famous for its digital clocks, which line all four sides of the Tower. At any given time you can check the time by stretching your neck up towards the Tower. Inside the Tower is a shopping center, information desk, restaurants and a ticket booth to go up to the observation deck. It’s pretty awesome!