With a great, central location, Sunshine Village Green presents numerous options for multi-day excursions to some of Japan's best destinations.
*During the period that our Australian Influencers reside at Sunshine Village, we plan to arrange an exciting 2 night travel excursion every fortnight.
This would keep our Australian Silvers occupied and serve as an effective marketing promotion for the enjoyment possible as a resident of a Sunshine Village in Miyota.
Possible travel destinations include Takayama, Hakone, Nagano, Nikko, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Niigata and Sado Island
Takayama is a gorgeous, small country town and popular tourist attraction in the mountainous Hida region. Local attractions include a variety of museums devoted to the town's long-standing tradition of fine craftsmanship. Takayama is also famous for its sizzling Hida beef wagyu which is a popular meal at many of the local ryokans and Japanese izakayas.
Just outside of Takayama lies the UNESCO World Heritage listed towns of Shirakawago and Gokayama. Both are remote, traditional mountain villages with breathtaking scenery. They showcase their traditional thatched roofed farmhouses which is an architectural style developed over many generations. During winter they are designed to withstand the large amounts of heavy snow that falls in the region.
Located just 100 kilometers from Tokyo, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists wanting to enjoy their famous hot springs, natural beauty and luxurious accommodation.
It is fun to board a pirate ship across the picturesque Lake Ashinoko for magnificent views of Mount Fuji in the distance. Hakone is encircled by dense forested mountains, deep ravines and wherever you travel, there is extraordinary views of the surrounding Japan Alps.
Nagano City, the capital of Nagano Prefecture, is home to the magnificent Zenkoji Temple which has stood 1400 years.
In 1998, Nagano hosted the Winter Olympic Games, and some Olympic facilities can still be viewed around town. The cool climate of Nagano produces high quality rice, sake, apples, kyohou grapes, Shinshu beef and local wines.
Nikko is another very popular tourist destination for many people from Tokyo who as seeking to enjoy fresh mountain air and spectacular nature all year round.
Situated at the entrance of a vast national park, the town of Nikko is famous for Toshogu, Japan's most lavishly decorated shrine, mountainous landscapes, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, wild monkeys and hiking trails.
Located on the Island of Honshu with access to the Sea of Japan, Kanazawa is a lovely city with many treasures. Often referred to as "Little Kyoto", Kanazawa has retained much of its history which can be seen in the Geisha District and the Nagamachi Samurai District.
Kanazawa is home to one of Japan's most beautiful gardens, Kenrokuen, an exquisite landscaped garden of ponds, streams, waterfalls, flowers and teahouses.
Its coastal location provides the city with fresh seafood which is best enjoyed one of the many sushi bars which surround Omicho Market.
Tokyo is Japan's busy capital city which is home to unique fusion of modern and traditional Japan, with its neon-lit skyscrapers and futuristic architecture interspersed with ancient temples, traditional shops and pockets of parkland which offer peaceful oases from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Tokyo's various districts each have their own flavour, and endless options exist for dining, shopping and entertainment.
The port city of Niigata whose northwest faces the Sea of Japan is famous for its abundant fresh seafood, beautiful scenery, breathtaking coastline, picturesque villages and kilometers of premium quality rice fields.
The region's flavorsome rice is the reason why Niigata hosts the annual Sake Festival and many locally fermented rice wines are amongst the award winners.
Sado Island is a remote island in the Sea of Japan off the coast of Niigata. It's secluded location lends to its interesting history and connection with a large number of prominent exiled historical figures.
The island boasts an abundance of nature, wild flowers, lofty mountain peaks, delicious seafood and is home to the protected crested ibis.
Visitors to Sado Island will can enjoy traditional ryokan style accommodation, local theater, spirited taiko drumming, gold mines and unique scenes such as traditional tub boat fishing.
Located along the historical Nakasendo trail between Tokyo and Kyoto, the small rural towns of Magome and Tsumago are well-preserved townships from the Edo period.
These charming towns feature traditional streetscapes of cobblestone paths and old wooden houses, many of which serve as museums and shops selling local goods, snacks and treats.
Between the two towns is a picturesque trail through forest and beautiful countryside, along the path once travelled by lords, samurai, and merchants. The highly enjoyable walk is relatively gentle and is well signed in English and Japanese. It is about 8 kilometers long and takes around 2-3 hours to walk at a leisurely pace.
