The pristine highland area of Kamikochi is beautiful all year round, but some say spring is the best season to visit. With a stunning view of the Japanese Alps in the background, hiking in springtime offers cool temperatures and picture-perfect views of blue skies, bright green trees and white snow-capped mountains.

The striking beauty of Hakuba's impressive mountains are a sight to behold! Although Hakuba is mostly known for being a winter destination, in summer you can enjoy spectacular views by hiking and climbing up the mountains. Do not miss Happo Pond, which turns into a giant mirror reflecting the mountain range and skies on clear days!

One of Japan's largest islands, Sado Island is located off the coast of Niigata, and can be easily accessed via ferry. Enjoy stunning views of the scenic Senkaku Bay, get up close to the endangered toki (Japanese crested ibis), experience riding a traditional tub boat (taraibune), try your hand at panning for gold in the now-abandoned Sado Gold Mine, and much more!

No matter the season, this forest already looks like it came from a painting with its beautiful beech trees. Though still relatively unknown to foreigners, it is quickly becoming well-known as a power spot for local Japanese tourists. Power spots are places people visit to recharge their spirits by feeling the healing energy of the earth and enjoying the mystical scenic beauty.

Nanohana can be enjoyed in Iiyama from late April to mid-May. The Iiyama Nanohana Festival is held over 3 days in the later part of Golden Week, and you can expect music, dance performances, food stalls and many fun activities. The bright and cheery yellow flowers make a great contrast with the blue skies and spring greenery, providing beautiful photo opportunities!

The tulip is the prefectural flower of Niigata Prefecture, which was the first place in Japan to produce flower bulbs. With fertile soil and favorable weather, Niigata is the second top producer of tulips in Japan. Every spring, you can enjoy many tulip festivals all over Niigata, such as the Echigo Hillside Park Tulip Festival (late April - early May).