Summer, Hokkaido

The Oirase Stream is a picturesque mountain stream which starts at Nenokuchi, a small town at the shores of Towadako Lake and flows down the narrow and densely wooded Oirase Valley. A hiking trail(about 10km) leads along the most scenic, upper passage of the stream from Ishigedo to Nenokuchi.

Frano's lavender fields attract large numbers of visitors to the region every July and August, when the plants are in full bloom.
One of the best spots to view the lavender is Farm Tomita, whose lavender and flower fields with the Daisetsuzan and Tokachi mountain ranges as backdrop are spectacular.

Matsushima Bay is famous for some 260 tiny islands covered in pines — hence the name -- and ranked as one of Japan's Three Great Views.
A good way to enjoy the bay is to get on a cruise boat. There are round trips starting and ending at Matsushima and boats from Matsushima to the nearby city of Shiogama.

Hiraizumi's most famous temple, Chusonji was established in 850 as a Tendai temple.
Chusonji's main attraction is the Konjikido (Golden Hall), a temple hall which, like Kyoto's Kinkakuji, is completely covered in gold. Unlike Kinkakuji, Konjikido stands protected inside another hall. Other attractions are the Hondo (Main Hall), Kyozo (Sutra Repository), Sankoso (Treasure House) and a no theater stage.

Lake Toya (Toyako) is part of the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
In addition to the lake itself, the Toyako region features hot springs and an active volcano, Mount Usu, which last erupted in the year 2000. The area also offers many fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities. Showa Shinzan is one of Japan's youngest mountains.Still venting sulfurous fumes today, Showa Shinzan stands directly next to Mount Usu, which bears responsibility for the new mountain's birth. You can get good views of the young volcano by taking the Usuzan Ropeway.