Summer Romantic Destinations Collection

Summer is the perfect time for a spontaneous, fresh Japanese-style trip with your significant other! 🌈 This "skewer-style" trip with my girlfriend Vira was absolutely amazing, covering everything from sunflower fields to seaside stations, from railway ruins to strawberry farms, capturing all the hidden gems of Japan~

🌻【Shrine Sunflower Field Blast】
📍Muko Shrine (Muko City, Kyoto Prefecture)
The summer-only sunflower fields are made for Instagram! The golden blooms from July to August are stunning. We recommend wearing a light-colored dress with a straw hat. The shrine’s goshuin book even has an exclusive, super cute design.

🌊【Must-Visit Beach Stations】
1️⃣ JR Shioya Station (Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture)
Known as the "station closest to the sea," you can see Awaji Island right from the platform! Best to visit at sunset. There’s a seaside café inside the station that’s super romantic.
2️⃣ Old Noto Railway Iida Station Ruins (Suzu City, Ishikawa Prefecture)
The abandoned tracks stretch straight into the Sea of Japan, accompanied by the soothing sound of shell wind chimes—super healing.

🚞【Railway Enthusiast’s Paradise】
1️⃣ Railway Museum (Saitama City)
Limited edition train models plus real trains on display. Even my girlfriend said it was more fun than she expected! The second-floor railway bento exhibition will make your mouth water...
2️⃣ JR Kushimoto Station (Kushimoto Town, Wakayama Prefecture)
Blue sea and sky with a red station sign. In front of the station is a popular local whale-shaped monument. Don’t forget to buy Kushimoto taiyaki as a souvenir.

🍓【Sweet Picking Experience】
Miura Strawberry Farm (Bungo-ono City, Oita Prefecture)
You don’t have to go to Hokkaido to enjoy strawberry picking! June to July is the last picking season. Be sure to try the farm’s homemade strawberry daifuku.

📸【Top Photo Spots】
➡️ Tottori Sand Dunes: Recommended to shoot at dawn or dusk for a magical contrast between desert and sea.
➡️ Ikema Bridge: A must-visit jellyfish sea viewpoint on Miyako Island, with a dedicated photo platform on the bridge.
➡️ HANAHASU Park: A lotus flower secret spot in Fukui Prefecture, where you can see rare three-colored lotuses in July.

💡Useful Tips
✅ JR West Pass is super handy; it covers basically all these stations.
✅ WILD Beach has shower facilities (inside Kisarazu Seaside Park).
✅ Remember to bring sunscreen spray in summer; sand dunes and beaches are especially easy to get sunburned.
✅ Some farms require reservations (like the strawberry farm).

Finally, a recommendation for the hidden gem hotel we stayed at: Osaka Karakusa Select Hotel. Super convenient transportation and even a laundry room! Before heading back, we also stopped by Nagai Botanical Garden’s teamLab exhibition. The light and flower sea was the perfect ending to this trip!