2026 Shingo Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

#JanuaryDestinations2026 If you're visiting the Oishi Pyramid, you absolutely can't miss another world-class, quirky attraction nearby—the "Tomb of Christ"! Yes, you read that right. A legend in Shin-go Village tells of how the person crucified was actually Jesus' brother. Jesus himself fled to Japan, lived to 106, and was buried here. The Oishi Pyramid is said to have been built to guard this tomb of Christ. These two attractions are only a few minutes' drive apart, so it's highly recommended to visit them together! Whether you believe the legend or not, just seeing a cross standing in the Japanese forest and the annual "Christ Festival" (which is actually a Bon Odori dance) will create a cultural impact you'll never forget. This is definitely the most quirky and interesting village in all of Japan! 🤣 💡 Travel Information: • Heritage Museum: Next to the Tomb of Christ is the "Christ's Village Heritage Museum," with an entrance fee of approximately NT$45 (200 yen). It offers detailed (and imaginative) explanations.

#JanuaryDestinations2026 The Great Pyramid of Giza is more than just a pile of stones; it was actually an ancient "solar observatory"! The arrangement of the megaliths here is very deliberate, with the most important being the "directional stones" and the "sun stone." These stones precisely point to the cardinal directions, and the ancients used the angle at which sunlight hits them to determine the seasons and time. Standing in front of the "sun stone," said to be the most energetic spot on the entire mountain, many people come specifically to touch the stone, feel the earth's magnetic field, and recharge their mind and spirit. Surrounded by dense forest, sunlight filters through the leaves onto the moss-covered stones, creating a serene beauty reminiscent of a Ghibli film. 🌿 📝 Visiting Tips: 1. Clothing Suggestions: This area is somewhat like a hiking trail, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended; avoid high heels. 2. Insect Repellent: There are many mosquitoes in the forest during the summer, so remember to use insect repellent. 📍 Transportation Recommendations: • By Car: This is a secluded mountain retreat, so driving is highly recommended. It's about a 40-50 minute drive from Hachinohe Station.

#JanuaryDestinations2026 Did you think pyramids were only in Egypt? In Shin-go Village, Aomori Prefecture, lies the "Great Pyramid of God." Unlike Egyptian pyramids, which are built of stacked stones, this Japanese pyramid is a "mountain pyramid," where the entire mountain was used as an object of worship. It's said to be tens of thousands of years older than the Egyptian pyramids (though that's just a legend 😂)! The most spectacular part is the cluster of megaliths at the summit. These enormous stones didn't fall naturally; they were arranged artificially. People in the past believed this was a place where aliens or gods descended. Walking among these moss-covered boulders, you truly feel an indescribable mysterious atmosphere, as if a UFO might fly by at any moment! 🛸 📸 Must-See Highlights: 1. Mirror Stone: A giant stone with a remarkably smooth surface, said to have been used in ancient times for reflecting light for communication. 2. Stonehenge: Find an angle to include yourself and the massive stones in your photo; it will make humans appear very small. 📍 Attraction Information: • Location: Shin-go Village, Sanhe District, Aomori Prefecture • Admission: Free. Open to the public.

I went there on a tour from Tokyo. The total cost, including hotel, lift ticket, and bus fare, was around 30,000 yen. Nozawa Ski Resort not only offers skiing, but also free hot springs and a charming, quaint townscape. Hot springs are scattered throughout the town, perfect for warming up after a day of skiing. A hot spring gushed forth on the outskirts of the village, perfectly complementing the snow. It's also highly recommended as it's less crowded. The food is also delicious, with the soba noodles and hot spring manju made with pure water being exquisite. Previously, hot springs were available 24 hours a day, but perhaps due to the effects of COVID-19, each hot spring now has limited opening hours. There are also many foreign tourists, who stay for around a week to enjoy skiing and the quaint townscape.