Tamagawa Takashimaya S / C
Tamagawa Takashimaya Shopping Center stands as a pioneering figure in Japan's suburban shopping center scene, affectionately known by locals as "TamaTaka" for its long-standing relationship with the community.
It's just a two-minute walk from Futako-Tamagawa Station, so shopping here is super convenient.
Dogo Shotengai (Dogo Haikara Dori)
Nicknamed “Dogo Haikara Dori”, the Dogo Shotengai is a shopping arcade connected to Dogo Onsen Honkan. At 250-meters in length, this L-shaped shopping arcade connects the stretch from the main building of Dogo Onsen to Dogo Onsen Station, the final stop on the Iyotetsu train lines.
The shopping street is packed with tourists. Some people are even strolling around in yukata, which looks so cool! The mix of trendy shops and people in traditional Japanese clothing just feels so natural together. 🥰
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter has such a poetic and picturesque vibe. With little bridges, flowing water, and trees swaying in the wind, it really reminds me of Suzhou in Jiangnan, China. But honestly, it's gotten a bit too popular and commercialized, so it's lost some of its original simple charm.
HELLO KITTY SMILE
“HELLO KITTY SMILE” is a media art and restaurant combination on the coast of Awaji Island, featuring an eye-catching giant Hello Kitty head. Experience the mysterious underwater world of Hello Kitty at “Otohime Dragon Palace,” and enjoy delicious food at multiple restaurant options.
As a huge Hello Kitty fan, I went through so much just to find the giant white HELLO KITTY here. But it was totally worth it once I arrived!
A Pilgrimage for the Popular Manga, “Slam Dunk”
This is the location of the railway crossing that served as a model for the opening scene of Slam Dunk, a basketball-themed anime that has gained enthusiastic fans not only in Japan, but all over the world.
This area is now a no-photography zone.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
Every time I visit Tokyo, I come to this temple to pray for blessings.
WAGASHI KUNPU
A small Japanese confectionary shop situated within a residential area. Here, a marriage between seasonal traditional Japanese sweets using ingredients obtained directly from the farmers and unique sake is proposed.
It was my first time having Japanese wagashi with sake, and I was really surprised by how well they went together. Such a unique experience!