IKSPIARI
It is a commercial complex within the Tokyo Disney Resort. The name is a combination of the words “Experience” and “peri”, a fairy in Persian mythology. It is full of originality fit for Tokyo Disney Resort.
It's a shopping center right next to Tokyo Disneyland. Super convenient location, and after shopping you can just hop on the train back to the city.
Towada Lake Sightseeing Cruise
Lake Towada is a caldera lake formed by volcanic activity that began roughly 200,000 years ago. Renowned as one of Aomori’s most scenic destinations, it offers breathtaking views that can be fully enjoyed from the water aboard a sightseeing cruise.
The moment I got on the sightseeing boat, I felt super relaxed. The breeze on the lake was amazing, and the ride was really smooth—no seasickness at all. Even if you're not comfortable with water, you can enjoy this easily.
Japan Mint Hiroshima Branch
The facility's cherry trees include about 60 varieties and approximately 210 trees, ranging from popular to rare species. While normally inaccessible to the public except for factory tours (which are suspended around the viewing period), the grounds are opened for about a week in early to mid-April during the blooming season as a "Path of Blossoms." The focus on late-blooming double cherry blossoms means you can enjoy them even after the peak of the more common Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms has passed.
During cherry blossom season, you can stroll under the trees and enjoy the warmth of spring and the fragrance of the flowers.
Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
You really need to study Japanese history to understand Tokugawa Ieyasu's contributions to the imperial court.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.
Had a picnic on a bench by the Azusa River and enjoyed the beautiful autumn leaves in Kamikochi.
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
They've already canceled the FastPass tickets. Now you have to use the app, even for a lot of the shows—you need to enter a lottery for seats through the app, and you can't just line up in person anymore.
The National Art Center, Tokyo
This museum has no art collection of its own, instead it hosts various exhibitions featuring art from both within Japan and from abroad.
The building itself is a work of art. The curves of the glass facade are stunning. Plus, the subway connects directly to the museum, so you’re there as soon as you exit the station.
Taki-jinja Shrine
While the water has become a bit less now, Taki-Jinja Shrine, literally "waterfall shrine" earned its name originally for the waterfall located just off to its east, where pure, clear waters never seemed to dry up.
There are lots of jockeys' autographs hanging on the shrine wall.
Kameari Park
Kameari Park is located near the north exit of JR Kameari Station (head straight out, then turn right and you’re there). It’s famous as the park of the same name that acts as a setting in the manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutujo.”
Came here just for Ryo-san!
Had to take a photo with every statue 😁
Omoide Yokocho
Walk just 2 minutes from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station to find yourself at a retro pub alley. With ticket shops and around 80 different establishments offering delicious food and drinks, it's a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.
This little alley has such a Japanese vibe. The whole street is lined with yakitori izakayas, and there are lots of foreigners like me coming here to check it out.