Kishimojin-do
Kishimojin-do is a temple that worships “Shiboshin,” a god for safe childbirth and also child rearing. The line of zelkova trees along the path that leads to the temple from the Kishibojinmae stop is designated as one of Tokyo’s natural monuments. A must-see within the temple’s grounds is a huge gingko tree approximately 700 years old.
The area is really quiet and peaceful. It feels like you’ve stepped away from the city.
Minato Mirai 21
JR Sakuragicho Station, Japan’s first train station, is the gate to Minato Mirai. Coming out of the station, you will see a futuristic cityscape such as the 296m-tall Yokohama Landmark Tower and the ferris wheel Cosmo Clock 21. In 2021, the urban 630m-long ropeway, YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN, was opened, connecting the former railway and the Unga-Park Station.
It feels like a more upscale mix of Tamsui + Xinyi District.
Kind of boring during the day—nighttime is where it really comes alive.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
You have to find the right angle for photos, or it can easily end up looking like a construction scaffold 🤭
Oshino Hakkai – The 8 Springs of Oshino
Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. Once a former lake, the area has dried up and formed the 8 spring-sourced ponds that remain today.
The pond color looks kind of unreal—so blue it seems like there’s a filter on it—but it’s actually real.
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
Even though it's inside a train station, the prices are actually pretty reasonable, and the quality is just as good as department stores.
551HORAI Main store
Founded in 1945, this Chinese restaurant is so famous in Osaka that there is no one who does not know about it. It is located in the Ebisubashi-suji shopping street of Namba in the middle of Minami, Osaka.
It's rare to find steamed buns this delicious in Japan!
Muteppou Osaka
This ramen shop, with its main branch in Kizugawa City, Kyoto, was originally founded in the city of Nara in 1998. The famous Muteppou brand keeps shops in only 3 locations (Kyoto, Osaka and Tokyo), drawing fans from across Japan.
The broth is really rich, and the pork has a lot of fat. It wasn't to my taste—after eating, I felt a bit sick and nauseous.
Shibuya Hikarie
A shopping center that offers many more ways to enjoy the experience other than just shopping and dining. Floors B3 to 5 comprise the shopping area “ShinQs” which is designed in white and wood colors to create a soft atmosphere with many distinctive shops.
This is a super stylish building in Shibuya! Especially at night, it really stands out!
Kasugataisha Shrine
At the beginning of the Nara period, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto is said to have ridden on sacred deer from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mt. Mikasa to protect Heijo-kyo and promote national prosperity.
The sounds of nature, adorable deer everywhere, and rows of stone lanterns—if you're in Nara, you just have to visit Kasugataisha Shrine.