Okinawa City Music Museum Ongaku Mura
This museum holds materials related to Okinawan music, including folk songs, jazz, rock, and folk music, which developed uniquely in Okinawa. It is located on Ichiban-gai, a shopping street located on the inner side of Koza Gate Street.
There are lots of records on display here. It's really appealing and has a great Okinawan music vibe.
Yamashiro Onsen
This very Japanese-like hot spring resort, called Yunogawa, spreads around Soyu. It has a 1300-year history, beloved by artists such as Yosano Akiko, Izumi Kyoka and Kitaoji Rosanjin. There are Rosanjin’s Iroha Soan where he stayed for half a year, Kutani ware museum, potteries, galleries and more intriguing places to visit.
The main bathhouse here has a classic, old-fashioned feel. There are century-old inns and a shopping street stretching out from it. Whether you want to enjoy the hot springs or stroll through the old town, it's super relaxing! 😋
Yamanaka Onsen
This hot spring resort spreads along Kakusenkei Gorges known for its scenic beauty. There is a 1.3km trail along the Gorges with the cedar Korogi Bridge and Ayatori Bridge in S-shape. Basyo no Yakata Museum and Basho-do Hut are related to the poet Matsuo Basho, who stopped here during his trip mentioned in his journal, Okuno Hosomichi, and made poems praising the hot spring and the sceneries. Yuge Kaido Street that runs through the center of the resort is lined with galleries and shops of Yamanaka lacquerware and Kutani ware as well as cafes.
This has been a famous hot spring spot since ancient times.
Kumamon Square
Kumamon is the mascot of Kumamoto and cutely named as such the Prefecture’s Sales and Happiness Manager. You can find him all across Kumamoto, pointing out some of its best attractions. He’s so popular that Kumamon related merchandise is said to be reaching a cumulative total of 1 trillion yen. At this spot you’ll find the office of this amazing mascot, and if you time it just right, you might even get a chance to meet him.
As a Kumamon fan, I just had to visit Kumamon Square! It's a must-see for fans. 👍
Minamiza Theatre
A theater that features Kabuki which originated in Kyoto. Kabuki is said to have originated from the “Kabuki Odori” dance, invented by a woman named Izumo no Okuni. As the dance started to popularize during the early Edo period, around this time the Minami-za also opened. It is Japan’s oldest theater with more than 400 years of history located in the same place.
Minamiza—the roof looks so grand and gorgeous!
Kuju Flower Park
Kuju Mountain Range and the Five Peaks of Aso surround this park on Kuju Highland in Aso-Kuju National Park. Taste the fresh air and enjoy the vibrant flowers in each season.
The garden is bursting with colorful flowers in full bloom. It's just so beautiful here.
Ikuta Ryokuchi Park
Located in a corner of the Tama Hills, Ikuta Ryokuchi is the most representative greenery park in the suburbs of Tokyo. Within the park grounds covers a wide range of areas of woods centered by the perfectly kept sawtooth oak and quercus acuta (the Japanese evergreen oak), and precious natural resources such as wetlands and bubbling springs.
The park is filled with lush greenery, making it a great spot for locals to relax and unwind.
Shibuya Mark City
A commercial facility born from the catch phrase “The day Shibuya becomes and adult”. Shibuya, the place where trends and culture are shared, has a strong image of a youthful city, but this commercial facility is a space that feels comfortable for adults who have graduated from their youth.
There are popular sushi spots and all kinds of shops here.