林聰's Reviews

Minaka Odawara

Opened in December 2020, Minaka Odawara is a multi-purpose set of destinations including a 14-story Tower Building (plus one basement floor) and a 4-story area called “Odawara Shin Jokamachi”, which recreates the nostalgic charm of an Edo-period post town. The name “Minaka” comes from an ancient Japanese word meaning “center” or “middle.” It also appears in the Manyoshu (Japan’s oldest poetry collection) as a word for Mt. Fuji. The name reflects the hope that this space will become the vibrant heart of Odawara-a place where people gather, meet, and create the city’s future.

Kanagawa
Commercial Buildings

24 Apr 2025 See More

You can see it as soon as you step out of Odawara Station, so the location is super convenient. The traditional-style buildings have a great atmosphere—it feels like stepping back into the Edo period, but with a modern twist. There's even a free foot bath inside that's really relaxing.

Yamashita Park

Yamashita Park is located by the sea, just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March of 1930, reclaiming the waterfront using rubble caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake.

Yokohama
Parks & Gardens

26 Feb 2024 See More

This spot is definitely worth visiting! You can enjoy a distant view of Yokohama Port, and there are lots of flowers and plants to see in the park. When you get tired, you can relax on a bench, sip some coffee, soak up the sun, and just enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Museum Meiji Mura Village

This open-air museum first opened its doors in 1965, the artistically and historically valuable buildings, including 11 important cultural properties, mostly from the Meiji period, were relocated, preserved, and exhibited here.

Aichi
Museums

26 Feb 2024 See More

If you love the history and artistic atmosphere of Japan's Meiji era, it's really worth spending a whole day here!

Ghibli Museum, Mitaka

In Tokyo's Mitaka lies the Ghibli Museum, overseen by Director Hayao Miyazaki. Studio Ghibli, established in 1985, is a Japanese animation studio known for planning and producing films primarily directed by Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki.

Kichijoji, Mitaka
Museums

26 Feb 2024 See More

The museum building itself is a work of art and perfect for photos! Tickets are in high demand, so you need to book early. Entry is at a set time and there's a time limit, so make sure to plan your visit carefully!

Otaru Aquarium

About 20 minutes by bus or sightseeing boat from JR Otaru Station, the aquarium showcases approximately 250 species and 5,000 marine organisms, primarily from Hokkaido and polar regions.

Otaru and Niseko
Zoos & Aquariums

26 Feb 2024 See More

Even though dolphin and penguin shows tend to feel pretty similar everywhere, I still love bringing my kids to aquariums. There's just something mysterious about the ocean world! Otaru Aquarium is especially cool because you can see all kinds of northern and southern fish, plus rare creatures from Hokkaido. Every time we visit Japan, we make sure to come here, and my kids always get super excited!

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.

Kyoto
Tourist Attractions

25 Feb 2024 See More

Walking along this path surrounded by bamboo feels so peaceful and special!

Mt. Haguro

This 414-meter-high mountain lies northwest of Mt. Gassan, the main peak of the three mountains of Dewa. A 29-meter-high, five-story pagoda blends into a grove of cedar trees, a few minutes' walk along a mountain path from Zuishinmon gate by the bus stop.

Yamagata
Nature Spots

6 Jul 2022 See More

The walk to the Sanjin Gosaiden Shrine is a bit long—it takes about three hours round trip.

Ginzan Onsen

This hot spring resort was developed along with the Nobesawa Silver Mine which prospered in the Edo Period. After the mine was closed, it was turned into a therapeutic onsen resort until a flood destroyed it in 1913. By early Showa Period, local businesses have helped restore the village close to the current landscape with western-style wooden multi-story buildings on either side of Ginzan River.

Yamagata
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

6 Jul 2022 See More

The dreamy snowy scenery here is absolutely enchanting. It really feels like stepping into a fairytale world.

Koiwai Farm

The farm covers a vast area at the foot of Mt. Iwate, spanning Shizukuishi-cho and Takizawa city, and is involved in a variety of businesses, including dairy farming, forestry, food, and tourism.

Iwate
Zoos & Aquariums

6 Jul 2022 See More

You can really get an in-depth look at how the farm operates, and the dairy products are rich and delicious. It's definitely worth spending half a day here to explore.

Nyuto Onsenkyo

Nyuto-Onsenkyo refers to all hot springs at the foot of Mt. Nyuto in Towada-Hachimantai National Park. Namely, Tsurunoyu, Tae no yu, Kuroyu, Ganiba, Magoroku, Okama, and National Park Resort Village Nyuto-Onsenkyo. The seven onsen lodgings nestled in the beech primeval forest are touted by many fans as hidden treasures with natural beauty, quaint inns, and quality opaque water.

Akita
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

6 Jul 2022 See More

The view from the outdoor bath is great, and the hot spring itself is fantastic!