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“GOOD LUCK TRIP”

You have to take a picture with the banana man when you come to Mojiko! Hey, honestly, I think he looks pretty realistic. It’s very beautiful, and you can take a boat to Shimonoseki and Karato Market for seafood〜 But this time it wasn’t a holiday, so I couldn’t go. My biggest takeaway is that if there’s something you want to see, go see it right away, and if there’s something you want to buy, buy it first. Otherwise, you’ll run out of time and only be able to rush around for a quick look. Although the weather wasn’t very good, I really liked walking around here. There are also lots of banana products. The one I photographed was a banana smoothie〜 It actually had chunks of banana in it. It was so sweet that anyone with a sweet tooth would absolutely love it. I saw other people taking pictures of that yellow sign, so I wanted to go see what it was. So cool〜 Drafting students will definitely get it hahaha. I also really liked that glass lamp. It looked a little like a Turkish lamp〜 I like that translucent look combined with the reflections. It gets all sparkly and shiny.

My visit happened to coincide with the annual Kawagoe Festival. As soon as I entered Kitain Temple, I was struck by its peaceful atmosphere, completely different from the lively festival outside. Strolling through the temple grounds and admiring the valuable historic buildings, I felt as though I had temporarily escaped the noise of the streets and, for a moment, traveled back in time to the Edo period. What impressed me most during this visit was undoubtedly the famous 500 Rakan statues. The more than 500 stone statues of Buddhist disciples each have different expressions and poses. Some are laughing heartily, some appear lost in thought, and others seem to be chatting casually with the companions beside them. Every statue is carved with lifelike detail, and looking closely reveals even more of its unique character and charm. I wonder if you, like me, would try to find one among these more than 500 Rakan statues with whom you feel a special connection, stop for a moment, quietly admire its expression and pose, and experience that indescribable sense of familiarity

I visited Kyoto’s Nishijin Textile Center several years ago, and the traditional craftsmanship displayed here still leaves a deep impression on me! This attraction is free to visit and offers an up-close look at Nishijin textiles, one of Kyoto’s representative traditional crafts. Artisans demonstrate the weaving process on-site. Watching the threads pass back and forth between their skilled hands, gradually forming intricate and delicate patterns, was truly impressive. The movements may look simple, but they require intense concentration and meticulous skill. Staring at countless fine silk threads for long periods must also be extremely demanding on the eyes and mind. Plain-looking threads are transformed by the artisans’ skillful hands into gorgeous, elegant textiles, with years of expertise hidden in every detail. The center also holds fashion shows featuring models in graceful, elegant kimono, giving visitors a chance to appreciate the beauty of different styles and woven patterns. These live demonstrations let you see not only the beauty of kimono but also the appeal of Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship being passed down from generation to generation.

Kokusai-dori at night is truly colorful and bustling. This time, I took the monorail there and slowly strolled along the street. I specifically came to find the famous snow salt cookie shop because I was amazed when I tried the cookies during my trip and knew I had to visit. In addition to a wide selection of souvenirs, the shop also serves its signature snow salt ice cream. You can find all kinds of Okinawa's famous specialty salts here. The most interesting part is that after ordering the ice cream, you can sprinkle on different flavored salts however you like. The unique combination of salty and sweet is really delicious. After finishing the ice cream, I started browsing the little shops along the street and also stopped by Don Quijote to hunt for interesting finds. Although my feet were unbearably sore by the end of the day, I still couldn't stop walking. The most remarkable thing was that nearly everyone along the way seemed to be a Taiwanese tourist. It felt warmly familiar and was almost as lively as walking through a night market in Taiwan.

After passing through Kaminarimon Gate, you’ll come to the lively Nakamise shopping street, lined with all kinds of souvenir shops, traditional snacks, and uniquely Japanese products. It’s fun to browse and eat along the way. However, this visit really made me realize just how incredible the crowds at Sensoji Temple can be. It was packed with people from the entrance all the way to the area around the temple. You have to wait for an opening to take a good photo, and sometimes you can only move slowly along with the crowd. Even with all the crowds, once you reach the main hall of Sensoji Temple, you can still feel its solemn, historic atmosphere. Watching everyone pray sincerely, draw fortunes, and ask for blessings naturally makes you slow down and experience Japan’s traditional temple culture. Although the number of visitors this time was honestly a little overwhelming, Sensoji Temple is still well worth visiting when you’re in Tokyo! If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend coming earlier. You may have a better chance of getting the photos you want.

Izumo Taisha, the heart of Japanese mythology in Shimane, truly leaves you speechless the moment you stand in front of the Kaguraden and see its unbelievably enormous shimenawa rope! Seeing one of Japan’s thickest and largest shimenawa ropes in person, with the immense weight of layer upon layer of tightly woven straw, is dozens of times more imposing than it looks in photos. The sheer power of it hanging beneath the majestic wooden eaves makes you keep staring upward in awe! The worship hall is equally magnificent, with thick, dark natural-wood pillars, layers of rustic cypress-bark roofing, white lanterns bearing the shrine crest hanging on both sides, and a solemn shimenawa rope. Under the bright sun and clear sky, it gives off a powerful sense of sacredness and calm. When visiting, don’t forget to follow the local custom. What makes worship at Izumo Taisha especially unique is the ritual of “two bows, four claps, and one bow.” Along with the crisp, resounding claps, you can pray for all kinds of good connections at Japan’s most powerful sacred place for matchmaking—whether in relationships, your career, or finances. It feels like your positive energy is instantly maxed out! The entire shrine grounds are also incredibly spacious and enjoyable to explore. Strolling along pebble-covered paths, with a cool stream bordered by old stone embankments beside you, sunlight filtering through the lush green maple leaves and casting dappled patterns, and a gentle breeze blowing by, the atmosphere is peaceful and unbelievably comfortable. Around the corners, you’ll also come across stone artworks in various forms, as well as super-cute little rabbit sculptures based on the myth of the “White Rabbit of Inaba.” The sight of them sitting obediently on stone pedestals with their paws together is unbearably adorable and makes you stop to snap a few extra photos! From the visually stunning giant shimenawa rope at the Kaguraden and the wooden shrine buildings filled with history, to the forest scenery surrounded by greenery and the White Rabbits of Inaba looking cute everywhere, Izumo Taisha has both the sweeping solemnity of a top-tier shrine and a spiritual, soothing quality throughout that completely relaxes you. This fulfilling experience of wandering around at your own pace and personally connecting with the origins of Japanese mythology is definitely an unforgettable, top-tier mythological pilgrimage on any trip to the San’in region!

Kyoto has both an eastern and western Honganji Temple, but originally there was only one Honganji Temple. After Kennyo Shonin passed away, his eldest son Kyonyo succeeded him as head of Honganji, but Toyotomi Hideyoshi later ordered him to retire, and the position passed to his third son, Junnyo. This became the foundation for the lineage that would later develop into Nishi Honganji. Later still, Tokugawa Ieyasu granted Kyonyo land around Karasuma Rokujo and Shichijo in Kyoto, where Kyonyo reestablished Honganji, resulting in the present-day Higashi and Nishi Honganji temples. Higashi Honganji is closer to Kyoto Station than Nishi Honganji. It is about a 7-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, so if you happen to be nearby, I highly recommend stopping by. The first time I entered Higashi Honganji, I was genuinely taken aback because the grounds were far larger than I had expected. The Founder’s Hall in particular is one of the largest wooden structures in the world, and its interior contains 927 tatami mats. Compared with the other temples I had visited over the past few days, the ones I had previously thought were huge suddenly seemed like nothing. And Higashi Honganji is not just “big.” If you look closely at the buildings, you will find many interesting details. Although the main buildings you see today have been reconstructed, the architecture still has plenty of details worth taking the time to examine. On this visit, for example, I saw quite a few wooden carvings featuring animals. The rabbit in the photo is one of them, and deer, dragons, lions, and other animals can be found elsewhere on the grounds. When visiting a large temple like this, it is easy to miss these small details if you only keep staring at the main hall. Instead, slowly looking up and down will reveal quite a few interesting things. Also, it happened to be raining when I visited, and there seemed to be some kind of temple event going on. I saw the temple staff taking out a huge number of umbrellas to organize and dry them. From a distance, the sight of so many open umbrellas was actually quite impressive. This is not something an ordinary tourist would particularly expect to see, but it ended up becoming one of my strongest memories of Higashi Honganji. I also never expected such a solemn temple to have its own mascot. On this visit, I saw a standee of “Ran’on-kun” on the grounds. It is a lion wearing Buddhist robes and holding prayer beads, which felt like quite a contrast at first glance. I later looked it up and found that it is an official character created for events related to the 750th memorial anniversary of Shinran Shonin in 2011. It made me feel that Japanese Buddhism is really quite modern. And honestly, I personally think Higashi Honganji is quite luxurious. It feels very different from the style of Buddhist temples I commonly see in Taiwan, especially because the halls are decorated with many gold elements, making the overall appearance quite ornate. I even felt that it had the same kind of glittering golden visual effect as Nijo Castle,

In mid-October, I visited the Wajima Morning Market. As someone who loves morning markets, I had admired this famous market for a long time! It was just after 10, and the crowds seemed to have already thinned out. I stopped at a stall selling fruit and rice balls. The woman running it smiled shyly, and I shyly asked, “Can I help?” She smiled and said, “Then I’ll go get some more fruit from the truck. Please watch the stall for me.” I never imagined I would become the shopkeeper so easily! “Welcome!” Then I noticed a pile of bills and coins in a cardboard box inside the stall. That must have been the morning’s earnings. She trusted me, a traveler from out of town, that much! I was touched by her simple sincerity! When she returned, I told her, “It’s very windy, but none of the money blew away!” We chatted about everyday things while calling out to customers! Every time I called out, she laughed! We even sold a rice ball along the way! Later, I bought some fruit from her and reluctantly left. Two or three months later, in January 2024, a major earthquake struck here, and the entire morning market was destroyed! I was heartbroken and full of regret! I regretted not getting her contact information! This was the saddest trip I’ve ever taken!

Mt. Fuji 🗻~ Forever so beautiful, my Tokyo travel diary~ Every time I return to Tokyo, I look forward to seeing Mt. Fuji. Whether viewing it from afar at ground level, looking down from a plane, or seeing it against a blue sky and fiery red autumn leaves, each view shows Mt. Fuji’s unique and breathtaking beauty. The stunning aerial view from the plane, looking through the clouds at the snow-covered summit—the captain’s announcement let travelers know about the surprise outside the window. It’s an exclusive view from high above that only lucky passengers get to enjoy! A spectacular view filled with autumn colors, with distinct layers of bright red and golden maple leaves intertwining with the snow-covered mountain in the distance to create the most classic Japanese scenery. All in all, being able to see the sacred mountain with my own eyes on such a clear, sunny day surely made this trip full of wonderful memories!

Visiting the Tokyo Disneyland I’d always dreamed of really felt like stepping into a fairy-tale world! During the day, Cinderella Castle looked magnificent against the blue sky, as if I had walked into the kingdom of my dreams. But what impressed me most was the nighttime parade~ Dazzling lights, powerful music, and gorgeous floats appeared one after another, with all kinds of familiar classic characters right before my eyes. It was grand and magical, and I couldn’t look away! I couldn’t stop taking pictures either! The moment the music started and the lights began to sparkle, I couldn’t help but feel moved~~ It felt like the fairy-tale world I had longed for as a child had truly come to life right in front of me! The parade wasn’t just gorgeous and lively—it had a kind of magic that completely drew me in and made me wish it would never end. It became the most unforgettable memory of my trip to Japan. You really have to visit Disneyland at least once in your life 🫶

When visiting Miyagi Prefecture in Japan’s Tohoku region, how could you miss the incredibly unique Zao Fox Village? More than 100 foxes live here, and you can watch them roam freely, rest, and even chase one another around the grounds. Seeing their daily lives up close is really novel and interesting! You can take a shuttle bus from the Shiroishi-Zao Station or Shiroishi Station area. It costs about JPY 1,000 each way, and admission is around JPY 1,500. There aren’t many shuttle departures, and seating is limited, so be sure to check the schedule in advance and plan your round-trip transportation so you don’t have to rush! Besides all the adorable foxes, there are other animals to observe, as well as a paid experience where you can hold a fox. People who love small animals will probably find it very special. However, we visited in the summer, which happened to be shedding season for the foxes. Many of them had thinner coats and didn’t have the round, fluffy appearance they do in winter, which was a little disappointing for photos. The grounds were also smaller than expected, so I recommend combining your visit with other nearby attractions. If, like me, you’re most excited to see cute, fluffy foxes or even want to capture dreamy photos of them walking through the snow, visiting in winter may be more likely to meet your expectations! This time, I got to check off the special experience of observing foxes up close, and it was definitely a very different stop on my trip through Japan’s Tohoku region!

“Lake Shikaribetsu Ice Village Volunteer Activity” The early morning sunlight falls across the endless white snow. Walking on the frozen Lake Shikaribetsu feels like being in a fairy-tale wonderland. I met many friendly staff members and fellow volunteers here, all working toward one goal: the ice village. The ice chapel, where lovers who have walked hand in hand for 10 years make promises for their future. One home, two people, three meals, four seasons—the ice in winter and the lake in summer. The one thing that never changes is our love for this place. The ice hot spring, with its piping-hot water and warm friendships. One person asks, “Would you climb the mountain and stack ice blocks with me?” “Sure.” Supporting your dreams and making your wishes come true. A friendship that feels even more like family than family. After returning home, where there’s no snow to build an ice hut, I think back on everything that felt like a dream—and on the friend willing to go all out with me. The ice bar, where you carve an ice block into a cup. The owner said, “However big you want your cup, carve it yourself.” A cup you make yourself has the most warmth. Although you can’t take it down the mountain, the warmth of the alcohol remains deep in your heart. The “Lake Shikaribetsu sake” that belongs up here in the mountains is irreplaceable. It tastes better than down below! It’s okay if you don’t understand. Say it a few more times and you will. Language begins with listening, speaking, reading, and writing, but body language begins with a smile. Conversations that feel like dancing, and the knowing smiles when you understand each other’s language, are truly moving. The power of nature is irreplaceable. My body, mind, and spirit were filled with energy here. It turns out snowflakes really are flat, just like in animated movies—only even more beautiful.

When visiting Tokyo, you absolutely shouldn’t miss this historic and charming landmark—the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Station Building! My hotel was near Tokyo Station, so every morning when I went out and every evening when I returned, I could enjoy the station’s beauty at different times of day. I really never got tired of looking at it. This century-old red-brick building has regained its elegant, classical appearance after restoration. It looks stately and refined during the day. At night, warm yellow lights illuminate the entire building, making the red-brick exterior even more captivating against the night sky. Together with the spacious plaza in front, it feels like stepping into a movie scene. It’s so romantic that you can’t help but stop and admire it. Tokyo Station isn’t just a major transportation hub; it’s also a paradise for shopping, food, and souvenirs! Inside the station are shopping areas such as GRANSTA Tokyo, offering everything from popular sweets and specialty snacks to all kinds of souvenirs. There’s so much to see, eat, and buy that it’s easy to go overboard shopping. I even thought it was more exciting than the airport duty-free shops (laughs). The station is divided into the Marunouchi side near the Imperial Palace and the Yaesu side near Nihonbashi. Knowing the entrances, exits, and connecting passages on both sides makes shopping and catching trains much more convenient. Admire the century-old architecture during the day, enjoy the dazzling night view in the evening, and stock up on Japanese souvenirs while you’re there. Tokyo Station is definitely worth setting aside time to explore!

If you come to Kyoto and can choose only one temple to experience the history and beauty of the ancient capital, Kiyomizu-dera is definitely not to be missed. Located on Mt. Otowa, Kiyomizu-dera was founded in 778 and has a history spanning more than a thousand years. It is one of Kyoto's most iconic temples and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Walking slowly uphill along the approach and passing through the vermilion Nio-mon Gate, you are greeted by the temple's stately buildings. The most impressive feature of Kiyomizu-dera is undoubtedly the Kiyomizu Stage, built using traditional wooden construction techniques. Supported by numerous wooden pillars and extending over the hillside, its main structure was built without nails, showcasing the skill and ingenuity of ancient Japanese architecture. From the stage, you can take in sweeping views of Kyoto's cityscape and the mountains in the distance. The scenery changes completely with the seasons: soft pink cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, layers of red maple leaves in fall, and a crisp, tranquil beauty in winter. Continuing along the temple path, you will come to Otowa Waterfall. The spring water flows down the rock face in three streams, traditionally associated with wishes for academic success, love, and longevity. Many travelers come here not only to admire the scenery, but also to pray for blessings for themselves and their loved ones. What I liked most, though, may not have been any particular magnificent view, but the way I naturally slowed down while walking through the temple grounds. In this ancient temple that has stood for over a thousand years, it feels as though you can sense the weight of time. It also reminds me that there is no need to rush through every step of life. Some things require patience, some answers take time, and the people who truly matter deserve to be cherished. Sometimes, the meaning of travel is not just about admiring the scenery, but also about rediscovering inner peace in an unexpected moment.

Listen, it’s the sound of the wind When water is given life, the wind also takes shape What would it look like? Between the lush green terraced rice fields and the deep blue sea, a white, drop-shaped concrete building stands on a small hill Striking yet harmonious Blending perfectly into its surroundings After taking off my shoes and stepping inside the museum My first impression was—silence There were only hushed conversations and the sounds of insects and birds nearby A peaceful kind of silence, I think The wind blows through the ribbon hanging from the opening above as you listen to nature’s whispers And to your own voice Watching the droplets on the ground move, over and over again I couldn’t help but start wondering where life ultimately comes from - Unlike traditional museums, the Teshima Art Museum doesn’t house many works by famous artists, yet it was the place where I felt most at ease during my entire Setouchi Triennale trip Definitely don’t miss it~ (It’s also a great place for a nap - ★A few tips for the peak festival season★ ▪︎Avoid Naoshima’s closing day ▪︎Be sure to buy tickets as soon as they go on sale to increase your chances of getting your preferred time slot (the same goes for rental cars; otherwise, your only chance may be to take the first ferry) ▪︎If you choose to take the bus, I highly recommend buying a one-day pass through the app The navigation and bus schedules in the official app are astonishingly accurate ▪︎If you’re making a round trip from Takamatsu, arriving at the port 1–2 hours early to wait for the ferry is a rule for survival!!!

When visiting Fukuoka, how could you miss this huge shopping and entertainment complex that's so much fun to explore? Canal City Hakata brings together shopping, food, hotels, and entertainment facilities. The mall is enormous, and you can always discover something new as you walk around! It's also very convenient to get here from the subway station. Whether you want to shop, look for good food, or simply take a stroll and enjoy the lively mall atmosphere, it's a great place to visit. There are also plenty of good restaurants nearby, so when you get tired from walking around, you can find a place to sit down and enjoy a nice meal. Best of all, there are sometimes spectacular fountain shows with lights and music, adding a touch of romance and excitement to the shopping center! If you enjoy shopping, food, and performances, it's definitely worth stopping by. You can easily spend half a day here without getting bored〜

This is probably every girl's dream world! At Sanrio Harmony Land in Oita, Kyushu, the entire park is surrounded by the cute magic of Hello Kitty, My Melody, and Kuromi, making even the air feel pink and sparkly✨. As soon as we entered, we came across a bubble water-gun party. The kids jumped around amid bubbles filling the air, and the whole opening felt like falling into a fairy tale—dreamy and fun! My daughter happened to visit on her birthday, and after receiving a birthday pin, she immediately unlocked the special birthday perks! Not only could she shake hands with Sanrio characters, but she could also join a Happy Birthday show, where Hello Kitty and My Melody appeared in person to sing and dance for the birthday girl. Every ride in the park is perfect for little kids: a water-gun shooting ride, Ferris wheel, flying ships, roller coaster, and the much-anticipated Kuromi- and My Melody-themed lunch. It completely fulfilled a little girl's dream list. The one thing you absolutely shouldn't miss is Hello Kitty Castle. Stepping inside the pink castle feels like entering Kitty's secret home, with cute furniture and dreamy rooms, and at the end, you can even take a photo with Hello Kitty. The signature show, Parade Parallel, features dreamy bubbles floating everywhere and dazzling special effects. Hello Kitty and Dear Daniel lead the way, followed by My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, and the rest of the characters, all dressed in elaborate, gorgeous costumes. Unlike the distant feeling at typical large theme parks, the circular stage here brings the characters and dancers very close to the audience. Every wave and wink feels like they're greeting us personally. Watching the characters lead everyone in singing and dancing, the children around us were so excited that they danced along, and even the adults were swept up in that pure joy and couldn't help clapping to the beat.

This August, I went back to Komachi Street in Kamakura to look for Lino Drops, a nearby shop that makes accessories from sakura shells. The shop also thoughtfully provides product cards in Chinese for gift recipients. I chose a pair of sakura shell earrings as a souvenir for myself. The Toshimaya main store is also here, with lots of special signature dove-themed merchandise. Everything is so cute that it's hard to choose. Since it was already August when I visited, I was delighted to see a new strawberry milk soft-serve shop on Komachi Street! My family has always been really into strawberry flavors🍓 Overall, I was very satisfied, and it didn't leave me thirsty afterward〜 If you like matcha flavors, Komachi Street has that option too〜 If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend taking the JR train to Kamakura on a weekday morning and leaving some time to explore Komachi Street. You might discover small shops that make you want to come back again and again.

Before the trip, I hadn't planned on visiting Yushien Garden because it was the off-season, but my family wanted to see the red spider lilies, so we added it to our itinerary, and I unexpectedly really liked it. For 2026, the official website said the special red spider lily display would run from 9/18-23, and I saw a Google Maps review saying the flowers still looked good on 9/23. We took the bus from Matsue on 9/24 (transit cards are accepted). There weren't many people, and only three of us got off at Yushien Garden. Admission can be paid with PayPay, and the staff thoughtfully gave us a Chinese brochure. Although we had already visited the crowded Adachi Museum of Art, known as Japan's No. 1 garden, Yushien Garden was very pleasant to walk around because there weren't many people. The pines, peonies, and red spider lilies all looked like paintings. It's perfect for people who enjoy quietly taking in the scenery. There was also a Kobitos scavenger hunt going on, which was very cute. The shop after the indoor peony area had tasteful items that were a great value, with more selection than the shop at the outer entrance. The view from the teahouse at the end was beautiful. Off-season admission to Yushien Garden is JPY 1,000 for adults. It's ideal for travelers who enjoy peace and quiet, and you can leisurely see everything in about two hours. For the return trip, we took the bus back to Matsue from where we had gotten off. I hope to visit again when the peony pond display is in full bloom.

Located in Okazaki City, Aichi Prefecture, it can be reached in about 30 minutes from Meitetsu Nagoya Station. Although it may not be a top priority when visiting Nagoya, Okazaki City is historically significant as the birthplace of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, and Okazaki Castle itself has important historical value. It is about a 15-minute walk from Higashi Okazaki Station. Along the way, you will pass Sugo Shrine, Okazaki Park, and Ryujin Shrine, while Okazaki Castle is located inside Okazaki Park. Although the grounds are not very large, you can see the castle keep from Tonobashi Bridge over the Oto River. Okazaki Castle has 3 stories and 5 floors, and from the top you can look out over the Higashi Okazaki area. There aren't many visitors inside, so you can take your time exploring. After visiting Okazaki Castle, you can return to the area near the station for some food and finish up this half-day trip. If you visit Nagoya, remember that you can also stop by this historic site just 30 minutes away.