Works for a travel publisher
An avid bicycle traveler, he has set foot on every continent except Antarctica.
Number of reviews 8/ Number of likes 170
Barbacoa Shinjuku
The Shinjuku location of Barbacoa, an authentic churrasco restaurant headquartered in São Paulo, Brazil. Popular as a renowned restaurant where guests can experience the flavors and style of Brazil just as they are, making it the only place of its kind in Japan. Although it is in the heart of the city, it is known for its richly exotic atmosphere that invites you into South American food culture as soon as you open the door.
A specialty restaurant for Brazilian churrasco. Not only can you enjoy as much meat as you want, but you can also try unique Brazilian dishes.
The system is pretty unique: you use a round plastic chip on the table to signal whether you want more meat. Green means “more, please,” and red means “I’m full, so please stop.” If you switch it back to green when you feel ready to eat again, skewered meat will be brought to your table.
It’s a great system, especially if you’re not confident in Japanese!
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
What I look forward to every season is the 'Jewellumination'—an illumination event produced by lighting designer Motoko Ishii, inspired by jewels. The entire park is lit up with 6.5 million colorful LED lights, and it's absolutely breathtaking. The best way to enjoy it is to view it from different heights and angles. The gondola from Keio Yomiuriland Station gives you a fantastic view as you approach the park—highly recommended to start your visit with the gondola (sit facing the direction of travel!). You can also enjoy unique views from the Ferris wheel, the Bandit roller coaster, and the 360-degree Looping Starship ride. And here's a secret tip: the best spot is at the top of the bungee jump tower, where you can capture the whole illumination in one photo. Be sure to check the bungee jump hours on the official website and go before it closes. Of course, you can even enjoy the view while bungee jumping!
Tobi Fudo (Flying Deity), Ryukozan Shoboin
A temple of Tendai Sect from the lineage of Shugendo was founded in 1530 by St. Shozan. Fudo-Myoo is the principal image. A long time ago, the chief priest performed an ascetic practice with the image of Fudo in Mt. Omine of Nara prefecture.
This Fudo deity is said to bring blessings not only for aviation safety, but for anything related to “flying” in general. The original blue goshuin book is very detailed, so take a close look at the cover. You should be able to spot a satellite, airplane, golfer, rocket, and helicopter among the clouds. It’s a one-of-a-kind goshuin book that you can only receive here in all of Japan. One book costs JPY 1,800, and the size is about 12 cm wide × 18 cm tall.
Fukiware no Taki Falls
Usually, when you look at waterfalls in well-known tourist spots, you have to look up to feel their dynamism. However, Fukiware no Taki is different. As a place where you can feel the splendor of nature by looking down a waterfall, it is extremely rare. Also nicknamed the “Niagara Falls of the East”, this waterfall boasts a 7-meter drop and a width of 30 meters.
The key to enjoying Fukiware Falls is to visit without expecting something on the scale of Iguazu Falls in South America, since the water volume is not always high.
The area around the falls is well maintained and easy to walk, so enjoy not just the waterfall, but also the unusual rock formations and the changing scenery of the river.
There is a hiking course around the gorge near the falls that takes about an hour, with three observation decks where you can look down on Fukiware Falls from above.
Along the way, there are souvenir shops with a nostalgic feel, their goods casually and somewhat clutteredly displayed, and it’s the kind of scene that naturally makes you stop and take a look.
SL Gunma Minakami, SL Gunma Yokokawa
The two steam locomotives running in Gunma Prefecture, mainly on weekends, are "SL Minakami," which runs from Takasaki Station to Minakami Station and back, and "SL Yokokawa," which runs from Takasaki Station to Yokokawa Station and back. The "D51 class steam locomotive" was created in 1940 (Showa 15) and was nicknamed "Degoichi".
Here's a hidden spot where you can get up close to the SL Gunma Minakami: the SL Turntable Plaza at Minakami Station. It's about a five-minute walk to the right after you exit the station. You can watch the steam locomotive turn around on the turntable at the end of its journey—so close you can feel the heat! On days when the SL is running, you need a reserved seat ticket to enter the plaza, but there's also a free viewing spot on a nearby hill where you can see the action from a bit farther away. When I visited, I even got to see the JR East cruise train 'TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima' at Minakami Station.
Born and raised in Tokyo, I began traveling by bicycle and hitchhiking in junior high school, gradually venturing farther afield. I eventually cycled from Cape Soya in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost point, to Cape Sata in Kagoshima Prefecture, at the southern tip of Kyushu. I have a deep love for bicycle travel, which lets me experience the journey as a continuous route rather than simply hopping from one destination to another. Overseas, I have traveled to every continent except Antarctica. I majored in tourism at university and have worked in editing and sales for a travel guidebook publisher since 2007. Outside of travel, my hobbies include photography, camping, and growing vegetables.
Yoron Island in Kagoshima Prefecture. It has many beaches where you can have the glassy, pale-blue sea all to yourself, melting away the stress of everyday life.
Traveling along the Sanriku Coast in Iwate Prefecture. The road had roller-coaster-like ups and downs, and I eventually gave up pedaling and walked while pushing my bicycle. It remains a special memory because I experienced the warmth and kindness of the people of Tohoku, including drivers who stopped one after another to offer me food and drinks.
Try a delicious bowl of TKG—rice topped with raw egg—for breakfast. Japan also has some truly wonderful secluded hot springs, so try seeking one out.
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