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NIFREL – Interactive Aqua Zoo

I finally visited NIFREL, a place I’d wanted to check out for ages!

The themed exhibits are really creative, and I was blown away by how close you can get to the animals. I never realized how cute fish could be until now! I totally fell for the adorable archerfish.

At the "Hide" zone, I was so focused on trying to spot the animals that I ended up wandering around in front of the displays forever.

Watching crocodiles up close, seeing the majestic white tiger, and being surprised by how "mini" the pygmy hippo actually is—you could honestly watch them all day! Highly recommend this spot for a full day of fun!

Festival of the Lights in OSAKA: Osaka Hikari-Renaissance

The "Osaka Hikari-Renaissance" is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2022. It officially starts on December 14, but I got to see the projection mapping at Nakanoshima Public Hall a bit early! I just happened to pass by and was lucky enough to experience this magical world of lights.

It's one of the core programs of the "Festival of the Lights in OSAKA," which makes the whole city sparkle, including the Midosuji illuminations.

It's running until the 25th, so definitely check it out!

Kyo-train GARAKU

I happened to get on the Kyo-Train Garaku from Hankyu Umeda Station to Kawaramachi without knowing anything about it. The moment I boarded, I looked around thinking, 'Is it really okay for me to be on this train?' Apparently, I was in car No. 2, and right next to me was a Japanese garden. The seats had cushions, making them super comfortable! Plus, the seats were spacious, so the ride to Kyoto was really pleasant. It was also funny to see other people getting on at each stop, looking just as confused as I was. I felt really lucky to ride this special train without any extra charge!

Shika Saru Kitsune Building

Shika Saru Kitsune Building is tucked away just a bit from Sarusawa Pond.
I stopped by on October 22, 2022, when I visited 'Nara Okashi Seizojo ocasi,' a newly opened sweets shop in a renovated machiya right next door!
On the second floor, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten has a great selection of tableware and lifestyle goods—just browsing was exciting! (I picked up a dishcloth with a design exclusive to this location.)
At the recently opened 'Nara Okashi Seizojo ocasi,' I tried their signature 'ocasi plate.'
The concept is 'Nara sweets' that combine Japanese, Western, and fruit-based treats, and you get to try all three on one plate. The dorayaki had a lightly sweetened bean paste that was super refreshing and tasty! The creamy cheesecake was also fantastic. You can add some jam (made from Yamato tachibana, kiwi, and plum) for a fun flavor twist.
You can buy the dorayaki and cheesecake as souvenirs or gifts (dorayaki lasts 5 days from the production date, cheesecake keeps for a month if frozen).
There are benches and chairs inside and outside, but you can also take your treats to go and enjoy them by Sarusawa Pond nearby.
Highly recommend as a snack while exploring Naramachi!

Tanize Suspension Bridge

I visited the Tanize Suspension Bridge on a bus tour. I've been here once before and crossed the bridge that time, but I skipped it this time! I'm afraid of heights, so I just enjoyed the view without crossing. I'm sure the scenery from the bridge is amazing, but even just looking at it was enough for me!
By the way, the bridge shakes quite a bit. If you're not scared of heights, definitely give it a try!

Head Temple, Hasedera

Hasedera is also known as the Temple of Flowers. I love visiting here every June during hydrangea season.
If you come on a rainy day or just after the rain, the hydrangeas look shiny and beautiful!
This year, I was a bit late, so the flowers were already starting to fade... Too bad.
It's a bit of a walk from the station, and there are lots of stairs at the temple, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

Awa Odori Festival Hall

The Awa Odori festival is held every August. It's hard to visit right during the festival, but at the Awa Odori Festival Hall, you can watch authentic performances anytime!
They explain the differences between the men's and women's dances, and the instruments that bring the dance to life.
At the end, there's even a dance lesson. Trying it myself, I realized it's surprisingly tricky!
Now I really want to dance in the actual festival someday!

Kyoto Gion Anon Kyoto Gion Main Store

I was craving Anpone, so I headed to the cafe in Gion, Kyoto. I ordered the seasonal Anon Sanpoka, where you can pick your favorite sweets. Everything looked so good—I spent ages trying to decide, haha.
Of course, I finally got to try the Anpone I’d been wanting! The combo of sweet bean paste and mascarpone cheese is just perfect. Not too sweet, so you could easily eat a bunch. These would make great gifts or souvenirs too!

Alley-Karasukojima

This is a must-visit spot in the port town of Kure. The submarines and ships docked here change depending on the season, so there’s always something new to see every time you visit! I was lucky to catch quite a few during my trip.