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Iriya Kishimojin
This temple is dedicated to Kishimojin, a goddess representing safe childbirth and parenting. Iriya Kishimojin is also one of the temples included in the Shitaya Shichifukujin, and it also enshrines Fukurokuju, a god that brings luck related to children and wealth.
This place mainly worships Kishimojin, who protects kids and families. It really has a local vibe.
Meiji Jingu Museum
The Meiji Jingu Museum, which stands quietly on the approach in the Meiji Jingu precinct, lined with giant trees, opened in 2019 as a memorial service for the 100th anniversary of Meiji Jingu establishment. The museum preserves and exhibits items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the deities of Meiji Jingu Shrine.
The Meiji Jingu Museum blends right into the surrounding forest. The way the building and the environment are separated gives it a fresh and unique vibe. I felt so peaceful here~ I really love this place~
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
A museum introducing the Yamato, the world’s largest battleship during World War II. Visitors can also learn about Kure’s history and science and technology. The 1/10-scale battleship Yamato, the symbol of the Yamato Museum, has been recreated based on original blueprints, underwater survey footage, and crew testimony. It continues to share the importance of peace and the excellence of science and technology with future generations.
The Yamato exhibit has a Zero Fighter Type 62 on display—it was pretty exciting to see! It really felt like traveling through time. Plus, the technology used to build these was later used for space rockets. Super impressive!
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
At GRANSTA, there's a Kyushu cuisine spot called Motsunabe Ariyuki. I really love how they grill the carefully selected beef intestines and meat on an iron plate. The special red miso sauce they use for the beef intestines is amazing—the texture is fantastic, the fat is sweet but not greasy, and the aroma is just perfect. It goes so well with rice!
Genshichi Roten no Yu (Outdoor Hot Spring)
Zao Hot Spring is said to have been found in AD 110 and beloved for almost 1900 years. This bathhouse offers a place to stop by and enjoy the hot spring of Zao. The water is strongly acidic and sulfuric which is effective to rejuvenate the skin and blood vessels as well as improving skin’s antiseptic properties and strengthening the skin, cherished as “the Beauty Water” since ancient days.
Genshichi Roten no Yu—I really like the hot springs here. The large open-air bath is filled with milky white sulfur water, and the little white mineral flowers are blooming. I had a super relaxing soak. It was fantastic.