Kawakami-An in Karuizawa is a super popular soba restaurant, and there's usually a line. The dining space is comfy and minimalistic. You have to try the Shinshu soba here! Every time I visit, I always order it. Totally worth waiting 20 minutes! The duck hot soba is amazing—the duck is so tender, it doesn't even feel like you're eating duck, and it's not greasy at all. Surprisingly delicious! The soup has a nice charcoal-grilled aroma, and you can really tell the chef puts a lot of care into the food. Highly recommended—never gets old! 😘👍🍜 I love it ❤️
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Sky Gate is on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, right by Shibuya Station. There's a 360-degree open-air observation deck called SHIBUYA SKY, which is perfect for checking out Tokyo's cityscape and night views. The glass corners are super Instagrammable and it's become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists!
Besides the outdoor deck, you can see Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Shinjuku, Tokyo Bay, and even Mt. Fuji all at once. It's honestly breathtaking! ❤️ -
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One of my most unforgettable places in Kyushu is Yanagawa, known as the 'City of Water.' The river cruise is about 4 kilometers long. What's special is that the boatman rows the small boat while singing Japanese folk songs... The boatman even does cute and funny gestures, letting you really feel the local culture and the charm of this ancient water town.
When passing under bridges, you have to duck or even lie down to avoid hitting your head on the bridge or branches. It's a really fun Yanagawa boat experience!
After the cruise, I highly recommend trying Yanagawa's famous eel rice at Wakamatsuya, a century-old restaurant. Wakamatsuya has been around since the Ansei era (1854-1859). The rice is steamed to perfection and tastes amazing. When you open the box, you can immediately smell the rich, unique sauce, and the seasoned eel is so flavorful. It's just so delicious! 😋 -
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Ginzan Onsen in 2019! ♨️ It really felt like stepping into the world of Spirited Away... The snowy scenery at Ginzan Onsen was absolutely breathtaking. I went with a tour group this time, so I didn't get to stay at a ryokan. I really wanted to see Yubaba's bathhouse and try their famous soba noodles, but because of the tight schedule, I didn't have time—such a shame. The guide mentioned there's a free outdoor foot bath at the entrance of the onsen street, so you can soak your feet and watch people go by—such a great vibe! In the distance, you can see the famous Notoya Ryokan, which inspired the bathhouse in the anime. As a big Spirited Away fan, it was amazing to finally visit Ginzan Onsen and see Notoya in real life, just like in the movie with its unique colors and fun characters. It felt so surreal! As you walk down the onsen street, you'll come across a little red bridge. Once you cross it, you'll find Takimikan, one of the famous onsen hotels, and their soba noodle shop. If you get the chance, definitely try it out! Eating soba while watching the snow fall outside was such a moving and satisfying experience. ❤️
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Matsushima is one of Japan's Three Great Views and a top sightseeing spot, especially popular with older visitors. The area is made up of 260 unique rocks and islands all connected together.
We took a sightseeing boat around Matsushima Bay and then visited Zuiganji Temple, which is a designated national treasure.
I'm really impressed by how well Japan preserves its historical sites—it's one of the reasons I love traveling here! 👍❤️ -
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Winters in Tohoku are honestly even colder than Hokkaido! But the scenery here is so unique. The frozen waterfalls at Oirase Stream in Aomori are just amazing. The stream runs through a natural forest for 14 kilometers, and in winter, everything—streams, rocks, and trees—gets covered in thick snow. It looks like a snowy ink painting. Seeing the waterfalls frozen into icicles feels like time has stopped. It's truly moving and touches your heart. ❤️
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If you're in Kitakyushu, you have to visit the Kyushu Natural Animal Park! Both adults and kids can ride the jungle bus and get up close to lions, black bears, elephants, and more—you can even feed them! The park is huge and really feels like being on the African savanna. Usually, you only see animals from far away at zoos, but riding the jungle bus and getting so close is such an adventure. Feeding the animals is exciting and a bit surprising, too. When it was time to leave, the kids didn't want to go and kept saying bye to the animals 😆👍👏 Can't wait to visit again!
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Back in 2018, I saw a Japanese TV show featuring the Urashima Ama Hut and really wanted to check it out myself! 😄 When I arrived, the ama divers greeted us with big smiles in their traditional white diving outfits—it honestly felt like coming home. So warm and welcoming! ❤️ These women aren’t just dressing up for tourists—they’re the real deal. Even though many of them are older, they’re full of energy and greeted us with so much enthusiasm. After our meal, I even danced with the ama divers! This trip was so memorable—I still think about it fondly. 👍
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Universal Studios Japan is a favorite for both kids and adults! I visited in 2013 and 2014, and then went back in 2018 when the new Harry Potter area opened. A lot of people come here just for Harry Potter! I wasn’t even a big fan before, but after riding the Forbidden Journey, I totally fell in love with the wizarding world. I even rewatched all the movies when I got home. I’m really impressed by the attention to detail and professionalism in the park’s design—it really draws you in! ❤️ Highly recommended. 👍
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When the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route opened, I flew over right away to see the massive snow walls—so exciting! I was literally jumping for joy. The towering mountains and deep valleys really live up to the nickname 'the Japanese Alps.' The natural scenery is just amazing. ❤️ I definitely want to come back and visit again someday. 😄
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A couple of years ago, I visited Suizenji with my family and friends and tried on kimono—walking through the Japanese garden felt so atmospheric! 😃 It’s such a great memory. ❤️ Seeing how it took eighty years to build the garden, with its springs and hills, it’s no wonder Suizenji Jojuen is designated as a national scenic and historic site. Truly impressive! 👍
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