Gina C 's page

After getting off at Shimoyoshida Station, it’s just a short walk to the foot of Arakurayama Sengen Park. I originally thought it would be an easy stroll, but once I started climbing, I realized that the real challenge here wasn’t the mountain trail, but the seemingly endless flights of stairs.

As I made my way up, there were so many stairs that I couldn’t help looking back to see how much farther I had to go. But at the top, you can see the famous, captivating view of Mount Fuji and the five-story pagoda together.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park, wear comfortable walking shoes and be mentally prepared to climb a lot of stairs 😆

When I visited Shibuya Hikarie, I made a point of going upstairs to enjoy the free nighttime view. Looking down at the streets of Shibuya from above, the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing is what catches your eye the most. Crowds of people and streams of traffic crisscross as the lights from the surrounding buildings illuminate the entire city, creating a lively atmosphere that is uniquely Tokyo.

Watching pedestrians cross the intersection from every direction as the signals change, the dense crowds create an interesting scene. Shibuya is already bustling during the day, but looking down from above at night, you can feel the city's energy even more.

You can enjoy Shibuya's night view for free and take in the iconic crossing all at once, making this a worthwhile stop when visiting Shibuya.

Cook a bowl of the original Chicken Ramen and add some cabbage and an egg—it’s simple and just right. The aroma of the chicken broth goes well with the light sweetness of the vegetables, and it still has that familiar taste. I’ve been eating it since I was little, and even after all these years, an occasional bowl still hits the spot. That’s how good food is—it doesn’t need many changes. The classic flavor is always there.

Ameyoko is really great for shopping for cosmetics and over-the-counter products, with lots of stores and a wide selection. OS Drug often has very attractive prices, but keep in mind that it doesn't offer tax-free shopping and only accepts cash. Niki no Kashi is great for buying souvenirs—you can stock up on cookies, candy, and snacks all at once, and it's easy to end up buying a whole bagful without realizing it. Shopping at Ameyoko is really convenient!

From the moment I walked into the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka, it felt like going back to my childhood memories of watching animated movies. Familiar scenes and characters from My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away appeared right before my eyes, and I couldn't help constantly looking for all the little details hidden in the corners. As a child, I watched these stories, but coming here as an adult made me realize that the scenes I loved have stayed in my memory all along.