Yoidore-Unagi's Reviews

Yomiuriland

Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.

• Fuchu, Chofu, Tama
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

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.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shrines & Temples

This Fudo deity is said to bring good luck for all things related to flying, including air travel safety. The original goshuincho (temple stamp book) here is really unique, so be sure to check out the cover. You can spot satellites, airplanes, golfers, rockets, and helicopters among the clouds. It's the only place in Japan where you can get this one-of-a-kind stamp book. Each one is JPY 1,800 and measures about 12 cm by 18 cm.

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.

• Gunma
• Nature Spots

Since Fukiware no Taki doesn't always have a huge amount of water, it's best not to expect something as massive as Iguazu Falls in South America. That's actually part of the fun. The area around the falls is well maintained and easy to walk, so you can enjoy not just the waterfall but also the unique rocks and the river scenery as you stroll. There's a hiking course around the gorge that takes about an hour, with three observation decks where you can look down at the falls from above. Along the way, there's a souvenir shop selling nostalgic items in a charmingly cluttered way—it's hard not to 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".

• Gunma
• Trains & Subway

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.

Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium

One of Japan’s best aquariums, Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai is home to over 580 different varieties of salt-water and fresh-water sea life. Just as its iconic shark symbol may hint, this aquarium is held as the nation’s best place to find the most varieties of sharks. For an extra thrill, you can also visit Japan’s biggest tank dedicated to ocean sunfish here, displaying a number of different varieties of this rare fish.

• Ibaraki
• Zoos & Aquariums

If you visit Aqua World Oarai Aquarium, you absolutely have to see the 'IWASHI LIFE' sardine show. About 15,000 sardines move dynamically in sync with lights and music—it's like watching one giant living creature. The show started in 2021 for the aquarium's 20th anniversary, and it features sardines, which are a big catch in Ibaraki Prefecture. Even if you think sardines are kind of weak, this energetic performance will totally change your mind. The show happens three times a day at the big tank on the second floor, but check the official website for the schedule since it can change.

Kongobuji

One of the holy Buddhist places opened by Reverend Kōbō Daishi Kūkai. The whole Mt. Koya above 800m-sea-level is the premises. With the main Kondo hall at the center, 117 sub-temples are built. Kongobuji temple’s roof is made of layers of cedar bark and a wooden water barrel is placed on the roof in case of fire.

• Wakayama
• Shrines & Temples

Within Mount Koya, the 'Gobyo' is considered a sacred area and is located in Okunoin. It's believed that Kobo Daishi (Kukai) entered eternal meditation here over 1,200 years ago and is still alive, praying for peace and happiness for all. There's a ritual called 'Shojingu' that has continued unbroken for 1,200 years, where meals are delivered to Kobo Daishi twice daily by monks. The ritual starts at the Gokusho, passes by the Ajimi Jizo statue for a taste test, crosses the Gobyo Bridge, and finally reaches the Gobyo. You can take photos up to the bridge. Experiencing this in the quiet morning air is truly special, and if you're staying on Mount Koya, I highly recommend going early to witness it. No reservation is needed—just head to the Gokusho. Please remember to be respectful, as this is a sacred ceremony.

Fujiko·F·Fujio Museum

This museum is located in Kawasaki, the city where Fujiko·F·Fujio, the manga artist who created series such as “Doraemon” and “Perman,” lived for many years.

• Kawasaki
• Museums

This museum lets you fully immerse yourself in the works of Fujiko F. Fujio, including Doraemon. I was so captivated by the original Doraemon drawings that I couldn't move on for a while. The café inside is a lot of fun too—you can try things like French toast inspired by the 'Memory Bread' or a katsudon served in a bowl that looks like the daikon from the movie 'Doraemon: Nobita and the Birth of Japan.' It really brings out your inner child! The snacks with 'spicy quotes' sold at the shop make perfect souvenirs. Every quote is just brilliant!