Queenie's Reviews Page 5/8

While in Tokyo, I made a special trip to walk around the University of Tokyo, and the famous Akamon was the most eye-catching sight. The old vermilion gate stands out amid the lush green campus and is one of the university's most recognizable landmarks. Standing in front of Akamon, you can feel the history and academic atmosphere built up over the century-old campus. It's completely different from the atmosphere at typical tourist attractions. Getting to see one of Japan's top universities in person also made this a very special stop on my Tokyo trip!

If you're visiting Tokyo, Ginza-Dori street is definitely a shopping destination you shouldn't miss! As Ginza's most iconic main street, it's lined with department stores, luxury brands, and all kinds of shops, giving the whole area a fashionable and bustling atmosphere.

It's even livelier on holidays, when the street becomes a “pedestrian paradise,” so you can stroll and shop at your leisure without worrying about traffic. Besides all the great shopping, there are plenty of restaurants and dessert shops along the way, so you can always find somewhere to sit and rest when you get tired. If it's your first time in Ginza, it's really worth taking the time to slowly experience the energy and charm of Tokyo!

When you come to Harajuku in Tokyo, Takeshita Street is an absolute must! The entire street is always packed with people, bustling and full of youthful energy. Along the way, there are all kinds of cute little shops, trendy clothing, unique accessories, and tempting desserts and snacks. You can find almost every popular item young people love here.

Although it really is crowded, that lively atmosphere is exactly what gives Takeshita Street its unique charm. If you enjoy shopping, taking photos, and looking for cute little things, you'll have a great time browsing〜 Remember to wear comfortable walking shoes because you can easily end up spending several hours here without realizing it!

Located near Tokyo Skytree, Oyokogawa Water Park is a lovely little place for a walk and some relaxation. The park stretches along the waterfront, with different natural scenery in every season, and the atmosphere is laid-back and comfortable.

The weather was incredibly nice during this visit, with bright sunshine and a deep blue sky, making the walk through the park especially pleasant. Along the way, you can also take photos of Tokyo Skytree together with the park scenery, giving it a distinctive charm. If you're visiting the Tokyo Skytree area, consider stopping by for a walk and enjoying a rare touch of nature in central Tokyo.

Billed as one of Japan's largest outlets, the place really is huge, with a wide selection of brands. It has everything from clothing, shoes, and bags to household goods and food, and you seriously won't be able to stop shopping!

This time, we shopped for 2 days and still couldn't finish. There were many stores we didn't even get a chance to look at closely. It's just such a great place to shop and browse〜 If you love shopping, I really recommend setting aside at least 3 days so you can take your time and hunt for bargains. Otherwise, there really isn't enough time! When you visit Gotemba Premium Outlets, make sure to allow plenty of time to shop to your heart's content.

When you come to Hamamatsu, you definitely can't miss this famous, long-established gyoza restaurant! Founded in 1953, it has a history of over 70 years and is also nationally known for its B-grade cuisine. Locals told us we had to try it, and it really didn't disappoint!

The gyoza wrappers are pan-fried until golden and crispy, while the filling is tender and juicy. Eating them with the classic bean sprouts served with Hamamatsu gyoza makes them refreshing and cuts through the richness, so you just can't stop eating one after another. No wonder it's so popular online—even locals recommend it! If you're visiting Hamamatsu, it's well worth planning a meal here〜

I actually wasn't a big fan of hamburger steaks before because I always thought the texture was pretty ordinary, but my visit to SOYOKAZE completely changed my impression! The hamburger steak was nicely seared on the outside, and when I cut into it, it was full of juices. The meat was tender and flavorful, and the sauce made it hard to stop eating. I originally came just to give it a try, but it was unexpectedly delicious and even changed the mind of someone like me who doesn't like hamburger steaks. If you're traveling to Numazu, I highly recommend trying this hamburger steak specialty restaurant!

When visiting the port city of Yaizu, you can't miss this seafood market! There are lots of stalls where you can take your time browsing and choosing from a wide variety of fresh seafood. There are also restaurants where you can enjoy freshly prepared dishes right away.

This time, we bought oysters from one of the stalls. The elderly lady running it was very kind and even gave us a small discount at checkout, which made us feel the warmth of the local people. In the end, we bought a whole bunch of fresh seafood and made ourselves a luxurious seafood rice bowl at our accommodations. The freshness was truly beyond words, and choosing and combining the ingredients ourselves made it especially satisfying!

If you like seafood, I highly recommend stopping by when you're in Yaizu. You can shop, eat, and experience the warmth of a fishing port market too.

Shizuoka Station is pretty much the most convenient starting point! The Shinkansen, JR trains, buses, and other transportation options all come together here, making it easy to head to attractions in the city or surrounding areas.

I found the buses in front of the station really convenient, with plenty of options to reach various attractions around Shizuoka City without the hassle of transferring. There are also department stores, restaurants, and shops around the station, so it’s convenient for dining and shopping. If it’s your first time in Shizuoka, consider making the station the first stop on your trip and exploring the city from there!

When visiting Shizuoka, don't miss Sumpu Castle Park, where Tokugawa Ieyasu lived in his later years! The former castle grounds have now been transformed into a lush city park, offering both a sense of history and a relaxing atmosphere.

Inside the park, you can see reconstructed historic buildings such as the Higashi Gomon Gate and Tatsumi Yagura Turret. Walking around at a leisurely pace feels like traveling back to the Edo period. The scenery is charming in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful leaves in fall, and it's also a pleasant place for a casual stroll anytime.

It's within walking distance of Shizuoka Station, so it's very convenient to get to. If you want to experience Japanese history while enjoying a relaxing walk in Shizuoka, this place is well worth adding to your itinerary.