AEON MALL Okayama
This large shopping mall opened in 2014 and spans multiple levels from Basement 2 up to the seventh floor above ground. Located in the center of Okayama City, it is a rare urban-style mall for AEON MALL, which more often operates suburban locations.
It’s not far from the station, so getting there is really easy.
If you walk all the way to the back, your feet start to get a bit tired, but it’s nice not just for shopping—just strolling around is great too. 😌
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, is a district lined with countless Chinese restaurants. From affordable dishes you can enjoy as takeout or all-you-can-eat meals to authentic Chinese cuisine, there are options to suit your budget.
Oh my gosh! 😦
It was absolutely packed, even busier than Temple Street! I wouldn't recommend coming on weekends! Honestly, it felt just as crowded as Asakusa or Ueno.
Aqua City Odaiba
Situated next to Odaiba Marine Park and offering a stunning view of the city center across the Rainbow Bridge, this large shopping complex is a prime location in Odaiba. The shopping zone, characterized by its casual fashion suitable for the refreshing sea breeze, is home to around 60 stores. In addition, it boasts Odaiba's largest gourmet zone, with a diverse range of restaurants offering Japanese, Western, Chinese, Italian cuisines, and more.
It's really beautiful at night, with lots of photo spots!
Whether you're on a date or with kids, it's a great place. The building does feel a bit old though—the restrooms and elevators seem pretty dated...
Omoide Yokocho
Walk just 2 minutes from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station to find yourself at a retro pub alley. With ticket shops and around 80 different establishments offering delicious food and drinks, it's a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.
I thought it was just about the vibe, but the food was actually really good! About two-thirds of the people here were foreigners 🤭
But it was super crowded, so the staff looked like they were having a tough time...
Ashikaga Flower Park
At Ashikaga Flower Park, you can enjoy the sight of all kinds of seasonal flowers, which adorn the park according to eight themes: "Early Spring", "The Spring Flower Festival", "A Tale of the Wisteria", "Rainbow Garden", "Blue and White Garden", "The Flower Faeries Who Float By the Water", "Purple Garden", and "The Garden of Illuminated Flowers". The park is a popular location, enjoying not only local visitors, but those from abroad.
The flowers at Ashikaga Flower Park change with every season, and ticket prices vary too. The wisteria season is the most expensive. I recommend the nighttime illumination show—it feels totally different from the daytime, and the tickets are cheaper too.
Hi-Chew (Grape)
This juicy soft candy was first launched in 1975. From the day its flagship strawberry flavor hit the shelves to the number of different flavors available today, the candies have captured the hearts of adults and children alike. Among them all, the “Grape” flavor is an extra-special hit.
Grape is my absolute favorite flavor! 👍
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
A Japanese friend told me it's not recommended to visit Tokyo Tower at night. Apparently, a lot of the steel used came from dismantled tanks from the Korean War, so there's a heavy vibe. Night photos look super romantic, but you might end up capturing something you shouldn't... Now I'm kind of creeped out. 😥