Heiwa Dori Shopping Park
The 1-kilometer-long pedestrian paradise, called "Heiwa-dori Shopping Park", is the main street of Asahikawa, and was established in 1972 as Japan's first permanent pedestrian paradise, and is lined with a variety of stores, from large-scale stores and various specialty stores to beauty salons and restaurants.
This place really has a local vibe. It doesn't feel as commercialized as the big cities.
TENGA LAND
You can find TENGA LAND in Harajuku, a neighborhood known as the source of new trends and fashion. The shop had its grand opening in April 2024, on the 2nd floor of Harajuku’s Tokyu Plaza “Harakado”, noted as the first ever experience-based shop in Japan for self-pleasure items.
So classy... The Japanese really know what they're doing 🤣
But honestly, it's just so good, I have to give it a thumbs up!!!
Best Japanese souvenir, hands down.
Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Temple
Along with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Takahata Fudoson is one of the three largest temples housing an immovable statue of the Wisdom King in the Kanto region. It is the special head temple of the Shingonshu sect, Chizan school of Buddhism.
This is the temple where Hijikata Toshizo from the Shinsengumi is buried, and you can see hydrangeas here in early summer.
There aren't many tourists, so it's nice and quiet for a stroll inside the temple.
It seems like this shrine is known for traffic safety blessings.
Also, you have to try the dango from the shops along the approach! 🍡
Michi-no-Eki Doshi
Located in the center of Doshi City in Yamanashi Prefecture, Michi-no-Eki (roadside rest area) Doshi hosts information about sightseeing spots, events, and local goods for Doshi City. It also has over 100 free parking spots and restrooms available for use, so many people stop by during their drives.
Doshi is a great summer getaway spot in Yamanashi. You can even go fishing, so it's perfect for families.
This time, I happened to catch the fireworks festival—super impressive!
Sanja Matsuri
Sanja Matsuri is around the 3rd Saturday in May, lasting from Friday to Sunday in Asakusa, Tokyo. Residents call it Sanja sama. Each year, about 1.8 million visitors watch this prominent 3-day festival in Japan.
The annual festival at Asakusa Shrine is a huge event. There were so many mikoshi (portable shrines), and the atmosphere was super lively.
Kokyo Gaien National Garden
This park is located in the area outside the Main Gate to Japan’s Imperial Palace. At the center is the Garden Plaza, where green lawns are dotted with about 2,000 black Kuromatsu pine trees.
The whole area feels really solemn and dignified. It's a shame you can't go inside the Imperial Palace.
Fuchu City’s Kyodo-no-Mori Museum
The main section of this museum focuses on the history, folklore, and nature of Fuchu City, located to the west of Tokyo, and also features a planetarium. The museum’s premises spans about 140,000㎡, and it holds not only the main museum, but also old farmhouses and townhouses, as well as historic buildings.
There aren't many foreign tourists here, so it feels like a hidden gem. You can see plum blossoms in February and March, cherry blossoms in April, and in June there's a hydrangea festival. Over 10,000 hydrangeas bloom—it's really beautiful.