Meiji Jingu Gaien (Outer Garden)
Meiji Jingu Gaien, the outer park of Meiji Shrine, was established in 1926. It features the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery and various sports facilities, such as the Meiji Jingu Stadium, where you can enjoy nature throughout the four seasons.
The rows of golden yellow lights glow at night—it feels so dreamy. Compared to the daytime, the vibe at night is completely different.
Ouchijuku Misawaya
A soba restaurant in Ouchijuku, a nationally designated Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, where around 40 thatched-roof houses line the old highway. Set inside a restored traditional home, the calm, classic Japanese interior features a pendulum clock and an irori hearth with charcoal fire in winter. Don’t miss the rows of soba cups displayed on the wall. A must-try at Misawaya is the signature “Takato Soba,” said to have been loved by the Aizu domain lord.
Eating noodles using a green onion as your chopsticks was honestly mind-blowing the first time I saw it.
The soba goes down really smoothly, and the onion actually pairs surprisingly well with the noodles.
By the end, I was kind of hooked.
Ouchi-juku
More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.
Thatched-roof houses with fresh snow—once it starts snowing, the vibe is instantly maxed out. It seriously feels like you’ve time-traveled back to old Japan.
Kairakuen Garden
Built by Mito Domain’s 9th feudal lord, Tokugawa Nariaki. One of Japan’s three famous gardens along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama.
It looks great in photos when the weather’s nice, and it really has that classic Japanese garden vibe.
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
Taking the cable car into the park felt really creative to me.
There are thrilling roller coasters and fun attractions for kids too, so it was even more exciting than I expected!
But the cable car felt like a sauna...🧖
So I'm giving it 4 stars.
TOKYO Solamachi
With a wide variety of over 300 shops gathered in this retail complex, you can feel the liveliness of Tokyo’s shitamachi downtown.
Had yakiniku at Jojoen on the 30th floor. The food was delicious, and you get to enjoy an amazing view of Tokyo from above. Totally worth it!
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.
Tokyo's night view just wouldn't be complete without Tokyo Tower...