Showa Retro Packaging Museum
Located just off the old Ome Kaido road near the entrance to the Sumiyoshi Shrine approach, the Showa Retro Goods Museum is a must-visit for retro enthusiasts. As its name suggests, this charming museum showcases a wide array of everyday goods from the Showa 30s to 40s (1955-1974), offering a nostalgic trip back in time.
There aren't any foreign language guides, so if you don't understand Japanese, you might have trouble reading the signs.
Beppu Tower
Completed in 1957, Beppu Tower is a symbolic landmark of Beppu that stands as a registered National Tangible Cultural Property. The tower is designed by famed architect Tachu Naito, the same name behind sites like Tokyo Tower and Tsutenkaku, listed today as one of the "Six Tower Brothers" of Japan.
It has a bit of a retro look, but that's exactly the Showa-era charm! If you love nostalgic vibes, you'll definitely be fascinated by this old landmark.
IBUSUKI NO TAMATEBAKO
This reservation-only sightseeing train makes three daily round trips between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Ibusuki Station. Its name and concept come from the legendary Japanese tale of Urashima Taro and the Dragon Palace, famously set on the Satsuma Peninsula. The train’s striking exterior-half-black and half-white-represents the story’s transformation: when Urashima Taro opened the magical "Tamatebako" (treasure box), instantly turning his hair from black to white. Mist sprayed when the doors open evokes the white smoke from the box.
There's a stretch where the train runs right along the sea—the sunlight reflecting off the water looks just like a movie scene! Watching the Kagoshima coastline while riding is super soothing.
Jogasaki Coast
Jogasaki Coast is a representing view spot of Higashiizu, Shizuoka Prefecture. It is also part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. The coast is formed out of igneous rock from eruptions of Mt. Omuro around 4000 years ago. Over time, the ocean eroded portions of the rock away. Today, the Jogasaki Coast spans around 9 kilometers.
Crystal-clear ocean water, a beautiful suspension bridge,
flowers in full bloom, and a laid-back vibe—life feels easy here.
Kinkaku-ji
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
A must-visit in Kyoto—absolutely stunning!
Kyoto Gyoen
The premises has the Kyoto Imperial Palace at the center in which Meiji Emperor lived until he moved to Edo, surrounded by the town where the homes of aristocrats lined up. In Meiji Period, the premises were turned into the Kyoto Gyoen Park. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the imperial families.
Finally made it to Shomeimon Gate~~~!
[Closed Down]Khaosan Tokyo Samurai
There's a capsule hotel in Asakusa named, "Khaosan Tokyo Samurai". It's located just 2 minutes on foot from Asakusa Station on the Tsukuba Express, or a 10-minute walk from Tawara-Machi Station on the Metro Ginza Line. From here, you can walk to Sensoji Temple and Kaminarimon. Since Asakusa is a popular tourist attraction, there are many restaurants and souvenir shops in the vicinity of the hostel, making it a very convenient place.
走廊上的人走路動作很大聲，一大早就被吵醒隔音很差。
Kochi Castle
Kochi Castle was built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first feudal lord of the Tosa domain. It was first built in 1601 after ten years of construction, and unfortunately lost to a fire in 1727. The castle you see today was reconstructed in 1753. Kochi Castle is one of 12 since the Edo Period that still has its original castle tower, and is the only one that keeps both its original castle tower and main Honmaru Palace hall. The entire 15 buildings across its grounds are registered as a National Important Cultural Asset.
The location is right in the city, so it's very convenient to get to. Kochi Castle is built on a slope, so you'll need to climb some stairs, which can be a bit tiring. The exhibits inside are detailed, and there are Chinese translations, making it easy to understand the significance.
