LUCUA Osaka
LUCUA Osaka is one of Japan’s largest station-linked commercial complexes, complete with both east building LUCUA and the west building LUCUA 1100 (i-re). Together, they house some 500 buzzing shops from across Japan, making it a premier destination for shopping and dining.
Some brands here have Osaka or Kansai-only items. Definitely worth checking out!
Karasujima Observatory
Sakurajima, an active volcano and symbol of Kagoshima, continues to emit volcanic smoke even today. Once a solitary island floating in the sea for centuries, it became connected to the mainland in 1914 when a massive eruption released a torrent of lava that filled the strait between Sakurajima and Karasujima.
Looking out at Sakurajima with the blue sky and white clouds—the contrast is stunningly beautiful.
Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street
About 50 stores are lined up in a 150-meter-long arcade. As the name "Doguya-suji" suggests, the stores sell only the tools that support Osaka's food culture, ranging from kitchen equipment used by professionals to tableware for the general public.
The food replicas here are super realistic—they look almost exactly like the real thing! There are also tons of kitchen tools, pots, and pans for sale.
Hida Takayama Old Townscape
Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.
The Hida Takayama beef just melts in your mouth. So delicious! 😋
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
Crowds mean business! They really made the most of the station's convenience and commercial facilities to create some unexpected results.
Porto Europe
This is a theme park within Wakayama Marina City. Taste Wakaura’s salty wind from the sea and feel the exotic resort town.
There's both the Kuroshio Market and an amusement park here, so it's a great spot for the whole family to enjoy together.
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 wisteria flowers here are all in full bloom, almost as if they're welcoming visitors! It's just a shame the tour only gave us a short stop—next time, I'll definitely come back on my own to spend more time.