[Service ended] SL Ginga
This tour train, SL Ginga, began operation by JR East Japan in 2014 between Kamaishi Line’s Hanamaki Station and Kamaishi Station, aiming to support the Tohoku Region’s reconstruction and revitalize the local community. The steam engine is a recreation of C58 style (C58 239) which had been preserved at Morioka City’s transportation park.
是以宮澤賢治銀河鐵道之夜為主題的蒸汽火車，銀河號預計將在2023年退休。
Sankyo Soko
This earthen storage for rice is in Sakata, once a lively port city where rice was shipped out. Sakai Family, the former domain lord, built 14 storehouses in 1893. 12 of them are standing today. 9 of the 12 were still used up until the end of 2022 to store 10,800 tons of rice, designated in 2021 as a national historic site.
They've turned the old rice storehouses into restaurants, craft shops, and a museum. It's also famous because of the Asadora TV drama.
Higashine Tourism Orchard
Higashine City produces abundant fruits such as cherries and apples. Cherries are their top produce at 3,600 tons a year, greater than any other city in Japan. The main cherry species, Sato Nishiki, was created in Higashine. Before JR Sakurambo-Higashine Station, there is a bronze statue of Eisuke Sato in honor of his creation of Sato Nishiki.
Higashine City produces the most cherries in all of Japan. Cherry season runs from April to July, then you get white peaches and grapes from August to October, and after that it's apple season. There's always fresh fruit to try here!
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine
Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was relocated to the northwest (the position of dog and boar) by the order of Date Masamune at the time of the construction of Sendai Castle. Since then, the shrine has been revered as the general guardian of Sendai, especially as a guardian deity for those born in the year of the dog or the year of the boar.
There are lots of interesting buildings to see within the Hachimangu Shrine grounds. I definitely recommend visiting if you're traveling to Sendai.
Kosode Ama Center
This tourist facility is located on Kosode Beach, a scenic spot with various oddly shaped rocks scattered along the coastline.
On the first Sunday of August every year, you can watch free performances by the Ama divers.
A Pilgrimage for the Popular Manga, “Slam Dunk”
This is the location of the railway crossing that served as a model for the opening scene of Slam Dunk, a basketball-themed anime that has gained enthusiastic fans not only in Japan, but all over the world.
I grew up reading Slam Dunk, so I had to visit this classic spot. But there were way too many tourists, and everyone was scrambling to take photos. It actually felt pretty dangerous ⚠️
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.
A lot of the Chinese restaurants here are all-you-can-eat, but they're expensive and the food isn't good!
Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located by the sea, just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March of 1930, reclaiming the waterfront using rubble caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
It's perfect for an evening walk in the summer. The temperature is comfortable, and the sea breeze feels nice. You’ll see lots of young couples here on dates.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
I definitely recommend getting the Express Pass, otherwise you'll be waiting forever for the popular rides. There are lots of hotels just outside the park—it's only a 5-minute walk to Universal Studios Japan. If you get tired, you can go back to your hotel for a break and come back at 8:00 p.m. to catch the night parade.
Tower of Osaka Castle
Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.
I visited during cherry blossom season. The moat around Osaka Castle Park is lined with cherry trees, and when they're in full bloom, it's really spectacular and super crowded. It's quite a walk from the parking lot up to the main tower.