Abashiri Drift Ice Sightseeing Icebreaker Ship "Aurora"
From late January to late March, the Sea of Okhotsk is covered in drift ice and Abashiri turns into a silver world. You can experience this magical scene up close with a cruise aboard the drift ice sightseeing icebreaker ship "Aurora."
The sound of the icebreaker ramming through the ice is weirdly soothing—and kind of thrilling.
Watching the drift ice float in toward the deck was absolutely breathtaking.
Kaiten Sushi Hakodate Marukatsu Suisan Main Branch
Located just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station inside the Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club, a dining complex in the bay area, this conveyor-belt sushi restaurant is operated directly by a long-established fishmonger.
The atmosphere here is super relaxed and the staff are really friendly. If you just want to sit down and enjoy some delicious seafood sushi without any fuss, this place is a solid choice. If you're in Hakodate and want reliable conveyor-belt sushi, come here—you'll leave full and happy!
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Welcomed by the gargantuan 19.7-meter, life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza embodies its concept as a "theatrical urban space," offering a place to play, learn, relax, and just take in each moment of surprise and inspiration. Tantalize all five senses at this unforgettable destination that’s like none ever before.
Our tour guide left us here for the whole afternoon. The prices are higher than in the city, so I'm not sure why this was on the itinerary.
Shinsaibashi
Shinsaibashi is part of Osaka Minami’s downtown along with ” Dotonbori.” It covers Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, West Shinsaibashi and East Shinsaibashi. Osaka Metro Midosuji Line / Nagahori Tusrumi Ryokuchi Line’s Shinsaibashi Station and Yotsubashi Line’s Yotsubashi Station are the gates to Shinsaibashi. It is a walking distance to Namba and can be a convenient base for touring around Osaka. There are many lodgings also.
It's super convenient for transportation and there are lots of drugstores. American Village and Dotonbori are nearby, making this a huge shopping area. Definitely a must-visit when you're in Osaka.
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.
My very first trip abroad was to Tokyo, and Tokyo Tower left a deep impression on me. Even though the new Skytree has opened, nothing can replace the special place Tokyo Tower holds in my heart.
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO
This was the birthplace of Yebisu beer, first made in 1890, and here you can learn about the history of this beer’s creation and growth while experiencing its wonderful taste. The “Yebisu Tour (paid)” is held twice an hour and is guided by experts on Yebisu beer, allowing guests a chance to learn all about Yebisu beer.
I joined the guided tour for JPY 500 and learned there's so much to know about making great beer—even pouring it is an art! At the end, you get two free beers to taste. Totally worth it.
Shurijo Castle Park
Shurijo is a proud Okinawan icon whose brightly-painted vermillion walls also make it the only red castle in Japan. The castle served as the esteemed seat of politics, trade and culture for the Ryukyu Kingdom that existed during the 450 years between 1429 and 1879.
I visited before the fire. It's a really important spot in Okinawa. Shurijo Castle is well organized and covers a huge area—it takes about two to three hours to see everything.
Oronamin C Drink
Since its introduction in 1965, this national carbonated nutritional drink has sold over 35 billion bottles in Japan. It contains the vitamin C equivalent to 11 lemons, as well as B2, B6, essential amino acids for building the body, and honey.
My dad was worried about strong side effects from his vaccine, so the expert recommended extra vitamin C and B vitamins. We ended up buying a whole box of these drinks. 😓
Pocky Chocolate
Pocky was created in 1966 as the world’s first rod-shaped chocolate sweet. It is a rod-shaped pretzel snack covered in a chocolate coating, and it has a very pleasant texture. The combination of that delicious flavor with a way to keep your hands clean after snacking made them into a huge hit.
So fragrant and crispy, the texture is just perfect. Once I start eating, I just can't stop! Guess that's how I gained weight.