Nikujirumen SUSUMU Akihabara
A restaurant known for hearty bowls of Nikujirumen topped with plenty of pork, green onions, and a raw egg. Particular attention is paid to the pork, with carefully selected sources that vary by season, including tender, high-quality Spanish pork.
This place is perfect if you have a big appetite.
Soba Roppon
In the heart of Roppongi, teaming with night life, lies this happy little soba restaurant, opened for business into the late night. The soba noodles are carefully made in-house every day.
I really liked the decor and the vibe here. Everyone was quietly enjoying their meal, and even when people talked, they kept their voices down. I ordered the tempura soba, and the portion was filling without being expensive.
Taisho Pond
Taisho Pond was created by the blockage of the Azusa River due to the eruption of Yakedake Mountain in 1915. The clean blue-green water clearly reflects the beautiful Kamikochi mountain range. The forest under the water has decayed in a mystical way, which now gives the pond a spiritual atmosphere. The beautiful birch forest spreads out at an altitude of 1,490 meters above sea level, the highest level where these kinds of trees are able to grow.
The bus drops you off right at Taisho Pond. You can walk to Kamikochi from here—either along the river or through the forest trail. Every route is a great walking path.
Suwakyo (Suwa Gorge)
Suwakyo is a gorge created by the limpid flow of the Tone River. It is a great place to hike along the trail by the river while enjoying nature. The gorgeous scenery of colorful leaves appearing on both banks of the river in the autumn season is exceptionally breathtaking. Railroad tracks run right above the boardwalk, and you might be able to see a steam locomotive if you are lucky.
I visited right when the autumn leaves were at their peak. The view of the whole gorge from the suspension bridge is just the best spot to take it all in.
Kanazawa Castle & Kenrokuen Four Seasons Tale
Known as the residence of the 14th generation of the Maeda family of the Kaga Clan, "Kanazawa Castle", and the large garden "Kenrokuen" constructed in its outer citadel, are representative tourist attractions of Ishikawa and Kanazawa. Kenrokuen is famous as one of the Three Great Gardens of Japan and has been designated as a special place of scenic beauty by the national government.
It's basically just a park—nothing particularly special to see. Unless you have a lot of extra time, I'd recommend focusing on Kenrokuen instead.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
This is a spot both kids and adults love to visit.
Yokohama Cosmo World
This multi-level urban amusement park has a bit of everything, from thrilling rides like a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters to games, haunted houses, virtual reality attractions using VR and 3D technologies, and children’s rides like merry-go-rounds and character cars.
If you come on a weekday and avoid holidays, there are barely any crowds. No admission ticket needed either. Just pay for the rides you want to try!
Tokyo Summerland
This large-scale leisure hub sits in Akiruno City, drawing crowds for its massive outdoor lazy river pool-one of the largest in Japan-and an indoor pool just waiting for you to dive in no matter what the season or weather. Pop over easily from Tokyo Station in just over an hour by train thanks to easy access that keeps this hot spot on the list.
The water slides here are especially thrilling and super fun.