Toyosu Market
To avoid further deterioration, the aging Tsukiji Market, known as the “kitchen” feeding Tokyo’s people, was moved to Toyosu in 2018. Along with improving safety, observational tour routes were set up, making it easy for visitors to enter the market.
I still prefer the lively atmosphere and environment of the old Tsukiji Market.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.
I arrived at Fushimi Inari Taisha in the evening and was surprised to see so many visitors. Since it was already dark, I didn't go further up.
Traditional Handicrafts Village Yunokuni no Mori
Eleven pavilions are scattered throughout the lush grounds, where visitors can experience the traditional crafts of Ishikawa Prefecture.
The area is spacious and beautiful, with lots of hands-on craft activities and plenty of souvenirs for sale.
Nagano Prefectural Art Museum
A Japanese painter, Kaii Higashiyama (1908-1999), prefered to depict Shinshu Region’s landscape. The museum curates a precious collection gifted by Kaii and altogether over 5500 pieces of Shinshu landscape and work of local artists. The structure has a bright open space facing a park, blending with the surrounding scenery, and is called the “Landscape Museum.”
There were so many happy kids running and playing at the fountain plaza. It's a beautiful museum.
Shogawa Gorge
There is a gorge that stretches from Gokayama to the southern part of Tonami City. Visitors can fully enjoy the natural beauty of the Shogawa River as it weaves its way through the mountains, changing its expression from season to season.
Both sides are covered with untouched forests. Floating down the river feels like passing through endless mountains.
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
Osaka's representative shopping arcade. It is said to be "the longest shopping arcade in Japan" with a total length of about 2.6 km from Tenjinbashi 1-chome to 7-chome. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the arcade to the other. The arcade began to flourish when it became the main approach to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which is located in 2-chome and is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning.
This shopping street is super long—2.6 kilometers! By the time I finished walking, my legs felt like they weren't even mine anymore.
Maiko Park
Maiko Park opened in 1900 as the first prefectural park in Hyogo Prefecture. This park also serves as a gate for Akashi Kaikyo Bridge or “Pearl Bridge,” the world’s longest suspension bridge, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad.
You can get up close in the park and admire the impressive Akashi Kaikyo Bridge! Such an amazing feat of engineering.
Hakone Sightseeing Cruise
A sightseeing ship that operates on Lake Ashinoko, a scenic spot in Hakone. The three ships, Royale II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, are characterized by their colorful and luxurious decorations. Each of them has a capacity of about 500 passengers and takes 25 to 35 minutes each way between Togendai Port, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port. On a sunny day, the open deck is a great place to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the pleasant breeze and the seasonal views of nature and mountains.
A 10-minute cruise is just enough to get a taste of the experience. That way, you'll be left wanting more.
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.
I really enjoy strolling through the traditional Takayama Old Town. There are so many different things to buy. The only downside is that there aren't enough public restrooms—I hope that gets improved.
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.
During wisteria season, the place gets way too crowded. It's a long walk from where the tour buses drop you off to the park, and there's no crowd control—so many people everywhere!