Tokyo Fukkatsu Daiseido (the Holy Resurrection Cathedral in Tokyo); Nicholai-do
A Byzantine-style cathedral with a 35m (115 ft)-tall domed roof. To commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the construction of the Holy Resurrection Cathedral began In 1891, designed by Josiah Conder who also designed Rokumeikan.
It's totally different from typical Japanese temples and shrines. The cultural contrast is pretty striking.
Kanda Myojin
Kanda Myojin is a historical shrine famous for bestowing its blessings in marriage and business prosperity, enhancing luck in battle while warding off danger and disaster. Located in Tokyo's central business district, many firms come to worship at the beginning of the year, as this shrine cannot be ignored if seeking fortune in business.
The shrine is clean and well-maintained. You can really tell they take good care of it. It doesn't feel touristy at all, so if you like peaceful places, you'll love it here.
Takao Plum Village
Takao Plum Village consists of eight plum groves: the Plum Tree Road starting from Kamikunugida Bridge over the old Koshu-kaido road, Sekisho plum grove, Tenjin plum grove, Arai plum grove, Yunohana plum grove, Surusashi plum grove, Kogesawa plum grove, and Kobotoke plum grove, and it takes about 1.5 hours one-way to walk through them all.
Springtime here is absolutely stunning! The whole valley is covered in plum blossoms—so relaxing and beautiful. I never expected to find such a hidden plum blossom spot so close to Tokyo. What a pleasant surprise!
Omihachiman Canal Boat Tour
Omihachiman traces its origins back to when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered his nephew Hidetsugu to build Hachimanyama Castle as the center of Omi Province, replacing Azuchi Castle. By diverting boats traveling on Lake Biwa into Hachiman-bori Canal-originally the castle's moat-the area flourished economically, eventually becoming the birthplace of the prosperous Omi merchants.
The canal system has kept its traditional look. Along the way, you can see well-preserved old buildings and historical sites, which really makes you feel like you've stepped back in time.
Biwako Kisen
Biwako Kisen offers three regular fun cruises around the Lake: Michigan Cruise, Chikubushima Cruise, and Biwako Tour of Islands.
Taking a cruise around Lake Biwa lets you enjoy the stunning lake scenery and really feel the unique peace and beauty of being out on the water.
Otsu Festival
The Otsu Festival is one of the "Three Great Festivals of Lake Region," signaling the arrival of autumn in Shiga Prefecture. Held at Tenson Shrine, located in the central part of Otsu City, southwest of Lake Biwa, the festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.
The floats have intricate mechanical dolls that put on lively scenes and movements. It's really fascinating to watch!
Sakura Furusato Square
It is a flower garden that welcomes you with its seasonal flowers, such as tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn. In the center of the garden, there is a symbolic windmill which actually spins with wind power.
Sakura Furusato Square has a huge variety of flowers that change with the seasons. No matter when you visit, the colorful blooms always bring a sense of joy and surprise.
Bannai Shokudo Main Store
Among the top three renowned Kitakata ramen shops, Bannai Shokudo stands out for its popularity and inevitable queues. Kitakata has a long history of brewing industries like soy sauce, miso, and sake, leading to its nickname "the town of storehouses." Kitakata ramen, beloved by locals since old times, primarily features a soy sauce flavor.
The ramen is topped with huge chunks of meat—so satisfying!
Ani Gondola
Mt. Moriyoshi, also known locally as "Mt. Akita" and popular as a ski resort in winter. The Ani Gondola takes only 20 minutes to the 1,167-meter-high summit station, making it easy for anyone to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the mountain.
Take the gondola slowly up to the summit, and as soon as you step out, you can see the world-famous snow monsters. It's amazing!
Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum・Namahage Museum
”Oga no Namahage" is a traditional event of the Oga Peninsula, designated as a nationally important intangible folk cultural property and registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. On the evening of New Year's Eve, people say, "Any lazy people out there? Any crybaby out there?" and walk from house to house to warn people of their misdeeds.
This place describes the ancient legends and cultural customs of the Oga Peninsula. Every New Year's Eve, there's a traditional event where locals wear demon masks and shout loudly. It's said that being startled brings good luck.