Meriken Park
Meriken Park, a park that faces the port of Kobe, was made in 1887. It is a place where one can relax whilst feeling the fresh ocean breeze surrounded by a panorama of open spacious.
The tower looks just like a table lamp. At night, it lights up so brightly—like a beacon out at sea.
Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
The interior structure of the castle is completely authentic, and the white color theme makes it especially beautiful.
Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Former Foreign Residences)
When the port of Kobe opened in 1868, the "Kobe Kitano Ijin-gai (foreign city)" developed as a land of foreign settlement. Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, the town has a unique mix of Western and Japanese style buildings. About 30 Western-style buildings have been preserved in their original state, and 16 are open to the public.
This area has a really exotic vibe. The buildings are historic and definitely worth seeing.
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
There are lots of shops around the market, too. It's a fun place to explore.
Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory
The 40-story, twin super high-rise was completed in 1993. The two towers are connected on top. In England, it was selected into the “Top 20” list of world buildings as a thrilling skyscraper. The beauty of the building itself is part of its popularity. On the 3rd floor, there is a gate for the elevators to shoot you up to the 35th floor.
Even just riding the elevator up gives you some amazing views.
Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)
Lake Kawaguchi is known as one of the five Fuji lakes and is a popular spot because of its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The lakeside is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, purple lavender in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall, making each season a different and beautiful sight. Lake Kawaguchi is also known for having the only "island" and "bridge" in the Fuji Five Lakes.
I was lucky enough to see the full view of Mt. Fuji.
Nagahama Castle Historical Museum
The castle was built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1574 (the 2nd year of Tensho Era), or during the Hashiba era, after he had united the country. The name of the area, which was called "Imahama" at that time, was changed to "Nagahama", and a town was constructed and developed around the castle. It was the first castle built by Hideyoshi as a feudal lord and is known as the "Castle of Success". The castle was abandoned in the Edo period, and its remains can be seen in the Tenbin Yagura, Tower of Hikone Castle.
You can see the entire beautiful view of Lake Biwa from the observation deck.
Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance (Mint Museum)
The Mint Museum converted a building originally built as a thermal power plant in 1911 (Meiji 44). The brick exterior was maintained throughout the transformation to this date. In 1969, the museum opened to the public to display valuable coins and other items stored by the Mint. Later, with the motto of "a people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and attractive museum," the museum introduced the latest techniques to its exhibits and facilities to make it more accessible. As a result, the museum underwent a major renovation and reopened in April 2009.
The short cherry blossom path, just a few hundred meters long, has over a hundred varieties of cherry trees. It attracts a lot of people, and the nearby food stalls are also really appealing.
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.
The shops in Takayama Old Town have all been around for over 300 years, and the buildings are really well preserved. It's even rated as a three-star spot by the Michelin Guide. Definitely worth a visit.
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 got to relive the classic Super Mario game from my childhood. With the latest technology, the whole experience felt even more real and exciting.