古祺皓's Reviews

Himeji Castle Nishi-Oyashiki-ato Garden KOKO-EN

On the southwest side of Himeji Castle, a World Heritage Site, Koko-en is a strolling-style garden around ponds and consists of nine different themed gardens, including the Garden of the Lord’s Residence, on a vast site of approx. 3,300 m2. The Edo period atmosphere draws visitors, and it’s also known as a popular filming location for movies and TV shows, including samurai dramas.

• Hyogo
• Parks & Gardens

Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Tourist Attractions

Nikko Kanaya Hotel

Launched in 1873, this historic destination is known as Japan’s longest standing resort hotel. It’s pre-war build has garnered its national designation as an Tangible Cultural Property, featuring a bold exterior of mixed Japanese and Western design, and select architectural features that integrate an especially Japanese flair.

• Tochigi
• Hotels

The Noble Café Shū Premium Shinjuku Store

Just a 3-minute walk from Shinjuku Station, nestled amidst the bustling Kabukicho area, lies a serene café where time seems to slow down. The interior exudes elegance, adorned with antique furniture, paintings, and decorative items, creating a luxurious ambiance for a refined experience.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Cafés

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.

• Yamanashi
• Nature Spots

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.

• Kobe
• Famous Places

Tower of Osaka Castle

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.

• Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
• Tourist Attractions

Kaiyukan

Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, this aquarium is located in Osaka. The aquarium, which recreates the natural environment surrounding the Pacific Ocean, is home to a total of 620 species and 30,000 living things.

• Osaka Port, Bay Area
• Zoos & Aquariums