Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Asaichi is a huge market of about 33,000㎡. Some 250 stores, including about 150 member stores of the federation and 100 other stores, sell and serve Hokkaido foodstuffs. Member stores display a sticker of "Asaitchan ," the mascot of the Hakodate market, as their recommended store sign.
The seafood is seriously unbelievably fresh. You can tell they’re not messing around.
National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo
Located in Ueno Park, this is the only national comprehensive science museum focusing on natural history and the history of science and technology.
Strolling through the museums in Ueno Park feels really nice.
The ticket price isn’t high, and the exhibits on dinosaurs, meteorites, and prehistoric life are super eye‑catching.
There’s also a 360‑degree theater where you can watch short films.
The gift shop has lots of cute little items that are hard to resist buying.
Ishikawa Prefectural Government 19th Floor Observation Lobby
A public observation space on the top floor of the Ishikawa Prefectural Government building. The floor is glass-walled on all four sides, offering sweeping views of Kanazawa’s cityscape, the sea, and the mountains from a height of Approx. 80 meters above ground. On clear days, you can see Mt. Hakusan and the Tateyama Mountain Range, and since admission is available until 8:00pm (7:00pm on weekdays from January to March), you can also enjoy the night view.
Definitely worth going up for a look! The whole floor is surrounded by glass windows, so the view feels super open. You can see all of Kanazawa, and on a clear day you can even spot Mt. Hakusan.
Best of all, it’s completely free. It’s also not crowded, so it feels really quiet and comfortable. There are chairs where you can sit and relax, and the night view is really romantic too.
Overall, it’s one of those unexpectedly awesome spots. I’d definitely recommend adding it to your Kanazawa itinerary for a relaxed visit.
AOAO SAPPORO
Doors opened on July 2023 over at AOAO SAPPORO, the urban aquarium destination themed for "Wonders of Life: Seeing the Unseen”. The space is divided into three distinct zones, each with its own underwater world of hybrid-media areas that ponder the link between humans and water via live animal exhibits, backstage tours and immersive digital art.
The scents and lighting inside are really well thought out. It feels super pleasant to walk around.
Kobe Port Tower
Rising over Kobe Harbor, this port tower is known as the “Beauty of the Iron Tower” for its graceful hyperboloid shape-like an elongated drum-and its vivid red exterior. Loved by locals as a symbol of Kobe since its debut in 1973 (1963), it reopened after Approx. 2.5 years of seismic reinforcement and renovation, with a grand renewal in April 2024.
The tower isn’t just a sightseeing spot—it’s also a witness to Kobe’s history and development. When you visit, you can really feel Kobe’s unique charm and cultural depth as an international port city.
Nakameguro Tsutaya Books
Located in the Nakameguro Koukashita commercial complex, which opened in 2016, Nakameguro Tsutaya Books is designed around four unique zones that cater to different needs and lifestyles.
The bookstore is located in Nakameguro, a stylish and culturally rich area with the Meguro River, unique cafes, and boutique shops nearby. In spring, it's a real treat to walk from the bookstore to the river and enjoy the cherry blossoms.
Tottori Castle Ruins
The site of 'Tottori Castle,' built during the Sengoku period by utilizing the steep terrain of Mt. Kyushozan. During the Edo period, the foothills were developed as the political center of the Tottori Domain. Today, remnants such as stone walls and the base of the main keep remain, and the site has been designated as a national historic site.
This place isn't just historically significant—it's also a great spot for a walk or a hike.
Todaiji Temple
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.
The architectural style of Todaiji Temple really showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Japan. Truly impressive.
Shikinaen Royal Garden
Shikinaen Royal Garden was completed in 1799 during the reign of King Sho On, the 15th ruler of the Second Sho Dynasty of the Ryukyu Kingdom, and served as the largest royal villa. It was used for the recreation of the royal family and to entertain envoys from the Chinese Emperor.
Enjoyed the beautiful blend of Japanese and Chinese architecture. It's already been listed as a World Cultural Heritage site.
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 staff clean regularly, so the changing rooms are super clean.