Benten Rock
Located in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, Benten Rock is a massive reef created by an undersea volcanic eruption in the Sea of Japan. Crossing the striking vermilion Akebono Bridge, visitors can observe volcanic ejecta formed from fragments of lava and volcanic ash.
Benten Rock is really impressive. Standing there, the sea breeze totally wakes you up!
KO52 TAKAO
This retail multiplex was opened in Spring 2024 in the revamped space that once housed the Keio Takao Building Annex. The KO52 name is coined as a wink at the Keio Electric Railway Takao Line's Takao Station. The “KO” also doubles as a nod to the Japanese word for individuality, and a whimsical invitation to “feel free” (52 or “go-jiyuu-ni” in Japanese sounds “feel free to go ahead”) at this “go to” hub.
KO52 doesn't feel like a tourist spot at all. It has a low-key vibe that locals would love. Besides alcohol, they also have coffee and snacks, so it's totally fine to bring kids along.
Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train
The Kushiro Shitsugen Norokko Train offers a leisurely ride through the internationally significant wetlands of the Kushiro Marsh, registered under the Ramsar Convention. This sightseeing train provides a direct and immersive experience of Hokkaido’s rich natural beauty.
The train cars have an open design with big glass windows, so you get a wide view that's perfect for sightseeing and taking photos. The wooden interior and comfy seats create a warm vibe, making the whole ride super relaxing.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
You can spend 100 yen to draw a fortune slip and see what luck you get. If you get a good one, keep it! If it's bad luck, just tie it up in the plaza to leave the bad luck behind!
Rainbow Bridge
“Rainbow Bridge,” an approximately 800-meter-long suspension bridge, is an iconic part of Tokyo architecture that connects Odaiba and Shibaura. At night the bridge is beautifully illuminated, and many people visit it to take pictures of one of Tokyo’s most well-known night views. The bridge has a dual structure: the upper section functions as an Metropolitan expressway, while the lower section is used by a general roadway, the Yurikamome Line, and a walking path.
Visiting Rainbow Bridge in the evening is a pretty good choice.
Nagoya Castle
One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.
One of Japan's three most famous castles. The two golden shachihoko on the roof are really unique, and the interior is super luxurious and impressive. Definitely worth a visit!
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
There's so much nature here! You can go hiking, visit temples, and try some great food.
Beppu Onsen
Beppu onsen is the collective name for all of the hot springs across Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 different springs that produce about 130,000 kiloliters of spring water every day, its ranked among the highest of hot springs in Japan. Beppu Onsen is divided into 8 areas and is also called Beppu Hatto or Bappu Onsenkyo. The many different springs offer different water properties and colors, so you won’t want to miss the chance to visit as many different hot springs as possible.
There are all kinds of different hot spring 'hells' to check out. The food sold inside is delicious and not too expensive.