Hiroshima PARCO
Hiroshima PARCO is the go-to destination for the latest fashion in Japan’s Chugoku-Shikoku region. Complete with two buildings and 150 stores inside, this coveted hub along the busy shopping streets of Hondori and Namiki-dori is one of the largest retailers that always packs a punch.
The location is super convenient, right in the city center. After shopping, you can easily head over to Hondori Shopping Street. The layout is great and easy to navigate—not a maze at all.
Shirakawa-go Light-up Event
Located in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed gassho-zukuri village of Shirakawa-go, this event, held on specific days in January and February, draws large crowds annually. The sight of the iconic, thatched triangular roofs of the gassho-style houses blanketed in snow, illuminated against the night, evokes a fairy-tale-like look and feel.
The light-up event only happens a few times a year, so being able to see it in person is really special. I feel super lucky!
Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro
Come one come all to Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s largest mega retailers made easily accessible thanks to direct access to the west exit of Ikebukuro Station.
The department store is directly connected to Ikebukuro Station, so it's super convenient whether you're taking the subway or JR lines.
Kumamon Port Yatsushiro
Kumamon Port Yatsushiro was completed in March 2020, set up to welcome some of the world’s largest cruise liners headed in towards this area of lower Kyushu. Around the port terminal you’ll find an open leisure area, “Kumamon Park”, where Kumamon character themed adventures await. Delight yourself in a warm welcome from the 84 Kumamon statues of all different sizes.
If you love Kumamon, this is the perfect place for you!
Akiu Onsen (Akiu Hot Spring)
Located along the valley of the Natori River in the western part of Sendai City, this hot spring resort town is lined with both luxury ryokan and reasonably priced inn rooms without meals. It is easily accessible, only 30 minutes by car from downtown Sendai, and there are plenty of leisure activities in the area. Visitors can enjoy mountain climbing, canyoning, camping, and other activities in the Futakuchi-kyokoku Gorge upstream of the Natori River.
This is a super popular hot spring resort in Tohoku. It's really close to Sendai—just a 30-minute bus ride—so getting here is super convenient.
Sapporo TV Tower
Built in 1956 on Nishi 1-chome, the starting point of Odori Park, the Sapporo TV Tower is well known to locals and tourists alike as a landmark of Sapporo that has witnessed the city's development since its completion.
You can have a meal at the restaurant on the 3rd floor or check out the shops. Buy a ticket on the 3rd floor and take the elevator up to the observation deck—the night view from up there is pretty nice.
Biwako Hakodateyama Mountain
Renewed and reopened in 2020, Biwako Hakodate Mountain offers seasonal flowers in summer and skiing in the silvery white world of winter. You can take an 8-minute gondola ride while enjoying the scenery of Lake Biwa. Once you reach the top of the mountain, which is about 630 meters above sea level, you will feel a sense of freedom.
It feels so cool and comfortable up here in the summer, and the air is amazing. The summer flowers are blooming beautifully, too.
Ritsurin Garden
Used as a villa by the Matsudaira clan of Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago by successive generations of feudal lords who renovated it. While the sprawling strolling garden covers 16 hectares, the total area of this park, including Mount Shiun in the background, extends to an impressive 75 hectares!
The garden is landscaped with all kinds of plants, and each area offers a different view to enjoy.
Ana Hachimangu Shrine
Ana Hachimangu Shrine is believed to bring good fortune, financial luck, and business prosperity. According to the shrine’s history, it was founded in 1062 when Minamoto no Yoshiie worshipped Hachiman in this area.
It's near Waseda University. My Japanese friend told me you can pray for good fortune here.
Sanrio Puroland
Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.
There are so many spots inside for taking photos and checking in. It's a place both kids and adults love to visit.