Lake Toya Onsen
This hot spring was created by the eruptive activity of Mt. Yosomiyama during the Meiji Era. It boasts an abundance of hot spring water and has the largest number of hotels and inns in Hokkaido. It is now one of the most popular hot spring resorts in Hokkaido, attracting more than 3 million tourists a year.
The fireworks show by the lake at night is gorgeous. Watching it while soaking in the hot spring feels so romantic.
Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.
The gassho-zukuri village in Shirakawa-go feels like stepping back in time, as if you've entered ancient Japan. The unique houses, with their thick thatched roofs and sturdy structures, really show the wisdom and adaptability of people in the past facing nature's challenges.
Shirogane Blue Pond
The Shirogane Blue Pond in Biei is famous as the top tourist attraction in the area, captivating visitors with its vivid blue. This man-made pond unexpectedly formed when water accumulated behind a dam that was constructed to prevent volcanic mudflows from Mt. Tokachi. The surreal blue of the pond, combined with the surrounding lush nature and dead larch trees, creates an enchanting atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale.
The beauty of the Shirogane Blue Pond is beyond imagination. Surrounded by forest, whether it's summer or autumn, the reflections of trees and sky on the water give this place a peaceful and mysterious vibe.
Tenma Tenjin MAIDOYA
This souvenir store is located at 2-chome (the second block) of Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Arcade, which is known as "the longest shopping street in Japan" with a total length of about 2.6 km from Tenjinbashisuji 1-chome to 7-chome. The noticeable outside wall is decorated with a series of lanterns representing the Tenjin Festival, which is a famous summer event in Osaka and has a history of more than 1,000 years.The store's name comes from the Osaka dialect word "maido," which means "thank you for everything.”
There are lots of little souvenirs here, including food and drinks. It's a shop with a lot of character.
Toyosu Market
To avoid further deterioration, the aging Tsukiji Market, known as the “kitchen” feeding Tokyo’s people, was moved to Toyosu in 2018. Along with improving safety, observational tour routes were set up, making it easy for visitors to enter the market.
The seafood here is really delicious and the prices aren't too high.
TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)
Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
Looking down at all of Tokyo from above is truly impressive. The view is unforgettable and makes you want to stay longer.