Kenroku-en
Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.
The flowing water and stone lanterns in the garden have such a Zen vibe. It's perfect for a slow stroll and really taking in the atmosphere.
Goryokaku Park
Goryokaku, a Western-style fortress, was built in 1866 and served as the political capital of Hokkaido until the new Meiji government took over. It later became a popular tourist attraction after it was opened to the public as "Goryokaku Park" in 1914 and was designated as a national special historic site.
When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the whole park feels softly wrapped in pink flowers, creating a truly beautiful and romantic scene.
Ameyoko Shopping Street
The Ameyoko Shopping Street, affectionately known as "Ameyoko," stretches approximately 500m between JR Ueno Station and JR Okachimachi Station, with around 400 shops lining the street. It features a variety of businesses, including food and confectionery, clothing, general goods, and jewelry stores.
It's been a long time since I visited Japan, so of course I had to go on a shopping spree at Ameyoko when I came to Tokyo.
Gate City Ohsaki
This is a large complex linked directly to the southern ticket gate of JR Osaki Station. It features a zone of restaurants and shops spread between the basement level and the third floor, enveloped by the East Tower and the West Tower. The structure from the basement to the third floor is designed with an atrium, and events such as concerts frequently take place in the square.
I stayed at the New Otani Inn next door. The mall is connected to the hotel, and there's a supermarket on the first floor, which is super convenient. You can get to Osaki Station on the Yamanote Line just by crossing the skybridge. The rooms are typical small business hotel style, but the price is very affordable.
Grand Emio Tokorozawa
The facility includes essential food and daily goods, restaurants, the latest fashion and general goods, as well as public service facilities that support daily life. As "Tokorozawa" is a place rich in nature, the sophisticated space design that emphasizes natural materials is comfortable and attracts people from not only the local area but also a wider area.
It hasn't been open for very long, but it's clean, bright, and spacious. Plus, it's right next to the station, which is super convenient.
Yume no Tsuribashi suspension bridge
Being said to be the last secluded region of the Oigawa River, the Sumata Gorge is one of the most scenic spots in Shizuoka prefecture. The scenic spot that symbolizes the Sumata Gorge is the Yume no Tsuribashi. Under the suspension bridge, a dam lake formed in the "Oma Dam" of the Sumata River, a tributary river of the Oigawa River, spreads out.
Climbing hundreds of steps to get here was just way too exhausting!
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan), the prominent peak of the Rokko Mountains, is 931 meters above sea level. With easy access by cable car to the top of the mountain, the mountain is full of various facilities that offer physical activities, romantic nightscapes, and more.
You can come straight up from Arima Onsen and enjoy the view of Kobe Port.
Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi
Taiwan’s one-stop shop in Japan for books, lifestyle, and cultural goods. In addition to the latest hot items from Taiwan, here you’ll even find a lineup of brands that of-fer the best of Japanese culture.
They brought Eslite's business model from Taiwan to Japan, and even have the classic bubble tea. I really hope it can keep growing and become even more popular in Japan.