Hakata Daruma Main Store
Established in 1963, "Hakata Daruma Main Store" is a renowned Hakata ramen restaurant where the second-generation owner has inherited the traditional taste created by his father.
The secret broth is simmered for hours, giving it a rich yet smooth taste. It's insanely delicious.
Drum Gate and Hospitality Dome (Kanazawa Station)
Kanazawa Station, the gateway to Kanazawa, is bustling with visitors as the Hokuriku Shinkansen arrives and departs, making it a hub for Hokuriku tourism. The eye-catching Drum Gate and Hospitality Dome, completed in 2005, are located at the Kenrokuen Gate (East Exit) facing the city center.
The architecture is beautiful, and the design is really unique. It's even been called one of the most beautiful stations in the world.
Nakasu Yataigai (food stall street)
In the gourmet city Hakata, Nakasu Yataigai lets you experience specialized gourmet food - ramen, skewered food, Oden, etc. to go with sake and other drinks. Naka River runs through Kyushu’s busiest downtown, Nakasu. Bright neon lights sparkle on the water and it is quite a sight that all kinds of food stalls are lined along the river! Strolling along the river allows you to catch the energy of the city.
Eating street food right on the streets of Japan is such a rare experience.
Flower Land Kamifurano
This tourist farm, spread across 247 acres of rolling hills, allows visitors to enjoy a variety of colorful seasonal flowers. The flower fields on the slope showcase a range of flowers, starting with cherry blossoms in spring.
I got to make a lavender pillow here. It's small but super handy for napping on the tour bus.
Farm Tomita
Located in Nakafurano Town, Hokkaido, this tourist farm is famous for its large-scale, elegant lavender fields. In addition to the grand lavender fields, the farm is known for its "Irodori Field," a canvas of gently sloping hills adorned with vivid bands of flowers such as purple lavender, white baby's breath, and red poppies.
You can enjoy the lavender fields without an entrance fee. There are some shops around the farm, and you definitely have to try the delicious melon and ice cream when you visit.
Maruyama Park (Sapporo)
Maruyama Park is located north of Maruyama Virgin Forest, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms since ancient times. The park boasts about 120 cherry trees such as Sargent cherry and Somei-Yoshino, which attract many visitors in spring.
During cherry blossom season, the park is packed with people everywhere. Lots of folks are having barbecues, and you can even rent BBQ equipment inside the park.
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 most famous castles. If you're in Nagoya, you definitely have to visit.
Kawazu-zakura blossoms along the Kawazu River
It is known that early blooming cherry blossoms, which begin to bloom in the beginning of February, along the Kawazu River. These cherry blossoms were discovered in Kawazu-cho in 1955 and are called "Kawazu Zakura" now. It is considered as a natural hybrid species between the winter cherry (Kanhizakura) group, which blooms starting from around January, mainly in warm regions, and the wild cherry (Oshima zakura) group, which is a wild species in Japan.
Thousands of Kawazu cherry blossoms in full bloom—absolutely stunning.
Chibi Maruko-chan Land
Japan’s one and only museum dedicated to the beloved manga “Chibi Maruko-chan” is located in Shizuoka, the hometown of the series’ creator Momoko Sakura. Inside you’ll find 3 different zones to explore.
This place is pretty boring. Going once is more than enough.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.
There aren't many restaurant options!
For a world-class tourist spot, they really should improve the facilities.