Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, is a comprehensive marine leisure facility featuring an aquarium, attractions, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.
You can buy tickets separately here. This time, I only got the aquarium ticket, which made my schedule a lot more flexible.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine was established in 1920 (Taisho 9) as a shrine to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
It has the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, made from Taiwan's Danda Mountain, also known as Alishan. Walking through the gate and down the path, with trees on both sides, brings a sense of unexpected calm.
Mt. Omuro
Omuro Mountain, an independent peak with an altitude of 580m, is located in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. This volcano, which looks like an overturned bowl, is a beloved symbol of the Izu Plateau. Formed by volcanic activity about 4000 years ago, Omuro Mountain is a nationally designated natural monument and the largest scoria cone in the eastern Izu Volcanic Group.
The weather along the way was cool and comfortable. The view from the top is fantastic—absolutely stunning scenery.
Yokohama Chinatown
Yokohama Chinatown, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, is a district lined with countless Chinese restaurants. From affordable dishes you can enjoy as takeout or all-you-can-eat meals to authentic Chinese cuisine, there are options to suit your budget.
Yokohama Chinatown is really different from how I remember it as a kid. There's not much of the traditional festival vibe anymore, and the old Chinese community is slowly fading away.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Welcomed by the gargantuan 19.7-meter, life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza embodies its concept as a "theatrical urban space," offering a place to play, learn, relax, and just take in each moment of surprise and inspiration. Tantalize all five senses at this unforgettable destination that’s like none ever before.
This is one of the better shopping malls in Odaiba. At night, you can see beautiful views of Tokyo Bay, plus the unique Fuji TV building nearby.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
If you want to enjoy the most popular attractions, you really need to get the Express Pass. It saves you a ton of time and helps you avoid unnecessary waiting.
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
This is the most iconic temple in Kyoto. It's always packed with people, and there are lots of souvenir shops along Kiyomizu-zaka. Every time I visit Kyoto, I make sure to stop by Kiyomizu-dera.
Tofukuji Temple
This is the head temple of Rinzai School. Kujo Michiie wished to have a temple for his family burial under Reverend Shoichi Kokusi’s ministry, and built seven halls during 19 years beginning in 1236.
Tofukuji is super famous for autumn leaves. It's definitely a must-see spot in Kyoto.
Kumamoto Ramen Kurotei Main Store
Kurotei, founded in 1957 in Kumamoto City, offers a continually evolving Kumamoto ramen experience. Their creamy, cloudy pork bone soup is paired with fragrant, charred garlic oil, maintaining the tradition of Kumamoto ramen while offering a one-of-a-kind taste. The pride of their soup is the use of low-fat pig's head bones, giving it a rich yet refreshing aftertaste.
The broth has a unique hint of charred aroma, which is really special. The dumplings here are also top-notch.
Shinjuku Subnade
Approximately 100 shops are in Shinjuku's largest underground shopping area. You can enjoy yourself to the fullest with fashion aware of the latest trends, shops with general goods, diverse services that support dressing stylishly, and restaurants and cafes of various food styles.
The first time I went to the Shinjuku underground mall, I totally lost my sense of direction. When I came up from the underground passage, I had no idea where I was.