Tower of the Sun (Expo '70 Commemorative Park)
This symbolic art installation for the Theme Pavilion in Japan’s first Expo '70 (Osaka Expo) was designed by the artist Taro Okamoto. It is approximately 70m tall. Currently, the tower is a symbol of Osaka’s Expo '70 Commemorative Park.
You can't enter without a reservation, and you also have to pay an entrance fee!
Matsue Castle
Perched on a 29-meter tall hill in the flatlands near Shinji Lake, Matsue Castle was designated a Japanese national treasure in 2015. It was built some 400 years ago by Yoshiharu Horio, the lord of Izumo and Oki Provinces. The castle is sometimes nicknamed “Plover Castle” due to the castle gables resembling a plover bird with outstretched wings.
This is one of the few remaining national treasure castles in Japan. The surrounding area is really well maintained, and the view of the lake from the top is fantastic!
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594. It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
The weather was perfect when I visited, and the black-and-white contrast of Matsumoto Castle looked stunning against the backdrop of the mountains. The stairs inside the main keep are pretty steep, so be careful when you go up and down.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
This is a suburban mountain near Tokyo. I met lots of hikers along the way. The scenery is beautiful, and you don't have to worry about getting hungry—there are plenty of tasty food options on the trail.
Ryukakusan
The throat medicine “Ryukakusan” has been used for over 200 years in Japan to treat coughs and sore throats.
I didn't know before, so I always took it with just water.
Rohto V11
Rohto is a long-standing pharmaceutical company with over 120 years of history. It also Japan’s leader in the eyedrops industry. “Rohto V11” is the culmination of Rohto Pharmaceutical’s eyedrop technologies; it contains 3 types of anti-inflammatory ingredients, and it effectively treats inflammation of the eye.
After playing mobile games for too long, my eyes get dry and scratchy. I always use this and put in two or three drops.
Seirogan
Seirogan is a gastrointestinal medication that has been a staple in Japanese households for over 100 years. Its main active ingredient, the herbal medicine (a natural plant with medicinal properties) and Japanese pharmacopoeia “JP wood creosote” helps to adjust the water balance in the intestines without disrupting intestinal movement.
Everyone calls them 'stinky pills'—the taste really isn't great.