Tottori Sand Dunes The Sand Museum
The world’s first museum, curating sand creations. It is produced by Katsuhiko Chaen, who was selected as “100 Most Respected Japanese People.” He invites sand sculptors from all over the world to display sand sculpture at the global top level.
This is the only museum in the world dedicated to sand sculptures—so unique! There's a different theme every year, so you always get surprised.
Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance (Mint Museum)
The Mint Museum converted a building originally built as a thermal power plant in 1911 (Meiji 44). The brick exterior was maintained throughout the transformation to this date. In 1969, the museum opened to the public to display valuable coins and other items stored by the Mint. Later, with the motto of "a people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and attractive museum," the museum introduced the latest techniques to its exhibits and facilities to make it more accessible. As a result, the museum underwent a major renovation and reopened in April 2009.
There are so many varieties of cherry blossoms, and each one has its own name. It's like walking through a cherry blossom encyclopedia!
Konica Minolta Science Dome (Hachioji City Children's Museum of Science)
An interactive science museum with a variety of hands-on exhibits and simulators, where visitors can learn about science through play. The facility is divided into three experiential zones: "See," "Touch," and "Create," catering to both preschoolers and adults.
This is my top pick for a rainy day! You can have fun no matter where you go, so bad weather won't ruin your plans at all!
Hikone Castle Ruins (Special Historical Site)
This castle is one of the three most famous castles in Japan that was completed in 1622 and its castle tower is designated as a national treasure. This type of castle is called Hirayamajiro, which means a castle built on a mountain or hill in the middle of a plain.
The stairs inside the castle tower are really steep and not that easy to climb.
Music Box & Handicrafts Studio You-kobo
At the Music Box & Handicrafts Studio You-kobo you can try making your own music box by hand. You can decide on the body and tone of your music box, then choose your favorite glass accessories. You can also choose from a variety of songs and decorations for the exterior, so the result is a completely unique one-of-a-kind music box with your favorite song in it!
The process of making it is super simple. Just pick out the accessories you want, glue them on, and let it dry naturally. That's it!
Oronamin C Drink
Since its introduction in 1965, this national carbonated nutritional drink has sold over 35 billion bottles in Japan. It contains the vitamin C equivalent to 11 lemons, as well as B2, B6, essential amino acids for building the body, and honey.
Whenever my friends and I pull all-nighters playing mahjong, we always have this drink ready!