Blue's Reviews

SMART EXCHANGE

SMART EXCHANGE is an automatic foreign currency exchange service that allows you to exchange foreign currency notes into Japanese yen. It is available at more than 1,000 locations across 40 prefectures in Japan, including airports, stations, commercial facilities, and sightseeing facilities. Its reliable operational framework, backed by a publicly listed corporate group, is another reason many visitors to Japan choose the service. The service supports 12 currencies, including US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan, Taiwan dollars, and South Korean won. Simply follow the on-screen instructions through three steps, and you can receive Japanese yen in as little as one minute.

Useful Travel Tips

11 Sep 2026 See More

I used to exchange for Japanese yen in Taiwan before traveling, but after seeing SMART EXCHANGE this time, I realized these unmanned currency exchange machines are everywhere in Japan. If you suddenly need cash, you can exchange it right away, which really makes things much more convenient for tourists.

They’re especially useful at night when the banks are closed and you suddenly find yourself short on cash.

Animal Café 百奇夜行

An animal café that opened in 2024 just steps from Higashi Chaya District, a popular sightseeing spot in Kanazawa lined with traditional teahouse buildings.

Kanazawa
Cafés

8 May 2026 See More

The atmosphere inside is really unique, and all the animals are super cute. Being able to sip a drink while interacting with the little animals is so soothing. It’s a great spot for people who love taking photos or just love animals.

The overall interior design is also pretty distinctive, and before you know it, you’ve been there for quite a while.

That said, it can get crowded at certain times, and the more popular animals tend to have people gathered around them constantly. If you want to interact with them more comfortably, it’s probably better to go on a weekday.

Overall, it’s still definitely worth trying at least once, especially if it’s your first time at an animal café—it feels really fresh and fun.

Byodoin

An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.

Uji, Joyo, Yawata
Shrines & Temples

16 Aug 2025 See More

The sound of the bell at Byodoin is truly calming. It feels like it cleanses your soul.

SAKUBI SAKURA

The pastel pink exterior of SAKUBI SAKURA leaves a lasting impression. This sightseeing train runs between JR Okayama Station and Tsuyama Station, and is a wonderful way to travel through the northern area of Okayama Prefecture, known for its famous hot springs-the Mimasaka Three Hot Springs-as well as scenic cherry blossom spots.

Okayama
Trains & Subway

22 Jul 2025 See More

Sitting by the window and watching the scenery go by made the whole train ride worth it.

Kiyosumi Gardens

The Kiyosumi Gardens are a circular garden with a fountain, an artificial hill, and a dry landscape garden. In 1878, industrialist Yataro Iwasaki purchased the site of a dilapidated mansion and planned to create a garden.

Ryogoku, Ningyocho, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kinshicho
Parks & Gardens

16 Oct 2021 See More

The entrance fee is pretty cheap—just JPY 150. You can easily spend an afternoon in the garden. The plants and landscaping are really well maintained.

Gifu Castle

The Symbol of Gifu towers on top of Mt. Kinka 329m above sea level. During the age of provincial wars, Saito Dosan resided. When Oda Nobunaga became the lord, it became the homebase of his ambition to rule the nation.

Gifu
Tourist Attractions

16 Oct 2021 See More

After taking the ropeway, there's still an uphill walk before you reach the top. You really get that Nobunaga's Ambition vibe, looking down over the city of Gifu from above.

Kohfukuji Temple

This temple was first built as a private residence of Fujiwara no Kamatari in Yamashina-suehara of Yamashiro-no-kuni (current Kyoto prefecture) and named Yamashina-dera, and later, Fujiwara no Fuhito decided to relocate to the current place at the time of the establishment of the Heijo Ⅽapital in 710, and the temple was renamed Kohfukuji.

Nara
Shrines & Temples

15 Oct 2021 See More

You can not only enjoy the beauty of this ancient temple, but it's absolutely stunning during the autumn foliage season!

Mizuki Shigeru Museum

Mizuki Shigeru wrote one of the most famous manga comics, GeGeGe no Kitaro. His memorial museum is located in Sakaiminato City, his hometown. A 14-minute walk from JR Sakaiminato Station along "Mizuki Shigeru Road" will take you to the museum.

Tottori
Museums

15 Oct 2021 See More

The museum introduces the life and achievements of the creator of yokai. If you like GeGeGe no Kitaro, you should definitely check it out.

Mizuki Shigeru Road

Mizuki Shigeru Road was established in 1993. The 800-meter-long street from Sakaiminato Station to the Mizuki Shigeru Museum is lined with 177 bronze yokai sculptures.

Tottori
Tourist Attractions

15 Oct 2021 See More

You can spot yokai everywhere along the street—it’s become a symbol of the area. Many shops also sell yokai-themed goods.