Ise Sea Paradise
Ise Sea Paradise is an aquarium near the famed "Meoto Iwa" (Married Couple Rocks) in Ise City, offering up-close encounters with a variety of marine creatures.
After visiting Ise Sea Paradise, you might gain a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and feel more aware of the importance of marine conservation.
Shirahige Shrine
Standing in the northwestern part of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, this is the oldest Shinto shrine in Omi, which is said to be over 2,000 years old. The vermilion-lacquered Otorii gate stands in the middle of the lake across Route 161, reminiscent of the Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima, Hiroshima Prefecture, and is called the "Itsukushima of Omi”.
This beautiful shrine stands by the lake. I took a taxi from the station just to visit, and it was absolutely worth the trip.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine sits just steps from Lake Ashi, a spot dotted with coveted Hakone destinations like Owakudani and Togen-dai. The shrine heralds the Hakone Ookami god, and remains one of the most renowned shrines in Kanto.
Hakone Shrine has a gorgeous torii gate in the water—makes for great photos! The only downside is that it's crowded, so you'll have to wait in line.
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village is known as one of the seven hot springs in Hakone and the largest hot spring resort in Hakone.
Take the Odakyu Romancecar from Shinjuku Station to Hakone-Yumoto Station, then transfer to the Hakone Tozan Cable Car. You can see all the famous Hakone sights along the way.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.
After walking through the thousand torii gates, I took a stroll up Mount Inari and soaked up all the positive energy.
Shibuya Center Street
A few steps from the Hachiko exit of JR Shibuya Station, known for “Hachiko”, the iconic bronze Akita dog statue, and a quick walk across the Scramble intersection will bring you to the shopping area known as "Shibuya Center Shopping District".
Shibuya is so lively at night—it feels like the whole city is moving!
Gora Kadan
Gora Kadan is a traditional Japanese hotel built on the land where the former summer residence of Kain’in no Miya Imperial Prince Kotohito used to be. It is located in Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, within Gora Onsen, a famous hot spring resort area. The hotel is highly regarded overseas and became a member of the international hotel restaurant group “Relais & Chateaux” in 1991.
You can reserve a private family bath for free—such a generous service!