Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
Climbing to the top of the main keep is seriously exhausting, but the view is totally worth it! You can see all of Himeji City from up there!
Kobe Pudding
With its gentle sweetness, deep richness, and smooth mouthfeel, Kobe Pudding also offers a refreshing citrus liqueur aftertaste. The separately packaged caramel sauce, with its pleasantly bitter sweetness and roasted aroma, adds to the special experience of pouring it yourself.
The egg flavor is really rich, and every bite is super satisfying. The slightly bitter caramel at the bottom goes perfectly with the pudding.
Shinkyogoku Shopping Street
Spanning approximately 500m from Sanjo Street to Shijo Street in the heart of Kyoto, Shinkyogoku Street buzzes daily with locals, tourists, and school trip students. The Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022, stands as Japan's second oldest shopping district.
This shopping street connects to Teramachi Street, so it's even more fun to explore both together.
Kumano Kodo Path
Kumano Kodo is the path leading to the three Kumano Mountains (Kumano Hongu Taisha Shrine, Kumano Hayatama Taisha, Kumano Nachi Taisha and Mt. Nachisan Seiganto Temple). While Kumano faith was rising, noble families used this path to come to Kumano, which was later spread to the general public.
Some parts of the mountain trail have big elevation changes. It took a bit of time, but I managed to finish the Kumano Kodo hike without any problems.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
Every time I visit Tokyo, I make sure to stop by Sensoji Temple. It's kind of become a tradition for me 🤭
Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
A World Heritage Site with stories about Tokugawa Ieyasu.
Kusatsu Onsen (Kusatsu Hotspring)
Kusatsu Onsen is popular and well known as one of Japan's three major hotsprings. 32300 liters per minute naturally gushes, which is admitted as the highest amount of discharge in Japan, the source water with high acid is known to have an excellent antibacterial effect.
This famous hot spring area in Japan is always packed. It's a must-visit spot for any hot spring trip.
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
A museum exhibiting numerous valuable artifacts related to ancient Izumo, home to Izumo Taisha and many legends.
The various reconstructed models really help you understand the history of Izumo.
Goen Yokocho
Goen Yokocho is a commercial facility located right in front of Izumo Taisha's main gate, where you can find a variety of local Shimane delicacies and souvenirs in a building reminiscent of Edo-period row houses.
They sell some local Shimane specialties here, and there's also a pretty big Starbucks next door.
Shinmon Dori
Roughly 700m approach stretches from the great gate at the Uga Bridge, the national tangible cultural property, to another shrine gate at Seidamari. This is called Shinmon Street where many visitors pass to and from the Izumo Tisha Shrine. An elegant and unique scenery spreads from the front gate of Izumo Taisha towards the great gate of Uga Bridge.
The shopping street on both sides is clean and tidy, making it a pleasant walk. There's a Starbucks right by the entrance too.