Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten NAGOYA
This is the first Konica Minolta Planetarium in the Tokai region, operated by the group behind three popular planetariums in Tokyo. Located in the AEON Mall Nagoya Noritake Garden just steps from Nagoya Station, this easily accessible hub offers a fun time away, complete with shopping, dining and more.
The sound system is awesome and the whole experience is super immersive. I felt so relaxed after watching—I almost fell asleep!
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
The food and shows in the park are definitely highlights, making the whole experience even more fun and complete. Overall, Yomiuriland is a fantastic spot for families and friends to enjoy together. I made some really unforgettable and happy memories here.
Kaiyukan
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, this aquarium is located in Osaka. The aquarium, which recreates the natural environment surrounding the Pacific Ocean, is home to a total of 620 species and 30,000 living things.
It's kind of a letdown when so many foreign tourists don't follow the rules.
Miidera Chikara-mochi Main Shop
This 150-year old veteran wagashi shop sits just steps from the Keihan Biwako-Hamaotsu Station. Well known today, it first made its mark with the famed Miidera Chikara-mochi. Each starts with a bite-sized piece of mochi that’s coated in the house-special white honey and finished with a dusting of green soybean kinako powder. This same formula has been passed down for decades, insuring the same flavor is still available today. The treat is named after the legend where Japanese warrior monk Benkei drags the sonorous bell of Miidera (Onjo-ji) temple up to Mt. Hiei.
In Taiwan, mochi usually comes with peanut powder, but in Japan, it's kinako (soybean powder), which is less sweet.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha
In 662 BC, Kamuyamato-iware-hikonomikoto (became Emperor Jinmu) dedicated Nachi Waterfall as a god in this shrine. It is the head shrine of Kumano Shrines all over in Japan, known as one of the three major Kumano Shrines. It has another name, “Musubi no Miya” which means the shrine to bring a marriage and wishes to come true.
This shrine has a really spiritual vibe.
Todaiji Temple
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.
There's a small square hole under a wooden pillar behind the Great Buddha Hall. They say it's the same size as the Buddha's nostril, and if you crawl through it, you'll get the Bodhisattva's blessing and good luck.
Kyocera Dome Osaka
It opened in 1997 as Japan's third dome stadium, following "the Tokyo Dome" and "the Fukuoka Dome." It is currently used as the home of the Orix Buffaloes. It is one of the largest domes in Japan, with a maximum capacity of approximately 55,000 people. It has become a landmark in Osaka City's Nishi Ward, where official professional baseball games, concerts, and events are held.
I came to the dome to watch a Japanese pro baseball game. The security check at the entrance was very thorough, and the walkways and emergency exits were well planned. The atmosphere during the game was super exciting!