Banei Tokachi (Obihiro Racecourse)
This is the only racecourse in the world that hosts Banei Keiba, a unique style of horse racing found only in Hokkaido. In Banei Keiba, massive “banba” draft horses, a breed originally known for heavy labor during Hokkaido’s pioneering days, race to pull sleds weighing up to one ton across a 200-meter dirt track.
Totally different from regular horse racing. The pace is pretty slow, and it’s more about strength than speed. A really unique experience.
Kushida Shrine
This head shrine is said to have been built in the 8th century. Residents in Hakata call it “Okushida san.” Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival declares the arrival of summer to the City of Hakata in July, and is dedicated to this shrine.
It has a festival-like vibe. It’s near the shopping arcade, so you can just take a short walk and you’re there.
Jindaiji Daruma Doll Fair
Founded in 733, Jindaiji Temple in Chofu City is one of the oldest temples in the Kanto region. It houses the oldest National Treasure Buddha statue in eastern Japan, the Shaka Nyorai. Every March, the temple hosts the Jindaiji Daruma Fair, a traditional event that has continued since the mid-Edo period. It is also known as one of the three major Daruma fairs in Japan. The event takes place on March 3rd and 4th, when red and white plum blossoms decorate the temple gate. Among the temple’s annual events, the Yakuyoke Gansan Daishi Festival is the largest, held to ward off bad luck.
There are so many different sizes of Daruma dolls here, from tiny ones to ones so big you can't even carry them! When you buy a Daruma, you get to paint the eyes yourself, which makes it feel really special and meaningful.
Tempozan Ferris wheel
With a height of 112.5 meters and a diameter of 100 meters, this is one of the world's largest Ferris wheels, lasting about 15 minutes per lap. On a clear day you can see as far as Mount Ikoma in Nara Prefecture to the east, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Hyogo Prefecture to the west, Kansai International Airport to the south, and Mount Rokko in Hyogo Prefecture to the north. While you are here in Osaka, you can feel as if you are taking a round trip around the Kansai area.
After visiting the aquarium, you absolutely have to ride one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels!
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.
The layout and design inside are great, and there are lots of souvenirs to buy too!
GUESTHOUSE Rice Chikko
A guesthouse in Osaka’s bay area. The place’s name, “Rice”, nods at the hope for it to be loved as widely as the Japanese people keep a widespread love of rice, while serving as a way to connect different peoples from in and out of Japan.
It's a bit far from the city center, but it's super convenient if you're heading to the Osaka Aquarium, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, or Universal Studios Japan.
Meika Kimigoromo Hompo Shogetsudo (Horii Shogetsudo)
Kimigoromo, the famous treat that hails from Uda, was first made in the Meiji era (1886-1912) by the first Horii Shotaro of Shogetsudo at this very spot in Ouda. The texture is as fluffy as a light snow, and soft enough to vanish into thin air the moment you taste it.
The texture is really soft and melts in your mouth. It's on the sweeter side, so it's perfect to enjoy with some tea.
Gion Ninigi main store
Ninigi, a confectionery store in the Gion district of Kyoto, offers a wonderful fruit daifuku series, Kajitsu no Fuku. Their fantastic daifuku is filled with fresh juicy seasonal fruit, including strawberry, tangerine and white bean paste or whipped cream in a thin soft mochi.
The strawberry daifuku is their most popular item. You can also find their shop inside Isetan at Kyoto Station.