Abukuma Cave
The caves are characterized by the variety and number of stalactites that line the 600-meter length of the cave. There are many attractions in the caves, including the fantastic "Moon World," the first cave in Japan to have a dimming system for stage production, and the 13-meter-high "Ryuuguuden," a hall with a collection of unique stalactites.
So many different-shaped stalactites and stalagmites. It’s pretty good for photos!
Omoide Yokocho
Walk just 2 minutes from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station to find yourself at a retro pub alley. With ticket shops and around 80 different establishments offering delicious food and drinks, it's a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.
It really has that old-school Showa-era Japan vibe. Come at night for yakitori and beer—totally feels like a classic izakaya.
Toyosu Market
To avoid further deterioration, the aging Tsukiji Market, known as the “kitchen” feeding Tokyo’s people, was moved to Toyosu in 2018. Along with improving safety, observational tour routes were set up, making it easy for visitors to enter the market.
The sushi restaurants nearby are really delicious, especially the seafood—it’s super fresh.
Okuhida Bear’s Farm
At the Okuhida Bear’s Farm, about 100 bears are kept, and you can interact with them throughout the year. At the "snack feeding experience," you can feed the bears as they beg for food with cute gestures. Each bear has its own unique pose and is a must-see.
You can take photos with the bears both in the morning and afternoon. You can also feed animals throughout the place. It's a pretty nice experience.
Mt. Yoshino
Mt. Yoshino is acclaimed as the best spot to see cherry blossoms in all of Japan. In the spring, the entire mountain is washed with flowering trees as they bloom from the Shimosenbon (the lower 1,000 trees) at the foothills up to the Okusembon (the inner 1,000 trees).
Kinpusen-ji Temple among the cherry blossoms is a must-see in Mt. Yoshino. It's truly unforgettable.
Arizuki Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi branch
At this offal stew restaurant, you can see a wonderful view from 150 above ground on the 31st floor of Tokyo Solamachi.
Enjoying delicious food while taking in the night view is such a relaxing experience. It's hard to get a reservation, so make sure to book ahead.
Chanko Kirishima Ryogoku Flagship Shop
Sumo wrestlers eat meals called “chanko.” This is a restaurant operated by a former sumo wrestler where you can enjoy “chankonabe” made using recipes straight from a sumo stable.
When it comes to Japanese hot pot, chanko nabe is definitely the tastiest! 😋