Hakone Ropeway
From Sounzan to Togendai Station, a ropeway runs about 4km. You can ride in a gondola and look over the lush nature of Hakone mountains, Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Enjoy a skywalk for about 24 minutes.
You can get a great view of Lake Ashinoko and Mt. Fuji from up there. It's a pretty nice spot.
Yasaka Shrine
The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
This is a must-visit spot in Kyoto. It's really close to Hanamikoji Street, and you often see beautiful women in kimonos around here.
Nijo-jo Castle
After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
This place is known as the site of the 'Taisei Hokan.' You can really feel the serious atmosphere here.
Fukuoka Tower
This landmark in Fukuoka City was built as a monument of 1989 Asia Pacific Expo (Yokatopia). It is 234m-tall and the top floor has an observation area with a 360-degree panorama over Fukuoka City.
The night view from inside Fukuoka Tower is stunning, and the ticket price is more reasonable compared to other observation decks.
Osawaya’s first shop
The long-established Udon shop, Osawaya, which started as a small shop of about 100m2 in 1970, currently operates four shops in the Gunma Prefecture. They serve Mizusawa Udon, one of the three famous types of udon.
One of Japan's top three udon noodles! The noodles are super chewy, and there are plenty of seats so you usually don't have to wait long.
Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa, which belongs to the first-grade Yodo River system and is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture, occupies an area of about 670 k㎡, or about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area, and is the largest lake in Japan in terms of both area and water storage capacity, with 27.5 billion tons of water pouring in through rivers from the surrounding mountains of Ibuki, Suzuka, and Hira, all of which are over 1,000 meters high.
The breeze here feels so nice and relaxing!
Kuromon Market
Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.
If you're visiting Kuromon Market, I recommend comparing prices at a few places first, or you might end up overpaying.
Okonomiyaki Mizuno
This okonomiyaki speciality shop sits in the bustling downtown area of Dotonbori in Osaka. Since its founding in 1945, this veteran shop has been featured in MICHELIN guide: Bib Gourmand for 6 consecutive years and beloved by its patrons for many years. Keeping with its concept of “evolved vintage”, the restaurant is well kept by its 3rd generation owner with a menu of delicious new spins and unchanged traditions.
The portions are big and packed with ingredients. Had to wait in line for a long time, but it was worth it.
Lake Biwa Otsu Prince Hotel
The renowned architect Kenzo Tange designed this 38-story tower hotel. Its convention hall is one of the largest in Japan and often used for events, exhibitions, international conference, etc.
The hotel overlooks Lake Biwa, and the view is super relaxing!
Imperial Hotel Tokyo
In 1890, upon the request of the Meiji Administration that was promoting the westernization of Japan, this hotel was opened by leading businessmen. For the first 19 years, Shibusawa Eiichi, the representative of the founders, administered the management and served as president.
A famous hotel in Tokyo.
The service here is absolutely top-notch!