珊莎's Reviews

Yuasa Town: Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings

Approx. a 15-minute walk from JR Yuasa Station, this Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings covers an area of about 400 m east-west and about 280 m north-south in one part of Yuasa Town. Lined with traditional townhouses and earthen storehouses that reflect the prosperity of soy sauce brewing-once the town’s key industry-you can feel an old-world atmosphere everywhere, as if you’ve stepped back in time.

• Wakayama
• Tourist Attractions

Kikko Shrine

This shrine enshrines the ancestors of the Kikkawa family, former lords of the Iwakuni domain. Originally consisting of three separate shrines, it was unified in 1885 and built at its present location on the site of the family’s former residence. Shrines dedicated to ancestral spirits are rare in Japan, and its distinctive layout features the torii gate, shinmon gate, worship hall, offering hall, and main sanctuary all aligned in a straight line from south to north.

• Yamaguchi
• Shrines & Temples

Mt. Moiwa

Just about 20 minutes by public transport from downtown Sapporo, Mt. Moiwa stands 531 meters tall and still preserves its primeval forest. Its easy accessibility has made it a beloved getaway for locals.

• Sapporo
• Nature Spots

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.

• Shiga
• Nature Spots

Roppongi Hills

This multipurpose commercial complex opened as a Roppongi landmark in 2003. In the middle of Roppongi Hills stands Mori Tower, a 54-story skyscraper office building rising 238 meters from the ground.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Commercial Buildings

Yama-Dera (Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple)

This mountain temple, of the Tendai sect of Buddhism, is properly known as “Hōjusan Risshakuji Temple.” It is a historical place, founded in 860 by Jikaku Daishi. It is believed that, with each step you take up the 1015 stone steps, your worldly desires are purged. Furthermore, it has also been worshipped since ancient times as a temple that helps to cut out bad relationships and forge good bonds.

• Yamagata
• Shrines & Temples

TOKYO GIFT PALETTE

The "Tokyo Gift Palette" is located just outside the "Yaesu North Exit ticket gate" of Tokyo Station. This area, which occupies a corner of "First Avenue Tokyo Station", features a total of 39 brands, including exclusive Japanese and Western confectioneries as ideal as gifts for loved ones and souvenirs of Tokyo, limited edition sweets available only here, special bento boxes and side dishes, and cafes where you can spend time in comfort. Of these, 24 are new brands, new business categories, or brands that are opening at Tokyo Station for the first time, attracting much attention.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Commercial Buildings

Katsura Imperial Villa

In early Edo Period, Imperial Prince Hachijonomiya Toshihito lived in Katsura Detatched Palace. It was developed over decades, known as a graceful garden throughout the Edo Period and the Imperial Household Agency took over the administration in Meiji Period. The vast ground with hills, ponds and tea houses is the oldest example of circuit style garden that exists.

• Kyoto
• Parks & Gardens