Furobashi Bridge
A stone bridge completed in 1851. Today it is part of Waka-no-Ura, a nationally designated cultural property (Place of Scenic Beauty), and is also designated as a cultural property of Wakayama City. While the structure is simple, notice the carefully crafted details, such as the arched abutments and the cloud-pattern reliefs on the railings.
When I went, the sunset hit the bridge at just the right moment—perfect atmosphere.
Sounkyo Onsen
Located within Daisetsuzan National Park, this is one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring destinations, blessed with dramatic gorge scenery and an abundant supply of hot spring water. Sitting at an elevation of about 670 meters, the area captivates visitors with natural beauty that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the mountains are painted in vivid reds and yellows, while winter transforms the landscape into a vast, shimmering world of snow-each season offering a completely different experience.
I came in autumn and the mountains were covered in red leaves.
It was unbelievably beautiful.
Hot springs with fall foliage are just the perfect combo!
Don Quijote Dotonbori Store
Known for its late-night hours, quirky shelf displays, and handwritten promotional signs, Don Quijote is a beloved all-in-one discount store. The Dotonbori branch is especially eye-catching thanks to its iconic yellow Ferris wheel attached to the building’s façade-now a well-known landmark along the Dotonbori River in Osaka’s Minami district.
The location is fantastic—right in the heart of Dotonbori. It's so easy to pop in after shopping. The coolest thing is the Ferris wheel on the building. It's rarely running, but it really stands out in photos!
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
The lighting design of Tokyo Tower has both traditional meaning and festive colors. Different light displays can represent various holidays or special events. Its classic shape stands out even more at night, making it an unmissable landmark in the city.
Akita Museum of Art
This art museum was opened in 2013 in “Area Nakaichi” near Akita Station as a hub of arts and cultures. The modern building was designed by Tadao Ando. The interior with repeated triangles and inorganic concrete walls creates out-of-the-ordinary artistic space.
The exterior has a simple and understated style. It's a work by the master architect Tadao Ando.
Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance (Mint Museum)
The Mint Museum converted a building originally built as a thermal power plant in 1911 (Meiji 44). The brick exterior was maintained throughout the transformation to this date. In 1969, the museum opened to the public to display valuable coins and other items stored by the Mint. Later, with the motto of "a people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and attractive museum," the museum introduced the latest techniques to its exhibits and facilities to make it more accessible. As a result, the museum underwent a major renovation and reopened in April 2009.
This is the best place in Osaka to see cherry blossoms! There are so many varieties, including some I've never seen before. They bloom beautifully.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
Went to the Harry Potter area in the evening. There was a 3D light show on the castle at night, and the lighting effects were amazing!
Seikan Renrakusen Memorial Ship, Hakkoda-Maru
Hakkoda-Maru was a cargo-passenger ship which connected Aomori and Hakodate Ports. Between its building in 1964 and the last voyage in 1988 due to the opening of Seikan Tunnel, it served the longest, for 23 years and 7 months, of all the Seikan train ferries and is docked in Aomori Port now as a museum ship.
I learned that before the Seikan Tunnel was completed, it was really tough for people to travel between the two places.
Kamikochi
Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.
I visited right after it opened for the season. Along the way, there were lots of dead trees still covered with leftover snow. Everything felt so wild and untouched.