Rokkatei Otaru Canal Store
Rokkatei, a confectionery manufacturer known for popular Hokkaido souvenirs such as "Marusei Butter Sandwich," "Yukiyakonko," and strawberry chocolate, operates the Otaru Canal Store. This store, built using approximately 100,000 bricks from Tokachi, features a retro exterior that blends seamlessly with the streetscape of Sakaimachi Main Street.
The packaging of the treats is really beautiful, making them perfect as souvenirs.
Niseko Ostrich Farm (Daini Arishima Ostrich Farm)
At the foot of the graceful Mount Yotei, a vast ranch raises ostriches and cattle in open pastures. The surrounding area is designated as a scenic viewpoint in Niseko Town, known as "Furusato Viewpoint," offering spectacular views. Amidst the grand landscapes characteristic of Hokkaido, visitors can relax and enjoy the pastoral scenery of freely roaming ostriches and cattle. The spot is also popular for taking commemorative photos with ostriches against the backdrop of Mount Yotei.
There's a feeding activity where you can interact with the ostriches and learn about their habits. It really helped me understand ostriches better.
Tsutenkaku Tower
A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.
Tsutenkaku Tower added a giant slide to attract tourists, and it just opened this May. I really want to try it out!
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Shrine was established in 1920 (Taisho 9) as a shrine to enshrine Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
After passing through the first big torii gate, you'll soon see the walls of sake barrels and wine barrels. These were offered by Japanese merchants to the Emperor, and since the Emperor liked Western wine, you can see both Japanese and Western styles displayed together.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
This is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with nearly 30 million visitors every year. The current main gate was rebuilt by Konosuke Matsushita, and the giant lantern at Kaminarimon is a must-see photo spot.
Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Toshogu Shrine is said to be built on a dragon's energy spot, blending lots of traditional Chinese feng shui elements. It was designed to help the Tokugawa family prosper for generations. Visiting here, you can really feel the positive energy! 😁