Ushiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu, the giant statue of Amida Nyorai, was completed in 1992 and its official name is Ushiku Amida Daibutsu. It is 120m-tall (including the 20m-high platform) and registered in the Guinness Book as the world’s tallest “bronze Buddha statue.”
When the sunset hits the Buddha in the evening, it glows with a golden light—such an amazing atmosphere.
Akama Shrine
This shrine is notable for its vivid vermilion Suitenmon gate, inspired by the mythical Dragon Palace. It enshrines Emperor Antoku, who tragically perished by drowning at the age of eight following defeat in the Battle of Dan-no-ura. Additionally, the site's predecessor, Amidaji Temple, is famous as the setting for the eerie ghost story Mimi-nashi-Hoichi (Hoichi-the-Earless).
Akama Shrine is not only a place with a long history, but also somewhere that really calms your spirit.
Nakamuraya Yokan
A long-established Japanese confectionery shop with over 120 years of history, located near the famous "Yama Futatsu" in Enoshima. The shop is renowned for its signature Nori Yokan, a unique creation from the early days of the shop. This refined treat is made with the finest white kidney bean paste and delicately mixed with green laver. Other popular yokan varieties include Honkuren Yokan and Kuri Yokan, made with carefully selected red beans and chestnuts, respectively.
The flavor is really unique and delicious.
Tsutaya Bookstore, Kyoto Okazaki
This Tsutaya Bookstore is situated in the concert hall of the ROHM Theatre Kyoto, in the Okazaki area in Kyoto. The Culture Convenience Club which operates TSUTAYA shops nationwide established this Tsutaya Bookstore as one of their themed commercial facilities proposing a new lifestyle.
You can enjoy the aroma of coffee while reading books here. Is this what they call the 'fragrance of books'? 🤣
Uesugi-jinja Shrine
This shrine stands in Matsugasaki Park, which is located on the grounds of the former Yonezawa Castle. Flags reading "Bi" and "Ryu" flutter in front of them. A grand nagare-zukuri style shrine is located in the center of the large precinct. It was founded in 1871. Many tourists visit there because it is believed to bring good luck and make wishes come true.
Years ago, I visited here while traveling in Tohoku and stopping by for Yonezawa beef. The snow lanterns flickering in the snow are a famous festival at Uesugi Shrine.