Yamanaka Suwa Shrine
This old shrine was established in 966 and enshrines Toyotama-hime (goodness in Japanese mythology). The main hall was built in 1552 when Shingen Takeda prayed for protection and victory of the battle against the Hojo clan, and is located on the westside of Lake Yamanaka.
The air felt so fresh when I walked in, and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves were really soothing.
Toyama Station
Toyama Station is a key transport hub linking travel across Toyama Prefecture and beyond, served by the Hokuriku Shinkansen, JR conventional lines, and Ainokaze Toyama Railway. It also features a rare design in Japan, with a streetcar running north-south through the station for easy travel around the city.
Toyama’s black ramen is super famous—you’ve gotta try it!
Tokyo Midtown Yaesu
Directly connected to JR Tokyo Station, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is a mega retailer built around the concept of “Japan Presentation Field - A City Where Japan’s Dreams Gather and the World’s Dreams Grow.”
The whole building is beautifully designed. There’s a department store, hotel, offices, and a food court inside. It’s really comfortable to walk around here.
Hakodate Morning Market
Hakodate Asaichi is a huge market of about 33,000㎡. Some 250 stores, including about 150 member stores of the federation and 100 other stores, sell and serve Hokkaido foodstuffs. Member stores display a sticker of "Asaitchan ," the mascot of the Hakodate market, as their recommended store sign.
The morning market is famous for its fresh seafood. The variety is impressive—king crab, sea urchin, salmon, and more. You can order a seafood rice bowl here, and everything tastes so fresh and delicious.
Momotarou Karakuri Hakubutsukan
The fairy tale of Momotaro is said to be from Okayama. This museum spotlights the legend of Momotaro that has been passed on since ancient times. It displays historical Nishiki-e paintings, traditional Japanese books, picture books, toys and other collections, as well as a mini theater featuring a retro Momotaro cartoon.
The Momotaro Karakuri Museum is a fun and educational place that's great for visitors of all ages.
Nezu Shrine
The main shrine building and gates were all finished in 1706 and remain intact to this day, and they have been designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Also popular are the beautiful scarlet torii corridor (“senbon torii”) and the “praying nutmeg tree” that’s said to grant people’s wishes.
The whole shrine is covered in azaleas, creating a breathtaking sea of flowers. These colorful blooms look especially brilliant in the sunlight, making it easy to get lost in the feeling of spring.
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
If you have some time to kill while waiting for your Shinkansen, this is a great spot to hang out.
Ishimatsu Gyoza Main Restaurant
Hamamatsu Gyoza are a wallet-friendly, delicious bite known across Japan. Ishimatsu Gyoza, a veteran shop found in front of Hamamatsu Station, has been serving up the same unbeatable flavor since it opened in 1953.
I think putting bean sprouts on top of the gyoza is their unique twist. Taking a bite of gyoza with some bean sprouts makes it taste even fresher.