Jessica Ny's Reviews

Otaru Triangle Market

The Otaru Triangle Market, nestled between JR Otaru Station and National Route 5, is a small yet historic marketplace with origins dating back to the 1940s. It began with a few street vendors and developed as a morning market, accumulating over 60 years of history. Just a minute's walk from Otaru Station, the market is conveniently accessible and, except for New Year's Day, is open almost daily. Its reputation for affordable prices attracts a steady flow of both locals and tourists from Japan and abroad. The market's name derives from its triangular-shaped plot and roof.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Shopping Streets

Japan Kokeshi Museum

The museum opened in Naruko Onsen, known as the oldest production area for kokeshi dolls, sparked by the dedication of kokeshi dolls from artisans across Japan and the donation of a collection by poet and children’s story writer Kaname Fukasawa. Naruko kokeshi have been loved as children’s toys since Approx. 200 years ago, and later developed into souvenirs as well as hobbies and display pieces for adults.

• Miyagi
• Museums

Mt. Fuji

At a staggering 3,776 meters tall, Mt. Fuji is Japan’s tallest mountain and the pride of its two homes, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures. This famous peak is an iconic symbol of Japan.

• Yamanashi
• Shizuoka
• Nature Spots

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)

Lake Kawaguchi is known as one of the five Fuji lakes and is a popular spot because of its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The lakeside is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, purple lavender in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall, making each season a different and beautiful sight. Lake Kawaguchi is also known for having the only "island" and "bridge" in the Fuji Five Lakes.

• Yamanashi
• Nature Spots

Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum

This music-themed museum is tucked against the shores of Lake Kawaguchi. The grounds feature a European atmosphere, wide open views and a one-of-a-kind look and feel with Mt. Fuji sitting in the background.

• Yamanashi
• Museums

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen once stood as an estate of the Naito family, the hereditary vassals of the Tokugawa family in the Edo period before being established as an imperial garden in 1906.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Parks & Gardens

Fukidashi Park (Fukidashi Koen)

Fukidashi Park is a serene spot where rain and snow from Mount Yotei filter through the earth over many years, emerging as a spring of renowned water. This natural bounty, rich in minerals, can be freely drawn from various spring points within the park.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Parks & Gardens

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

This is a huge aquarium with dolphins, beluga whales, orcas, and other sea creatures in the North wing, and various tanks with live coral and other sea creatures in the South wing.

• Nagoya
• Zoos & Aquariums

Jinpukaku

Jinpukaku is a villa built in 1907 by the 14th head of the Tottori Ikeda family, Marquis Nakahiro Ikeda, on the site of the palace on the ruins of Tottori Castle. The elegant two-story Western-style house, based on the French Renaissance style, has been used as a movie location. It was named Jinpukaku by Togo Heihachiro, a naval general at the time.

• Tottori
• Parks & Gardens

Dotonbori

Crab, octopus, cow, crane….these are just a few of the oversized 3D signboards that make up the look and feel of the bustling Dotonbori Area. Its packed with a number of eateries along the northern Dotonbori River and main street along its southern side.

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• Famous Places