Ise Sea Paradise
Ise Sea Paradise is an aquarium near the famed "Meoto Iwa" (Married Couple Rocks) in Ise City, offering up-close encounters with a variety of marine creatures.
Ise Sea Paradise is a fun and educational place. Whether you're interested in marine life or looking for a family-friendly outing, you'll have a great time here.
TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)
Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
The view from the Tembo Deck is super open—you can see all of Tokyo in every direction! There's also a glass floor inside the tower, so you can look straight down beneath your feet. It's both thrilling and fun.
Happo-en
Located just a short distance from Shirokanedai Station, "Happo-en" is a Japanese garden that sprawls over a vast area of approximately 10,000 tsubo. The garden, dotted with seasonal flowers and buildings that evoke a sense of history, is a relaxing spot where visitors can enjoy the changing expressions of the seasons, which explains why the garden is named "Beautiful in Every Direction".
There are so many beautiful spots inside Happo-en. It's a fantastic place for taking photos.
Hozenji Meoto Zenzai
Nestled beside the Mizukake Fudoson in the charming Hozenji Yokocho, this sweet shop was founded in 1883 (Meiji 16). The shop’s specialty, "Meoto Zenzai," served in two separate bowls, is a symbol of good fortune for couples, believed to strengthen their bond and bring harmony. It is also said that two people drawn to each other who share this dessert will find their romance fulfilled. Traditionally, each person eats from two bowls.
The shop has traditional decor and a cozy atmosphere. It's a great place to enjoy sweets with family or friends.
Mt. Taikan Observatory
Mt. Taikan is located at an altitude of 1,015 meters on the border between Hakone and Yugawara. The Mt. Taikan Observatory, located at the end of the “Anest Iwata Turnpike Hakone”, a driving course connecting Odawara and Mt. Taikan, is a perfect viewpoint.
I recommend visiting on a weekday or early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful environment.
Owakudani
After changing from the cable car to the ropeway at Hayamiyama Station on the main route of the Hakone tour, While enjoying an aerial walk for a while the scenery suddenly changes.
At Owakudani, you can try the famous black eggs, which are boiled in the sulfur hot springs—legend says eating one adds seven years to your life! Plus, the observation deck offers stunning views of Mt. Fuji and Hakone's natural scenery.
Heian Jingu Shrine
Established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Heian-kyo, this shrine is relatively new. The buildings emulate the central government office, the "Chodo-in," where significant ceremonies took place during the Heian period. Once you step into the precincts, adorned with these vermilion structures, you feel as though you've time-traveled back to the Heian era.
Kyoto has so many shrines and temples, but Heian Jingu really stands out with its unique appearance.
Byodoin
An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.
Centered around the Phoenix Hall and Ajichi Pond, the symmetry looks just like a phoenix spreading its wings. You can even find this design on the 10 yen coin.
Jishu Jinja (Kyoto, Kiyomizu)
Kyoto’s famous tourist spot in Kiyomizu Temple near the Stage of Kiyomizu. It is said to have been built before the country of Japan was established while Kyoto Valley was still a lake. The shrine was worshipped as the place for longevity. The halls and the ground are designated as national important cultural properties and the world cultural heritage site.
Located inside Kiyomizu Temple, it's famous for bringing good luck in love.
Togetsukyo Bridge
The bridge was built in the first half of the 9th century during the Heian period (794-1185). It has been washed out many times, but each time it has been rebuilt. It is said that the name was given by Emperor Kameyama in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), as the moon moved across the bridge as if it were crossing over it.
It's part of the beautiful Arashiyama scenery, and there are plenty of other spots to check out around the bridge.