teamLab: Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces
teamLab Hidden Traces of Rice Terraces is a nighttime museum where nature and art merge at Izura in Kitaibaraki, a scenic area associated with Okakura Tenshin, a pivotal figure in modern Japanese art history.
The place really comes alive at night! The lights, tree shadows, and reflections on the water look amazing—super photogenic. Make sure to set aside some time for photos.
GRAND GREEN OSAKA
A large-scale complex built on the former Umeda Freight Station site, GRAND GREEN OSAKA is located just steps from JR Osaka Station. It consists of the South Building, North Building, and Umekita Park. Part of the facility opened in September 2024, with the grand opening scheduled for March 21, 2025, and the full completion planned for FY2027.
Super convenient location! The whole area is really well designed, with lots of greenery, cafes, and shops, so it’s a relaxing place to walk around. During the day it has a trendy vibe, and at night the lighting makes it feel really atmospheric—perfect for photos. I feel like this will become Osaka’s new landmark. Whether you want to stroll, grab coffee, or just take cool pictures, I totally recommend it!
Ken's Cafe Tokyo
Opened in 1998 near Shinjuku-gyoenmae, this is Japan’s first specialty shop dedicated exclusively to gâteau au chocolat.
I made a reservation for a pickup time in advance.
Brought it home and could choose to chill it in the fridge or warm it up in the microwave, and each way gave a different kind of happiness.
The price is a bit on the high side, but the quality is honestly worth it!
The Former Tokaido Shinagawa-juku
The Tokaido was one of the main highways maintained during the Edo Period (1603-1868). From Tokyo to Kyoto, this highway had 53 posts. Originating from Nihonbashi, the second post was Shinagawa Juku. Along a 2-km stretch of road, Shinagawa Juku bustled as a post town.
There are lots of unique restaurants and shops here, serving authentic Japanese food. It's a great place to enjoy real Edo flavors.
Hankyu Oimachi Garden
A landmark mixed-use complex just steps from JR Oimachi Station. It features Hotel Hours Inn Hankyu (Single Wing,Twin Wing), Hankyu Department Store Oi Food Hall, shops for everyday needs, restaurants, cafes, the super sento Orofuro no Ousama, and unique tenants such as tennis and golf schools.
It’s close to several subway and bus lines, so getting to different parts of Tokyo is super convenient.
White Wall Townscape of Yanai
Yanai City in southeastern Yamaguchi Prefecture developed as one of the main marchant port cities on the Seto Inland Sea during the Edo period. The “Shirakebe no Machinami (White wall townscape),” where the buildings in Edo storehouse style still stand, is located in Furuichi-Kanaya district in Yanai City.
Most of these buildings were built during the Edo period. The white walls and black roof tiles make a striking contrast and give off a strong sense of history. The little alleys and courtyards along the street are also charming—definitely worth a visit.
Oi Racecourse – Tokyo City Keiba (TCK)
Also known as Tokyo City Keiba (TCK), Oi Racecourse has recently become a popular amusement spot that hosts a variety of events.
The atmosphere during the light show is fantastic. Lots of couples come here for a date.
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
I've been to almost every Disney park in Asia, and the one in Japan is definitely the best and the most fun! 👍
Takaoka Daibutsu
The statue is a symbol of Takaoka, Japan’s top producer of copperware. The 16m-tall Amida Nyorai statue was built with the best copper-making skills of the locals. It is counted into Japan’s Three Great Buddha Statues. For the stately facial features, it is also called “Japan’s Best-Looking man.”
One of Japan's Three Great Buddha Statues. It's really close to the station, so I stopped by for a quick visit.
Hagi Castle Town
Hagi prospered for 260 years as a castle town after Mori Terumoto built Hagi Castle in 1604. White or earthen walls and black board hedges line the beautiful town, which has preserved the townscape from Edo Period so well that people say, “You can use the map from Edo Period to this day.”
A retro and nostalgic little town with a strong sense of history. The area isn't too big, so it's really comfortable to walk around.