Jason Lin's Reviews

Iyoshi Cola Shibuya Jingumae

Iyoshi Cola is a specialty craft cola brand founded in 2019 by “Cola Kobayashi,” who inherited both the workshop and the techniques of his grandfather, a traditional Wakanpo (Japanese herbal medicine) craftsman. Iyoshi Cola Shibuya Jingumae, the brand’s second shop, opened in 2021 in Tokyo’s Shibuya district following a successful crowdfunding campaign.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Cafés

Niigata Senbei Oukoku (Rice Cracker Kingdom)

Kuriyama Beika is a company based in Niigata, a rice-producing region that accounts for approximately 60% of Japan's annual production of rice crackers, and is known for its hit products such as "Bakauke" and "Hoshi-tabeyo".

• Niigata
• Experiences Facilities

Taraibune Tub-Boat Ride in Ogi town

Tarai bune (Tub boats) are a representative scenery of Sado Island. Tub boats were invented in the Meiji era (1868-1912) to catch turban shells, abalone, and wakame seaweed on the rocky Ogi Coast. They are said to be more maneuverable than small boats.

• Niigata
• Experiences Facilities

Koyasu Jinja Shrine

It is said that Koyasu Shrine, the oldest in Hachioji, was founded in the year 759 to pray for safety in childbirth for the Empress of Japan. With such a history, even now this shrine is famous for attracting many people praying for all things concerning children, such as safety in giving birth as well as raising children.

• Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
• Shrines & Temples

Kawazu-zakura blossoms along the Kawazu River

It is known that early blooming cherry blossoms, which begin to bloom in the beginning of February, along the Kawazu River. These cherry blossoms were discovered in Kawazu-cho in 1955 and are called "Kawazu Zakura" now. It is considered as a natural hybrid species between the winter cherry (Kanhizakura) group, which blooms starting from around January, mainly in warm regions, and the wild cherry (Oshima zakura) group, which is a wild species in Japan.

• Shizuoka
• Tourist Attractions

Shinhotaka Ropeway

Far east of Takayama City, in Okuhida Hot Spring Villages, a ropeway takes you to Shin Hotaka Onsen. From the starting point, Shinhotaka-Onsen Station, to the terminal, Nishi-Hotakaguchi Station, ride the 1st and then 2nd ropeway to enjoy a 3,200m-long journey in the sky.

• Gifu
• Ropeway

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Located along the Yokoyugawa River flowing from the Shiga Highlands and sitting at an elevation of 850 meters, Jigokudani Monkey Park exists in a harsh environment where one-third of the year is blanketed in snow. With its rugged cliffs and steam rising from hot springs everywhere, it's no wonder the place is called Jigokudani, or "Hell's Valley."

• Nagano
• Tourist Attractions

Koiwai Farm

The farm covers a vast area at the foot of Mt. Iwate, spanning Shizukuishi-cho and Takizawa city, and is involved in a variety of businesses, including dairy farming, forestry, food, and tourism.

• Iwate
• Zoos & Aquariums

Shoshazan Engyoji Temple

A temple of the Tendai sect is located on the 371-meter-high Mount Shosha in the northern part of Himeji City. The temple is said to have been founded in 966 by priest Shoku-Shonin.

• Hyogo
• Shrines & Temples