安西老師's Reviews

JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS

The JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS is a great-value rail pass offered by JR Kyushu for international visitors. It provides unlimited travel on JR lines throughout Kyushu-including local trains, limited express trains, and even the Kyushu Shinkansen. You can choose from 3-, 5-, or 7-day passes, and select the area that suits your itinerary: Northern Kyushu, Southern Kyushu, or All Kyushu.

Kyushu Region
Tickets & Passes

12 Nov 2025 See More

Super convenient! You can go anywhere you want—this pass is seriously a must-have for traveling around Kyushu. At first, I thought it was pricey, but after using it, I realized it’s totally worth it. Just a few rides and it pays for itself.

Higo Yokamon Market

Opened in 2018, Higo Yokamon Market is a commercial facility located under the elevated tracks of JR Kumamoto Station, spanning 7,500 square meters and housing about 60 attractive stores.

Kumamoto
Commercial Buildings

20 Jul 2024 See More

There are lots of stalls here selling Kumamoto's local specialties. You can try authentic horse meat dishes, spicy lotus root, and other traditional foods. Everything is packed with local flavor and will definitely make your mouth water.

Kuroshio Market

Wakayama Marina City, a resort complex floating on the sea in Wakayama Prefecture, is home to various facilities such as theme parks, hot springs, and hotels. “Kuroshio Market" is a gourmet spot where you can buy and taste fresh seafood from all over Japan and the local area.

Wakayama
Shopping Streets

16 Jul 2024 See More

You can enjoy fresh seafood dishes here and also watch an exciting tuna cutting show. It's a great way to learn more about Japanese fishing culture.

Kabukicho

Kabukicho is the entertainment district that sits just steps from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. It’s a major hub for izakaya pubs, amusement centers and nightlife spots to enjoy after hours. With neon signs lit up through the entire night, it’s earned the nickname of “the city that never sleeps”.

Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
Shopping Streets

15 Jul 2024 See More

This place isn't just about Japanese entertainment—there are influences from all over the world. It really feels like an international city.

Pontocho

Pontocho Street runs north to south sandwiched by Kamo River and Takase River, which was originally an island in Kamo River. In the early Edo Period, Takase River was opened and connected to Fushimi, and it began to prosper as a logistics hub. In the late Edo period, it became a downtown. By the early Meiji Period when Kamogawa Dance was performed to promote Pontocho, it was established as a red-light district.

Kyoto
Shopping Streets

19 Jun 2022 See More

There are tons of izakayas and Japanese restaurants lined up here. The famous Yakiniku Fufutei also has a branch in this area. Many of the restaurants used to be old tea houses that have been converted.

America-mura

In the 1970s, the area around Nishi-Shinsaibashi came to be known as "America-mura" because the warehouses were converted into stores that began selling used clothes, records, and miscellaneous goods that were imported from the west coast of the United States.

Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
Shopping Streets

19 Jun 2022 See More

This area is packed with American pop culture. If you have time, it's worth checking out.

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.

Kyoto
Nature Spots

19 Jun 2022 See More

Took the single-seat cable car up to the observation deck—amazing ocean views all around!

Ise Jingu

Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".

Mie
Shrines & Temples

19 Jun 2022 See More

The shrine buildings are rebuilt every 20 years, and you can't actually go inside. The grounds are beautiful with ancient trees everywhere. It's a great place to soak up the peaceful atmosphere.