Soshuji Temple (Sano Yakuyoke Daishi)
Founded in 944, this historic Tendai Buddhist temple is counted among the Kanto San Daishi and is also known as one of Tochigi Prefecture’s top spots for hatsumode, the first shrine or temple visit of the New Year.
There are so many kinds of charms that it’s hard to take them all in. I wanted to buy every single one.
Shinagawa Aquarium
Opened in 1991 inside Shinagawa Kumin Park, which sits right next to the canal, this aquarium is themed around “Connecting with the Sea and Rivers.” It features around 4,000 sea creatures from approx 450 species. Through shows and seasonal events, you can get up close with the fish, observe them, and learn more about their world.
There are actually two aquariums in Shinagawa—one at the Prince Hotel and this one, Shinagawa Aquarium, which mainly features marine life from Tokyo Bay. The dolphins, seals, and penguins are especially popular here. Even though it's not as big or fancy as some other aquariums, I still found it really charming and highly recommend it.
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)
Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan), the prominent peak of the Rokko Mountains, is 931 meters above sea level. With easy access by cable car to the top of the mountain, the mountain is full of various facilities that offer physical activities, romantic nightscapes, and more.
I really love natural scenery. Being able to take transportation straight to the top saves time and makes me want to get even closer to nature.
Mount Takao
Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.
The cable car makes it really easy to go up and down the mountain. You can visit the shrine, eat, drink, and just have a great day.
Suizenji Jojuen Garden
It is a stroll garden with spring water that Tadatoshi, the first lord of the Hosokawa clan, created after building a teahouse here where subsoil water from the Aso Mountains gushed forth. Tsunatoshi, the third lord of the Hosokawa clan, later created a large-scale garden that was named "Jojuen" after a poem by Tao Yuanming.
The garden is designed to recreate the beautiful scenery of the 53 stations of the Tokaido, all condensed into one place. It's really worth taking your time to enjoy.
Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion
It was built in 1911 as the head office of the Bank of Morioka, designed by Kingo Tatsuno and Manji Kasai Architects. It is the only remaining architectural work in the Tohoku region designed by Kingo Tatsuno, and is also famous for designing Tokyo Station. The red brick with white granite shingles and a dome on the roof gives the building a Tatsuno-like appearance. The Renaissance-style building is a National Important Cultural Property.
This historic site is over a hundred years old. Both the interior and exterior have kept their original look. The same architect also designed Tokyo Station.
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
A museum introducing the Yamato, the world’s largest battleship during World War II. Visitors can also learn about Kure’s history and science and technology. The 1/10-scale battleship Yamato, the symbol of the Yamato Museum, has been recreated based on original blueprints, underwater survey footage, and crew testimony. It continues to share the importance of peace and the excellence of science and technology with future generations.
Japan's military power has always been among the top in the world. Recently, the Japanese government has been revising its laws, and the U.S. wants to loosen the restrictions on Japan. They're hoping Japan can become a stabilizing force in Asia.