Oiwa Shrine
A historic shrine mentioned in the Hitachi no Kuni Fudoki, one of Japan’s oldest written records. Ritual artifacts from the late Jomon period have been excavated from Mt. Oiwa and the shrine grounds, and it is said to have been revered as a sacred place where deities dwell for Approx. 3,000 years.
Oiwa Shrine has such an incredible spiritual vibe. The moment I walked in, I instantly felt calm and quiet inside.
Palace Hotel Tokyo
This upmarket stay boasts one of Tokyo’s most memorable addresses: "1-1-1 Marunouchi”. With direct underground access from Otemachi Station and within easy walking distance from Tokyo Station, rooms here promise the utmost in ease and access whether staying for business or for play. Its prime setting overlooks the lush greenery of the Imperial Palace gardens and scenic moat waters.
Super close to Tokyo Station, so the location is really convenient, but it's not noisy at all. All the restaurants are top-notch, so you can have a great meal even if you don't feel like going out. 😌
Hotel Mahoroba
Set in the coveted Noboribetsu Onsen, one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring resorts formed by volcanic activity around 10,000 years ago, Hotel Mahoroba offers a luxurious retreat surrounded by lush mountain scenery.
The indoor and outdoor baths have such a great vibe! The open-air bath at night is especially relaxing. There are over 30 types of hot springs—you can soak until you feel like you're about to float away! 🤣
Lunch House Mitoya
Our diner has been around for a long time and is popular amongst students and businessmen. The stir-fried vegetable and meat in brown sauce meal set is the most popular item on the menu. For people who have a large appetite, we recommend the chicken cutlet meal set.
I had a meal here and thought the taste was okay, but nothing really stood out or wowed me.
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.
If West Lake in Hangzhou is famous for its ancient Chinese riverside willows and boats, then the Kurashiki Bikan area is like a classic Japanese drama set. Every photo looks like a postcard—absolutely beautiful!
Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum
Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum is a popular spot located within Shibamata Park about three minutes on foot past Shibamata Taishakuten.
I haven't seen the 'It's Tough Being a Man' movies, but the museum really captures the atmosphere of that era. The retro Japanese vibe is strong, and it was a fresh and interesting place to explore!
Kumamoto Castle
Kumamoto Castle is the famous castle built by Kiyomasa Kato in 1607. It was built using the latest, cutting edge techniques at the time and was the setting of many important moments in Japan’s history.
Some parts of Kumamoto Castle are still under construction, so you can see the damage from the big earthquake. But seeing the main keep fully restored really shows the spirit and perseverance of the Japanese people. There's still a long way to go for full restoration, but this historic castle is so symbolic—I truly believe they'll make it happen!
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
Almost every ride had a long wait. It was a lot of fun, but after a whole day, I was totally exhausted!
Sanrio Puroland
Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.
My wife insisted on bringing the kids because she's a huge Hello Kitty fan. Honestly, I found it pretty boring and wouldn't go again.
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.
The service from Japanese staff is amazing, and people are really polite. No one pushes or cuts in line—everyone waits patiently. It makes the whole experience super pleasant and enjoyable.