GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
Walking in feels like a mini shopping town.
They’ve got bento from all over Japan, desserts, coffee, and lots of little specialty shops.
It does get pretty crowded, so if you want to browse slowly, make sure to leave yourself some extra time.
JR Tokai Food Service Co., Ltd. “Piyorin”
This adorable chick-shaped sweet is made using eggs from Nagoya Cochin, Aichi Prefecture’s prized brand of chicken. A rich custard pudding made with Nagoya Cochin eggs is wrapped in a fragrant vanilla bavarois, then coated with finely crumbled sponge cake to create its fluffy texture and signature chick shape. Each one is decorated by hand-from the wings and beak to the tiny comb-giving every Piyorin its own unique expression.
The little chick shape is so cute—perfect for photos! The dessert itself is super soft and fluffy, like pudding with fresh cream. The texture is really smooth, and it's on the sweeter side, but not in an overwhelming way. Overall, it's a safe choice if you love adorable desserts.
Oyunuma Pond (Niseko Yumoto Onsen)
Oyunuma is a dramatic hot spring pond located along the scenic Panorama Line that runs between Iwanai and Niseko towns. This geothermal feature was formed by a combination of rainfall, inflow from the Yunokawa (Yusanbetsu River), and the continuous release of high-temperature sulfur gases and thermal steam from beneath the pond.
This place is super unique! The whole pond is steaming, and there's a strong sulfur smell, but it really gives off that hot spring vibe. It honestly feels like watching a giant natural pot boiling water, lol. There are trails around the area, and when I visited in winter, the steam with the snowy scenery was just beautiful. The smell can be a bit intense though, so I wouldn't recommend staying too long. Overall, it's a really impressive natural spot. If you're into geothermal landscapes, you'll definitely think it's cool.
AEON MALL Okinawa Rycom
Opened in 2015, this is one of the largest shopping malls in Okinawa Prefecture. The five-story complex houses around 220 shops, including fashion, lifestyle goods, gourmet food, and entertainment facilities. Based on the concept of an “Okinawa Resort Mall,” the mall is filled with attractions and events that let visitors fully experience Okinawa through shopping and dining.
There's a supermarket inside, and it's a fantastic place to shop! So many Okinawa-exclusive products and tons of local specialty foods.
Unzen Fugendake
Located in the central part of the Shimabara Peninsula, Unzen Fugendake is an active volcano. Although a significant eruption occurred in 1990, a declaration marking the end of volcanic activity was made about 20 years ago, and now it attracts many hikers and tourists throughout the year. The trekking route starting from the "Ikenohara Park" parking lot at the base is recommended for climbing. The 3-4 hour trek is popular and manageable even for beginner hikers.
I love hiking, but since I was short on time, I took the ropeway up the mountain instead. The views from the top were totally worth it!
Hado Misaki Cape
A small port sticking out from the Higashimatsuura Peninsula. It is famous for its scenic views of the Genkainada Ocean, where visitors can feel the ocean breeze atop a grass patch. The cape is on the “Genkai Quasi-National Park” which spans across the North West of Kyushu. Visitors can enjoy hiking, camping, swimming, and other fun activities.
The ocean always draws me in, so seeing the endless sea here made me really happy. Plus, being able to enjoy fresh seafood was such a treat!
Nanatsugama Caves
The Nanatsugama Caves are designated as a National Natural Monument. It is a scenic spot formed by basalt rocks jutting out into the sea and eroded by the rough waves of the Genkai Sea over a long period of time.
Taking a boat to see these caves really showed off the power of nature. The waves were a bit rough, so we couldn’t go inside and just circled around, which was a bit of a shame!
Nagasaki Kunchi Festival
Originating in 1634, the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival is the autumn grand festival of Nagasaki's patron deity at Suwa Shrine. Spanning three days from October 7th to 9th annually, the entire city of Nagasaki immerses itself in festive fervor. The festival's origins are traced back to two courtesans who dedicated the traditional song and dance "Komee" at the Suwa Shrine, and dance offerings continue to this day. The festival is known for its unique and dynamic dedication dances.
Watching the autumn festival at Suwa Shrine in Nagasaki, I was blown away by the powerful and energetic dances. It’s an art form that blends culture and tradition, and you can really feel the sincerity of the participants. I couldn’t take my eyes off it!
Spring Water Garden Shimeiso
Shimabara City has long been blessed with an abundance of spring water, earning it the title of "City of Water". Particularly in the Shinmachi district, the residents are known for their lives closely intertwined with the spring water. Strolling through the town, one encounters canals filled with koi fish swimming about at almost every turn.
Looking at this garden surrounded by green trees, with koi swimming in the pond, I suddenly felt a sense of happiness from the beauty of everyday life.
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.
It's a great place for the whole family to have fun together.