Nabana-no-sato
A theme park where seasonal flowers are in full bloom in the vast park area. The park is illuminated with seasonal flowers such as tulips and nemophilas in spring and cosmos in fall.
It only takes 30 minutes from Nagoya, which is super convenient! The flowers during the day are gorgeous, and at night, the illuminations are beautiful too. It's really a perfect spot for families, especially if you're bringing your parents along!
Kakiya (Miyajima)
A specialty oyster restaurant located in the center of Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street that leads to Itsukushima shrine. The ”Jigozen oysters” used, boast premium quality Hiroshima Prefecture’s famous oysters. The restaurant is confident of the taste of its oysters, and they are offered with simple seasoning. The signature dish, Yaki-gaki (grilled oyster), cooked at the entrance, is made succulent and juicy by quickly grilling the oysters over high heat! Enjoy them with just the natural saltiness from the sea.
These grilled oysters are huge and super fresh! We couldn't resist and ended up eating them right in front of the shop!
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
Itsukushima Shrine stands out with its bright vermillion pillars—such a unique sight. No wonder it's a World Heritage Site.
Momijidani Park
This park is Miyajima's flagship spot for autumn foliage. Every year, around mid to late November, approximately 700 maple trees in the park gloriously change their colors. Of the tree varieties, the Iroha Maple, which turns a brilliant red, is the most predominant with about 560 trees. This is followed by the OoMomiji (Big Maple) with its large leaves, numbering around 100 trees, and then the Urihadakaede and YamaMomiji with about 40 trees combined.
You can enjoy cherry blossoms here in spring, fresh greenery in summer, and stunning autumn leaves in the fall. The autumn foliage is definitely the highlight. I hope to come back and see it in the fall next time!
Tsuruga Red Brick Warehouse
Throughout the Meiji and Showa period, the city of Tsuruga was an international city that bridged Russia, and eventually Europe. This warehouse represents the international nature of the city. In 1905, the warehouse stored fossil fuels.
There's a huge 3D model of the cityscape, so you can see everything really clearly at a glance.
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”.
Top choice for nightlife in Tokyo! The place is super lively and bright with lights at night.
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
I got to experience the nighttime visit at Kiyomizu-dera. Most of the shops along Sannenzaka were already closed though.
Todaiji Temple
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.
Absolutely majestic and impressive—definitely worthy of being a World Heritage Site.
Okadera Temple
In the year 663 during the Asuka period, this ancient temple was built by the monk Gien, from the wishes of Emperor Tenji. It became Japan’s first sacred site to ward off evil. It is known as “Okadera” as it is located in Oka, but its real name is Ryugaiji temple.
Besides hydrangeas, lots of other flowers were in full bloom too.