Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu
Mount Takao is a Michelin 3-star destination that sees countless tourists from Japan and across the world. It’s also home to Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a coveted daytrip hot springs spot located conveniently near Takaosan-guchi station so you can easily tack on a dip to your next hiking or sightseeing trip.
This is the perfect spot to relax in the hot springs after a hike! Loved it!
Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue
Located at "Divercity Tokyo Plaza" in Odaiba, Tokyo, which has a concept of "theatrical urban space", stands the approximately 19.7 meters tall life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue.
When the lights come on at night and you stand by its feet, the Unicorn Gundam looks even more impressive—super cool!
Otaru Canal
Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.
Starting from Otaru Canal, there are lots of great eats nearby like Otaru Canal Shokudo and Masazushi, plus plenty of other local food spots. You can also try a rickshaw ride or a canal cruise if you want. Really awesome place to visit!
Yoyogi Pony Park in Shibuya Ward
Located not far from the Meiji Jingu Shrine is the "Shibuya Ward Yoyogi Pony Park", a unique spot in the heart of the city where visitors can interact with ponies.
You can ride mini ponies here for free! It's a great first experience for kids, and you can also walk over to Meiji Jingu while you're at it.
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Sat in Ueno forest, the distinctive red-brick tile construction of this striking museum has served as a hall for the fine arts since it first opened in 1926.
You can enjoy a variety of special exhibitions from Japan and abroad, plus themed shows and displays by art groups. Highly recommended!
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower
Within a month of its grand opening in April 2023, the complex welcomed over a million visitors, quickly establishing itself as the new icon of Kabukicho. The building boasts 48 floors above ground, 5 below, and stands tall at 225 meters. The exterior design, inspired by fountains, wraps this enormous entertainment hub crafted around the concept of "mastering one's passions."
Beef Dining Wagyu Special Zone is a brand new restaurant from the high-end yakiniku chain Heijoen Group. If you love wagyu, you definitely have to try it!
Nomiyama kannonji Temple
For ages, it has been affectionately referred to as "Nomiyama-san" and stands as an exceptional main temple of the Koyasan Shingon Sect. Accompanied by the Tenno-in sub-temple, it is the sixteenth stop on the Chikuzen Sasaguri Pilgrimage route. Recognized for its efficacy in realizing wishes and providing protection from misfortunes, the temple welcomes over a million visitors each year.
Even though I didn't catch the most vibrant autumn leaves at Nomiyama Kannonji, there was still a different kind of fall foliage to enjoy!
Yame Dento Kogeikan
This facility aims to gather traditional crafts around Yame, which is part of Chikugo Region in the southern Fukuoka. It passes on the traditional skills and promotes local industries. Yame Fukushima family Buddhist altar, Yame lantern, Yame handmade Japanese paper, Yame stone lantern, Kurume rice cake and various crafts handed down in Yame Region are displayed. There is a shop in the facility where you can buy these products.
The craft museum brings together Buddhist altars, lanterns, stone lanterns, handmade Japanese washi paper, and more. Definitely worth a visit!
Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
Besides soaking in the hot springs at Dogo Onsen Station, you can also stroll through the shopping street and enjoy tasty dishes like sea bream rice!
Olive Hill Mitaka Shinkawa Branch
This store, specialized in Italian cuisine, is close to Mitaka’s Ghibli Museum, a popular spot among tourists abroad and domestic. Their dishes are cooked simply to bring out the best of the ingredients. A wide range of dishes -appetizers, rice, meat, fish dishes, pizza, pasta and dessert - are available to spark up your meal.
The food comes out really fast, and the flavors are all up to standard. For a chain restaurant, it's actually pretty good.