Starbucks Coffee Shinjuku Gyoen Store
Opened in March 2020 within Shinjuku Gyoen, originally constructed as an imperial garden during the Meiji era and later opened to the public as a national park after the war, this establishment marks the first presence of a private enterprise within the park.
This spot attracts a lot of Starbucks fans who come here to grab a coffee and sit under the cherry blossom trees, enjoying the petals swaying in the breeze.
Chaya Usaburo
A nostalgic countryside restaurant tucked into the satoyama foothills of the Nasu Highlands. In a charming old farmhouse with a large irori hearth and an engawa veranda, you can enjoy handmade okowa (sticky rice) and freshly pounded mochi, along with seasonal homestyle dishes. The glutinous rice essential for their okowa and mochi is grown by trusted local farmers. With a focus on locally harvested, in-season ingredients, you’ll savor the full bounty of nature.
I really liked it here—it totally felt like visiting my grandpa and grandma’s place when I was little. The food was tasty and had its own unique touch.
Otsumami Laboratory Taisha Monzen Lab & Japan Zenzai Society Shop No.1
A collaboration shop between Otsumami Laboratory and the Japan Zenzai Society, located along the approach to Izumo Taisha Shrine. Otsumami Laboratory sells 120 carefully selected snacks from across Japan, along with Shimane junmai sake. The Japan Zenzai Society is a renowned zenzai spot that promotes the local tradition nationwide, based on the claim in old records that zenzai originated in Izumo.
The red bean soup tasted super rich. Lots of flavor options too. Their Izumo red bean soup comes with chewy, house-made shiratama mochi—so good!
Kinugawa Onsen Hotel
Kinugawa Onsen, located along the upper reaches of the Kinugawa River in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, is one of the most popular hot spring destinations in the Kanto region. Lined with numerous ryokan and hotels along the lush Kinugawa Gorge, it is here that the long-established Kinugawa Onsen Hotel stands out for its excellent cuisine and wide variety of room options.
They serve delicious and beautifully prepared local dishes, plus the hot springs are top-notch! Highly recommend checking this place out~
Shiobara Onsen
Located in northern Tochigi Prefecture, Shiobara Onsen is a historic hot spring area with a history of more than 1,200 years. Eleven hot spring sources stretch along the Houki River gorge, giving the area the nickname “Shiobara Eleven Springs.” With around 150 springs bubbling up in a single region, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of water types and mineral properties.
There are 11 hot springs and ryokan along the famous Houki River. The water here is awesome!
Shimane Museum of Ancient Izumo
A museum exhibiting numerous valuable artifacts related to ancient Izumo, home to Izumo Taisha and many legends.
This place showcases a collection of artifacts focused on ancient Izumo.
Ganso Nagahamaya
Nagahama Ramen was born in Nagahama, facing Hakata Fishing Port. Its distinctive ultra-thin noodles, which were designed to be quickly served to those working in the fish market, have a short boiling time. The original Nagahama Ramen, affectionately known locally as "Gannaga," began as a food stall in 1952 (Showa 27) - the Ganso Nagahamaya.
This ramen spot is super famous! The broth is light and tasty, the price is reasonable, and you can get really full here!
Menya Saburo
Saburo Ramen is located a 5-minute walk from Kinshicho Station on various lines. It operates with a ticket vending machine system and only counter seats.
Their soy sauce tonkotsu ramen with back fat is super rich, but surprisingly light-tasting. It's also really popular with women.
Taiho Ramen Head Store
This famous pork bone ramen restaurant was established in Kurume in 1953 (Showa 28). For over half a century since its founding, the restaurant takes pride in its "call back soup," constantly replenished and never left empty, thanks to its unique technique called "call back." The mellow soup, with its rich umami and deep richness, is so beloved that it is said among ramen enthusiasts, "Do not talk about pork bone ramen without eating Taiho Ramen."
This place is Bib Gourmand recommended by Michelin! It's authentic bubble-style ramen and it's super tasty. Highly recommend!
Asakusa Chochin Monaka
This Monaka specialty shop is located on Nakamise Street, bustling with people as the main approach to Senso-ji Temple. The shop's look, which mirrors the lantern (Chochin) of Kaminarimon Gate, known as a symbol of Asakusa, has a nostalgic atmosphere that evokes a sense of downtown charm.
This is an ice cream specialty shop. They use domestically produced glutinous rice to make the wafers. It's also a famous local treat in Asakusa.