Hirado Dutch Trading Post
Established in 1609, the "Hirado Dutch Trading Post" served as a vital trading center in East Asia for about 30 years, bustling with international exchanges. It once stood as a symbol of trade in Nagasaki. However, under the prohibition orders of the Edo period, all its buildings were demolished, and for many years, only the site remained.
Besides seeing the historical site, there's also a museum with easy-to-understand information.
Nagasaki BIO PARK
The zoo has introduced ecological exhibits that bring the animals closer to the wild environment in which they originally lived and allow visitors to observe them living freely and spontaneously.
If you want to get away from city life and reconnect with nature, Nagasaki Bio Park is the perfect place! 🤣
Entsuji Temple
This Soto Sect temple is said to have been opened in 791 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro and preserves the Sho Kannon Bosatsu statue. Back in Edo Period, it was counted as one of the “Three Temples in Shitaya” along with Shitaya Kotokuji and IriyakKishibojin Shingen-ji.
This place has a beautiful garden and you can even make your own Buddhist prayer bead bracelets. It's pretty unique! I definitely recommend stopping by for a visit.
Arakawa Amusement Park
Established in 1922, and in 1950 after the 2nd world war, Arakawa Amusement Park was reopened as an amusement park managed by Arakawa ward. It features reasonable admission fees and a variety of facilities, and has been loved as the only amusement park operated by a ward in Tokyo's 23 wards.
The park was renovated and reopened in April 2022! Now there’s a Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, and more—perfect for little kids. The super long roller slide is a huge hit with children. My kids absolutely loved it!
Mt. Tsurumai Eian-ji Temple Zazen Experience
At Eian-Ji Temple, closely associated with the Maeda family, the feudal lord of the Kaga domain, visitors can experience zazen meditation. The temple is also known for its worship of Shouten-sama, a deity worshiped by people for bringing them benefits in this life.
The zazen meditation at Eian-ji Temple is really wonderful. It's such an elegant way to start meditating and create your own peaceful time. I love coming here.
Nishida Family Garden Gyokusen-en, Tea Ceremony
Japanese Samurai learned about tea ceremony etiquette, an art necessary for social interactions, business entertainment and training as part of a military art. A garden of Gyokusen-en owned by the Nishida family has a longer history than the one of Kenrokuen by 400 years.
At Nishida Family Garden Gyokusen-en, you can enjoy matcha and even book a tea ceremony experience in advance. Definitely worth trying out!
Shijimaya-Honpo Japanese Sword Appreciation
Beloved for their dignified beauty, Japanese swords have garnered many fans worldwide. Various famous swords are exhibited at museums and art galleries, but the "Shijimaya-Honpo" experience program allows visitors to hold a sword and really appreciate it by feeling its weight in their hands.
I was so impressed to see that Shijimaya-Honpo still keeps several Japanese swords in their warehouse as family treasures. It's truly amazing!
Genbudo Park
The park is home to caves made of basalt, which features regular fractures called "columnar joints." These were formed when magma that flowed out about 1.6 million years ago due to volcanic activity cooled and solidified. The park, which was renewed and reopened in 2022, has maintained pathways and other facilities. The surrounding area is part of the San'in Kaigan National Park, and the geologically valuable San'in Kaigan Geopark has been recognized as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Genbudo Park is mainly made up of four basalt columns of different sizes. From early September to early November every year, the caves are lit up with colorful lights. It's really cool to see!
Tanukikoji Shopping Street
Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.
Haha, I always come here! I have to shop at Don Quijote, Laox duty-free, and Sapporo Drug Store—these are my go-to places for shopping sprees. I always end up spending way too much, lol.
Shiroishi Riverbank Hitome Senbon zakura
Approximately 1,200 cherry blossom trees have been planted along the 8km long embankment of the Shiroishi River in southern Miyagi Prefecture, all blooming simultaneously in spring.
During cherry blossom season, you'll always see tons of photographers and train enthusiasts here snapping gorgeous photos~