Nakanoshima Children’s Book Forest
This cultural facility with approximately 20,000 books was designed and built by Tadao Ando, a world-renowned architect from Osaka.
This children's library was designed by the famous architect Tadao Ando—it's the Nakanoshima Children's Book Forest. No admission fee, just make a reservation in advance. Highly recommended! 🤣
SUWADA Seisakusho (SUWADA Blacksmith Works, Inc.)
Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, which has a world-renowned reputation as a "manufacturing town," still carries on the blacksmithing and metalworking techniques that have been cultivated since the Edo period.
You can watch the entire process of the craftsmen working by hand here. Seeing how everything is made is really fascinating and totally worth it.
Geibikei Gorge
Kitakami River runs through Iwate north to south and branches into a tributary, Satetsu River, where the gorge stands tall. Water erosion created this 50m-tall, 100m-long bluff dotted with bizarre rocks, caves and waterfalls. The divine scene is counted as one of the 100 Scenic Places in Japan and National Historical Spot and Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument.
During the boat ride at Geibikei Gorge, the boatman rows while singing. The gorge on both sides and the mountains covered in autumn leaves 🍁 make for an absolutely beautiful scene.
Itoshima City Sakurai Futamigaura
Sakurai Futamigaura is located in the northern part of Itoshima City and overlooks the Sea of Genkai. It is one of Fukuoka's representative scenic spots, selected as one of the "100 Best Shorelines of Japan," and is an essential stopover when driving around Itoshima.
At Sakurai Futamigaura, you can watch the sun set into the Genkai Sea. It's definitely the go-to spot for sunsets—so beautiful! 👍
Ushijima Shrine
This ancient shrine is said to have been founded in the 2nd year of the Jogan era (860) when the renowned Buddhist priest Ennin received a divine revelation from the incarnation of Susano-no-Mikoto. The shrine venerates three deities: "Susano-no-Mikoto", known for blessings in bountiful harvests, matchmaking, and warding off evil; "Ame-no-hohi-no-Mikoto", considered the god of the sun and rice ears; and "Sadatoki Shinno-no-Mikoto", governing agriculture and academic improvement. Thus, the shrine is widely respected as a place where a variety of wishes are accepted.
Traditional lanterns light up the ancient shrine, and together with the modern Tokyo Skytree in the background, it's truly a beautiful sight! 🎊
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street
The shopping street stretches about 580m from the south side of Nagahori-dori in the center of Osaka City to Soemon-cho-dori. Various shops, including cosmetics shops, apparel stores, drugstores, accessory shops, 100 yen shops, and musical instrument stores, line up on both sides of the street. With the long-established department store Daimaru Shinsaibashi store and large stores of famous apparel brands, it is a shopping area that attracts many customers every day, showcasing the best of Osaka's liveliness.
From popular fast fashion stores to unique little shops, all kinds of stores are gathered here. It's a shopper's paradise!
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Akabeko
JR Ban-etsusai Line, JR Tadami Line and Aizu Railway all converge at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, a center in Aizu Region. Its building looks like a castle and is selected as one of the Top 100 stations of the Tohoku District. At the east entrance of the station, a big Akabeko greets everyone who visits Aizu, which is a popular photo spot.
This is a traditional local toy from the Heian period. The red color symbolizes protection from evil, so the red cow is considered a lucky charm for children.
Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center
The Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center provides tourist information mainly for the Asahikawa city and nearby Daisetsuzan area. In addition to providing tourist information, the center also has a sales area and a food and beverage corner to promote the attractions of Asahikawa City and the northern Hokkaido area, and also provides tourist information for foreign visitors.
They sell all kinds of cute Asahiyama Zoo merchandise designed for the animals here! There are also tons of local specialties to check out~
Ishigaki Island
Ishigaki Island is a main island of Yaeyama islands in located approximately 400 km southwest of Okinawa main island in the East China Sea. It takes about a 50-minute flight from Okinawa main island. The 3rd largest island of Okinawa Prefecture followed by Okinawa main island and Iriomote Island, and the mild climate and crystal-clear water characteristic of tropical countries are attractive.
There are lots of small islands around Ishigaki Island, some big and some small~ There are plenty of activities and sightseeing spots, too. Just rent a bike and cruise along the tree-lined roads—it's super easy to get around the island.
Arashiyama Observation Deck (Nago City, Okinawa)
The observation deck offers an arresting view of small and large islands in the peaceful ocean, which is about 25 minutes away from Nago City in northern Okinawa.
The Arashiyama Observation Deck is up on a hill~ You can climb up to the deck and enjoy a full view of the Haneji Inland Sea. It's really nice~