Higashiyama-so
A townhouse that used to be the workshop of a fixture store founded in 1938 (Showa 13) was renovated and opened as a shared atelier & store in 2013. 2020 also saw the renovation of the space, making it more fashionable.
You can join a one-day Japanese painting workshop on the second floor here! 👍
Ancient Orient Museum
Located in Ikebukuro Sunshine City, this is Japan's first museum specializing in the ancient Orient. It was established with the aim of conducting research on the ancient Orient, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials. It possesses and displays about 5,000 items centered on Western Asia and Egypt, also known as the "cradle of civilization," and South Asia, as well as a large number of artifacts unearthed in academic surveys in Syria.
This is Japan's very first museum dedicated to the ancient Orient! 👍
Bank of Japan Main Building
The Bank of Japan, as Japan's central bank, issues banknotes. Completed in 1896, the main building was designed by Kingo Tatsuno, a master of modern architecture who also worked on the Tokyo Station Marunouchi Building. The building, which did not collapse even during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, is noted for its seismic resistance. The classical-style building, featuring a stone-brick construction with a central dome and a singular pillar, is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan as one of the country's representative modern architectural works.
Seeing the flush toilets and elevators here really makes you imagine how the Bank of Japan controlled wealth back in the day.
Yasui Konpiragu
Located in Kyoto's Higashiyama district, the shrine venerates Emperor Sutoku, Minamoto no Yorimasa, and the major deity from Kotohira Shrine in Sanuki. It has long been affectionately known as "Yasui no Konpira-san."
The deity here is believed to help cut off bad relationships and form good ones, thanks to the special 'enmusubi' stone. That's why so many people come to pray here!
Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden
The Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden is located in the midst of nature on the middle slopes of Mount Takao. The monkey park houses about 90 monkeys that form an orderly society, headed by the boss monkey. You can observe their lively lifestyles up close, including mutual grooming and huddling together for warmth on cold days. The commentary provided by the keepers is also popular. The adorable baby monkeys born from early April to early August each year are also a must-see.
Here at Monkey Mountain, you can watch Japanese macaques up close. For just 100 yen, you can even feed them! The keepers also give interesting talks about how the monkeys live.
Fukaya Green Park Aqua Paradise Patio
Located within the vast 54,000㎡ "Fukaya Green Park," bustling with colorful tulips in the spring and delicate lilies in the summer, is an indoor heated leisure pool open all year round. The interior, inspired by southern Europe and the Mediterranean coast, is equipped with a lazy river that mimics the flow of grand rivers in Southern Europe, a wave pool to enjoy the Mediterranean resort feeling, and thrilling slides.
If you love swimming, this is the place for you! 👫 Both kids and adults have a blast here. ❤️
Yamashita Park
Yamashita Park is located by the sea, just a short walk from Yokohama Chinatown. It was opened in March of 1930, reclaiming the waterfront using rubble caused by the Great Kanto Earthquake.
Inside Yamashita Park, you can see the Osanbashi Pier and the Ferris wheel. If you love night views, you definitely have to check out Yamashita Park—it's so beautiful!
TENJIN CHIKAGAI
Tenjin area is located in Fukuoka City Chuo-ward, Kyushu’s largest downtown district. Going through the street is Watanabe Street, and to the north, Showa street. To the south is Tenjin Chikagai, an underground street, 600m in length running under Kokutai Street. There are 12 districts, with 150 shops such as apparel, gourmet food, sundries, and books.
Tenjin Chikagai connects two subway stations, so it's super convenient for getting around. It's also an awesome place to shop, with all the latest styles I love. Highly recommend checking it out!
Canal City Hakata
On the vast 43,500m² premises, a shopping mall, movie complex, theater, amusement park and two hotels cluster. Its symbol, a 180m-long canal, crosses along the center of the space lined with colorful buildings.
Canal City Hakata's water show feels like a special welcome performance! The bold architecture and the water display are super eye-catching 🤣. It's really beautiful ❤️
Narita International Airport
The international airport and gateway to Tokyo, visited by 44 million travelers each year (as of 2019). Opened in 1978, this world-famous airport (airport code NRT) has ferried over 6 million flights both in and out of Japan. The airport grounds include 3 different passenger terminals, a freight terminal and is currently planning to open a new runaway in addition to its two runways currently open.
Narita International Airport is located in Chiba, making it a great spot for overseas visitors to explore nearby attractions. From late March, you can catch the cherry blossoms here. There are three unique spots for cherry blossom viewing, making it a great place for hanami.