Rusutsu Resort
This expansive, all-season resort-one of the largest in Hokkaido-features ski areas, golf courses, an amusement park, hotels, and more across its vast grounds.
Came here to ski in winter and the vibe was awesome. The snowy scenery is beautiful, and there are lots of runs—fun for both beginners and experienced skiers.
Maruya Honten Osaka Umekita Green Place Branch
Maruya Honten, a famous hitsumabushi restaurant whose main location is in Nagoya, opened a new branch in March 2025. This first Kansai branch is located inside the Umekita Green Place commercial complex, and one reason for its popularity is its excellent location, directly connected to Osaka Station and just a 1-minute walk away.
The grilled eel was super fragrant—slightly charred on the outside and really tender inside. The sauce isn’t overly sweet, and with the white rice it goes down so smoothly. Every bite was consistently solid.
The portion doesn’t look flashy, but it was actually pretty filling.
amaterrace
This bar and dining in Niigata City is known for great food and plenty of entertainment. It’s a convenient 4-minute walk from Niigata Station, the main Hokuriku terminal served by the Shinkansen, and is open from 8 p.m. until early morning, making it easy to drop by for both locals and visitors. The food menu is famous for quality that goes beyond the usual bar fare. Authentic oven-baked pizzas that rival specialty shops and seasonal pasta dishes make the Italian options especially popular.
The vibe here is super chill—not too noisy, and the lighting is just right. It's perfect for hanging out with friends or going on a date. The cocktails are on the delicate side, not too strong or overly sweet, so they're really easy to drink.
Mt. Tateishi
Located in Keya, Mt. Tateishi is a low mountain with an elevation of 210 meters. It is one of the most popular mountains in Itoshima, which offers trails for a wide range of skill levels, and can be enjoyed even by beginner hikers. As you continue along the trail, the view gradually opens up and the path changes into a rugged rocky area. As you walk while taking in the beautiful Genkai Sea and Keya scenery known as “Itoshima Blue,” a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view unfolds near the summit, where you can see Keya no Oto, known as one of Japan’s three great basalt caves, and Iki Island beyond the sea with nothing blocking the view.
This is basically an easygoing hiking trail. You get ocean views after walking just a bit, and the scenery is absolutely beautiful. Great for photos.
The view from the top is wide open and super soothing. Overall, it’s a relaxing little mountain with beautiful scenery and no need to overexert yourself. Perfect if you want to see the ocean without hiking for too long.
Tojinbo Mikuni Hot Spring
A hot spring area located near the scenic cliffs of Tojinbo on the Sea of Japan. The water quality is sodium-calcium chloride, which coats the skin to provide warmth and moisture. This deep-heating quality makes it hard to catch cold after bathing and is expected to be effective for improving circulation and relieving fatigue.
The water here is pretty gentle—not too harsh—so soaking feels really comfortable and soothing. The best part is you can spend the afternoon at Tojinbo, enjoying the sea breeze and sunset, then come back in the evening to relax in the hot spring. It feels like a total reset for your body. If you want a chill hot spring trip with great views, this spot is definitely worth it.
Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU
Renowned as one of the world’s top destinations for high-quality powder snow, Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU attracts visitors from across the globe.
The snow quality is really nice, and the slopes aren’t too steep. The whole place has a chill, relaxed vibe—perfect for taking your time and just enjoying the ride. The lift routes are easy to follow, so it’s hard to get lost. Plus, the restaurants and rest areas nearby are super convenient, so you can recharge whenever you need. Overall, it’s a comfortable, fun, and stress-free ski resort!
Miroku-no-Sato
Miroku-no-Sato is the nature-hugged leisure land escape found in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture. The park grounds features heaps of fun to try including thrilling rollercoasters, a 50-meter-tall Ferris wheel, and a colorful carousel.
Perfect spot for a relaxing stroll! The whole park is clean and quiet, and it really feels like being back in a small countryside village. There are a few little shops and restaurants where you can grab a bite or pick up some souvenirs, and the atmosphere is super laid-back. On a nice day, it's great for walking around and taking photos. If you're driving by, it's definitely worth stopping for a break before hitting the road again.
Sakakibara Onsen
Located in Tsu City, Mie Prefecture, Sakakibara Onsen is one of Japan’s most celebrated hot springs, praised by the Heian-era poet Sei Shonagon in The Pillow Book as one of the nation’s “Three Famous Springs.” It has long been known as the purifying bath of the Saio, the imperial princess who served at Ise Grand Shrine, and is still affectionately called “Miya no Yu” (The Shrine’s Bath) by locals. Even today, many visitors stop here to cleanse themselves before making their pilgrimage to Ise.
The water here feels super smooth—my skin felt so soft and silky after soaking! The whole place is really quiet and relaxing, not too commercialized at all. Perfect spot if you just want to unwind. There's a lot of history here too, and many inns have different baths to choose from. Soaking and then taking a break is just so healing.
Choshi Valley Nature Zoo: Monkey Kingdom
The nature zoo is located in Choshi Valley, known for its scenic beauty alongside Kankakei on Shodoshima. The park is home to about 300 wild Japanese macaques that have been fed by humans. These macaques, designated as natural monuments of the prefecture, can be seen up close as they groom each other or huddle together for warmth. You can also enjoy feeding them.
Choshi Valley Nature Zoo: Monkey Kingdom is super fun! There are so many monkeys just roaming around freely—you can watch them interact up close. It really feels like stepping into their world, not your typical zoo experience. Highly recommend for families with kids!
Azabudai Hills
Azabudai Hills, is the megaplex hub that opened in Azabu in November 2023 with some 150 shops for fashion, culture, and unbeatable food across its floors. The central plaza and halls throughout feature fresh greenery and wide open, luxe vibes to bring you the best of dining and shopping.
The whole vibe here is super futuristic—it's like walking into a high-end, stylish city model. Tons of food options, from fancy Japanese cuisine to trendy coffee shops.