Hakata Ikkousha Main Store
Of all the different Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen stores, “Hakata Ikkousha” is perhaps the most popular. Operating 5 different diverse brands, Ikkousha’s main store front is located in front of JR Hakata Station.
The tonkotsu ramen at Hakata Ikkousha Main Store is all about that rich, flavorful broth. It's unforgettable after just one bite! 😄
Kusasenri
Mount Eboshi is one of the 5 peaks found in the center of Mount Aso. Here you’ll find Kusasenri, the breathtakingly vast, emerald green grasslands that expand northwards. Many textbook writings, as well as classical poets and song writers have immortalized its beauty in their works, making Kusasenri one of the most iconic images that people know when thinking of Mount Aso.
Last summer, I visited Kusasenri and saw Mt. Eboshi and the lush green grasslands. There were herds of horses strolling lazily across the fields—the scenery was gorgeous and relaxing. You can even go horseback riding here! Next time, I'll bring my daughter to try it out. 🐎❤️
Banna Park
The prefectural forest park is located on 230m high Mt. Banna in the center of Ishigaki Island. There are exotic tropical trees, a plaza where children can play freely in the great outdoors, and the best ocean view of Ishigaki Island can be seen from the observatory. There are many butterflies and plants that can only be seen in Yaeyama, making it a paradise for nature lovers.
Banna Park is such a great place to bring family and friends! There's a super long slide—really one of the longest I've seen—and a huge, wide concrete slide that's just wild. The playground has something for all ages: climbing, ropes, balance beams, sand play, and more. Plus, the observation deck has an absolutely stunning view!!!!!!!!! Loved it.
Kajo Park
This is a city park built on the ruins of "Yamagata Castle", which was recognized as one of the "100 Great Castles of Japan". "Yamagata Castle" is one of the largest outline-style flat castles in Japan, surrounded by three moats and earthen mounds in the Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sanomaru areas.
Kajo Park—once you walk in, you see this huge open space. It's really comfortable. Even though there are lots of people during cherry blossom season, the park is so big and the cherry trees are everywhere, so everyone can find a nice spot to enjoy the blossoms. It really lifts your spirits.
Namba Yasaka Shrine
”Namba Yasaka Shrine”, located in the Namba area of Minami in Osaka, is a historic shrine said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Nintoku (313-399).
Namba Yasaka Shrine has these super cute lucky fish charms for love! You have to make a wish here. Plus, it's supposed to drive away bad luck and bring you good fortune. Love it!
National Film Archive of Japan
It is the only national film institution in Japan that preserves, researches, and releases films to the public, and as of March 2022, has over 85,000 films in its collection.
The small theater at the National Film Archive of Japan hosts different themed events based on directors, actors, countries, genres, and eras. Pretty nice!
Kirin Beer Sendai Brewery
This beer brewery opened in 1923 has the longest history in the Tohoku Region. You can tour around how their major product “Kirin Ichiban draft beer” is made, and have a taste at the end.
KIRIN Ichiban is truly Japan's national beer! After touring the brewery and learning about the difference between the first and second wort, I realized how rare it is. Great experience!
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
Every time I visit Japan, I always go to GRANSTA. There are so many shops here, you can't possibly see them all in one day. There are just too many souvenir options to choose from!
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
A museum introducing the Yamato, the world’s largest battleship during World War II. Visitors can also learn about Kure’s history and science and technology. The 1/10-scale battleship Yamato, the symbol of the Yamato Museum, has been recreated based on original blueprints, underwater survey footage, and crew testimony. It continues to share the importance of peace and the excellence of science and technology with future generations.
Inside the Yamato Museum, you can see a model of the Yamato, real fighter planes, and torpedoes. You can also learn about shipbuilding and science—Japan's world-renowned technology! I was honestly blown away!!!
Nagoya Anpanman Children's Museum & Park
A place where children's dreams of “want to meet Anpanman!” and “want to enter the world of Anpanman!” come true. Lined up with Anpanman-related playground equipment, and Anpanman shows and events are held daily. It is also filled with a wide variety of original goods and food that you can't help but want to pick up. Play, eat, and laugh as much as you want!
There are Anpanman museums in Nagoya, Yokohama, Kobe, Sendai, and Fukuoka, but... Nagoya is the only one with an outdoor play area and themed scenes!