Tom Song's Reviews

Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District

Centered on Shikemichi, a street in Nishi Ward, Nagoya, the Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District extends around Ofunamachi-dori. The Shikemichi area is a castle town that prospered thanks to merchants using water transport on the Horikawa Canal, which was excavated in 1610 along with the construction of Nagoya Castle.

• Nagoya
• Tourist Attractions

Hakone Sightseeing Cruise

A sightseeing ship that operates on Lake Ashinoko, a scenic spot in Hakone. The three ships, Royale II, Victory, and Queen Ashinoko, are characterized by their colorful and luxurious decorations. Each of them has a capacity of about 500 passengers and takes 25 to 35 minutes each way between Togendai Port, Hakone-machi Port, and Moto-Hakone Port. On a sunny day, the open deck is a great place to enjoy the scenery. Enjoy the pleasant breeze and the seasonal views of nature and mountains.

• Hakone
• Ships

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

The traditional streets of the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter feature white walled warehouses, grid pattern walls, Namako-kabe, and rows of weeping trees, creating a beautiful and charming townscape. This harmonious and historic scenery is very popular with tourists.

• Okayama
• Famous Places

Katsuo-ji Temple

Surrounded by a national park in the surrounding area, Katsuo-ji Temple in Minoh is an ancient temple with a history of about 1,300 years, founded in the Nara period (710-794). Within the temple's vast grounds, which cover an area of about 80,000 square meters, are the main hall and temple gate, which were rebuilt by Toyotomi Hideyori, and Sanpoukoujin Shrine, which is believed to be the first Arakami shrine in Japan.

• Hokusetsu
• Shrines & Temples

Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura

Located on the southern foothills of Mount Akagi, Akagi Nanmen Senbonzakura is a breathtaking cherry-blossom avenue where around 1,000 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees bloom along both sides of a roughly 1.3-kilometer road, together with the adjacent park.

• Gunma
• Tourist Attractions

Hotel Urashima

This enormous onsen ryokan is located in the Nanki-Katsuura onsen near the World Heritage Kumano-Nachi Taisha shrine. The complex consists of four buildings: the main building, the Nisshokan, the Sanjokan, and the Nagisakan, and accommodates 404 guest rooms; it’s one of the largest hotels in Japan.

• Wakayama
• Inns

Kema Sakuranomiya Park

"Kema Sakuranomiya Park", located on both banks of the Okawa River that flows through the center of Osaka City, is a riverside park with a total length of 4.2 km developed in the area from the Kema Araizeki (overflow weir) at the junction with the Yodo River to Tenmabashi Bridge downstream.

• Osaka Castle, Kyobashi
• Parks & Gardens

Meiji Jingu Museum

The Meiji Jingu Museum, which stands quietly on the approach in the Meiji Jingu precinct, lined with giant trees, opened in 2019 as a memorial service for the 100th anniversary of Meiji Jingu establishment. The museum preserves and exhibits items related to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, the deities of Meiji Jingu Shrine.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Museums

teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM

The art collective teamLab is known for creating immersive, interactive experiences using cutting-edge digital technology. At teamLab Planets TOKYO DMM.com, step into the sheer awe of art that blurs the line between observer and the art itself. The museum saw a major renovation in January 2025, expanding event space by about 1.5 times and adding an outdoor area.

• Tsukiji, Odaiba, Toyosu
• Museums

Hi-Chew (Grape)

This juicy soft candy was first launched in 1975. From the day its flagship strawberry flavor hit the shelves to the number of different flavors available today, the candies have captured the hearts of adults and children alike. Among them all, the “Grape” flavor is an extra-special hit.

• Snacks