Soshigaya Park
Soshigaya Park is located in a quiet residential area of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. The Sen River, which flows through the center of the park, divides the park into east and west. On the hillside of the Senkawa River's western side, there are spacious lawns and play areas, and the walking path that surrounds the lawn is often used as a running course.
The neighborhood around here feels really nice. Taking a stroll is so relaxing and healing.
Okegawa Benibana Field (safflower field)
Benibana, the city flower of Okegawa. The production of safflower in Okegawa started when Edo merchants brought the seeds to the city. Since then, Okegawa has prospered as a center of safflower production and an inn town on the Nakasendo highway.
A whole field of orange-red safflowers swaying in the breeze—such a summer vibe! It’s the perfect spot for photos during the blooming season, with the blue sky and green fields in the background making the colors pop. The atmosphere is super chill and it never feels too crowded when you walk around. There are also some small stalls nearby where you can grab a snack or pick up a souvenir.
The Cruise to an Uninhabited Island & Picnic Lunch
Seto Inland Sea has more than 700 islands, great and small, and they have many fascinating private beaches accessed only by a boat. Going under the Tatara Bridge, one of the big white bridges along the Shimanami Kaido, head for the virgin Tsuba Island. The beach has smooth sand and clear water.
I always come here to ride my bike along the Kaido route 🚲~ I really love this place!
Shimatabi Yachts
Board an 8.5-meter-long catamaran and cruise leisurely among the islands of the Yumeshima-Kaido road. The calmness and the sensation of drifting on the water when the yacht cuts off its engine and runs with only the power of the wind in its big sails are so moving that you feel as if you are one with the sea and the sky. It is also nice to glide along the sea in the strong wind.
This time, I chose the Shimatabi Yacht to explore a private beach in Kamijima. Sailing with the wind, listening to music, and enjoying the sound of the sea—such a great experience! 😎
Minetopia Besshi
Besshi Copper Mine used to be one of the three most productive copper mines in Japan, but it closed in 1973. Then, a mine theme park, Minetopia Besshi, was opened on the mine’s last headquarter premises. The 60,000m² grounds are dotted with the Tour Mine Tunnel, Tour Train and other hands-on facilities that let visitors learn about the mine.
I always come to Minetopia Besshi for the outdoor baths and the stone sauna. It's super relaxing. There's also an indoor playground for kids! 👍
Kirinomori (Misty Forest)
Close to Kochi Expressway’s Shingu Interchange, this multi complex shares the various appeals of Shikoku’s famous tea producer, Shingu Area.
My favorite Kirinomori Daifuku—it's seriously delicious! 😋
Mt. Ishizuchi (Ishizuchi Tozan Ropeway)
Mt. Ishizuchi is known for the mountain worship as one of Japan’s Seven Holy Mountains. Mt. Ishizuchi is the collective name of Mt. Tengu, the highest in western Japan, Misen where Ishizuchi Shrine stands on top, and a series of mountains in the South Peak. There are different trails for veteran climbers, hikers, and beginners.
Mt. Ishizuchi is home to Tengu-dake, the highest peak in western Japan. It's also one of the best spots for autumn leaves. Love it!
Nishida Family Garden Gyokusen-en
Located near “Kenroku-en” garden, also a tourist spot and one of the 3 beautiful Japanese gardens. This Chisen Kaiyu style pond garden is older than Kenroku-en by 120 years, and was built in the mid-Edo period.
Nishida Family Garden has a charming, traditional Japanese garden—it's my favorite vibe... Plus, they serve green tea and sweets for everyone to enjoy.
Noboribetsu Onsen
A famous hot spring located in the "Iburi" region in south-west Hokkaido. It has been known since the Edo period as an extremely rare place with many different types of springs in one hot spring. Many of the springs gush from all over the place, many of them from Jigokudani, which was created by volcanic activity some 10,000 years ago, and boast an abundance of 10,000 tonnes of hot water per day, which can be enjoyed in a variety of bathtubs and tubs elaborately designed by ryokans and hotels.
Noboribetsu Onsen is my favorite place! The Dai-ichi Takimotokan is fantastic—it's the oldest hot spring hotel there, and the huge bath area is like a hot spring amusement park. Highly recommended! 👍
Heiwa Dori Shopping Park
The 1-kilometer-long pedestrian paradise, called "Heiwa-dori Shopping Park", is the main street of Asahikawa, and was established in 1972 as Japan's first permanent pedestrian paradise, and is lined with a variety of stores, from large-scale stores and various specialty stores to beauty salons and restaurants.
Heiwa Dori Shopping Park is the most famous spot in Asahikawa. The street has a pedestrian zone, and at night, the lights and snowy scenery make it even more beautiful!