Tama Central Park
Tama Central Park is a vast urban park covering Approx. 110,000 square meters, conveniently located about a 5-minute walk from Tama-Center Station.
The café is lovely. The playground equipment is also very clean, and kids will get so caught up playing that they’ll lose track of time.
Sanrio Puroland
Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.
I bought a ton of Sanrio exclusives, and when I walked out there were those gacha machines next door that totally make your eyes spin...
Remember to bring enough coins!〜！
TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY
Developed by JR East, Takanawa Gateway City is a bold urban redevelopment project transforming a former train yard into a 9.5-hectare next-generation smart city. Centered around the newly completed Takanawa Gateway Station, the complex is slated for four high-rise towers and a low-rise cultural facility, bringing together commercial spaces, hotels, offices, residences, a multipurpose cultural center, and an international conference hall.
It was actually more fun to explore than I expected! The self-driving cars weren't that impressive (but not bad either). The whole place really gives off a futuristic city vibe! 😲
HMV record shop Shibuya
HMV record shop Shibuya is a vinyl-focused shop operated by the major CD retailer HMV. It’s located in Tokyo’s Udagawacho area of Shibuya-once hailed as the “mecca of records”-and carries all genres except classical.
My favorite is Tatsuro Yamashita’s RIDE ON TIME〜
It was the theme song for Takuya Kimura’s GOOD LUCK.
City pop like this *has* to be listened to on vinyl!!!
Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Akabeko
JR Ban-etsusai Line, JR Tadami Line and Aizu Railway all converge at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, a center in Aizu Region. Its building looks like a castle and is selected as one of the Top 100 stations of the Tohoku District. At the east entrance of the station, a big Akabeko greets everyone who visits Aizu, which is a popular photo spot.
They should call it 'Snow Castle Station' and 'Snow Cow' 😅
Ginza Kimuraya
In 1874, they developed the original "sake-kasu anpan," a bread made from sake yeast and filled with sweetened azuki bean paste. Since then, they have continued to make it using the same method.
Awesome!!
They have two kinds: Tsubu-an (with whole beans) and Koshi-an (smooth and fine, no bean texture).
Personally, I highly recommend the Tsubu-an!
Dejima (Nationally-designated historical site ［Former Dejima Dutch Trading Post］）
Dejima was the only place where trades with the western countries were allowed during about 200 years of national isolation. In 1636, a fan-shaped island was constructed by reclaiming the sea, the food culture, Western studies along with various articles of commerce as well as games such as billiards and badminton came to this island and spread to many places in Japan.
It’s a port town, but unlike Kobe or Yokohama, you can stroll around quietly and just enjoy the views.
Right across the way is Mount Inasa, so after you finish walking around here during the day, you can head over there to see the night view.
Kakeinoyu
For natural hot springs, look no further than this day-use hot springs inside "HANA・BIYORI," adjacent to Yomiuriland. Perched at an elevation of 100 meters, this hot destination is where you’ll find panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline, with the added perk of seasonal blooms all around from HANA・BIYORI, ensuring the utmost in luxe, unique experience.
The sushi at the restaurant was amazing! It felt way more upscale than your average sushi place. Highly recommend it~
Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple
The official name of Shibamata Taishakuten is “Kyoeizan Daikyo-ji.” It is a temple of the Nichiren sect of Buddhism, and as it was built in 1629 it has quite the long history.
This is the setting for Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo 😊
Once you leave Shibamata Station, you walk through the old street and you'll get there in no time.
Along the way, you'll see lots of photos of Tora-san.
It feels so nostalgic.
Just a reminder—make sure to visit the temple before grabbing something to eat!
Kansagu (Ukiki Shrine)
Kansagu, also known as Ukiki Shrine, is a mystical shrine situated by the lakeside, dedicated to Princess Tatsuko from the legend of Tatsuko-hime. The shrine was named in 1769 by Masuto Soshu, a haiku poet and samurai of the Akita domain. It is called Ukiki Shrine because it enshrines a large driftwood (floating tree) that washed ashore.
A must-visit spot at Lake Tazawa.
You can not only pray here but also get a matchmaking amulet~