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~
Kabukicho
Kabukicho is the entertainment district that sits just steps from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. It’s a major hub for izakaya pubs, amusement centers and nightlife spots to enjoy after hours. With neon signs lit up through the entire night, it’s earned the nickname of “the city that never sleeps”.
Tokyo's nightlife hotspot and a must-visit for photos!
Honestly, I think the ratio of foreigners to Japanese here is like 9 to 1. 😏
Machida Squirrel Garden
Spread across a 2,500-square-meter space, Machida Squirrel Garden is a hands-on animal park where about 200 Taiwan squirrels roam freely. In addition to squirrels, the park is also home to chipmunks, guinea pigs, rabbits, and tortoises, offering fun and educational animal encounters for all ages.
The squirrels are super cute, but honestly, the smell is a bit much...
If you're planning to visit, it's probably best to come in autumn or winter.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594. It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
A must-see spot in Nagano.
The black and white castle looks stunning against the backdrop of the Northern Alps.
I was in a bit of a rush this time, so next time I definitely want to stay overnight in Matsumoto and take my time exploring.
Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan
Built in 1921 and used as a campus for Jiyu Gakuen, until moving in 1934. It was designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who also designed the Imperial Hotel. This building is known as a fine example of modern architecture, and is a designated national important Cultural Property.
Even though Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan isn't that big overall, you can easily spend an entire afternoon here without even noticing.
Okunitama-jinja Shrine
Okunitama Shrine, with a history stretching back about 1900 years, is where Okunitama-no-Okami, the deity protecting the Musashino area, is enshrined. Musashino was a vast area including modern-day Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa. Inside the shrine grounds are several smaller shrines, each one granting its own blessing. Among those, the shrine blessing love and marriage is especially well-known.
I happened to catch the Darkness Festival, and it was packed with people and super lively. There were so many food stalls I lost count!
It was my first time in Fuchu City and I had a really good impression.
Highly recommend!
Nakano Broadway
Opened in 1966 as Japan's first commercial-residential complex, Nakano Broadway has since transformed into a hub with over 200 shops across five floors, from the basement to the fourth floor. It features a unique blend of original shopping street-style stores and subculture-related shops.
I visited on a Saturday and it was super lively. Honestly, it’s just as busy as Shibuya’s main shopping street.
The restaurants here feel especially cheap and totally worth it! 🉐
Yuraku Confectionery's "White Black Thunder"
The Hokkaido-limited edition of the chocolate bar "Black Thunder," known for its satisfyingly crunchy texture, coats bite-sized crunchy bases that combine cocoa cookies & plain biscuits with white chocolate enriched with flavorful Hokkaido milk.
整體來說偏甜，所以喜歡吃甜食的人一定會很滿足！
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
I didn't realize there was still quite a walk after climbing up here...
HANA・BIYORI
HANA・BIYORI is the new-concept flower park and destination next to Yomiuriland amusement park, replete with serene spaces to consider a greener earth and our place on earth hugged by seasonal flowers and plants. Popular highlights to see include the HANA・BIYORI Pavilion, where you can marvel at Japan’s largest collection of over 300 hanging flower chandeliers and colorful floral walls, the vibrant Seasonal Flower Path, and the PIET OUDOLF GARDEN TOKYO, designed by a world-renowned garden designer.
Do they have hot spring facilities too? I definitely want to try it next time~