Angela Lin's Reviews

Atera Valley

A valley formed along the Atera River, which rises from Mt. Sunagoya in southwestern Nagano Prefecture. The crystal-clear stream, stretching Approx. 15 km in total, is known for its outstanding transparency. Combined with the sunlight filtering through the surrounding trees, it creates the stunning emerald-green scenery known as “Atera Blue.” The water is so clear that even deep spots can look shallow, and many visitors come from outside the prefecture to see this remarkable view.

• Nagano
• Nature Spots

Yagoto-san Kōshō-ji Temple

A Shingon Buddhist temple founded in 1688 by Priest Tenrui Enshō. Long revered as a place for learning and training. Since Tokugawa Mitsutomo (1625-1700), the second lord of the Owari Domain, became a devotee, Kōshō-ji received support from the Owari Tokugawa family, including the construction of temple halls and donations of many treasures. The grounds feature many Edo-period structures, such as the Nishiyama Main Hall and Nōman Hall.

• Nagoya
• Shrines & Temples

Tokyo Disneyland

Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.

• Chiba
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Okonomiyaki Ishin

An okonomiyaki restaurant in Kokurakita Ward, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, serving customers since 1990. Ishin’s okonomiyaki is thick, with a unique texture-crispy on the outside and moist inside. The batter is made with local Kokura sake and rested overnight, creating an addictively soft and chewy bite. The menu offers over 30 varieties, from seafood and meats to natto or okra, plus options loaded with cheese.

• Kitakyushu
• Japanese Cuisine

Aso Cuddly Dominion

Aso Cuddly Dominion is the zoo bringing visitors up close and personal with a full cohort of animal friends from around the world at this vast 300,000 square meter property at the foot of Mount Aso. Many know this spot for its hands-on corners and animals shows featuring celebrities like the chimpanzee "Pan-kun", as see on TV.

• Kumamoto
• Zoos & Aquariums

Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi Smile Glico Park

Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi Smile Glico Park is a charming amusement area located behind the left-field side of Rakuten Mobile Park Miyagi, home to the professional baseball team, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles. Featuring a variety of attractions and an expansive grassy lawn, it is particularly popular among families with children.

• Sendai
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Gotanda Shopping Street

Just outside the west exit of JR Gotanda Station, you'll find Meguro River, famous for its rows of cherry blossom trees. Surrounding this area is Gotanda Shopping Street, home to around 50 eateries and 20 retail shops. The mix of trendy cafés and long-established stores-like a liquor shop from the Taisho era that has been renovated-creates a nostalgic yet lively atmosphere.

• Shinagawa, Gotanda
• Shopping Streets

Hiroshi Senju Museum Karuizawa

This museum houses approximately 40 representative works by Hiroshi Senju, a globally renowned Japanese-style painter. Designed to let visitors experience his art while immersed in the natural beauty of Karuizawa, the museum incorporates a number of thoughtful touches throughout its space.

• Nagano
• Museums

Sengan Pass Teahouse Tazawako Main Store

Near the border between Akita and Iwate Prefectures, you'll find many tunnels, with the famous and lengthy "Sengan Tunnel" being one of the most notable. Just beyond this tunnel is the drive-in "Sengan Pass Teahouse Tazawako Main Store." Established in 1966, this historic drive-in has been a beloved rest stop for travelers passing through the mountain pass.

• Akita
• Japanese Cuisine