Alyssa Chung's Reviews

Yumiharidake Observatory

Towering from the western side of central Sasebo City in Nagasaki Prefecture, Mt. Yumihari rises to an elevation of 364 meters and offers one of Sasebo’s most stunning panoramic views. Make your way to the summit for a view out over Sasebo Port, a common port for massive cruise ships and Japan Self-Defense Force vessels to anchor, plus the glittering cityscape nestled around the bay. Looking westward, the horizon stretches out to the Goto-nada Sea and the scattered islands of the Kujuku Islands, creating a breathtaking coastal vista.

• Nagasaki
• Observatories

Sonmin-Shokudo (Karuizawa)

Karuizawa, often referred to as the “Beautiful Village” in the works of novelist Tatsuo Hori, is home to Sonmin-Shokudo, a restaurant produced by Hoshino Resorts. Its concept is “a casual dining spot that warmly welcomes visitors to this beautiful village of Karuizawa with delicious meals.”

• Nagano
• Japanese Cuisine

Omotesando Hills

Featuring an impressive architectural design suited to Omotesando’s elegant and fashionable high street image, Omotesando Hills has been a landmark in the area since its opening in 2006.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Commercial Buildings

Benkei Fishing Club

Located on the eastern side of the Akasaka Imperial Grounds, this leisure facility for boating and fishing is nestled in a corner of the Edo Castle outer moat, surrounded by expressways and tall buildings. Despite being in close proximity to Akasaka-Mitsuke and Nagatacho, it's a nature-rich oasis by the water, cherished by many enthusiasts.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Experiences Facilities

Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market

One of the largest privately-operated regional wholesale markets in Japan, Osaka Kizu Wholesale Market draws droves of professional chefs seeking top-quality ingredients. With a history spanning nearly 300 years, the market originated in the Edo period as a “nodachi-uri” (open-air trade market) where people brought their goods to sell.

• Osaka
• Shopping Streets

Nakayama Wisteria

Located within the grounds of Nakayama Kumano Shrine in Yanagawa City, Fukuoka Prefecture, Nakayama Wisteria is a stunning wisteria trellis estimated to be around 300 years old. Designated as a Natural Monument of the prefecture, the trellis spans approximately 350 tsubo (1,155 square meters) and blooms every spring like a magnificent curtain of purple. Its sweet fragrance and enchanting atmosphere transport visitors to another world.

• Fukuoka
• Tourist Attractions

Teramachi (Kurume City)

Teramachi is a Kurume City-center town that, as the name suggest, sits flanked with temples on both sides. In the Edo period, the Kurume Domain gathered 26 temples here for the defense of Kurume Castle, 17 of which remain today.

• Fukuoka
• Tourist Attractions

Biker's Paradise Minami Hakone

Located along the ridges of Mount Hakone, this bike-exclusive drive-in facility spans an impressive 20,000 square meters, complete with park for approximately 3,000 motorcycles. Unlike typical roadside stations, visitors must pay an entrance fee to access the facility, a unique feature of this biker haven.

• Shizuoka
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers