Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
Sat in Ueno forest, the distinctive red-brick tile construction of this striking museum has served as a hall for the fine arts since it first opened in 1926.
The building itself is worth seeing—it's got a really cool design. It's located inside Ueno Park, so the surroundings are super pleasant and there's lots of greenery.
acure
This beverage brand can be found in the 9,000 some vending machines installed at station platforms and other locations in the JR East area. From natural water to tea, fruit juices, and even soups, all products are crafted with the finest Japan-made ingredients and boasts its high-quality.
This is hands down the most convenient and thoughtful vending machine at the station. Tons of drink options, the screen is easy to use, and there are lots of limited edition choices too. Cold drinks are really cold, hot drinks are nice and hot. It's clean and has a high-tech feel. I end up wanting to grab a bottle every time I walk by.
Mount Yotei
In the southern Shiribeshi Region, Mt. Yotei stands 1898m above sea level. Its beautiful cone shape like Mt. Fuji’s has brought the name Ezo Fuji since ancient times. Located at the western edge of Shikotsu-Toya National Park, the perfectly cone-shaped figure is counted in Japan’s 100 best mountains and serves as a symbol of the Niseko Area itself.
On days with bad weather, the whole mountain gets hidden in the clouds and you can't see anything at all.
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences (Chiba Prefecture)
Museum of Aeronautical Sciences sits next door to Narita Airport as Japan's first aviation-focused museum, complete with the full magic of flight launched with your very first step at its runway-designed iconic entrance.
You can see the airport runway right from the window, so you get to watch planes take off while checking out the exhibits. There are not just static displays, but also lots of interactive experiences.
Hyper Museum Hanno
Opened in March 2025, Hyper Museum Hanno is a fresh and innovative museum located in Hanno, Saitama Prefecture, within the grounds of "Metsä," a complex housing both the Nordic lifestyle area "Metsä Village" and the Moomin-themed amusement park "Moominvalley Park."
It's not just about looking at art—there are tons of interactive installations too. Way more fun than I expected!
Mitsui Outlet Park Shiga Ryuo
This is one of the largest outlet malls in the Kinki region, conveniently located just off the Ryuo Interchange on the Meishin Expressway.
It's a great place to spend the whole day. If you don't have enough time, you might feel like you missed out on some fun.
Kansai-San’in Area Pass
The San’in region, home to historic hot springs and beautiful natural landscapes in Tottori and Shimane, lies beside the Kansai region, which features ancient capitals and sophisticated cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. The area is dotted with iconic sightseeing destinations including Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Buddha of Nara, the Tottori Sand Dunes, and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine. It offers a rich variety of attractions-culture, nature, food, and more-making it a region worth exploring at a leisurely pace.
The price for a single HARUKA limited express ride is about the same, so having the pass saves you money right away.
Takahata Fudoson Kongoji Temple
Along with Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, Takahata Fudoson is one of the three largest temples housing an immovable statue of the Wisdom King in the Kanto region. It is the special head temple of the Shingonshu sect, Chizan school of Buddhism.
The hydrangea festival in June is gorgeous! So many flowers, I couldn't stop taking photos.
Aeon Mall Wakayama
This largest shopping center in Wakayama Prefecture with over 150,000 ㎡ space attracts many local customers as well as shoppers from the Sennan and Hannan areas in Osaka. The center can be reached via an easy access from the Hirai Ramp on the Daini-Hanwa National Highway and is only a 40 minute drive from Kansai Airport.
This mall is huge—one of the biggest shopping centers in Wakayama. I spent the whole day there and still didn't see everything.
Yakushi Ai Road Shopping Street
Baishoin Temple is known as the largest temple in Nakano Ward and is popularly known as 'Arai Yakushi'. The approach from Nakano Station to the temple gate has several shopping streets in front of the main gate, one of which is the Yakushi Ai Road shopping street.
The whole street has a retro Showa vibe. It really feels like you've traveled back in time to old Japan.