GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
Not really a tourist spot, but it’s a nice place to browse around.
If you like shopping, you can easily spend a long time here.
Hydrangea Park (Kodaira City)
This park was opened in 1973 with the aim of becoming a famous hydrangea garden. Hydrangeas are planted throughout the cozy park, which takes advantage of the oak, konara oak, and other trees left in the hollows.
June is the perfect time to visit. The hydrangeas are in full bloom, covering the park—it's really soothing.
YAMADA TAX FREE Narita Airport Terminal 1 Store
YAMADA TAX FREE Narita Airport Terminal 1 Store is the airport's only electronics specialty shop located inside the terminal, dedicated to providing "Japanese Quality for Travelers." Step inside for spacious aisles, clear product displays, and a thoughtful design ethos that makes shopping smooth and easy.
They have a pretty good selection—cameras, headphones, game consoles. If you need to pick up something before your trip, there are plenty of options. Sometimes they even have coupons or extra discounts, so the prices can be quite reasonable.
Tokyo Monorail
The Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Tokyo, with an average interval of only 4 minutes, can take you to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes, where a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line can be made.
You really can’t go wrong buying a ticket for this! The ride is smooth and frequent—definitely worth trying at least once!
Abuto Kannon (Bandaiji Temple)
Located in Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture, Abuto Kannon (Bandaiji Temple) is a scenic spot overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. The striking red Kannon Hall, perched dramatically on rugged cliffs against the backdrop of deep blue waters, has an air of elegance and mystery. This picturesque site was famously depicted by Edo-period ukiyo-e artist Utagawa Hiroshige in his Famous Views of the Sixty-odd Provinces, and has long captivated visitors.
There's no commercial vibe here at all—just a really pure temple atmosphere.
KARUIZAWA PRINCE SHOPPING PLAZA
It is one of Japan’s largest resort-style shopping malls, located just outside the south exit of JR Karuizawa Station. There are 10 areas on the premises in a rich natural setting, having about 240 stores offering a wide range of products, including famous brands, interior goods, general goods, and outdoor products. It is an attractive place where you can get high-quality items from top brands at outlet prices.
This mall is huge! There are mountains, grassy areas, and even a lake. It honestly feels like you're shopping inside a forest.
Awata Matsuri
Awata Matsuri is the largest annual festival at Kyoto’s Awata Shrine, founded during the Heian period. This sacred autumnal event is held to ward off epidemics and disease, includes several rituals: the Shinko-sai (Procession Festival) and Kanko-sai (Return Festival) held annually on Sports Day (second Monday in October), the preliminary Shutsugyo-sai, the preceding night’s impressive Yowatari Shinji, and the main festival held on October 15th. Collectively, these events form Awata Matsuri.
Perfect for anyone who loves slow travel and wants to experience traditional Japanese culture.