Lake Chuzenji
It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.
Sunlight shimmered across the lake in Nikko. Walking along Lake Chuzenji during the fall foliage season, with the crisp air and wide-open lake views, felt incredibly refreshing.
Kanda Myojin
Kanda Myojin is a historical shrine famous for bestowing its blessings in marriage and business prosperity, enhancing luck in battle while warding off danger and disaster. Located in Tokyo's central business district, many firms come to worship at the beginning of the year, as this shrine cannot be ignored if seeking fortune in business.
A place where the modern and the traditional coexist. With buildings woven from vermilion and bronze—this is Kanda Myojin, Tokyoites’ guardian shrine.
I’ve visited quite a few shrines, but Kanda Myojin feels the most modern. The on-site cultural exchange center, EDOCCO, isn’t just a place to take a break—it’s more like a mini department store. There’s a café, and you can even pick up anime collaboration merch.
If I had to choose one spot to represent Tokyo, it would have to be Kanda Myojin.
Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine
The shrine is located in Asagaya, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. It is said that the origin of "Asagaya Shinmeigū Shrine" dates back to the time when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto rested in Asagaya on his way back from an expedition to the east, and then later the villagers, who admired Yamato Takeru no Mikoto's military exploits, established the shrine.
My first time visiting Asagaya. I came for Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine, but ended up loving the vibe of the whole area.
Right outside the station, the streets feel super lived-in and local. Then once you step into the shrine grounds, it’s like entering another world—quiet, elegant, and really calming.
The embroidered goshuin and the omamori are beautifully made, with tons of options (including seasonal limited editions). It honestly made it hard to choose.
Kegon Falls
Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but its most famous waterfall is Kegon Falls. Here the water from Lake Chuzenji spills down a 97-meter-tall cliff, showcasing a beautiful and powerful force of nature. From the observation platform, which you can reach down at the waterfall basin by elevator, you can experience the roar of the falls and the splashing water from up close.
Compared to Fukuroda Falls, the flow here feels more concentrated and powerful.
Even viewing from the observation deck at a distance, the thunderous roar is seriously impressive. It’s hard to believe this force comes from the calm waters of Lake Chuzenji!
Fukuroda no Taki (Fukuroda Falls)
Fukuroda Falls, a prominent tourist spot in Ibaraki, are located in Taki River which stems from Kuji River running through Okukuji District. The great waterfall is 120m-tall and 73m-wide, one of Japan's Three Great Waterfalls along with Kegon Falls in Tochigi and Nachi Falls in Wakayama. It was also selected into 100 best waterfalls in Japan.
Heading north from Mito, I made it to Fukuroda Falls just to see one of Japan’s Three Great Waterfalls.
I expected something super grand and dramatic, but it was surprisingly elegant—gentle streams flowing down slowly.
There are two viewing platforms, and the different distances give you totally different views.
Unshoji Temple
Unshoji is a Soto Zen temple located on the Oga Peninsula, the westernmost point of Akita Prefecture. It is said to have been founded in 1624, and its main hall, a historic building, was constructed during the Edo period. The temple's principal image is a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, reportedly crafted by a sculptor from Osaka.
While planning my trip, I randomly came across this “must-see before you die” view, and I decided I had to go!
Getting there isn’t very convenient, but seeing such an incredible sea of hydrangeas for the first time was totally worth it. It really reminded me of the magic of Japan’s four seasons—and now I want to go out and collect even more seasonal scenery!
A-FACTORY
A-FACTORY is a good place to stop by at the end of your trip in Aomori Prefecture. It is a spot where you can find a wide variety of foodstuffs, sundries, traditional crafts, and gourmet foods produced in Aomori.
The exterior is super photogenic, and inside it’s more of a multi-purpose shopping complex. For souvenirs, compared with the nearby Aomori Prefecture Tourist Center ASPAM, the items sold here feel a bit more refined.
I also bought my second Aomori apple pie here. It was tasty, but compared to Angelique in Hirosaki, it wasn’t as memorable.
Inoda Coffee
This is the main shop of a long-established coffee cafe since 1940. The machiya-style townhouse with classical lighting and chairs provides a restful space for their specialty coffees and light meals.
Came to Inoda Coffee to get a taste of everyday life in Kyoto.
From the outside, it’s a traditional wooden building. But once you step inside, it feels like a retro Western-style café. The servers are a bit older, in red-and-white uniforms, and they move briskly between the tables.
It was close to noon when I visited. I ordered an egg-salad sandwich and some pasta, along with their signature Arabica Pearl. Looking around, I noticed plenty of local seniors dining there.
On a trip, getting to experience a slice of locals’ daily routine is one of the best parts of traveling.
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
After Kiyomizu-dera’s renovations and once the pandemic had passed, I finally got to visit this famous spot.
From the moment I got off the bus, I walked up the sloped road, surrounded by that classic Kyoto scenery. I passed the Niomon Gate and the three-story pagoda, and ended up at the Kiyomizu Stage.
A super classic Kyoto sightseeing route.
Tsukannon Temple (Enichizan Kannonji Daihoin)
This historic temple is said to have been founded in 709, and its official name is “Enichizan (Enichizan) Kannonji Daihoin.” Locals have long affectionately called it “Kannon-san.” The principal image, “Sho Kannon Bosatsu,” is known as “Tsukannon,” and is counted as one of Japan’s Three Great Kannon temples alongside Tokyo’s “Asakusa Kannon” and Aichi’s “Osu Kannon.” It is said to bring a wide range of blessings, including good fortune and success in business.
Tsukannon is considered one of the Three Great Kannon temples, along with Asakusa Kannon and Osu Kannon. But location-wise, if I hadn’t stayed near Tsu Station this time, I probably would’ve skipped it.
After actually visiting, compared with Asakusa and Osu, Tsukannon has a much quieter, more peaceful atmosphere for worship. It made it easier to really focus on the temple’s vibe and history.