Dotonbori
Crab, octopus, cow, crane….these are just a few of the oversized 3D signboards that make up the look and feel of the bustling Dotonbori Area. Its packed with a number of eateries along the northern Dotonbori River and main street along its southern side.
Osaka’s nights are lit up by the neon of Dotonbori. Crowds flow through nonstop, and the lively, buzzing atmosphere feels like a city that never sleeps. It’s a symbol of Osaka and the city’s energy.
Ise Jingu
Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".
Ise Jingu is said to be a place every Japanese person should visit at least once in their lifetime, and I’ve been there twice!
The first time, I underestimated the travel time and could only rush through the Inner Shrine. This time, I gave it another try and successfully visited both the Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine.
Travel guides say the proper order is to visit the Outer Shrine first and then the Inner Shrine, so we took the Kintetsu train from Toba to Iseshi Station. As soon as you exit the station, you can see a huge torii gate, and straight ahead is the approach to the Outer Shrine. There are quite a few tasteful shops lining both sides of the path. On the shrine grounds, the irises by Magatama Pond had already started to bloom. Walking along the gravel path surrounded by greenery on both sides, we finally arrived at the main shrine to pray.
After that, we took a bus to the Inner Shrine. The Isuzu River was as clear as ever and left an unforgettable impression. Finishing my visit to the Inner Shrine truly made up for the regret I had carried for years.
Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District
Centered on Shikemichi, a street in Nishi Ward, Nagoya, the Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District extends around Ofunamachi-dori. The Shikemichi area is a castle town that prospered thanks to merchants using water transport on the Horikawa Canal, which was excavated in 1610 along with the construction of Nagoya Castle.
I started my morning walk in Nagoya at Shikemichi.
The old warehouses have been beautifully preserved here, and it was nice to just wander around with no real plan, weaving through the little alleys.
I picked a cafe for a Nagoya-style breakfast, then strolled over to the Endoji Shopping Street. It has a Showa-era vibe and wasn’t too crowded with tourists.
It felt like spending a whole morning watching time unfold.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
As soon as we got in, we headed straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Seeing Hogsmeade from the books and movies brought to life right in front of us was honestly so moving.
Of course we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks too. Eating by the lake with Hogwarts in view, plus a cup of Butterbeer, was such a treat!
The parade is also something you absolutely shouldn’t miss. As soon as the music starts, you just want to dance along. The energetic dancers lead the floats forward, and everyone is so into it, putting on an amazing show for the crowd. Halfway through, guests are allowed to get up close to the floats and dance with the Minions, and it really feels like you’re part of the world yourself!
Byodoin
An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.
The image of Byodoin Phoenix Hall is not just something you see on the 10-yen coin. Seeing it right in front of me in real life, with its symmetrical vermilion architecture reflected on the water, it had such a solemn and sacred atmosphere. So this is what the Pure Land in this world looks like.
However, when I went inside, there was a विशाल Buddha statue seated there. Even though I only partly understood the Japanese explanation, just being there filled me with joy and made my heart feel incredibly calm.
Gyutan Ryori Kaku - Sendai Station East Exit, Hatsukoi-dori Branch
Founded in 1988, Gyutan Ryori Kaku is a long-established restaurant that has helped shape Sendai’s gyutan (beef tongue) culture. Carrying on that legacy, Gyutan Ryori Kaku Sendai Station East Exit, Hatsukoi-dori Branch is conveniently located just steps from Sendai Station and is a popular choice among visitors.
When it comes to Sendai food, gyutan is the must-try!
Even though Sendai Station has a whole street of gyutan restaurants, I figured if I was going to have it, I should go for one with better reviews, so I chose Gyutan Ryori Kaku.
I ordered the grilled gyutan set meal with four slices. The grilled beef tongue was wonderfully aromatic, thick, and pleasantly springy with a nice bite.
My first gyutan experience was absolutely perfect!
Resort Shirakami
A sightseeing train that runs from Akita Station to Hirosaki Station and Aomori Station via the JR Gonō Line. From the windows, you can enjoy spectacular views of Shirakami-Sanchi, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and the Sea of Japan. Since its debut in 1997, it has continued to captivate many visitors. Three train sets are in service: Buna, Aoike, and Kumagera. The green Buna train is inspired by the primeval beech forests of Shirakami-Sanchi.
I rode the Resort Shirakami from Akita to Hirosaki, and that day it was the Buna train.
True to its name, the interior was designed mainly with wood from Akita and Aomori, which gave it a warm, inviting feel.
As the train rolled along, I enjoyed the changing views of the Sea of Japan. We also stopped at Noshiro Station, where you can get off and try a basketball shot.
It’s a sightseeing train that really blends in a lot of local character.
Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)
Haneda is Japan’s largest airport, officially called Tokyo International Airport. Each of the three terminals has an observation deck where you can watch closely the airplanes take off and land, shopping facility, and restaurants with different cuisines.
Since the Edo period, Nihonbashi has been the starting point for journeys. There is also a Nihonbashi Bridge inside Haneda Airport, and when you step onto it and look out over the entire airport, it feels as if the past and the present are crossing in the same moment.
On top of that, Haneda Airport is also one of the best airports in Japan for shopping. The domestic terminal in particular has famous souvenirs from all over the country, and even Haneda Airport exclusive items. It’s worth making a special trip here even if you’re not catching a flight.
Taito Ward Sumida Park
This park in Taito Ward extends along the western bank of the Sumida River. On the other hand, the park that extends along the eastern bank is the Sumida Ward Sumida Park. In this park, which boasts a site of over 10 hectares, many cherry trees are planted centered around the "Sakura Square".
Taking a walk through Sumida Park at night, I came across Tokyo Skytree.
Choosing to stay in Asakusa was really a great decision. Besides visiting Senso-ji at night, you can also stroll through Sumida Park and admire the view of Tokyo Skytree by the river. It’s the most beautiful sight.
Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
If you're visiting Tokyo, I highly recommend staying in Asakusa. You can appreciate a different side of Sensoji Temple there.
In the early morning, before the tourists arrive, you can visit and pray at a relaxed pace. At night, after the crowds have gone, it's completely different from the daytime bustle. Sensoji Temple has a quiet, wabi-sabi kind of beauty in the evening.