SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY
Jointly operated by PARCO, which runs fashion buildings across Japan, and SAN-A, a supermarket chain in Okinawa, SAN-A Urasoe West Coast PARCO CITY is housed in a six-story building, with its 1st to 3rd floors serving as a commercial area. Boasting 78,000 square meters of retail space, it stands as one of the largest shopping facilities in the Okinawa region.
The food court has tasty options, and the sporting goods stores are great for shopping.
OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts
Step off and just over from Otsuka Station to find OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts, a playful, casual hotel that reflects the nostalgic charm of Otsuka-a lively district where bustling shopping streets meet the classic vibe of the city’s old-school streetcar. After exploring the retro streets where locals mingle, kick back in one of the eclectic, cozy guest rooms designed to feel like a secret hideaway.
Finally had the chance to stay at the Hoshino OMO5 series in Okinawa. The welcome drink was nice and cold.
We also happened to catch an awamori tasting. It was great that the introduction could switch between English and Japanese.
Miyakojima’s Yukishio “Yukishio Sand“
Yukishio Sand is a popular Okinawan souvenir made with Yukishio-a fine powder salt crystallized from seawater drawn 22 meters underground in Miyakojima. This unique salt retains the natural minerals of the sea, giving it a distinctive mellow flavor.
New products, and a must-shop store when you're in Okinawa.
From salt to cookies, they never disappoint.
Josuian “Tsukushi Mochi”
A classic Fukuoka souvenir made by a long-established confectionery shop, with over 40 years of sales history.
So delicious. If you get the chance to go to Fukuoka, this is a must-buy.
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.
Packed with tourists, but it’s a must-see spot.
Roadside Station Ogawarako Koyukan
Located on the shores of Lake Ogawara, the largest lake in Aomori Prefecture, this roadside station has been a hub for lakeside tourism and local specialties since its opening in 2004. At the farmers’ market, you’ll find fresh vegetables from Tōhoku Town such as yam, garlic, carrots, and tomatoes. The seafood and processed goods corner offers delicacies made with clams from Lake Ogawara, including simmered shijimi clams and canned clam-and-seafood stew.
The product center has some unique local ingredients, and outside there are sometimes food trucks where you can grab hot food or coffee and desserts.
Inside, they sell a 20-serving pack of the “Shijimi Yojoki” clam soup. It’s a great deal and tastes really good.
Kabushima Shrine
Kabushima Island is one of the prominent nesting places of black-tailed gulls in Japan. Climbing up a flight of stone steps, you will find Kabushima Shrine, which was founded in 1269, standing on the top of the hill. During the Edo period, in the feudal domain of Hachinohe-han, the shrine had been worshiped enthusiastically by the successive feudal lords since the time of the first feudal lord.
Kabushima Shrine was seriously fun! Driving there is the easiest, and the visitor center even thoughtfully has umbrellas you can borrow.
There are tons of seagulls, and as you walk around you’ll get little “golden gifts from the sky” surprises, so you’re constantly having to dodge.
Honestly, that kind of travel experience is what turned into an unforgettable memory for me!
Hoshino Resort Aomoriya
The hot spring inn, Aomoriya, is like Aomori theme park which immerses you in festivals, local cuisine, therapeutic hot spring, and Aomori’s culture. On the premises, there is a nature park dotted with a pond and traditional Japanese homes.
The hallways at Aomoriya are filled with goldfish lanterns. At night there’s also a paid festival show, and you can join in—it’s super lively and so much fun!
The food was also really delicious.
Walking around the property is easy and relaxing. Especially soaking in the foot bath while looking out at the lake—what a treat for both body and mind. It’s truly a different kind of experience.
Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse
Wa Rasse is an eye-catching, modern, red museum close to Aomori Station. It was opened in 2011 to preserve Aomori Nebuta Festival held between 2nd and 7th of August every year.
I happened to catch a live performance event. Even though I couldn’t join the festival myself, the on-site exhibits and interactive performances still let me feel the festival’s lively vibe.
The lighting, music, and those huge Nebuta lantern floats right in front of you make it feel like you’re actually there.
Aomori Museum of Art
This art museum is 5-minute on foot from Sannai Maruyama Historical Site, the world cultural heritage site. The highlight of this museum is ALECO for the ballet, painted by one of the prominent artists in the 20th century, Marc Chagall (1887 - 1985).
I finally got the chance to visit the Aomori Museum of Art and see Yoshitomo Nara’s work—honestly, I fell in love with it at first sight.
Getting to run into art while traveling is the kind of thing that stays with you.
