Oi Racecourse – Tokyo City Keiba (TCK)
Also known as Tokyo City Keiba (TCK), Oi Racecourse has recently become a popular amusement spot that hosts a variety of events.
The atmosphere at the night races is really unique. The lights shining on the track make it feel completely different from daytime racing. It feels more like entertainment at night, and it’s really fun to watch even if you don’t place a bet.
Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji)
Kawasaki Daishi is considered the birthplace of the "Hatsumode" tradition. Every year during the first three days of the New Year, approximately 3 million people visit for worship.
The approach outside Kawasaki Daishi is super lively. It’s lined with snack stalls and souvenir shops, and a lot of them sell traditional candy and rice crackers. Kuzumochi is especially famous—it’s sweet and chewy, and pretty much everyone tries it when they come here.
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.
Takahata Fudoson is right next to Takahatafudo Station in Tama, Tokyo. It only takes a few minutes on foot after you get off the train, so it’s very convenient to reach. It’s about 30 minutes from Shinjuku on the Keio Line, not far at all, and perfect for a half-day trip.
SHIBUYA SKY
An observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape from a height of approximately 230 meters above the ground. Located on the 14th, 45th, 46th and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest building in the Shibuya area, there are three zones: "SKY GATE," "SKY STAGE" and "SKY GALLERY.
When it gets crowded, it feels pretty packed. You have to wait in line for all the popular photo spots, which really slows the pace down. There are also lines for the elevator and entry, so the whole experience ends up taking quite a bit longer.
Magome Inn
“Nakasendo” is one of the five highways that were constructed during the Edo period to connect Kyoto and Edo. Magome Inn is the 43rd post town on the Nakasendo. It is an inn town along a slope paved with stone pavement, and you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. Both sides of the road are lined with stores selling freshly baked gohei-mochi (rice cakes), oyaki (wheat cakes), etc., where you can enjoy eating and strolling.
The whole street has so much character. Walking through it really feels like going back to the Edo period.
The road keeps climbing uphill, so it’s a little tiring, but the scenery along the way is absolutely worth it.
Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market
"The Miyagawa Morning Market is held along the Miyagawa River from Kaji-bashi Bridge to Yayoi-bashi Bridge, near the “Furuimachinami”(old townscape) of Hida Takayama.
The Miyagawa Morning Market has a great local feel. Most of the stalls sell local produce and handmade items, which gives it a lot of character.
You can snack as you walk, and things like dango and pickled foods are definitely worth trying.
Inuyama Castle
The Inuyama Castle keep is one of five deemed national treasures in Japan. It’s especially famous for remaining today as the oldest watchtower-style keep in Japan. It’s said it was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the father of Oda Nobunaga.
The stairs are pretty steep and narrow, which makes climbing them a bit thrilling, but it also adds to the authentic feel of the old castle.
The view from the top floor is शानदार, and you can see the Kiso River.
Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
The tower is Nagoya’s symbol, built as Nagoya TV Tower for tourism and TV broadcast and completed in 1954. In 2011, TV signals were switched from analog to digital and its function as a consolidated radio tower was ended.
Nagoya Tower looks so atmospheric at night. The lighting makes it really stand out, and it has a huge presence in the Sakae area.
It’s surrounded by shopping streets too, so it’s the perfect place to stop by for the night view after shopping.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University has a huge campus and an unconstrained space. A location of the ground is accessible on foot from the Sapporo station. The campus is open to the public for tours and walking as well as students or staff do.
The ginkgo trees at Hokkaido University are absolutely stunning. The whole golden avenue feels like walking through a movie scene.
Saiko 'Iyashi no sato NENBA'
The Nenba area, once home to rows of thatched-roof buildings, is located along the shore of Lake Saiko, overlooking Mt. Fuji and Aokigahara Forest. However, there was terrible damage from the typhoon of 1966, which destroyed most of the town.
Saiko Iyashi no Sato is really relaxing. The thatched-roof houses with Mt. Fuji in the background make it feel like stepping into an old Japanese village.