楊雅雯's Reviews Page 11/13

Edo-Tokyo Museum

A museum offering a comprehensive look at the history and culture of Tokyo from the Edo period to the present day. Since opening in 1993, it has been a popular place to learn about Tokyo’s journey, and after major renovations, it reopened in March 2026. Highlights include a full-scale recreation of Nihonbashi Bridge and scale models of townscapes, offering a vivid look at the lives and culture of the people of the time.

• Ryogoku, Ningyocho, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kinshicho
• Museums

I thought I’d just be looking at exhibits, but I ended up spending hours here! The Edo-Tokyo Museum brings the story of Tokyo, from the Edo period to the modern day, to life with models, recreated scenes, and artifacts. It really feels immersive.
Standing on the recreated Nihonbashi Bridge felt like traveling back hundreds of years. Anyone who loves Japanese culture or history will really enjoy it. Even if you’re not usually into museums, it’s easy to keep exploring and completely lose track of time.

Tokyo Disneyland

Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.

• Chiba
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Tokyo Disneyland still makes my heart flutter no matter how many times I visit! From the moment I entered in the morning, the park was full of people, all there for dreams and happiness. The weather was amazing that day, and the blue sky with the castle was so beautiful that I kept stopping to take photos. Even though the popular attractions had long lines, time flew by while watching shows, browsing the shops, and eating cute themed snacks.
When the fireworks went up at night, I honestly felt like all the waiting throughout the day was worth it. No wonder everyone says you have to set aside a day for Disney when you come to Tokyo. This place really helps you rediscover pure, simple joy.

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are located within the Imperial Palace, where Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, and are managed by the Imperial Household Agency. Developed from parts of the former Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas of Edo Castle, the gardens are open to the public as an Imperial Palace garden. The grounds feature many valuable historic sites that preserve traces of the Edo period, including the Tenshudai, the stone base built to support Edo Castle’s main keep, as well as three guardhouses and Fujimi-yagura.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Parks & Gardens

Edo Castle in the fall is almost unfairly beautiful! The slightly cool weather, paired with golden leaves covering the ground, makes walking through the spacious castle ruins feel like a movie scene.

The shoguns of the past may be gone, but the impressive gates, moats, and stone walls still feel incredibly grand. I couldn’t help stopping every few steps to take photos.

I originally thought I could see it all in half a day, but the more I walked, the more hooked I got. It felt like exploring through different stages of an adventure, and before I knew it, several hours had passed.

If you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t just focus on shopping. Set aside some time for a walk around Edo Castle. You’ll realize history can be this charming!

“KochiKame” Statues & Manhole Covers in Kameari

In Kameari, located in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, bronze statues and manhole covers featuring characters from the popular manga “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo” (commonly known as KochiKame) are installed throughout the town. They are scattered across both the north and south sides of JR Kameari Station on the JR Joban Line. In total, there are 15 statues and six design manhole covers.

• Kita-Senju, Katsushika
• Tourist Attractions

Coming to Kameari feels just like stepping into the world of KochiKame! As soon as I got off the train, I started looking for Kankichi Ryotsu, and ended up taking photos with bronze statues the whole way. I couldn’t stop.

The most eye-catching ones were the colorful trio at the south exit and Ryotsu flashing a peace sign in the park. So funny and charming. Even the manhole covers along the way have hidden character surprises, so walking around felt like a treasure hunt. Before I knew it, I had explored all of Kameari.

Even if you’re not a manga fan, this town full of childhood memories will totally win you over. It’s really worth making the trip!

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, is a comprehensive marine leisure facility featuring an aquarium, attractions, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.

• Yokohama
• Zoos & Aquariums

I thought the aquarium would be the star of the day, but it turned out to be the weather! Yokohama in May felt like natural air conditioning. I walked around all day without sweating, and the sea breeze was amazing. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is perfect for just relaxing, looking at the ocean, checking out the aquarium, and enjoying some thrilling rides. One day really isn’t enough.
I took so many photos my phone almost died. Every angle looked like a postcard. Travel doesn’t always have to be about rushing from place to place. Finding somewhere you can stroll slowly, feel the sea breeze, and enjoy the sunshine is the happiest kind of time. Yokohama in May is seriously a great choice!

Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome

Maruya Honten Meieki 3-chome is a hitsumabushi specialty restaurant located a five-minute walk from Nagoya Station. It is known for its hitsumabushi made with eel grilled over Bincho charcoal until fragrant, paired with 100% Japanese-grown rice. A sweet tare based on traditionally made tamari soy sauce brings out the eel’s natural umami, earning strong support from locals and tourists alike.

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

When you come to Nagoya, you have to try hitsumabushi!
First, enjoy it plain. Then add scallions and wasabi. Finally, pour in the hot broth and turn it into ochazuke. Every way of eating it was so good I couldn’t stop.
It was so delicious that I completely forgot to take a photo when it arrived. By the time I snapped back to reality, all that was left was an empty bowl. I’d honestly come back to Nagoya just for this meal. Definitely add it to your plans!

Ghibli Park

Whisk away into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli at the world’s one-and-only destination complete with 5 areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches.

• Aichi
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Ghibli Park had been on my wish list for so long, and I finally made it!
Tickets are seriously hard to get. We even used 5 phones at the same time to try for them, and luckily we got some. It felt like such an achievement!
The whole park feels like stepping into the world of a Studio Ghibli film. Every corner is packed with little details, and I honestly didn’t want to leave. My favorite was the newly opened Valley of Witches from 2024. You can walk into Kiki’s house from Kiki’s Delivery Service and see scenes from Howl’s Moving Castle. It really feels like you’ve become part of the story.
And of course, don’t miss Guchoki Bakery. You can actually buy the bread that appears in the movie, and it’s both adorable and delicious.
If you’re a Ghibli fan, this place absolutely deserves a spot on your lifetime must-visit list! Just make sure you get tickets first, or you’ll be stuck envying everyone else.

Kinshachi Yokocho

A superb gourmet area in Nagoya Castle Town, Kinshachi Yokocho, is divided into two sections.

• Nagoya
• Shopping Streets

Kinshachi Yokocho is perfect to visit after exploring Nagoya Castle!

There are lots of famous Nagoya restaurants gathered here, so if you’re not sure what to eat, this is the place to go. This time I had miso katsu. The rich miso sauce with the crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside pork cutlet was sweet, savory, and perfect with rice. No wonder so many of these shops have branches all over Japan.

If you come to Nagoya and don’t have miso katsu, it really feels like you’re missing something!

Yokohama Cosmo World

This multi-level urban amusement park has a bit of everything, from thrilling rides like a giant Ferris wheel and roller coasters to games, haunted houses, virtual reality attractions using VR and 3D technologies, and children’s rides like merry-go-rounds and character cars.

• Yokohama
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

When you come to Yokohama Minato Mirai, you definitely shouldn’t miss the super eye-catching giant Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21.
During the day, you can enjoy beautiful harbor views, and at night, the ride feels even more romantic. As the Ferris wheel slowly rises, you can take in the entire Yokohama nightscape and feel the charm of the city lights blending with the harbor.
Besides the Ferris wheel, Cosmo World has plenty of other rides and attractions, making it a great place to spend a relaxed half day. Whether you’re on a date, traveling with kids, or just stopping by for photos, it’s absolutely worth a visit.

YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN

YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN connects the Sakuragicho Terminal just in front of JR Sakuracho Station to the Canal Park Terminal in the Shinkou District. At a total length of 630 meters and 40 meters tall at its highest point, it takes only 5 minutes to get across one way.

• Yokohama
• Ropeway

If you’re visiting Yokohama, you have to try the YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN! It’s Japan’s first urban circulating ropeway, and in just a few minutes, you can look down from above at the beautiful scenery of Minato Mirai. It has a different charm during the day and at night.
If you’re also planning to ride the Cosmo Clock 21 Ferris wheel, I recommend buying the ropeway + Ferris wheel combo ticket. It’s a better deal than buying them separately, and you can enjoy both the aerial ropeway views and the high-up Ferris wheel scenery in one go. Perfect for taking memorable photos!