BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 7/26

Mt. Takao Chair lift

The Mt. Takao Sightseeing Lift is a two-seater tourist lift that connects the foothill station (elevation 201m) and the mountaintop station (elevation 462m) near the Keio Mt. Takao Station (elevation 191m). It spans approximately 872m and takes about 12 minutes one way. It runs parallel to the Natural Science Research Route No. 1, making it a convenient option for one-way trips.

• Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
• Ropeway

Riding the Mt. Takao Sightseeing Lift this time was a very memorable experience. As the lift slowly ascended, I could enjoy the lush greenery covering the mountain and the expansive views along the way. The gentle breeze felt very pleasant and helped me relax. Although having my feet dangling in the air made me a little nervous at first, I was soon captivated by the beautiful scenery before me. After reaching the top, the air was fresh, and I could continue walking around and exploring Mt. Takao. It was a wonderful memory that combined natural scenery with a relaxing trip, and it's well worth experiencing for yourself.

KONGEN Yawataya Isogoro “Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice mixture of seven aromatic ingredients) ”

Yawataya Isogoro has its main store in Daimoncho, the home of Zenkoji Temple, an ancient temple in Nagano City, Nagano Prefecture. It is a spice specialty store with a long history of 280 years, and sells a variety of Shichimi and Ichimi flavors, including “Shichimi togarashi”, a signature product since its establishment.

• Nagano
• Food & Drink

Yawataya Isogoro Shichimi Togarashi is a seasoning I buy again every time I visit Japan. As soon as you open the can, you can smell its rich, spicy aroma. The heat is mild and doesn't overpower the food's original flavor. Whether sprinkled over ramen, udon, rice bowls, grilled dishes, or even miso soup, it adds depth and makes the food even more delicious.

Okashina-okashiyasan

Okashina-okashiyasan is an antenna shop operated by Morinaga Confectionery, located in Tokyo Okashi Land on B1 of First Avenue Tokyo Station. Since opening in 2012, it has sold a wide variety of sweets under the theme “Fun to buy, delicious to eat.”

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

Morinaga Confectionery's Kyoro-chan Chocolate Balls are one of my favorite Japanese snacks. The chocolate coating is rich and smooth, while the cookie balls inside are crisp and crunchy. They're just sweet enough without being too rich. Every bite has the perfect combination of rich chocolate and crunchy cookies, making it hard to stop eating them.

Gokayama Ainokura/Suganuma Gassho-Zukuri Village

In the southwestern tip of Toyama Prefecture, Gokayama consists of 40 small villages scattered across five valleys.

• Toyama
• Famous Places

Gokayama's Ainokura and Suganuma Gassho-style villages offer a soul-cleansing escape from the hustle and bustle. There is none of the noise of excessive commercialization here, only rustic thatched roofs surrounded by mountains, smoke rising from chimneys, and pastoral scenery. Strolling through the settlements among the mountains and clear streams, you can not only marvel at the architectural wisdom of the people who came before in withstanding heavy snow, but also deeply appreciate the pure tranquility and sense of seclusion. It is an idyllic retreat you will want to keep to yourself.

Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Chidorigafuchi Moat)

A 700-meter promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by nature so rich that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of Tokyo, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Tourist Attractions

Chidorigafuchi Green Way is undoubtedly one of Tokyo's premier cherry blossom viewing spots. Walking beneath the 700-meter-long tunnel of cherry blossoms, the blooms on both sides form a beautiful pink tunnel. When a gentle breeze blows, the petals flutter down, creating a very romantic scene that blends with the surface of the moat into an incomparable poetic landscape. Whether admiring the profusion of blossoms during the day or the dreamlike illuminated cherry blossoms at night, it is deeply enchanting.

Kirin Afternoon Tea (Gogo-no-Kocha)

This long-selling tea brand was first launched in 1986. It was born as Japan’s first bottled black tea made to evoke the customs of afternoon tea in Japan. Since then it has become the No. 1 leading brand in tea drink sales.

• Food & Drink

KIRIN Afternoon Tea has a natural tea aroma and a refreshing taste. The original, milk tea, and lemon tea flavors each have their own distinctive qualities. The original black tea is fresh and smooth, while the lemon tea has a slightly tart, fruity aroma. My favorite is the milk tea, which is rich and smooth, with just the right amount of sweetness without being overly sweet. It goes down even more smoothly when chilled and is especially refreshing in hot weather.

The Time Bell Tower (Toki no kane)

Kawagoe is only about an hour away from the center of Tokyo, and it is a city where you can enjoy the quaint streets. One of the most famous tourist landmarks in this city is the Bell of Time. It is a landmark with a striking presence in the street lined with old-fashioned warehouses.

• Saitama
• Tourist Attractions

Seeing Kawagoe's Bell of Time for the first time, I found it more charming than I had imagined. Although it isn't particularly ornate, it stands quietly in the middle of the old town, filled with a strong sense of nostalgia that makes you want to stop and take a photo. Walking along the nearby streets and looking at the historic buildings really feels like stepping back into the Edo period.

Asakusa Nakamise Shopping Street (Main Approach to Asakusa Temple)

Located on the approach to Asakusa Temple, this shopping street consists of food and souvenir shops lining the approximately 250m stone-paved path from Asakusa Temple's main gate, the Kaminarimon Gate, to the "Treasure House Gate". Known as "Nakamise", about 90 stores are built across the approach, bustling daily with visitors to Asakusa Temple and tourists from both Japan and abroad.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shopping Streets

When visiting Sensoji Temple, don't miss Nakamise Shopping Street. The entire street has a strong traditional Japanese atmosphere, with many small shops on both sides selling wagashi, rice crackers, ningyo-yaki, fans, and all kinds of unique souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy tasty food!
Sensoji Temple is at the end of the shopping street. Once you enter the temple grounds, you can feel a peaceful atmosphere that's completely different from the lively shopping street!

Drum Gate and Hospitality Dome (Kanazawa Station)

Kanazawa Station, the gateway to Kanazawa, is bustling with visitors as the Hokuriku Shinkansen arrives and departs, making it a hub for Hokuriku tourism. The eye-catching Drum Gate and Hospitality Dome, completed in 2005, are located at the Kenrokuen Gate (East Exit) facing the city center.

• Kanazawa
• Tourist Attractions

Kanazawa Station's Drum Gate was even more impressive than I imagined. Seeing it in person for the first time was stunning. The wooden design is full of traditional Japanese beauty, and its combination with the modern station building is very distinctive. As soon as I arrived, I could feel Kanazawa's rich cultural atmosphere. I couldn't help but stop and take lots of photos—it looks great from every angle.

The nearby Hospitality Dome looks like a huge transparent umbrella. Its design is unique, and it also protects travelers from the sun and rain. When it's lit up at night, it adds an even more romantic atmosphere and complements the Drum Gate beautifully. It's truly charming.

Hakodate Station

Hakodate Station's commercial zone was renovated in 2016 with the opening of the Hokkaido Shinkansen. On the first floor is the "Hokkaido Shikisaikan JR Hakodate Store" offering a variety of local specialties and products, while the second floor features restaurants and an observation deck called the "Rotunda Deck" where visitors can take pictures of trains arriving and departing on the platforms.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

Hakodate Station, located in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is the area's most important transportation hub and the starting point for many travelers exploring Hokkaido. The station has a simple, modern exterior and a spacious, bright interior, with a tourist information center, souvenir shops, restaurants, and a convenience store, making it easy for travelers to shop and take a break. Hakodate Morning Market is within walking distance, where you can enjoy fresh seafood rice bowls, crab, and a variety of Hokkaido specialties. You can also take the streetcar to popular attractions such as the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses, Goryokaku Park, and Mount Hakodate.