一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 4/21

Showa Kinen Park is just a quick train ride from central Tokyo. When I visited in late fall, the entire park was enveloped in a poetic, desolate beauty that made me feel at peace.

The park was much more expansive than I had imagined. By the time I walked all the way to the famous Japanese garden, my legs were a little sore, but sitting quietly on a bench and taking in the autumn scenery mixed with fallen leaves was especially soothing. There were very few visitors, and the atmosphere had a rare sense of peace and relaxation. If you want to get away from the noise of the city and fully appreciate the pure beauty of fall, I highly recommend taking a walk here.

Omiya Park is right next to Hikawa Shrine. While visiting the shrine, I wandered over to the park and quietly sat by the lake, watching the sunlight shimmer on the water. In the chilly weather, I bought a hot can of corn potage from a vending machine to warm my hands while admiring the shrine’s elegant, traditional architecture. I blended right in and experienced the everyday life of local Japanese people. It was an incredibly relaxing and pleasant time. There is also a small zoo in the park that you can visit, making it a unique, slow-paced experience.

If you’re visiting the Saitama-Shintoshin area, don’t miss this hidden gem. Most people are more familiar with Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe, but the head shrine of all Hikawa shrines in Japan is actually here.

I visited in late fall, just before the start of winter, and was very fortunate to stroll along the two-kilometer approach. Along the way, there were beautiful golden ginkgo trees mixed with fallen red maple leaves, and very few people—mostly local residents taking leisurely walks. There were also a few distinctive little shops scattered along the roadside. After passing through the third torii gate, the solemn and majestic main shrine building came into view. I recommend setting aside half a day to walk along this especially pleasant approach.

I’m a fan of this watch brand, and whenever I have a chance to travel to Japan, I always like to make time to visit one of its local stores. What fascinates me most is discovering new watch straps made with materials that reflect local Japanese character. Not only can one watch stay with you for a long time, but you can also freely switch to whatever style suits your mood.

This time, I made a special trip to the spacious and comfortable Maker’s Watch Knot Omotesando Gallery Shop. As always, the staff were courteous and polite, creating a very relaxing and comfortable shopping experience. In addition to a wide selection of customizable watches, they were also offering elegant special Christmas packaging for the end of the year, which made the entire selection process feel festive. This is definitely a quality shop that I can’t help wanting to visit again and again whenever I’m in Tokyo.

Walking up the gentle slope through the Omotesando backstreets, with their classic Japanese TV drama atmosphere, you can feel the strong sense of fashion and artsy charm. Once you're tired from walking, of course you can't miss a pilgrimage to the popular Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama Cafe.

Located on the second floor, this cafe is cleverly tucked away amid the greenery. If you don't look carefully, you really might miss it. It's like a treehouse hidden in an urban jungle, making you feel pleasantly surprised and relaxed as soon as you step inside. Especially on a cold winter day, sitting quietly by the window and enjoying a piping-hot, richly aromatic latte is soothing for both body and mind. Not only is the coffee quality a given, but the uniquely peaceful atmosphere amid the bustle is also captivating. I highly recommend it to all coffee-loving travelers.

You absolutely can’t miss shopping at Don Quijote when traveling in Japan. This time, I specifically visited the Shinjuku Kabukicho store. The entire building has everything from cosmetics and medicine to household goods, souvenirs, and all kinds of fun little items. It’s truly a shopper’s paradise. If you want to avoid crowds like I do, I recommend going early in the morning.

Remember to have your coupon ready before you go. Just scan the barcode at checkout to get the discount, which makes everything a great deal. Browsing the entire building really makes it hard to stop putting things in your basket, and you can easily stock up on everything. If you want to buy all the goodies you plan to bring home in one place, this huge location is definitely the top choice for stocking up.

This time, because I stayed at the uniquely designed Godzilla hotel, I got to experience lively Kabukicho up close. On Friday night, the streets were filled with bright lights and bustling crowds, and the Don Quijote at the intersection was packed with people. There was everything from trendy fashion to local snacks, perfectly showcasing the vibrant energy of the city that never sleeps.

However, when I checked out the next day and walked through the streets during the day, I was shocked by the enormous piles of garbage along the roadside. It truly showed that this is an international metropolis after a night of revelry. Although it was a very unique urban experience, once was enough. The next time I visit Tokyo, I’ll probably choose a quieter, more comfortable area to stay in.

The Harry Potter Studio Tour near Tokyo had always been high on my dream list. From the moment I arrived at the station by train, the platform and signs were already filled with a magical atmosphere that instantly made my heart race.

As soon as I entered, I saw many visitors wearing robes from the different Hogwarts houses, perfectly blending into this immersive fantasy world. Not only are the classic scenes from the movies faithfully recreated, but I also happened to visit during the limited-time winter Christmas decorations. Every detail, from the lighting to the displays, was so exquisite that it was breathtaking. Walking around while sipping a sweet and creamy signature Butterbeer, it felt as though magic was really in the air, making me imagine that I was a Hogwarts student. For Harry Potter fans, this is definitely a dream pilgrimage destination that has to be visited at least once in a lifetime.

This time, I set aside an evening to stroll around the bustling area near Omiya Station in Saitama. The area is extremely convenient, with a Don Quijote where you can shop to your heart’s content, as well as many delicious little spots known only to locals.

I made a special visit to Hakushakutei, a long-established local café filled with Showa-era charm. As soon as I opened the door, the retro decor and nostalgic atmosphere made me feel as though I had stepped into a time tunnel. I ordered their signature classic Japanese-style spaghetti with a cup of hot tea. It was simple but incredibly satisfying. I was surrounded by local Japanese residents gathering after work. This way of traveling—blending perfectly into everyday local life and briefly living like a local—has always been one of my favorite experiences. Recommended for anyone who enjoys exploring a place in depth.

After taking the train from Tokyo to Saitama-Shintoshin Station, you can easily reach COCOON CITY directly via a convenient connecting walkway. When I visited in winter, the romantic and charming Christmas lights were on display, making the entire mall feel warm and beautiful.

The complex consists of three main buildings and offers excellent shopping, including the fun-to-browse Yodobashi electronics store, Loft with its wide selection of lifestyle goods, and a well-stocked supermarket. Best of all, compared with the crowds in central Tokyo, it’s relatively comfortable and relaxing to shop here without feeling crowded. It’s a great place to quietly stock up during your trip while also enjoying the romantic atmosphere.