FUFU Nara
Set within Nara Park, the hotel is ideally located for exploring Nara. The building was designed by Kengo Kuma, a master of Japanese architecture. Trees sway outside the windows, evoking the sacred atmosphere of Nara Park. Each guestroom also features an open-air bath, offering a relaxing place to unwind.
FUFU Nara is a resort hotel right by Nara Park. There are five different room types, and each one has its own open-air hot spring. It was such a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Hirakata T-SITE
Located in Hirakata City, halfway between Osaka and Kyoto, this eight-story, one-basement shopping complex opened in 2016 with the theme of "A lifestyle department store that accompanies and adds colors to your daily life". Centered on the Tsutaya Bookstore, which sells books, there are stores such as knick-knacks, apparel, cosmetics, cafes, restaurants, and more.
Centered around the Tsutaya Bookstore, this place also has lifestyle goods, clothing, cosmetics, cafes, restaurants, and even a kids' library. You won't get bored spending the whole day here—there's something for everyone, whether you want to relax or be active.
Engetsu Island
A landmark of the Nanki-Shirahama area, familiar as the subject of paintings, photographs, and postage stamps. The official name is “Takashima” but it’s commonly called “Engetsu-jima” because of the sea cave (hole) near the center of the island.
Engetsu Island in Nanki-Shirahama, Wakayama, has such beautiful scenery. The view goes on forever, and the vibe is super chill.
GRANSTA TOKYO
GRANSTA TOKYO is JR East’s largest train station mall. The huge open space with the sign “SQUARE ZERO” hosts select sweets shops, cafes, restaurants and general stores, which looks like a town itself.
So many tasty foods and great shops! It's a bit overwhelming and easy to lose your sense of direction since the station is huge. If you're bad with directions like me, make sure to stick with your group.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, located in Shinjuku, is Tokyo’s centralized administration complex, comprised of three buildings: the First Main Office Building, the Second Main Office Building, and the Metropolitan Assembly Building. The First Main Office Building is home to a 45th floor Observation Deck, which is accessible by dedicated elevator on the 1st floor. In just 55 seconds the dedicated elevator will whisk you into the skies, to a height of 202 meters above ground and the sprawling view of Tokyo below.
You can see Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree clearly when the weather is good. The view is so wide and impressive—definitely worth checking out.
Yoshinogari Historical Park
A nationally designated Special Historic Site. Covering 117 hectares, it is Japan's largest moated settlement site from the Yayoi period (5th century BC to 3rd century AD). It was discovered during excavations that began in 1986.
You can experience ancient Japanese life here, like making fire. The park is huge, but there's a shuttle bus inside. They also offer guides in Chinese and English, which is great.
Tonkatsu Taro
Tonkatsu Taro is the original birthplace of tarekatsudon, a signature dish from Niigata City. Tonkatsu Taro’s special katsudon is a large portion of five thinly sliced pork cutlets dipped in their secret sauce.
This pork cutlet might look ordinary, but once you try it, it's super crispy and juicy—totally worth it! You can even buy it frozen to cook at home. If you love pork cutlets, don't miss this place.
Ryujin Onsen
Despite its remote location deep in the Kii Mountains with no rail access, this popular hot spring continues to attract visitors from far and wide. Its popularity comes from the quality of its water, which has earned it recognition as one of Japan’s three hot springs renowned for beautifying the skin. The clear, colorless sodium bicarbonate spring water feels remarkably gentle on the skin.
Ryujin Onsen's water is clear and has no smell. After soaking, you feel completely refreshed and relaxed. It's really great for relieving fatigue.
Isetan Shinjuku
The main branch “Shinjuku Isetan”, designated a historical landmark of Tokyo, is an old department store made up of several buildings, such as one mainly specializing in men’s items, and the Isetan Kaikan that mostly comprises restaurants and cafés.
The night lights at this Shinjuku department store are gorgeous... I love strolling through department stores, and the staff here are super friendly. So many Japanese-made products—I wish I could take them all home!
Sengan-en, a Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden built in 1658 by Shimadzu Mitsuhisa as a villa for the Shimadzu family. It covers 50,000 square meters. This borrowed-scenery garden incorporates Kagoshima’s magnificent landscape, with Sakurajima as its artificial hill and Kinko Bay as its pond.
This is a must-visit spot in Kagoshima! My mom was especially excited—she's wanted to come ever since watching Atsuhime.