Ming Yu's Reviews Page 2/13

KAI Tsugaru is a luxurious Hoshino Resorts hot spring inn where deep-rooted Tsugaru culture mingles with the fragrance of apples!

Located in Aomori’s famous Owani Onsen area, this boutique hot spring ryokan from Hoshino Resorts showcases traditional Tsugaru culture to the fullest. The guest rooms incorporate kogin-zashi embroidery and lacquerware art, giving them an elegant and distinctly local character. The large hinoki bath, with fresh apples floating in the water, gives off a lovely fragrance and soothes both the eyes and the senses. In the evening, guests can enjoy a stirring live Tsugaru shamisen performance and savor kaiseki cuisine made with premium ingredients such as Oma tuna. It’s definitely a top 5-star choice for experiencing the ultimate in luxurious Japanese-style hospitality when visiting Aomori!

Kochi’s premier hot spring hotel, Jyoseikan, with over a century of tradition and attentive hospitality!

Founded in the early Meiji era, this renowned historic ryokan has hosted countless members of the Imperial Family and prominent guests. The hotel is ideally located in central Kochi, and the top-floor public bath and open-air observation bath offer sweeping views of Kochi Castle and the bustling cityscape. The dining features Kochi’s famous sawachi cuisine and freshly seared katsuo no tataki, delighting food lovers. With warm, authentic Japanese-style hostess service and comfortable rooms, it’s a top 5-star choice for experiencing premium Japanese accommodations and exceptional cuisine in Kochi!

The top-tier luxury accommodation “Higashiyama Auberge Maki No Oto Kanazawa,” tucked away in the alleys of Kanazawa’s Higashi Chaya District!

This private inn, carefully renovated from an old machiya townhouse, welcomes only a very small number of groups each day and perfectly blends the beauty of Kanazawa’s traditional craftsmanship with top-level modern comfort. Located in the heart of the historic teahouse district, it offers a peaceful atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle at night. The inn also features refined cuisine made with premium local ingredients, while the attentive butler service makes guests feel truly privileged. It is the top 5-star choice for experiencing the ultimate in quality and sophisticated Japanese-style luxury during a visit to Kanazawa!

The distinctive and highly creative ice cream shop “1×1＝1 Ice Kurin,” beloved by dessert lovers!

It specializes in high-quality handmade ice cream, carefully made with fresh, premium dairy and excellent local ingredients. The texture is rich and creamy, with layers of flavor. The shop uses its unique creativity to offer a variety of surprising, innovative flavors and colorful toppings. They not only look great and are highly photogenic, but also taste sweet without being cloying. With its stylish interior and friendly, enthusiastic service, this is the dreamy 5-star top choice for ice cream that you absolutely shouldn’t miss when enjoying dessert and afternoon tea in the area!

One of Tokyo’s three major Tanabata festivals, full of energy and handmade warmth: the Asagaya Tanabata Festival (Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri)!

Held every summer in the lively Asagaya Pearl Center shopping arcade, the biggest eye-catchers are the countless huge handmade papier-mâché decorations (hariko) hanging beneath the arcade. From anime characters to designs inspired by current events, there’s a little bit of everything, showcasing the community’s creativity and passion. All kinds of festival food stalls line both sides of the shopping street, filling the entire area with a festive atmosphere. As you stroll through the covered shopping arcade without having to worry about the weather, you can experience the excitement of an authentic Japanese summer festival and enjoy a wide variety of food. It’s definitely a 5-star traditional event you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tokyo in the summer!

The birthplace of Fukui’s signature specialty, habutae mochi: Habutae Mochi Sohonpo Matsuokaken Main Store (Matsuokaken)!

With a history spanning more than a century, this shop continues to preserve traditional craftsmanship, creating premium habutae mochi that is as soft and delicate as silk and melts in your mouth. Its refined sweetness, which is never overpowering, and subtle rice aroma let you taste the care and craftsmanship in every bite. In addition to the classic habutae mochi, the summer-only “Habutae Shaved Ice” incorporates the shop’s signature mochi into finely textured shaved ice. Its exquisite texture is impressive, making this a 5-star century-old confectionery experience you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Fukui!

An incredibly dazzling, historic, nationally renowned fireworks extravaganza—the Chofu Fireworks Festival!

Held along the Tama River, this classic fireworks festival with decades of history attracts countless visitors every year. More than 10,000 brilliant fireworks are launched, including its signature massive shakudama shells and the “Hanabi-illusion,” which perfectly synchronizes fireworks with music, creating a stunning sound-and-light spectacle. The grassy riverbank offers an expansive view, and with the summer night breeze and colorful lights illuminating the sky, this is definitely a romantic 5-star summer celebration you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Tokyo area!

The largest and most dreamlike winter nighttime event in the San’in region, “Winter Flower Illumination at Tottori Prefectural Flower Park”!

One million colorful lights illuminate the expansive 80,000-square-meter grounds, transforming the enormous Crystal Dome greenhouse and 1-kilometer circular walkway into a dazzling sea of light. Floral displays, lights, visuals, and music blend together perfectly, creating a romantic, fantastical atmosphere completely different from the daytime. On select weekends, fireworks are also launched nearby. The fireworks in the night sky and the sea of lights on the ground complement each other, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene. This is definitely a 5-star romantic date spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting Tottori in winter!

Tokushima Prefectural Museum, a treasure trove of knowledge where you can explore Shikoku’s history and rich natural environment in depth!

Located in Tokushima Bunka-no-Mori Park, the museum’s exhibitions focus on “Tokushima’s Nature and Culture,” with an extensive collection and displays of actual artifacts covering everything from dinosaur fossils and geological changes to the history of Awa Odori and the culture of early modern castle towns. The layout is easy to follow, and there are many lively, interactive exhibit areas that both adults and children can easily enjoy. It’s perfect for a half-day itinerary and a great place to bring the family for an educational and fulfilling cultural experience!

Ushimado Olive Garden, a romantic hilltop spot with spectacular views of the many islands of the Seto Inland Sea!

Located in Ushimado, Okayama, known as the “Aegean Sea of Japan,” the garden is home to thousands of olive trees. The blue sea and lush greenery create an exotic, Mediterranean-like atmosphere. As you stroll along the paths, you can climb to the observation deck for magnificent views over the Seto Inland Sea and ring the “Bell of Happiness,” a symbol of good fortune. At the on-site café and shop, you can also try olive ice cream and purchase high-quality olive oil products. This soothing seaside destination is highly recommended when visiting Okayama!