CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA
Through the museum’s many exhibits you can learn about the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Food products, and inventor of Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles.
Not only are the exhibits great for photos, but you can also make your own original Cup Noodles. I highly recommend adding this to your independent travel itinerary. Both adults and families with children can have a great time here!
Kaiyukan
Celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2020, this aquarium is located in Osaka. The aquarium, which recreates the natural environment surrounding the Pacific Ocean, is home to a total of 620 species and 30,000 living things.
This area recreates the frigid environment of the Arctic Circle. As soon as you walk in, you can feel the chilly atmosphere and take in the striking visuals. Watching the seals up close from beneath the tank is one of the most memorable views in the entire aquarium.
Santa Maria, a sightseeing sailing boat of the Osaka Port
The "Santa Maria," which was used by Columbus when he discovered the American continent, was built on about twice the scale. The ship departs from Kaiyukan West Wharf in Tempozan Harbor Village, which houses Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums, a Ferris wheel, and Tempozan Marketplace, a large-scale commercial facility, and cruises leisurely around the Osaka Bay area for about 45 minutes.
The ride takes about 45 minutes. Sitting on the deck with the sea breeze while enjoying views of Osaka Bay, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, and the bridge in the distance made the whole experience very comfortable and relaxing.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
The store is packed with all kinds of exclusive Spider-Man merchandise, from character-shaped mugs and plush toys to beautifully packaged souvenir snacks. Marvel fans who come here really won't be able to resist spending more than they planned.
Muroto Dolphin Center
Set against the beautiful sea of Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, this hands-on attraction lets you not only watch dolphins in a natural setting surrounded by the vast ocean, but also interact with them and experience them up close. The activities feature a wide range of programs known for how close you can get. The most popular is the Feeding Experience, where you can touch dolphins from the poolside and take commemorative photos.
Muroto Dolphin Center, a soothing place where you can interact up close with super-cute dolphins!
Located near Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture, this facility centered on conservation and interaction offers an excellent experience! Unlike aquariums where you can only watch through glass, here you can stand on a walkway and observe dolphins jumping and playing up close, feed them yourself, touch their smooth skin, and even put on gear and experience swimming with dolphins under the supervision of a professional trainer. Seeing the dolphins' lively eyes and friendly behavior instantly makes all your stress disappear. It's a highly recommended 5-star dream destination for families and couples visiting the Muroto area of Kochi!
Happiring (Fukui Jura Mall)
Standing at the west exit of Fukui Station, this high-rise building has 2 basement levels and 21 floors above ground. The floors up to the 5th floor are occupied by the mixed-use commercial facility Fukui Jura Mall, while the upper floors are residential apartments.
Happiring (Fukui Jura Mall), the incredibly convenient mixed-use landmark right next to Fukui Station!
As soon as you exit JR Fukui Station, you'll see this striking modern building and its impressive, enormous semi-outdoor glass-domed plaza, Hapistation. The mall is practically a miniature showcase of Fukui's charms, with everything from restaurants serving local specialties, Echizen soba, and sauce katsudon to a wide selection of Fukui crafts, local products, and souvenir shops. Upstairs, there's also a space science museum and planetarium equipped with the latest technology. With frequent local markets and music events as well, it's a 5-star convenient hub not to be missed when visiting Fukui, whether you're shopping while waiting for a train, sampling local food, or taking an indoor stroll!
Toyama Science Museum
A comprehensive science museum where visitors can explore Toyama's rich natural environment, Earth, and space from a scientific perspective. The museum features three themed exhibition areas: “A Journey Through Toyama’s Past,” “A Journey Through Toyama’s Natural Environment,” and “A Journey into Space.” Using authentic specimens and interactive exhibits, it clearly explains topics ranging from the formation of Toyama’s land and the history of life to natural environments such as the 9,843-foot Tateyama Mountain Range and the deep sea at a depth of 3,281 feet, as well as the vast reaches of space.
Toyama Science Museum, an educational indoor destination full of surprises and interactive fun!
This museum, themed around Toyama's local natural environment and science, was far more impressive than I expected! As soon as you enter, you'll see an enormous moving Tyrannosaurus rex model that roars. It's so realistic that both adults and children can't help but get excited. The museum not only offers detailed exhibits on Toyama's unique terrain and ecosystem, from the Tateyama Mountain Range to Toyama Bay, but also has many hands-on interactive science displays that do an excellent job of making learning fun. Add in the modern digital planetarium with its excellent starry-sky effects, and this is a 5-star educational family attraction where you can have a great time in Toyama, rain or shine!
Suisha no Sato Fruit Topia
Located about 1 hour by car from central Okayama City, Suisha no Sato Fruit Topia is a farm where you can enjoy a variety of experiences, including fruit picking for grapes, pears, and strawberries.
Suisha no Sato Fruit Topia, a fruit-picking destination where you can pick delicious fruit yourself and indulge in extravagant desserts!
Located in Yakage, Okayama Prefecture, this hands-on farm surrounded by green mountains offers different fruit-picking experiences throughout the year. From strawberries and white peaches to grapes and pears, the sweetness and juiciness of fruit picked and eaten on the spot are simply incredible! The cafe on the grounds is the real highlight. Its fruit parfaits, piled high with seasonal fruit grown on the farm, are as extravagant and delicious as works of art, with plump pieces of fruit in every bite. With an outdoor barbecue area and hands-on craft activities as well, this is a 5-star dream farm perfect for families or groups of friends looking to enjoy the countryside and a fruit feast while visiting Okayama!
East and West Octopus Monuments (Gasshi and Nisshi)
Himakajima, floating in Mikawa Bay, is an easy-to-reach remote island resort, Approx. 1 hour from Nagoya by high-speed boat. The entire island is part of Mikawa Bay Quasi-National Park, and it still retains the laid-back charm of a fishing town. Famous for its octopus and pufferfish, it is also known as the 'Island of Happiness (Tako), Island of Good Fortune (Fugu).'
The East and West Octopus Monuments (Gasshi and Nisshi), a super-fun landmark next to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Kobe!
These two amusing and eye-catching octopus statues represent Gasshi from eastern Japan and Nisshi from western Japan, symbolizing cultural ties and friendly exchange across eastern and western Japan. The statues are located in a scenic seaside park, with the magnificent Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and blue ocean in the background. They make for incredibly photogenic shots full of local character. This is not only a great spot for a seaside walk, but you can also enjoy authentic and delicious Akashiyaki nearby. It's a 5-star fun and secluded photo spot not to be missed when visiting the Maiko and Akashi areas of Kobe!
The Mall Koriyama
One of the largest shopping malls in the area, it is not only convenient for everyday shopping, but also offers a wide lineup of shops in many categories, including a food court, fashion, lifestyle goods, and services.
The super-convenient shopping paradise for locals’ everyday needs and travelers stocking up: The Mall Koriyama!
Located in central Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, this large shopping complex is centered around the major “Saku Saku / SEIYU” supermarket and has everything from fresh local fruit and snack souvenirs to household goods and clothing brands. The interior is spacious and bright, parking is extremely convenient, and the food court and specialty restaurants offer a wide variety of choices, making it easy to take care of meals and stock up on supplies at any time. With reasonable prices and excellent everyday convenience, it’s a practical 5-star shopping destination for picking up necessities or enjoying a relaxing stroll while visiting Koriyama or traveling independently around the Fukushima area!