Jk's Reviews Page 2/15

Tennoji Station, the major transportation hub of southern Osaka, instantly gives the whole city an exciting, energetic rhythm! Looking out from the modern, futuristic pedestrian overpass in front of the station, the JR Tennoji Station building and Tennoji MIO shopping complex shine brightly beneath the deep blue night sky. The station sign, lit up with eye-catching blue and white lettering, looks like a beacon guiding travelers, while the steady stream of cars and people below is full of the distinctive energy and bustle of southern Osaka!
The white steel framework of the overpass has especially striking lines against the night sky. Standing on the bridge in the slightly cool night breeze, watching trains head in every direction and taxis weave through the streets, you naturally feel the exhilaration of being in the heart of a bustling city. This is not only a major transfer hub with direct connections to Kansai Airport, Nara, and Wakayama, but it is also surrounded by enormous shopping centers such as the Abeno Harukas skyscraper and Q's Mall. Once you step inside, the trendy clothing, anime merchandise, and all kinds of local souvenirs will have you shopping until your legs give out!
And if you look down at the sidewalk in front of the station, you'll immediately discover an exciting hidden surprise—a colorful manhole cover featuring MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Its round red ring of cells is covered with lively eyes and paired with a small blue droplet-shaped body. It really stands out against the sidewalk tiles, looking amusingly strange and full of Osaka humor. If you pass by, you absolutely have to stick out your shoe and take a photo with it!
When you're tired from shopping, head into the underground mall or the surrounding alleys, where the aromas of freshly grilled takoyaki, crispy kushikatsu, and steaming hot broth drift through the air. Pick any long-established izakaya, sit down, and enjoy a feast. With your mouth full of rich flavors and the enthusiastic, booming calls of the Osaka dialect all around you, the satisfaction is off the charts.
From the sparkling city nightscape that looks like a sea of stars from the pedestrian overpass to the strangely mesmerizing and adorable Expo manhole cover found on a street corner, Tennoji Station perfectly combines an extremely convenient transportation hub, endless modern shopping, and the authentic warmth of Osaka's downtown neighborhoods. It's definitely an extremely popular photo spot where the excitement only grows as the night goes on during an Osaka trip!

The moment you step into Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan on the first floor of JR Hakodate Station, you’re instantly overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of Hokkaido souvenirs! This is basically the ultimate last stop for shopping before leaving Hakodate, and the location couldn’t be more convenient. Whether you’ve just gotten off the train to start your trip or you’re dragging your luggage along to catch a train out of town, once you pass by, you’ll inevitably find yourself drawn inside!
The shelves are packed and the store is incredibly lively, with Hokkaido’s biggest souvenir stars everywhere you look! Shiroi Koibito, Rokkatei rum raisin sandwich cookies, ROYCE' nama chocolate, Jaga Pokkuru, and all kinds of limited-edition potato chips are neatly arranged into an impressive wall of souvenirs. There’s no need to run all over the place—you can pick up all the classics you want in one stop.
Besides the popular sweets found throughout Hokkaido, the best part is the huge selection of local items exclusive to Hakodate! There are classic curry pouches from the long-established Hakodate restaurant Gotoken, melt-in-your-mouth Snaffle's cheesecakes, and plenty of seafood treats like shredded grilled squid, dried scallops, and dried salmon. Every item has the uniquely tempting, savory aroma of this port city. Just one lap around the refrigerated cases and snack section, and before you know it, your shopping basket is piled into a small mountain.
They also often have freshly baked snacks and rich Hokkaido milk desserts. Before boarding the train, grab a creamy, velvety soft-serve cone to eat as you walk. The moment that milky flavor melts in your mouth, the happiness is off the charts. The aisles are spacious and clean, and even the checkout counters move incredibly quickly, making this place a total lifesaver for travelers rushing to catch a train.
Whether you’re looking for presentable, sought-after gift boxes for friends and family or want to open a bag of local snacks to enjoy with the scenery on the train, Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan JR Hakodate Store is absolutely the kind of treasure trove you won’t want to leave empty-handed!

Leaving the bustling streets outside Harajuku Station and turning into Meiji Jingu, it feels like the entire world is instantly put on mute! The heavy traffic and noisy commotion of the city are suddenly shut out, replaced by dense greenery that blocks out the sky and the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path. The air is filled with the scent of grass and wood, making you want to take a deep breath as your whole body completely relaxes.
The first thing that makes a powerful impression is the huge torii gate towering over the approach! The entire gate is made from massive, solid logs. Standing beneath it and looking up, its monumental presence is incredibly overwhelming. Above the pillars is a gleaming gold 16-petal chrysanthemum crest of the Japanese Imperial Family, which looks even more solemn and mysterious against the lush green forest. Just taking a photo underneath makes you look incredibly tiny, and you can immediately feel the extraordinary atmosphere of the entrance to sacred ground.
As you slowly wander along the wide gravel approach, the most eye-catching sight—and the one where everyone is sure to stop and snap away—is definitely the spectacular wall of donated sake barrels! Hundreds of Japanese sake barrels wrapped in braided straw rope and decorated with beautiful calligraphy and designs bearing names like “Sakura Masamune,” “Ozeki,” and “Umenoyado” are neatly stacked into a towering wall several levels high. It has so much traditional Japanese festival character and is incredibly photogenic. Capture the perspective from an angle, and practically every shot becomes a fantastic classic check-in photo!
After following the approach to the shrine’s main entrance, the Minami-shinmon Gate, the magnificent wooden two-story hip-and-gable gate is truly breathtaking! Its dark natural-wood structure, stately sweeping eaves, and bracket work look exceptionally imposing against the blue sky and white clouds. Step over the threshold into the open, pristine inner courtyard, walk across the spotless stone paving, and directly ahead is the main sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Beside it stand the enormous, lush “married camphor trees,” symbolizing happy relationships. In the cool breeze, you can put your hands together in worship, clap and pray, then draw one of Meiji Jingu’s special “Ō-mikokoro” fortunes, which contain wisdom about life rather than good or bad luck. It feels as though your spirit has been gently cleansed.
Hidden in the heart of Tokyo’s trendiest area, this man-made forest is not only vast and filled with shady trees, but also perfectly blends the solemnity of traditional Japanese Shinto with the healing power of nature. Whether you want to escape the city’s concrete jungle for some forest bathing or see the enormous wooden torii and impressive wall of sake barrels for yourself, Meiji Jingu is definitely a top sacred destination that remains breathtaking no matter how many times you visit Tokyo!

As soon as night falls, the red-brick Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station transforms into the most dazzling and dreamlike century-old landmark in all of Tokyo! Just head up to the observation terrace of a nearby building and look down, and the grand, classical Marunouchi Station Building displays an unparalleled sense of splendor, outlined by warm orange-yellow lighting. Beneath the deep blue night sky, its historic octagonal domes and arched red-brick windows are tightly surrounded by clusters of modern skyscrapers towering behind it and sparkling with silvery-white lights. The striking visual contrast between the classical romance of the Meiji and Taisho eras on one side and the sleek skyline of a top modern metropolis on the other feels like a jewelry box of time has been spilled open. It’s so beautiful that you won’t want to blink!
Walk down to the plaza and look up, and the details of the station building are even more astonishing! Carefully restored, the red-brick walls take on a rich, warm dark-red glow beneath the streetlights and spotlights. The symmetrical white stone cornices, classically carved columns, and tall lightning-rod spires rising above the domes give every corner a composed, commanding presence. The vintage wooden window frames glow warmly, as if a gentleman in an old-fashioned suit might step through the doors at any moment. At night, the entire building feels like a living century-old museum. Stand in the plaza’s slightly cool night breeze and find an angle for a photo—practically every press of the shutter produces a polished, postcard-worthy image.
After admiring the powerful nighttime exterior, step into the Marunouchi North or South Entrance hall, and be sure to tilt your head back as far as it will go! The soaring octagonal domed ceiling is a true temple of art. The pale-yellow dome is elegantly divided by dark wooden ribs radiating outward, while every section is decorated with pure-white eagle sculptures that look ready to take flight and exquisitely detailed geometric reliefs. Fluorescent and indirect lighting softly illuminates the entire dome, giving it an almost sacred glow. Standing in the middle of the endless flow of commuters and gazing up at this beautiful dome, miraculously restored after being devastated by war, is every bit as moving as visiting a grand cathedral in Europe!
And Tokyo Station isn’t just a place for taking photos and checking in. It’s also an underground maze-like castle filled with endless delicious food and surprises! The underground Tokyo Station First Avenue and GRANSTA shopping areas are as lively as a city that never sleeps, bringing together popular ramen shops from regions across Japan with long lines, freshly baked crispy treats, famous souvenirs, and all kinds of stores selling limited-edition anime character merchandise. Whether you’re carrying bags full of hugely popular sweets you just bought or slurping down a steaming, fragrant bowl of ramen, every moment feels incredibly comforting and satisfying.
From viewing the glittering, galaxy-like red-brick nightscape from a high terrace, to strolling through the plaza and admiring the elegant vintage architectural lines up close, to stepping inside the station and gazing at the breathtaking octagonal dome with its soaring eagles, Tokyo Station seamlessly blends the weight of a century of history with the pulse of an ultra-modern city. It’s not only the starting and ending point of countless journeys, but also a top must-visit destination that will make you fall deeply in love with the charm of Tokyo at night the moment you arrive!

In Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo, the moment you spot the imposing giant stone monument marked “Katori Shrine” and the stone torii gate at the intersection, your anime spirit and pilgrimage radar instantly light up! This is the very neighborhood where Kankichi Ryotsu loves to hang out in the classic anime KochiKame, and stepping inside feels as real as being transported into a manga scene in an instant!
Passing through the towering white torii gate, ancient trees rise on both sides of the approach, and the stone-paved path stretches toward the green-roofed main hall, creating the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese downtown neighborhood amid the bustle. What will really drive fans wild is the limited-edition merchandise displayed in the shrine office’s glass case! Look up and you’ll find three bold ema designs made especially for Kankichi Ryotsu. His signature thick black unibrow and hearty, wide-mouthed grin are paired with phrases like “Good Fortune and Happiness” and “Certain Victory.” His energetic, comical expression makes you burst out laughing the moment you see it!
Buy a Ryotsu ema, write down your wish, and hang it on the prayer rack, then stop by the worship hall to pray for good luck and healthy legs. Combining an anime pilgrimage with a traditional shrine visit like this feels incredibly fulfilling. Everywhere in the shrine grounds brings back memories of Ryotsu, and the atmosphere is both peaceful and full of joy. It’s definitely a god-tier photo spot you can’t miss when visiting Kameari!

No matter where you go, the moment you look up, you’ll be stunned by this enormous 634-meter-tall tower! It’s already spectacular enough during the day, but once it lights up at night, TOKYO SKYTREE becomes so beautiful that you can’t stop pressing the shutter.
The limited-time spring scenery takes it to another level! Look up from a nearby park and you’ll see delicate pink cherry blossoms in full bloom. The dense petals of the nighttime blossoms glow softly against the dark sky, gently surrounding TOKYO SKYTREE as it shines with a cool light in the background. The composition blends a futuristic sense of technology with traditional Japanese romance, and any casual shot looks beautiful enough for a postcard!
Walk to the plaza directly beneath TOKYO SKYTREE and tilt your head back until it almost hurts. The entire steel structure gradually narrows as it shoots straight into the deep blue night sky, with its classic blue-and-white lights illuminating the framework layer by layer. The overwhelming presence and beauty of the geometric lines from this low-angle view are seriously imposing!
Finally, you have to head to Jikken Bridge to unlock the most classic nighttime photo angle! Looking ahead from the bridge, the entire TOKYO SKYTREE, glowing with brilliant blue light, rises at the end of the waterway. The calm surface acts like a giant mirror, perfectly reflecting an identical upside-down TOKYO SKYTREE at Jikken Bridge. The tower above and below the water echo each other, making Tokyo’s nightscape feel both peaceful and dreamlike.

From the skywalk at Odaiba Seaside Park, the entire sweeping view of Tokyo Bay opens up right before your eyes, and the first thing that grabs your attention is definitely the striking Statue of Liberty! There’s no need to fly all the way to New York—you can see a full-scale replica of the iconic statue right here in Tokyo, standing tall with a golden torch raised in her right hand and the Declaration of Independence in her left. The folds and texture of her bronze-green robe are incredibly detailed, and with the blue sky and thick white clouds behind her, the whole scene feels both exotic and futuristic.
Walk along the wooden boardwalk, and the photo angle is simply unbeatable! If you stand in the right spot, you can fit the blue-green Statue of Liberty, the white Rainbow Bridge stretching across the bay, and the dense skyline of downtown high-rises in the distance all into one shot. Sightseeing boats and yakatabune leisurely glide across the water from time to time, leaving long ripples behind them and instantly adding a relaxed, pleasant sense of movement to the otherwise still scenery.
At the observation deck directly in front of the statue, look up at her imposing expression and the seven-pointed crown radiating from her head, which looks especially three-dimensional in the sunlight. The area is always crowded with visitors from around the world, all trying to find the right angle for selfies by the railing. With the lively atmosphere and the cool sea breeze blowing toward you, leaning against the railing after a long walk, enjoying the breeze, and looking out at the distant ocean instantly makes all your accumulated travel fatigue disappear.
Wander down the steps, and right beside them is a wide, clean artificial beach and a neat, tree-lined walkway. With fine sand under your feet and the sound of waves hitting the shore in your ears, you can look up and see a modern bridge and skyscrapers while still feeling as relaxed as if you were on an island vacation. This contrast between the city and nature is exactly what makes Odaiba so charming. Whether you come during the day to see the impressive Statue of Liberty beneath the blue sky and white clouds, or stay until evening to watch the sunset turn the entire Rainbow Bridge golden, Odaiba Seaside Park is definitely a god-tier place for a stroll where simply walking around will put you in a much better mood!

The moment you look up and see that building, you really can’t help but say, “Wow!” The entire Fuji TV Headquarters looks just like a secret base from a sci-fi movie. The most outrageous feature is the enormous silver sphere wedged right into the middle. It gleams like a spaceship that could launch at any moment and is incredibly eye-catching!
Ride the long outdoor escalator slowly upward, with the street views beside you and the sea breeze blowing past, and you’ll feel completely relaxed. The best part is heading straight inside that huge sphere! From the circular observation deck, the whole of Tokyo Bay and Rainbow Bridge spread out below your feet. When the weather is good, you can even see Tokyo Tower far in the distance. The view is so expansive that you’ll want to stand there zoning out for several more minutes.
There’s also so much to explore inside the building, with tons of elements from anime and Japanese dramas that everyone grew up watching. There are sets and photo areas featuring series like One Piece and Chibi Maruko-chan, and you can’t help stopping to take photo after photo as you walk around. The merchandise shop will also make you itch to buy something.
Afterward, you can wander over to the nearby seaside park for a walk in the ocean breeze and see the Statue of Liberty and the giant Gundam nearby. The whole outing offers unbeatable ocean views and plenty of photo opportunities while being both fun and relaxing. You really can’t miss this place when visiting Odaiba!

The moment I saw the huge archway topped with the red “Tsukiji Outer Market” sign, my appetite and exploration radar instantly kicked into high gear! At the entrance, there was even a prominent sign prohibiting suitcases, because the narrow lanes were already packed solid with food lovers and tourists from around the world. The calls of vendors in Japanese mixed with the sizzling sounds of charcoal grills, making the whole place lively, noisy, and bursting with energy! Even though the wholesale market has relocated, Tsukiji Outer Market remains Tokyo’s most intense and passionate pilgrimage destination for seafood lovers!
Following the crowd into the lanes, I was met with an almost ridiculously dazzling array of seafood stalls! Beds of crushed ice were covered with freshly shucked jumbo oysters, each one plump, full, and glistening, while nearby were small mountains of richly colored monkfish liver. Without a second thought, I picked out a large oyster. The vendor deftly handed it to me with a bamboo skewer, added a few drops of lemon juice, and I slipped the whole thing into my mouth. The rich, sweet taste of the sea and its silky texture instantly exploded across my tongue. It was so fresh, without even a hint of fishiness—just pure sweetness and a satisfying crispness. After finishing it, I couldn’t help closing my eyes and exclaiming with delight!
After the oyster, I turned a corner and was immediately hit by wave after wave of irresistibly smoky charcoal-grilled aromas! The grill was lined with steaming white scallop shells, each packed with thick scallops and crab sticks. The most outrageous part was the thick layer of rich, golden sea urchin spread on top! As everything cooked over the intense heat of the charcoal, piping-hot juices bubbled and sizzled around the edges of the shells, while the sea urchin released an incredibly rich aroma. I took the luxurious charcoal-grilled seafood scallop and dug into a huge bite while it was still hot. The springy scallop and sweetness of the crab, paired with the intensely creamy flavor of the melted sea urchin, were incredible. The broth was so delicious that I couldn’t bear to waste a single drop. My mouth was filled with an extravagantly sweet taste of the sea, and the satisfaction was completely off the charts!
The most enjoyable thing about exploring Tsukiji is this laid-back rhythm of holding freshly grilled seafood in one hand while weaving through the narrow, traditional lanes. Besides oysters and scallops topped with sea urchin, both sides are lined with piping-hot, freshly cooked tamagoyaki, richly marbled Kuroge Wagyu beef skewers, and long-established traditional shops displaying plump tuna nigiri everywhere you look. Every shop seems to beckon to the stomachs of passersby. The thrill of feasting on premium seafood everywhere you turn makes this absolutely one of Tokyo’s most irresistible and unforgettable food paradises!

The moment you step into Gotokuji Temple, you'll be completely overwhelmed by the spectacular and heartwarming wave of beckoning cats! This is said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, and as soon as you reach the Shofukuden Hall, the sight before you is guaranteed to make every cat lover and traveler exclaim, “Wow!” Layer upon layer of wooden shelves are packed with thousands upon thousands of pure white beckoning cats, all lined up neatly. They range from delicate miniatures smaller than a finger to hefty, round, extra-large cats. Every one of them wears a bright red collar with a small bell and raises its adorable right paw to beckon everyone over. There are so many that the shelves are completely packed, and the visual impact and cuteness are instantly off the charts!
If you look closely, you'll also notice that the beckoning cats here are quite different from the maneki-neko commonly seen elsewhere: they aren't holding gold coins! That's because Gotokuji's beckoning cats are meant to “invite good connections and good fortune.” As long as you remain grateful and form positive connections, good luck and blessings will naturally follow. This pure and heartwarming meaning makes them even more lovable the longer you look. Almost everyone who comes here takes one home to make a wish, then respectfully brings it back as an offering once the wish comes true. Before anyone knew it, they had accumulated into the unrivaled army of white cats you see today. Taking photos in front of these adorable little creatures is almost unfairly cute from every angle!
Besides the extremely popular shelves of beckoning cats, there is also a large cutout of a smiling, waving cat with curved eyes at the entrance. Its playful and amusing appearance lifts your mood the moment you see it, making it an absolute must for photos before going inside to worship! Passing through the wooden temple gate, the grounds reveal a completely different sense of peaceful charm. Lush old trees line both sides of the broad, tidy gravel paths. Even on a day with a gentle drizzle, the main hall's green eaves, washed by the rain, still give off an elegant, stately, and timeless beauty. Walking under an umbrella along the softly crunching gravel path, the surroundings are so quiet that all you can hear are raindrops and the breeze rustling through the treetops. The atmosphere is incredibly relaxed and pleasant.
There's absolutely no need to rush while strolling here. You can first buy a beckoning cat amulet that catches your eye, put your hands together in prayer before the main hall, and then slow down as you walk through the garden beneath the towering old trees. Take a deep breath of air scented with earth, grass, and trees, and your whole body, mind, and spirit will feel completely cleansed and restored. Whether you want to take countless photos of the incredibly adorable sight of more than 10,000 beckoning cats lined up together, or escape the noise of the city and enjoy the peaceful Zen atmosphere unique to an old Japanese temple, Gotokuji is definitely a wonderful hidden gem filled with good fortune that will have you smiling without even realizing it!