落合賢（けん）'s Reviews

IKAHO TOY.DOLL & CAR MUSEUM

The museum displays toys and dolls from the early Showa period to the Heisei period, including the "Fukumatsu Ningyo" (vintage Japanese doll), only nine dolls in Japan. In another area of the museum, cars from the Showa period are displayed, making it a museum that people of all ages can enjoy.

Gunma
Museums

22 Feb 2026 See More

This museum lets you enjoy Showa-era retro vibes, teddy bears, nostalgic cars, and even the world of Initial D.
It’s a fun experience that feels a little different from a typical public museum.
Great for a wide range of ages and for anyone, regardless of gender.

Hotel Takaone

In July of 2021, an inn was opened in front of Keio Takao Line’s Takaosanguchi Station. Not only just staying, but you can also have hands-on experiences at this “activity hotel.”

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
Hotels

27 Jan 2026 See More

A reasonably priced place to stay, close to both the station and the highway exit.
The rooms have a simple design, and things like the bonfire give it an outdoorsy vibe. Even though it’s near the city, you can still really feel close to nature.

Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu

Mount Takao is a Michelin 3-star destination that sees countless tourists from Japan and across the world. It’s also home to Keio Takaosan Onsen Gokurakuyu, a coveted daytrip hot springs spot located conveniently near Takaosan-guchi station so you can easily tack on a dip to your next hiking or sightseeing trip.

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
Bathing & Spa Facilities

27 Jan 2026 See More

Gokurakuyu is directly connected to Takaosanguchi Station, so it’s super easy to get to.
It’s great that you can eat and drink while washing off all the sweat from hiking. I also like that it stays open later than many places nearby.

Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
Nature Spots

27 Jan 2026 See More

A mountain that’s close to the city center, and you can start hiking almost as soon as you get off the train.
Takao isn’t just about the trails—there’s also a cable car and lift, some small places to grab food, sightseeing spots, and temples and shrines. The whole mountain feels like a tourist destination.
I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, but you can climb it even with fairly light gear.

Sanrio Puroland

Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.

Fuchu, Chofu, Tama
Amusement Parks & Theme parks

27 Jan 2026 See More

Since it’s indoors, you can enjoy it comfortably without worrying about the season or the temperature.
The interior and every structure are packed with Sanrio characters and tons of attention to that whole Sanrio vibe.
Of course the shows are great, and it’s also fun just browsing for character goods and souvenirs.
Even Tama-Center Station, the closest stop, is full of Sanrio characters starting right from the ticket gates, so one of the fun parts is people-watching and checking out the surroundings on the way to Puroland.

Studio Clan

Studio Clan sits poised in the retro shopping district of Honcho in Chuo Ward, Niigata City. This photography studio offers standout service, handling Oiran shoots and more with one-on-one guidance by award-winning makeup and kimono professionals. The studio stands heralded as the only studio in Japan specializing in Oiran photography, drawing visitors from across Japan and abroad.

Niigata
Experiences Facilities

11 Feb 2025 See More

I often visit the attached cafe, and it's a great place to relax with coffee and light snacks. There's a super friendly cat that hangs around, so if you love cats, you'll really enjoy it here.

Fruitsland Shirone Grape Garden

In Niigata, Minami District is known as a fertile farming area, where the Shirone Grape Garden is located. Fruits in seasons are grown with the water from the nearby Shinano River, organic fertilizer and minimum agricultural chemical and made available on this tourist farm.

Niigata
Experiences Facilities

11 Feb 2025 See More

This tourist orchard lets you pick a variety of fruits by hand all year round. The parfaits at the cafe use delicious seasonal fruits and taste amazing. They look great, too.

Fresh-ready hormone cuts, Zenryoku

This yakiniku spot keeps it low-key and casual with an old-school authentic izakaya pub vibe that solo and first-time diners love. Conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from JR Uchino Station, Zenryoku has become a fan favorite with neighborhood regulars and local university students since its doors opened in May 2024.

Niigata
Meat Dishes

11 Feb 2025 See More

You can enjoy carefully selected meats here at reasonable prices without any fuss. The house specialty, the hormone (offal), is super juicy and tasty. They say they use fresh meat, so there's no unpleasant smell and just the right amount of fat. There are other menu options besides meat, and the owner sometimes adds new dishes depending on their mood. The ramen even comes with hormone in it.

Akiha Glass

Located in the Akiha Ward of Niigata City, an area historically known for glass production, Akiha Glass is now one of the few blown glass workshops remaining in Niigata Prefecture.

Niigata
Experiences Facilities

26 Dec 2024 See More

This workshop sells glass tableware, accessories, and interior pieces, all carefully crafted by artisans. Since each item is handmade, every piece is unique, so finding your favorite feels like a treasure hunt—super fun!
If you’re lucky, you might catch the artisans at work in the on-site studio. Watching them create with such focus is really impressive.
They also offer glass-making experiences, but you’ll need to book ahead. Contact them by phone, email, or Instagram DM for a smooth reservation.

Niigata “Food” Experiment Restaurant armonia

Step inside for an Italian food experience that celebrates native Niigata ingredients, served in a rustic setting true to the Furomachi streetscape that’s complete with old-Edo look and feel. The restaurant itself sits in a renovated Taisho-era traditional house.

Niigata
Western Restaurants

2 Apr 2024 See More

You can enjoy delicious dishes made with carefully selected ingredients.
If you make a reservation, everything goes smoothly.
There are also plenty of sightseeing spots within walking distance.