Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)
It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.
Kyoto Station is a place every traveler to Kyoto should visit or at least pass through. I recommend adding this to your itinerary and stopping by in the evening to look around!
Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail
The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.
The natural scenery here is absolutely beautiful. Being here, you can truly feel the amazing power of nature.
I definitely recommend stopping by the “Rilakkuma Store” and taking a photo with Rilakkuma!
Miyama Kayabuki no Sato
Miyama, Nantan City in Kyoto Prefecture, is home to a gathering of rare thatched-roof houses. The northern settlement is especially known for its preserved 39 thatched-roof houses, designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, beloved to this day as a nostalgic landscape of Japan that melts against the backdrop of picture-perfect seasons.
I’d always wanted to see what a thatched-roof village in Japan looks like, so I’m really thankful I could join a one-day tour. It made it possible for independent travelers to come here and see the beauty of this village for themselves 🤩
I definitely recommend buying the Miyama flower-shaped cookies while you’re here. They’re seriously so delicious 👍🏻
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
Tokyo Tower 🗼 is one of Tokyo’s famous landmarks. When you come here, don’t just take photos with it—make sure to leave some time to go inside, walk around, and do a little treasure hunting too!
For this photo spot, I recommend coming around 7:00 a.m. You won’t have to wait in line at all 〜
Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport Fukuoka
A large-scale commercial complex that opened on April 25, 2022 on the site of a former fruit and vegetable market in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. It is the first "LaLaport" in Kyushu and boasts approximately 220 stores, many of which opened for the first time in Kyushu.
This is definitely one of the shopping spots you shouldn’t miss when visiting Fukuoka. You should also snap a photo with the giant Gundam standing outside the mall.
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.
This really is the kind of place you can visit over and over and still have an amazing time! Every visit brings different surprises. They always have limited-time anime tie-ins, plus all kinds of new shows and themed attractions. It’s definitely one of those must-visit spots every time you come to Osaka.
Nijo-jo Castle
After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
I was really lucky to visit right when they were holding a nighttime cherry blossom viewing event, so I got to see a completely different side of this place from the daytime. If you happen to come during cherry blossom season, I highly recommend planning a night sakura visit and experiencing a totally different atmosphere! 🌸
Ghibli Park
Whisk away into the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli at the world’s one-and-only destination complete with 5 areas: Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, Hill of Youth, Dondoko Forest, Mononoke Village and Valley of Witches.
Nothing was more a part of my childhood than Studio Ghibli. This time, I visited Ghibli Park, and although it was a bit of a shame that I could only get the stroll pass and couldn’t enter every area, just seeing Howl’s Moving Castle and spotting the little surprises along the way that only Ghibli fans would notice already made me incredibly emotional.
Next time I come here, I hope I can get tickets for all areas and really explore every corner of the park 🥹
Aichi Museum of Flight
Situated at the former international flight parking area on the southwest side of Nagoya Airport, this municipally operated museum offers a wide range of aircraft, including airplanes and helicopters, displayed throughout its spacious interior, with some allowing visitors to explore the interiors.
If you're flying in through Chubu International Airport, I really recommend setting aside a little time to explore this place!
It’s not just a simple airport facility—it also combines food, shopping, and aviation experiences.
There are real aircraft on display inside, so both adults and kids can get a close look.
Whether you're traveling with family or just love airplanes, you’ll definitely have a great time here. It’s a fun and wonderful way to start your trip.
TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)
Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.
TOKYO SKYTREE is definitely one of Tokyo’s iconic attractions that you can’t miss. There are also lots of shops and great food here.
Want to take a TOKYO SKYTREE photo like mine without the crowds getting in the way? Here’s a little hidden photo spot: go to the stairs just a little uphill past the "Ghibli store." From this angle, you can get the whole tower in the shot and avoid most of the tourists, so it’s easy to capture your own perfect TOKYO SKYTREE photo!