Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | Review by Gina C

After getting off at Shimoyoshida Station, it’s just a short walk to the foot of Arakurayama Sengen Park. I originally thought it would be an easy stroll, but once I started climbing, I realized that the real challenge here wasn’t the mountain trail, but the seemingly endless flights of stairs.

As I made my way up, there were so many stairs that I couldn’t help looking back to see how much farther I had to go. But at the top, you can see the famous, captivating view of Mount Fuji and the five-story pagoda together.

One thing to keep in mind: if you’re visiting Arakurayama Sengen Park, wear comfortable walking shoes and be mentally prepared to climb a lot of stairs 😆

When I visited Shibuya Hikarie, I made a point of going upstairs to enjoy the free nighttime view. Looking down at the streets of Shibuya from above, the bustling Shibuya Scramble Crossing is what catches your eye the most. Crowds of people and streams of traffic crisscross as the lights from the surrounding buildings illuminate the entire city, creating a lively atmosphere that is uniquely Tokyo.

Watching pedestrians cross the intersection from every direction as the signals change, the dense crowds create an interesting scene. Shibuya is already bustling during the day, but looking down from above at night, you can feel the city's energy even more.

You can enjoy Shibuya's night view for free and take in the iconic crossing all at once, making this a worthwhile stop when visiting Shibuya.

Cook a bowl of the original Chicken Ramen and add some cabbage and an egg—it’s simple and just right. The aroma of the chicken broth goes well with the light sweetness of the vegetables, and it still has that familiar taste. I’ve been eating it since I was little, and even after all these years, an occasional bowl still hits the spot. That’s how good food is—it doesn’t need many changes. The classic flavor is always there.