Visiting Osaka Castle during cherry blossom season was absolutely worth it! They weren’t in full bloom this time, but the soft pink blossoms with the majestic castle looked like a postcard from every angle. That’s the beauty of travel—you don’t always need perfect timing. Just seeing it in person and feeling the spring atmosphere was already so satisfying. I’m looking forward to coming back next time to catch the cherry blossoms at their best!
Tower of Osaka Castle | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Nagareyama Otakanomori SC
A shopping center in Nagareyama City, Chiba Prefecture, which has been growing in popularity especially among families thanks to its great location-just 20 minutes by train to central Tokyo-and has recently been gaining attention as a desirable place to live. It is directly connected to Nagareyama-ōtakanomori Station, served by two lines-the Tsukuba Express and the Tobu Urban Park Line-and is very easy to access, with 1,800 parking spaces in the main building alone.
When I arrived at Nagareyama Otakanomori, my first impression was—it’s really super convenient! The shopping center is directly connected to the station, so you don’t have to walk far, making it very easy to come shopping by train.
The entire shopping center is huge, with a main building and additional buildings. There are all kinds of stores and restaurants, offering everything from household goods and clothing to food. There are so many choices that you face the pleasant dilemma of wondering, “Which store should I visit?” It’s also a very family-friendly shopping center. The spacious layout makes it easy to shop with a stroller, and it’s a good place to bring young children.
There’s also a courtyard-style park in the shopping center. When you get tired from shopping, you can take a walk outside and relax a little. It’s a very pleasant little spot. If I had to mention one minor drawback, I’d say there are slightly too few places to sit. After shopping for a while, it can be hard to find a seat when you want to take a break.
Overall, though, it’s easy to get to, has a wide selection of stores, as well as food and family-friendly spaces, so it’s still a great place to spend half a day browsing.
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Chiba Zoological Park
A total of 942 animals (as of the end of March 2024) of about 189 species, including mammals, birds, and fish, are kept and exhibited here. The animals are divided into various zones such as the Monkey Zone, Small Animal Zone, and Birds and Water System Zone.
This is one of the most popular zoos in Chiba and a common destination for school field trips in Japan! You can get there directly by monorail, so it's very convenient. The zoo isn't particularly large, and about 1.5–2 hours should be just right for a leisurely stroll around. I had specifically planned to come see the animals, but it turned out to be a day when the zoo was closed. All I could do was take a photo at the entrance as a keepsake to show that “I came but didn't get in.” I'll find time to come back and see the cute animals next time!
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Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park
Located in the middle of Makuhari New City, the park’s theme is “surrounded by greenery and sea.” In seven areas from A to G, the facilities include a large lawn, one of the largest floral clocks in Japan, a Japanese garden, and a tea room.
While visiting Makuhari New City, I unexpectedly came across the incredibly spacious Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park! The park’s theme is “a city park surrounded by greenery and the sea.” It consists of seven areas, A through G, and is huge. The expansive lawns make it feel especially open and relaxing as soon as you enter.
In addition to its famous large lawn and Japan’s largest floral clock, the park also has a Japanese garden and tea room with a traditional atmosphere, offering completely different scenery. There are also sports fields, children’s play areas, and other facilities nearby. It’s a great place for families with children to get outside, as well as for walking, relaxing, or spending a leisurely afternoon sitting on the grass.
There were noticeably more people when I visited on a holiday, and the entire park felt lively. It’s really rare to find such a large green space among the high-rise buildings of Makuhari New City!
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