The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace | Review by 楊雅雯

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The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

A garden where you can spend time among traces of Edo Castle and lush nature.

23 Jul 2026 See More

Edo Castle in the fall is almost unfairly beautiful! The slightly cool weather, paired with golden leaves covering the ground, makes walking through the spacious castle ruins feel like a movie scene.

The shoguns of the past may be gone, but the impressive gates, moats, and stone walls still feel incredibly grand. I couldn’t help stopping every few steps to take photos.

I originally thought I could see it all in half a day, but the more I walked, the more hooked I got. It felt like exploring through different stages of an adventure, and before I knew it, several hours had passed.

If you’re visiting Tokyo, don’t just focus on shopping. Set aside some time for a walk around Edo Castle. You’ll realize history can be this charming!

Other Reviews by 楊雅雯

Nanjo Art Museum

An art museum located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa’s main island. Rather than simply viewing works in exhibition rooms, it presents itself as a “scenic art museum” where visitors can experience art through nature, architecture, and spaces of everyday life. The permanent exhibition room features a wide range of works by contemporary artists from Japan and abroad, including pieces by Yayoi Kusama, Park Seo-Bo, and Zhang Xiaogang.
- Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
- Museums
1 Sep 2026 See More

The museum isn't very large, but it has a charm all its own. The indoor galleries and outdoor spaces are beautifully designed, and the contemporary artwork is complemented by the surrounding greenery and natural light. Walking through it feels like moving through a series of three-dimensional paintings. There are some contemporary art group exhibitions and galleries here. The works are interesting and make you want to take your time looking at and experiencing them.

When I visited on a weekday, there were surprisingly few visitors. It almost felt like I had the whole museum to myself! Without crowds rushing around, I could leisurely appreciate each work. This kind of quiet time with art was really relaxing.

It's also a great place for photos. Every corner and every play of light feels thoughtfully designed. The café next door is another plus. After seeing the exhibitions, you can sit down for something to eat and a cup of coffee, enjoying the food and the artistic atmosphere. You could easily spend an entire afternoon relaxing here.

If you like art or photography, or just want a quiet place with a nice atmosphere, I think Nanjo Art Museum is well worth a visit.
Naha Kokusai-dori Shopping Street

Naha City Kokusai-dori Shopping Street is located in the center of Naha City and is the main street representing Okinawa. It is the largest downtown area in Naha City and is famous as the center of commerce and entertainment. It is known as "Kokusai-dori (International street)," based on the concept of "a people-friendly town and a town that is fun to walk through.
- Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
- Shopping Streets
1 Sep 2026 See More

This street was redeveloped from ruins after the war. Because it quickly regained its prosperity, it became known as the “Miracle Mile.” Today, around 600 shops line the street, offering everything from souvenirs and cosmetics to duty-free stores, restaurants, and izakayas. It's basically a shopping paradise for tourists.

This time, my hotel was right on Kokusai-dori Shopping Street, which was incredibly convenient! Whenever I got tired from shopping, I could go straight back to the hotel to drop off my purchases, then head out and keep shopping.

The public market is also in the area, where you can buy fresh produce and prepared foods and sample local Okinawan cuisine. At night, you can also enjoy traditional music and dance, so there's never a dull moment walking around.

However, prices on Kokusai-dori are definitely geared toward tourists, and the same items can sometimes be cheaper elsewhere. Still, the selection is extremely concentrated, making it really efficient if you want to buy all your souvenirs at once.

I stayed for 3 full nights this time, shopping from day to night and eating from day to night too.
Arashiyama Observation Deck (Nago City, Okinawa)

The observation deck offers an arresting view of small and large islands in the peaceful ocean, which is about 25 minutes away from Nago City in northern Okinawa.
- Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
- Observatories
1 Sep 2026 See More

Arashiyama Observation Deck in Nago is a relatively lesser-known attraction that feels almost forgotten. The observation deck itself looks a little old and nearly abandoned, but once you go up, the view completely changes your impression!

When the weather is good, you can see the calm Haneji Inland Sea, Yagaji Island, and even Kouri Island in the distance. The blue sky against the deep blue sea looks beautiful no matter how you photograph it.

What surprised me most was that the restroom was cleaner than expected. If you're already planning to visit Kouri Island or northern Nago, this is a good place to stop by along the way. There are few people, the scenery is beautiful, and it's very relaxing to quietly enjoy the ocean views of Okinawa!