Minato Mirai 21 is one of Yokohama's most iconic waterfront cityscapes, where skyscrapers, a Ferris wheel, the harbor, and modern architecture come together, giving the whole area a stylish and romantic atmosphere. The first time I saw the harbor district, I felt it had a different vibe from Tokyo! Walking slowly along the waterfront and taking in the harbor, boats, and surrounding buildings made everything feel especially relaxed. Toward evening, the sky gradually turned orange and the city lights came on one by one. Together with their reflections on the water, the whole scene was very beautiful.
Minato Mirai 21 | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Enoshima
It's a tiny island at the tip of a sandbar that juts out to sea from a long sandy beach. It is known for its superb view of the sea of Shonan and Mt. Fuji.
Enoshima is really perfect for exploring at a leisurely pace. There are quite a few shrines on the island, and as you make your way up the steps, you can really feel the strong sense of traditional Japanese culture. There are also lots of small shops and places to eat along the way, making it fun to browse as you walk.
Besides the shrines, I also came this time to visit the iconic spot from Slam Dunk! The view of the Shonan coast, together with the train passing by, really brings back scenes from the anime.
Especially when standing near Kamakurakōkō-mae Station, watching the Enoden slowly pass with the seaside scenery in the background, it brings back so many youthful memories. Even if you're not a Slam Dunk fan, you'll still find this view very distinctive.
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Toyama Chitetsu City Tram
Operated by Toyama Chihō Railway, the Toyama City Tram is a convenient streetcar system for getting around the city, connecting central Toyama with Toyama Station and the Iwasehama area. Affectionately known locally as the “Shiden,” it is widely used for commuting to work or school, shopping, and sightseeing.
While traveling in Toyama, I found the Toyama Chitetsu City Tram really convenient! It's easy to take the tram between attractions in the city, so you don't have to keep walking long distances or worry about parking.
Watching the trams travel through downtown Toyama and enjoying the streetscape along the way made the whole pace feel much more relaxed than constantly rushing around. For tourists, the system is also fairly easy to use and very useful when planning an itinerary.
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Irori Dining in Shirakawa-go
Near the Ogi-machi Bridge over the Shogawa River, this dining spot in Shirakawa-go offers local Hida cuisine in a Gassho-zukuri farmhouse. Using locally sourced ingredients, guests can savor the region's traditional dishes.
Besides admiring the charming gassho-style village in Shirakawa-go, I also planned a meal at IRORI. The restaurant itself has a lot of Shirakawa-go character, with traditional Japanese architecture and a warm dining atmosphere. As soon as I sat down, it really felt like part of the travel experience.
The food here has a strong local character. Eating a hot meal while looking out at the scenery of Shirakawa-go made even a simple meal feel especially memorable. After walking all day, being able to sit down and enjoy a proper meal was really satisfying.
I especially like finding distinctive little places like this while traveling. They don't just fill your stomach—they also let you experience the atmosphere of local life. After exploring the gassho-style houses in Shirakawa-go, IRORI is also a very good option if you want somewhere to rest and eat!
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