Santa Maria, a sightseeing sailing boat of the Osaka Port | Review by BobbyJenny

I didn’t expect to find such a large green space for a walk in central Tokyo! This time, I planned a visit to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. After entering from the bustling city, the surroundings suddenly became much quieter, and I couldn’t feel the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo at all.

The garden preserves historic remains of Edo Castle, including stone walls, castle gates, and the ruins of the main keep. Walking around while enjoying the garden scenery, I really felt the blend of history and nature.

In Osaka’s Namba area, after exploring the lively Dotonbori, I made a special trip into Hozenji Yokocho, an alley filled with Showa-era charm. Inside is the distinctive Mizukake Fudo Son. This small temple is tucked away in the alleyways, creating an interesting contrast with the bustling streets around it.

The most distinctive sight is Mizukake Fudo Son, where worshippers have poured water while making wishes for many years. The statue is covered in a thick layer of moss, giving it a very unique appearance. You can also follow the local custom by gently pouring water over Fudo Myo-o and silently making a wish.

Once you enter Hozenji Yokocho, the atmosphere suddenly becomes much quieter. The stone-paved path, traditional shops, and lanterns come together to evoke old Osaka. It’s even more atmospheric when the lights come on at night, making it a nice place for a leisurely stroll and photos.

If you’re visiting Namba or Dotonbori, I highly recommend stopping by Hozenji. It doesn’t take much time, but you can experience a more nostalgic and traditional side of Osaka.

During cherry blossom season, the most relaxing thing to do along the Arakawa River is find a spot under a cherry tree and have a picnic. I didn’t plan anything in particular—just brought some food and drinks I liked, found a place to sit, and took my time eating and enjoying the blossoms. It actually felt especially leisurely.

Sitting on the grass, all you see when you look up are cherry blossoms. When a light breeze blows, the petals gently drift down. Nearby, you can also see many local residents enjoying the blossoms and chatting with their families. The whole atmosphere really feels like spring in Japan.

I ate my picnic while looking at the riverbank scenery, occasionally taking out my phone to snap a few photos of the cherry blossoms, blue sky, and Arakawa River together. Without the crowds of a popular tourist attraction, it was easier to take my time and enjoy the cherry blossoms.