East and West Octopus Monuments (Gasshi and Nisshi) | Review by Ming Yu

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East and West Octopus Monuments (Gasshi and Nisshi)

Humorous octopus statues welcome visitors at the port where high-speed boats arrive and depart.

21 Sep 2026 See More

The East and West Octopus Monuments (Gasshi and Nisshi), a super-fun landmark next to the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in Kobe!

These two amusing and eye-catching octopus statues represent Gasshi from eastern Japan and Nisshi from western Japan, symbolizing cultural ties and friendly exchange across eastern and western Japan. The statues are located in a scenic seaside park, with the magnificent Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and blue ocean in the background. They make for incredibly photogenic shots full of local character. This is not only a great spot for a seaside walk, but you can also enjoy authentic and delicious Akashiyaki nearby. It's a 5-star fun and secluded photo spot not to be missed when visiting the Maiko and Akashi areas of Kobe!

Other Reviews by Ming Yu

Muroto Dolphin Center

Set against the beautiful sea of Muroto, Kochi Prefecture, this hands-on attraction lets you not only watch dolphins in a natural setting surrounded by the vast ocean, but also interact with them and experience them up close. The activities feature a wide range of programs known for how close you can get. The most popular is the Feeding Experience, where you can touch dolphins from the poolside and take commemorative photos.
- Kochi
- Experiences Facilities
21 Sep 2026 See More

Muroto Dolphin Center, a soothing place where you can interact up close with super-cute dolphins!

Located near Cape Muroto in Kochi Prefecture, this facility centered on conservation and interaction offers an excellent experience! Unlike aquariums where you can only watch through glass, here you can stand on a walkway and observe dolphins jumping and playing up close, feed them yourself, touch their smooth skin, and even put on gear and experience swimming with dolphins under the supervision of a professional trainer. Seeing the dolphins' lively eyes and friendly behavior instantly makes all your stress disappear. It's a highly recommended 5-star dream destination for families and couples visiting the Muroto area of Kochi!
Happiring (Fukui Jura Mall)

Standing at the west exit of Fukui Station, this high-rise building has 2 basement levels and 21 floors above ground. The floors up to the 5th floor are occupied by the mixed-use commercial facility Fukui Jura Mall, while the upper floors are residential apartments.
- Fukui
- Commercial Buildings
21 Sep 2026 See More

Happiring (Fukui Jura Mall), the incredibly convenient mixed-use landmark right next to Fukui Station!

As soon as you exit JR Fukui Station, you'll see this striking modern building and its impressive, enormous semi-outdoor glass-domed plaza, Hapistation. The mall is practically a miniature showcase of Fukui's charms, with everything from restaurants serving local specialties, Echizen soba, and sauce katsudon to a wide selection of Fukui crafts, local products, and souvenir shops. Upstairs, there's also a space science museum and planetarium equipped with the latest technology. With frequent local markets and music events as well, it's a 5-star convenient hub not to be missed when visiting Fukui, whether you're shopping while waiting for a train, sampling local food, or taking an indoor stroll!
Toyama Science Museum

A comprehensive science museum where visitors can explore Toyama's rich natural environment, Earth, and space from a scientific perspective. The museum features three themed exhibition areas: “A Journey Through Toyama’s Past,” “A Journey Through Toyama’s Natural Environment,” and “A Journey into Space.” Using authentic specimens and interactive exhibits, it clearly explains topics ranging from the formation of Toyama’s land and the history of life to natural environments such as the 9,843-foot Tateyama Mountain Range and the deep sea at a depth of 3,281 feet, as well as the vast reaches of space.
- Toyama
- Museums
21 Sep 2026 See More

Toyama Science Museum, an educational indoor destination full of surprises and interactive fun!

This museum, themed around Toyama's local natural environment and science, was far more impressive than I expected! As soon as you enter, you'll see an enormous moving Tyrannosaurus rex model that roars. It's so realistic that both adults and children can't help but get excited. The museum not only offers detailed exhibits on Toyama's unique terrain and ecosystem, from the Tateyama Mountain Range to Toyama Bay, but also has many hands-on interactive science displays that do an excellent job of making learning fun. Add in the modern digital planetarium with its excellent starry-sky effects, and this is a 5-star educational family attraction where you can have a great time in Toyama, rain or shine!