While shopping in Ikebukuro, I happened to pass by gashacoco and couldn't resist going in when I saw all the capsule toy machines! They had all kinds of anime items, characters, and cute little trinkets. Just looking at the machines felt so soothing.
This time, I decided to try my luck with an Anpanman capsule toy. The moment I turned the knob, I was really excited to see which one I'd get!
Nukumori no Yado Furu-kawa
A hot spring inn in Jozankei, a beautiful valley designated as part of Shikotsu-Toya National Park. With “hometown” as its theme, this wood-warmed retreat welcomes guests with heartfelt hospitality from staff in samue workwear. The three-level bathhouse features a garden inspired by Jozankei’s nature, and you can enjoy seasonal scenery while soaking in open-air baths and large public baths, each with its own character.
On this trip to Jozankei, I stayed at Nukumori no Yado Furu-kawa. The entire hotel felt as warm and welcoming as its name suggests, with the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese inn. From the moment I entered, the surroundings felt very comfortable and perfect for a relaxing vacation.
The room was very comfortable, and the Japanese-style decor gave it a special atmosphere. After soaking in the hot spring and returning to the room to rest, I felt completely relaxed. Especially in the cold weather, this kind of stay was truly enjoyable.
JR EAST PASS (Tohoku Area)
This free-to-ride pass is available for global tourists and foreign Japan residents alike. It offers unlimited rides for 5 days on JR East lines, including bullet trains, limited express trains, BRT (Bus Rapid Transit), the entire Tokyo Monorail line, the entire Aoimori Railway line, and the entire Iwate Galaxy Railway (IGR) line, covering the area from Kanto to Tohoku. A major perk is the unlimited use of reserved seats on bullet trains and limited express trains within the valid period.
When I traveled to Hokkaido for the first time, I originally wanted to try riding a JR East train, but the railway wasn't open yet at the time, so I'll have to put it on the list for my next trip.
I've always felt that traveling by train has a special charm. You can sit back and slowly enjoy the scenery along the way, and easily visit different cities without having to drive yourself. Hokkaido's natural scenery along the route is also something to look forward to!
Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C.
Nihombashi Takashimaya was opened at the current place in Tokyo in 1933. The flagship store of this national department store will have the 90th anniversary in 2023, which is known as a landmark in Nihombashi area.
I went shopping at Nihombashi Takashimaya S.C. in Tokyo and even bought a Gucci bag this time! The overall atmosphere at Takashimaya is very comfortable, and there are lots of brands to choose from. It feels refined and is a great place to browse and take your time choosing. I was really happy to finally find a bag I liked.
I looked at several different designs while choosing, but in the end, I still felt this one suited me best. The moment I bought it, I felt the satisfaction of finding the perfect souvenir from my trip. Thinking about carrying it when I go out makes this Tokyo trip feel like an even more special memory.
