Pontocho (Pontocho Alley) is a very distinctive alley in Kyoto. The street isn't very wide, but it is lined with many restaurants, izakayas, and small shops. Walking along the stone-paved street and looking at the Kyoto-style machiya townhouses gives it a charming old-fashioned feel.
Pontocho becomes even more atmospheric after dusk, when the shops' lanterns begin to light up. The narrow alleyways paired with traditional Japanese architecture create a very captivating atmosphere.
Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet
With the snow-clad mountains of the Northern Alps, the cherry blossom trees along the Funakawa river, a riot of colorful tulips, and the yellow blossoms of canola flowers, the Asahi Funakawa Spring Quartet weaves a splendid scene. This is a popular spot in Asahi town, Toyama Prefecture, celebrated as a symbol of spring.
At Asahi Funakawa, I admired the famous “Spring Quartet,” and the floral scenery before me was breathtakingly beautiful. Walking along the Funakawa River, the cherry blossoms and tulips blooming on both sides complemented each other, while the snow-covered Tateyama Mountain Range could be seen in the distance, creating a colorful, richly layered spring scene.
Pink cherry blossoms, vibrant tulips, yellow canola flowers, and distant snowcapped mountains come together to form the unique “Spring Quartet.” When the breeze blows, the flowers sway gently, and the entire landscape is filled with the feeling of spring. It’s so beautiful from every angle that you won’t want to leave.
Asuwa River Cherry Tree Promenade
The Asuwa River flows through central Fukui City. The rows of cherry trees lining the embankment, loved by locals as a walking course, are a popular cherry blossom viewing spot and have been selected as one of Japan’s 100 best cherry blossom spots.
In Fukui, I took a walk along the Asuwa River, where cherry blossoms in full bloom on both banks formed a soft pink corridor of flowers. As the breeze blew, the petals swayed gently, beautifully complementing the murmuring river, and the whole scene was filled with the feeling of spring. Walking beneath the cherry trees, I looked up to see a canopy full of pink blossoms. Very romantic 🌹
teamLab Biovortex Kyoto
Opened in October 2025 in the southeastern area of Kyoto Station, this is teamLab’s newest museum. Using advanced digital technology, it showcases immersive artworks that transform in response to human presence and movement, displayed across Japan’s largest teamLab space, covering approximately 10,000 square meters.
Some of the works change as people move, with light and images constantly flowing, creating a different visual experience with every step. Rather than simply standing and admiring the art, it feels more like stepping into the works and experiencing them firsthand. The photos you can take are also very distinctive.
Visiting teamLab BioVortex this time was a very unique experience. Technology and art come together, making the entire experience highly immersive. If you enjoy photography, interactive art, or novel experiences, you can plan a visit when you’re in Tokyo!
