It's almost impossible to get a photo of the huge red lantern with absolutely no one in it. Sensoji Temple is probably a must-visit attraction for anyone traveling to Tokyo! Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, and the Kaminarimon lantern at the entrance is very distinctive. I originally wanted to take a photo with it, but the crowd was so big that I could barely get through, so I gave up. The shopping street outside the temple has all kinds of little souvenirs and is a lot of fun to browse! There are also plenty of places to eat nearby. It's definitely worth setting aside half a day to explore.
Sensoji Temple | Review by 汪汪妮
Other Reviews by 汪汪妮
-
Kamakura Goro Honten "Kamakura Caramel Sand Dayo"
Released in January 2023, this exclusive treat is available only at Haneda Airport. Kamakura Goro Honten, a confectionery brand with its main store on Komachi Street in Kamakura, created this limited-edition product.
It’s hard to miss this shop while strolling along Komachi Shopping Street. From the outside, it looks like a traditional wagashi shop with a bit of history, and all the products inside are super cute! I went in August, when they had a limited-edition White Peach Hangetsu. The outer cookie is crispy, the filling isn’t overly sweet, and the white peach flavor has a lovely peach aroma. It was delicious! Most importantly, the packaging is just so cute, making it perfect as a gift.
-
-
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza
Welcomed by the gargantuan 19.7-meter, life-sized Unicorn Gundam statue, DiverCity Tokyo Plaza embodies its concept as a "theatrical urban space," offering a place to play, learn, relax, and just take in each moment of surprise and inspiration. Tantalize all five senses at this unforgettable destination that’s like none ever before.
The Gundam at DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is definitely not to be missed! I originally just planned to browse around, take some photos of the Gundam, and buy a few things, but I ended up spending quite a bit of time here. The mall is very spacious and has a wide variety of stores, offering everything from clothing and household goods to all kinds of specialty items. It made me want to go into every store and take a look. The atmosphere is very relaxed, without feeling too overwhelming. Even if you’re just wandering around, you can find plenty of interesting things.
I think DiverCity Tokyo Plaza is a great place to include in an independent trip to Tokyo because, besides shopping, there are also plenty of nearby places worth exploring. When you get tired from shopping, you can find a restaurant for a meal or buy some snacks and take a break. Before you know it, half a day has passed. If the weather happens to be bad, you can also plan to spend your time here instead of staying outdoors all day.
My biggest impression from this trip was that Odaiba offers more than just the fun of shopping; the surrounding ocean views are also distinctive. After shopping, you can take a walk nearby and look at the water, adding a little relaxation to what would otherwise be a simple shopping trip. If you enjoy shopping and good food but also want to slow down during your travels, Odaiba is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.
-
-
Oshino Hakkai – The 8 Springs of Oshino
Oshino Hakkai is the collective name for Mt. Fuji’s 8 natural ponds, Deguchi-ike, Okama-ike, Sokonashi-ike, Choshi-ike, Waku-ike, Nigori-ike, Kagami-ike and Shobu-ike. Once a former lake, the area has dried up and formed the 8 spring-sourced ponds that remain today.
Oshino Hakkai is a very famous tourist attraction. I was immediately drawn to the crystal-clear pond water. The water is so clean and transparent that you can see the bottom, and together with the surrounding traditional Japanese houses and natural scenery, it has a real Japanese countryside feel. As you walk through the small village, you can take your time enjoying the different ponds, each with its own unique features.
If the weather is clear, you may also get to see Mt. Fuji against the blue sky, though this really requires a bit of luck. There are also plenty of food stalls along the way where you can buy local specialties to enjoy while walking around. This time, I got some tofu with chili miso, and it was really delicious! I recommend giving it a try. Oshino Hakkai is perfect for a half-day trip and is one of the attractions around Mt. Fuji that left a strong impression on me. -
