Starting from Ebisu Station, I headed toward Yebisu Garden Place. Along the way, the distinctive beer glass-shaped streetlights caught my eye, as if reminding travelers that this area has a history inseparably linked to beer. Upon entering the lobby, I was greeted by a statue of Ebisu and massive brewing equipment, making me stop in my tracks for quite a while to admire them closely.
Next, I visited the museum exhibit area, where various historical materials and displays gradually introduced me to the history of Yebisu Beer. When I learned that the very place where I was standing used to be the site of the beer factory, and then looked at the products and related artifacts from different eras displayed in the cases, I suddenly had the wonderful feeling of traveling through time, as if I were following the exhibits through the years of Yebisu Beer’s history.
After touring the exhibits, of course I couldn’t miss the chance to try the beers available only here. Although I visited during the cold final days of 2025, the historical charm I had just experienced in the exhibit area and the excitement I felt only made me want a cold beer even more, so I could personally experience this brewing culture that continues to this day.
I found a comfortable place to sit, slowly savoring the delicious beer while admiring the sparkling lights outside the window. Outside was the chill of winter, before me were dazzling lights, and in my hand was a glass of beer with a story rooted in history.
Immersed in this atmosphere and reflecting on everything I had just seen, I suddenly felt that having such a relaxing and satisfying moment during my trip was truly a blissful experience.
YEBISU BREWERY TOKYO | Review by Stanley Kuo
Other Reviews by Stanley Kuo
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Enoshima Sea Candle (Lighthouse Observation Tower)
The Enoshima Sea Candle, Japan's first privately established lighthouse, was built in 1951 and renovated in 2013 as part of the centennial celebration of the Enoshima Electric Railway. Constructed with a focus on "landscape and environmental consideration”, "pursuit of public utility value” and "regional tourism promotion”, the spot continues to draw numbers of eager tourists to this day.
At the end of 2025, I took the Enoden to the Shichirigahama coast. The weather was exceptionally clear on the day of my visit, and as soon as I got off the train, I was deeply impressed by the clear and majestic sight of Mount Fuji in the distance. Looking out, I could also see Enoshima standing quietly in the sea, while the Enoshima Sea Candle observation lighthouse on the island seemed to be waving at me, beckoning me to come and explore. As I followed the coastline and enjoyed the scenery, the winter sunlight shimmered across the water. Together with the deep blue sky and Mount Fuji in the distance, it made this part of the trip especially pleasant and relaxing.
After arriving on Enoshima, of course I headed straight for the Enoshima Sea Candle observation lighthouse without hesitation. The reason was simple: I wanted to make the most of the rare clear weather and admire the captivating sight of Mount Fuji from different heights and angles. From the observation deck, the expansive ocean view and distant Mount Fuji came together to create a beautiful scene that made me reluctant to leave for a long time. Even after taking plenty of photos, I still couldn't get enough and kept wanting to look a little longer so I could preserve this rare view in my memory.
After enjoying the scenery, I went to the shop next to the first floor of the observation deck, ordered a coffee and a snack, and found a comfortable place to sit and enjoy a leisurely time in the warm winter sun. A notice on the table caught my eye. Looking more closely, I realized it was reminding visitors to watch out for the hawks circling overhead, since they might also want to share the delicious food in front of us!
This amusing little incident added another unforgettable memory to an already relaxing afternoon tea.
Although I saw unforgettable views of Mount Fuji on my first visit to Enoshima, I also discovered that there are still many places on the island worth exploring at a leisurely pace. I think that's the most captivating part of traveling—it always leaves you wanting more and looking forward to what comes next. I'm certain I'll visit Enoshima again in the future, slow down, and fully explore the island's scenery and the beautiful surroundings. -
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KochiKame Memorial Museum
Opened in March 2025, this brand-new facility is dedicated to the beloved gag manga Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Koen-mae Hashutsujo (KochiKame), which ran in Weekly Shonen Jump for 40 years without a single break.
Looking back on my last solo trip to Japan, if I had to name a few places that left an especially deep impression on me, Kameari would definitely be one of them.
The reason is simple: Kankichi Ryotsu from KochiKame!
Even though it’s just an anime and he’s a fictional character, I’ve always really liked Ryo-san. I like his genuine nature, his ambition, and his mind that is always full of imaginative ideas—quick, flexible, and never playing by the rules. Although he often causes trouble and leaves people unsure whether to laugh or cry, his straightforward and energetic personality somehow makes him feel especially relatable.
So when I learned before my trip that a KochiKame museum had recently opened in Kameari, it naturally caught my interest. Of course I had to visit in person and thoroughly explore Ryo-san’s world.
It wasn’t until I stepped inside the museum that I realized how much care had gone into its design. Many familiar scenes from the anime have been recreated one by one, making it feel as if you’ve truly entered the world of KochiKame.
As I walked around, I kept feeling that Ryo-san might pop out from a corner at any moment. I could almost hear the chief shouting furiously, and I even found myself hoping to see Reiko around the next corner. The characters and scenes that had once existed only on a TV screen suddenly felt so close. It was truly a fascinating feeling.
To me, this museum is more than just a place displaying an anime series. It feels more like a space where you can step back into familiar memories. I believe anyone who likes KochiKame should come and see it in person.
And Kameari’s charm isn’t limited to the museum. Once you step outside, you’ll find little touches related to Ryo-san and the series throughout the streets. Slow down and wander through this lively neighborhood, and you’ll always discover some unexpected surprises along the way.
It turns out that some places stay with us not because of magnificent scenery or famous attractions, but because they are home to a character we’ve loved for a long time—someone who never truly existed, yet has always felt familiar... -
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Starbucks Coffee Kawagoe Bell Street Store
In the historic warehouse district of Koedo Kawagoe, the Starbucks on Bell Street, located along a cobblestone path by the towering "Time Bell," is one of the "Regional Landmark Stores" that showcases the culture and allure of various regions in Japan.
On the day of the Kawagoe Festival, I followed the floats all the way to the area around the Time Bell, and of course I couldn't miss the Starbucks Coffee Kawagoe Bell Street Store. This Starbucks blends seamlessly into the traditional Japanese streetscape of the old warehouse district, bringing modern coffee culture and the atmosphere of Little Edo together naturally without feeling out of place at all. If you aren't paying close attention, you might actually walk right past it.
After chasing the floats all morning and doing quite a bit of walking, this was the perfect opportunity to stop, order a cup of coffee from the friendly and charming staff, find a comfortable seat, and get some proper rest.
While I was waiting for my coffee, an ornate float happened to slowly pass by outside the store. It was such a rare opportunity that I couldn't miss it, so I quickly picked up my camera and captured the beautiful sight of the float moving through the old streets.
Back at my seat, I held the coffee I'd just ordered and looked out the window. The streets were still filled with lively festival scenes, accompanied by bursts of festival music and crowds of people coming and going. At that moment, though, I could sit leisurely inside the store, slowly savoring my coffee and enjoying the excitement from a little distance.
On one side was the lively bustle of the Kawagoe Festival, and on the other was the relaxed calm of the café. Even though they were in the same place, it felt as if there were two completely different rhythms of travel, adding a rare sense of peace and comfort to this brief rest.
It turns out that the joy of traveling isn't just about being right in the middle of the excitement. Sometimes, stopping and quietly watching it unfold before you can also be a pleasure⋯⋯ -
