Visiting in winter, there's a short walk uphill from where the tour bus drops you off. The slope was really slippery and icy, so I was pretty nervous about falling. Our group had a lot of elderly people, so honestly, it's not the best time to come when it's snowing.
Chuson-ji Temple | Review by Chun Liu
Other Reviews by Chun Liu
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Tokyo Somei Onsen SAKURA
Located about an eight-minute walk north of either the Toei or JR Sugamo Station, this hidden hot spring retreat features a pure Japanese-style building and garden, with a serene, modern Japanese interior that unfolds within.
I thought this place was super chill! The overall vibe is really relaxing—not like those super touristy spots. It's quieter, clean, and has a nice Japanese feel to it.
They've got outdoor hot springs, spa pools, saunas, and more. There's even a little beauty area for women. My skin felt so smooth after soaking—totally relaxing. The lounge area is comfy too, with spots to grab a drink or a snack.
Getting here is pretty convenient. It's about a 10-minute walk from Sugamo or Komagome Station. I definitely recommend this spot if you're looking for a place to unwind in Tokyo! -
MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)
The new Sunflower ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which began service in 2023, connect Osaka and Beppu with overnight journeys departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The trip itself becomes a highlight of your journey, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience.
Arriving in Beppu at dawn and seeing the steam rising really gives you that Kyushu vibe.
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JMSDF Kure Museum
A submarine “Akishio” fulfilled various missions from 1986 to 2004, opens to the public as a museum in JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) Kure Museum which is called “Iron Whale Museum”. This is the only museum in Japan where you can explore the inside of a submarine used in the past.
The submarine model at the entrance really stands out. Admission to the museum is free, and there are detailed exhibits about torpedoes and underwater mine-clearing operations. You can even go inside the actual submarine to see its interior. It's right next to the Yamato Museum, so you can easily visit both in one trip.