There's a tree here that's been voted the most beautiful illumination in Japan. With the church in the background, it's super easy to lose track of time while taking photos.
The vibe is totally different during the day and at night, but honestly, nighttime is when the park really shines.
Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke "Ikkokko"
Founded in 1844, Mogi Ichimaru Ka Honke is a long-established Japanese confectionery shop now run by its seventh generation. It began when the founder, Enoki Ichiemon, started making and selling its signature sweet, Ikkokko. During the Edo period (1603-1868), Ikkokko was also popular as a tea sweet among literary figures visiting Nagasaki, and today it is widely loved as one of Nagasaki's signature confections.
Each piece is small and looks simple, but it has a lot of character. The outer shell is lightly crisp, and the inside is hollow. When you bite into it, there’s a subtle brown sugar aroma. It’s not overly sweet, and it goes perfectly with tea. The flavor is traditional and not flashy.
Genji (Yoshida Udon)
Located in the Fuji-Yoshida area of Yamanashi Prefecture, Genji is a well-known restaurant where you can savor Yoshida Udon, a local specialty famous for its exceptionally firm noodles-often said to be the hardest in Japan. The noodles are known for their chewy texture and rich flavor that deepens with every bite, enhanced by the umami of the broth.
The noodles are super chewy, and the broth is light—not too salty and really easy to drink. The toppings are simple, but the flavors are spot on. Overall, it's a humble, local, and really satisfying kind of udon. Totally worth the visit—no regrets at all.
Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan
The museum is located within the premises of the World Heritage site, Byodoin, famous for its magnificent Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) which recreates the Pure Land of Bliss in this world.
The exterior of Phoenix Hall is designed to blend in beautifully with the designated scenic gardens.
