KONGEN Yawataya Isogoro “Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese spice mixture of seven aromatic ingredients) ” | Review by 璟璟

Kabukicho

Kabukicho is the entertainment district that sits just steps from the east exit of Shinjuku Station. It’s a major hub for izakaya pubs, amusement centers and nightlife spots to enjoy after hours. With neon signs lit up through the entire night, it’s earned the nickname of “the city that never sleeps”.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Shopping Streets

There are a lot of people here and the vibe is super lively, like a big city that never sleeps.
It’s more relaxed to walk around during the day.
At night all the flashing lights make the atmosphere really cool.

Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum

A rare museum even by global standards, the Fukui Prefectural Varve Museum exhibits varves formed over Approx. 70,000 years in Lake Suigetsu, one of the Mikata Five Lakes in Fukui Prefecture. Varves are the world-standard “ruler” for dating, characterized by striped layers of sediment. Inside, you can see an authentic varve core mined from Lake Suigetsu-an impressive 45 m long-displayed as beautiful stained glass.

• Fukui
• Museums

Most of the exhibits focus on “varves”—layered sediments at the bottom of a lake that form like natural annual rings and can record tens of thousands of years of Earth’s history.

The exhibition space feels really well designed, with lighting and multimedia that make everything easier to understand. Even though it’s a geology-focused topic, it’s not boring at all. It actually feels pretty awe-inspiring and kind of calming.

Highly recommended if you’re into natural science or just want to see something a little different.

NASPA New Otani

A four-season resort hotel in Yuzawa, Niigata Prefecture-the only Hotel New Otani property surrounded by nature. In winter, the ski-only NASPA Ski Garden opens with slopes directly connected to the hotel, offering skiing and snow activities for everyone from beginners to advanced skiers.

• Niigata
• Hotels

Perfect for anyone who wants to relax or go skiing! 🏔️ The hotel is right next to the ski area, so you can be on the slopes in just a few steps—super convenient.

The room was pretty spacious, clean, and comfortable, with that classic, established Japanese hotel vibe. The large public bath was also excellent, with both indoor and outdoor hot springs. Soaking after skiing felt amazing〜

Breakfast and dinner are buffet-style, with lots of options and everything was tasty (the Niigata rice in particular is so fragrant). Eating while looking out at the snowy view really gives you that full resort feeling. The staff were all very friendly and quick to help, too.

If I had to mention a downside, the hotel feels a bit dated and the price is on the higher side. But overall it was absolutely worth it—especially in winter for skiing or the hot springs. ⛄💦