The museum has a great variety of exhibits and lots of activities. If you love traditional crafts and Japanese culture, this is a spot you shouldn’t miss.
Japan Kokeshi Museum | Review by Jessica Ny
Other Reviews by Jessica Ny
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Otaru Triangle Market
The Otaru Triangle Market, nestled between JR Otaru Station and National Route 5, is a small yet historic marketplace with origins dating back to the 1940s. It began with a few street vendors and developed as a morning market, accumulating over 60 years of history. Just a minute's walk from Otaru Station, the market is conveniently accessible and, except for New Year's Day, is open almost daily. Its reputation for affordable prices attracts a steady flow of both locals and tourists from Japan and abroad. The market's name derives from its triangular-shaped plot and roof.
There are several small restaurants and food stalls inside the market serving all kinds of seafood dishes like seafood rice bowls, sushi, and grilled fish. I especially recommend the seafood rice bowl here—it's packed with toppings, tastes great, and is reasonably priced.
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Mount Fuji
Straddling Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776 meters. This renowned peak is also considered a symbol of Japan. In 2013, it was recognized as a “sacred place and source of artistic inspiration” and designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Its 25 component sites include surrounding shrines, climbing trails, lava tree molds, and lakes.
Mt. Fuji, cherry blossoms, and hot springs are truly the symbols of Japan.
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Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)
Lake Kawaguchi is known as one of the five Fuji lakes and is a popular spot because of its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The lakeside is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, purple lavender in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall, making each season a different and beautiful sight. Lake Kawaguchi is also known for having the only "island" and "bridge" in the Fuji Five Lakes.
I rented a bike nearby and rode around Lake Kawaguchi. The scenery along the way was just like a painting—absolutely stunning with the lake and mountains.