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Editors’ Choice Reviews

  • Chunichi Building

    周黛西

    Drawn in by the “Art Aquarium Exhibition Nagoya 2026” poster at the entrance of the Chunichi Building, I went inside and bought a ticket to see the exhibition combining goldfish, aquarium art, lighting, music, fragrances, and more. It was eye-opening. After leaving the exhibition, I went up to the observation deck on the 7th floor. I didn’t expect to find such a great view overlooking downtown Sakae and the city streets. Those who aren’t afraid of heights might want to get a little closer to the parapet for a bird’s-eye view. The building has well-known outdoor brand stores and popular home goods shops, as well as all kinds of restaurants on B1. Before heading home, I walked around, did some shopping, and had a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee, bringing my summer 2026 trip to Japan to a perfect close.

  • Omicho Market

    Holly

    Omicho Market is well worth adding to your Kanazawa itinerary. The first floor is the liveliest part of the market, with fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, prepared foods, and various local Kanazawa products all concentrated there. The Omicho Ichibakan building also has a basement level and a second-floor dining area where you can buy daily necessities, eat, or take a short break. If your main goal is to explore the market, I recommend coming in the morning. Although this isn't a traditional morning market that only operates early in the day, many fresh fish shops start packing up in the afternoon, so there will be far fewer options if you arrive too late. Some shops also have shorter hours on Sundays and national holidays, so if you want to see the entire market, it's best not to come too late. The first floor isn't just seafood; there are also many fruit shops. It's great for travelers who can't conveniently buy a whole box of fruit, since you can choose a portion to eat on the spot. The seafood shops still retain much of the feel of a traditional market. Most products are intended to be taken home and cooked, but some large fish shops also offer freshly grilled seafood that you can eat in the seating areas they provide. If you're traveling with seniors, children, or a larger group, I would recommend going straight to the second floor to find a restaurant. Seating at some of the popular seafood rice bowl places on the first floor can be cramped, while restaurants in the second-floor dining area usually have more space and make it easier to find seating for groups. They also offer a wider variety of dishes. For example, the restaurant where I ate on the second floor had a kids' meal, making it a more child-friendly option. Overall, Omicho Market clearly retains the feeling of being “Kanazawa's kitchen.” Although it's also a famous local tourist destination, it still feels very local and not overly touristy. The fruit and vegetable shops, fresh fish shops, food shops, household goods, and other non-seafood products actually give the first-floor market even more character.

  • Maruyama Coffee Harunire Terrace Branch

    Linda Liao

    My first impression of Maruyama Coffee was that it felt like a little café tucked away in the forest, with a relaxing, elegant atmosphere. At the front is the takeout ordering area, and the shelves are filled with all kinds of cute coffee products and souvenirs. The drip coffee bags were especially appealing, with beautiful packaging that makes them perfect for taking home to enjoy or giving as travel souvenirs. I originally thought the café was small, but once I entered the seating area, I discovered it was much more spacious than expected. My favorite feature was the wall of bookshelves in the back, filled with hundreds of books. It makes you feel like you never want to leave once you sit down. Ordering a rich cup of coffee, finding a book you like, and quietly spending the afternoon there sounds so relaxing. If I have the chance to visit again, I'll definitely choose a window seat. It feels like the best seat in the café, where you can sip your coffee while watching people come and go outside. There's no need to plan anything special. Spending a quiet afternoon here can become one of the most soothing moments of the trip.

  • Odaiba Marine Park

    BobbyJenny

    Strolling through Odaiba Seaside Park, the most refreshing part is the expansive view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay. During the day, watching the waves lap against the shore and the Rainbow Bridge standing in the sunlight is especially relaxing with the gentle breeze. By evening, the sunset paints the sky pink and purple, followed by dazzling night views and Tokyo Tower sparkling in the distance, creating an incredibly romantic atmosphere. I took so many photos along the way that my phone's photo album filled up in no time! Walking along the wooden boardwalk makes you instantly forget the noise of the city. It's an incredibly soothing stop on a trip to Tokyo!

  • La Collina Omihachiman

    W10B

    As soon as I arrived at La Collina in Omihachiman, Shiga, I was completely captivated by the scenery before me. The roof of the main building is covered in lush green grass, and the design is super cute. It's incredibly photogenic from every angle—any casual shot looks like a dreamy Instagram photo. The architecture isn't the only eye-catching thing here—the desserts didn't disappoint at all! The signature cookies are rich, fragrant, and crispy. With all the greenery and the gentle breeze, my body, mind, soul, and appetite were all deeply satisfied! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves taking photos and enjoying good food. Be sure to add it to your must-visit list for Shiga.

  • Ishiyamadera Temple

    Rita

    Ishiyamadera Temple sits on a massive natural wollastonite rock formation. It is the 13th temple on the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and its principal deity is Nyoirin Kannon. Its “Autumn Moon at Ishiyama” is also one of the famous Eight Views of Omi. When the long path into the temple grounds is lined with fresh greenery, waves of freshness automatically put you into a relaxed state of mind. There were not many visitors on the day I went, and everything felt peaceful and timeless. Throughout the grounds, the main hall, Genji Room, Tahoto Pagoda, and pond in front of Ishiyama were all impressive and full of surprises.

  • Kushida Shrine

    Skimuraki Zin

    Oiyamanara in front of Kushida Shrine Oiyamanara begins at Kushida Shrine, Hakata’s guardian shrine. Men in traditional attire carry floats weighing over a ton and race through the streets, shouting “Oisa! Oisa!” The event symbolizes prayers for safety and protection from misfortune and disease, while showcasing Hakata’s strong sense of teamwork. With more than 760 years of history, this festival is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan and is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. It’s one of Fukuoka’s most exhilarating summer traditions.

  • Edo-Tokyo Museum

    楊雅雯

    I thought I’d just be looking at exhibits, but I ended up spending hours here! The Edo-Tokyo Museum brings the story of Tokyo, from the Edo period to the modern day, to life with models, recreated scenes, and artifacts. It really feels immersive. Standing on the recreated Nihonbashi Bridge felt like traveling back hundreds of years. Anyone who loves Japanese culture or history will really enjoy it. Even if you’re not usually into museums, it’s easy to keep exploring and completely lose track of time.

  • Aso Shrine (Kumamoto)

    陳泰任

    I visited Shirakawa Spring Shrine in Minami-Aso, Kumamoto, Japan. The crystal-clear spring water flows year-round, and the cool water instantly washed away the summer heat. It also made me slow down and soak in the quiet afternoon, enjoying nature’s purest kind of healing. Just as we were about to leave, we happened to notice a roadside vendor’s map marking the “Great Stone Footprint of Aso Daigongen.” Curious, we followed our phone map and set off along a country road for about 20 minutes, beginning an unexpected little adventure. The fields along the way were peaceful, with only the sound of wheels and the wind breaking the silence. When we arrived, a massive rock stood quietly before us. According to Aso mythology, it is said to be the sacred footprint left by Takeiwatatsu-no-Mikoto, also known as Aso Daigongen. Local residents later rediscovered this sacred site through references in old records, giving the huge stone an even deeper sense of history and faith. There are no big crowds here, and there aren’t many tourist facilities. Because it’s remote and not easy to access, tour groups rarely visit. But that is exactly why it has kept such an authentic, untouched atmosphere. For travelers who enjoy independent trips and love exploring hidden places, this mysterious giant stone near Shirakawa Spring is more than just a natural wonder shaped by the Aso volcano. It is also an unforgettable travel memory worth savoring slowly.

  • Fugan Canal Kansui Park

    Shih YA Hsin

    This was my first time planning a trip to the three Hokuriku prefectures, and I already knew that the Fugan Canal area in Toyama and the Starbucks nearby were quite famous. But in this canal park with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, no matter where I walked or what angle I shot from, I could capture beautiful scenery with just my phone. It really proves that this place lives up to its reputation. I truly felt how wonderful it is here. My impression of Toyama Prefecture completely changed. Surrounded by the Tateyama Mountain Range, this city is absolutely worth visiting—even staying in long-term. I loved it here!

  • Cruise Ferry / Linear Jet

    Aeris

    I’ve eaten oysters before, but I’d never seen how they’re harvested... This time, we headed out before dawn to join Shimada Suisan’s tour, and it was truly eye-opening! Besides seeing Itsukushima Shrine from the water, we also got to watch the oyster harvesting and cleaning process. To top it off, we had a warm, comforting breakfast of fresh oyster porridge and plump grilled oysters. Huge respect to all the hardworking staff! Thanks to them, we get to enjoy delicious oysters!

  • Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO & Pikachu Sweets

    王小鈞

    I’ve gotten really into Pikmin lately, so on this trip to Tokyo I made a special stop at Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO to look for cute Pikmin and Pokémon merch. The moment I walked in, I couldn’t help but gasp. The entire floor was packed with Pokémon items, from plushies and stationery to everyday goods and limited-edition products. There was so much to see that I wanted to stop and browse every corner. I originally thought I’d “just take a look,” but once I saw all the adorable items, I totally gave in. My shopping basket kept getting fuller and fuller. It’s such a fun place to shop, but definitely dangerous for your wallet. If you love Pokémon or Pikmin, this is an absolute must-visit on a trip to Tokyo. You’ll definitely be going home with a huge haul!

  • Kokura Castle

    KEIKO

    Kokura Castle is absolutely worth visiting in the fall! I happened to catch the leaves changing, and the mix of red and yellow against the castle was unbelievably beautiful. Every photo turned out great. The grounds aren’t too big, so it’s perfect for a relaxed stroll. You can enjoy the historic architecture while soaking in the autumn atmosphere. The cool weather made it really comfortable to walk around, and the whole place felt clean and peaceful without being too crowded. If you’re visiting Kitakyushu in the fall, I definitely recommend adding Kokura Castle to your itinerary. It’s truly beautiful and super photogenic!

  • Mizuki Shigeru Road

    雨妤魚

    I seriously absolutely love this street. I kept taking pictures the whole way. I originally wasn’t planning to stay that long, but I ended up spending the entire afternoon here. It was so awesome. There are so many works here? I guess that’s how I should put it? This is where I have to talk about the iPhone for a second. The new feature lets you cut things out and turn them into stickers. It works especially well with these. Hahahaha I seriously love it. And it has so much attitude, don’t you think? There are sarcastic ones, slapping ones, funny goofy ones, and tons of stunned-looking ones. I could even use these pictures to tell stories hahaha. I’m actually not very good with punctuation. I’m not really sure how to split things into sentences and paragraphs.

  • Kyo-train GARAKU

    金己田

    Kyo-train GARAKU is probably the most affordable sightseeing train. No reservation or seat booking is needed, and you can travel between Kyoto and Osaka for the price of a regular train. Each car is themed around Kyoto’s four seasons and representative plants, with features like a dry landscape garden, tatami-style seating, and noren curtains. Every car has a different atmosphere and is overflowing with Kyoto charm, so even choosing where to sit is hard! In the end, I picked the spring-themed car. Sitting in a two-person window-facing seat, I enjoyed the scenery outside while soaking in the Kyoto travel mood on the way to Umeda.

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