みのさん's page

Mount Yotei

I got to see Mt. Yotei! There's also the Niseko Distillery nearby, and you can tour it if you make a reservation.

The Kyu-Shibuyagawa Yuho-Doro (Cat Street)

This little street connects Shibuya and Omotesando, lined with fashion brand shops. There are also galleries, so it's a nice place for a walk. About 200 meters from Omotesando, there's a matcha café that's super popular with tourists because you can grab a quick matcha there.

Pelack T Tablets

A lifesaver for sore throats. My throat is sensitive, so I always keep this on hand. You can usually find it at most big drugstores.

Eiheiji Temple

The monks keep the temple and its grounds spotless, and the path leading up to the temple is very clean. The ceiling paintings are all different, featuring flowers and animals, and are definitely worth seeing. You take off your shoes at the entrance, put them in a plastic bag, and carry them with you. There's a direct bus from Fukui Station. Near the bus stop, you can try soft-serve ice cream with sesame tofu flavor.

Tojinbo Mikuni Hot Spring

I couldn't stay overnight in Mikuni during my trip, but I used a day-use hot spring near Mikuni Port Station. The lounge on the second floor has a nice ocean view, which feels great. I also enjoyed the local Fukui dish, oroshi soba, served inside the facility—it was delicious.

Tojinbo Cliffs

This scenic spot is famous as a filming location for suspense dramas. The sight of the rough waves of the Sea of Japan crashing against the sheer cliffs is really impressive. It's dangerous if you're not wearing comfortable sneakers or similar shoes. I recommend avoiding heels or sandals. Safety first!

Senjojiki Cirque

I visited during the fall foliage season.
You can take a bus from Komagane Station to Shirabidaira Station, then ride the Komagane Ropeway up. The scenery is beautiful, and it feels great to walk around while enjoying the alpine plants. Depending on the season, it can be colder here than near the station because of the high elevation, so I recommend bringing a jacket you can layer.

Matsumoto City Museum of Art

This museum always has Yayoi Kusama's works on display. You can even take photos with the famous yellow pumpkin! It's within walking distance from Matsumoto Station, but there's also a bus. There's even a red polka-dot wrapped bus, which is pretty cool.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

You can get here from Susukino or Odori subway stations through an underground passage, so you won't get wet even if it rains.

It's a long shopping street with Don Quijote, 100 yen shops, souvenir stores—super convenient for picking up gifts. There are also ramen shops, izakayas, cafes, and all kinds of places to eat.

There are plenty of affordable hotels along the street, which is really handy.

The first photo is the famous Nikka Whisky sign, a landmark of Susukino. The second is grilled hokke (a must-order at izakayas). Photos 3–5 are of Lamp Light Books Hotel Sapporo in Tanukikoji 7-chome. The first floor is a 24-hour cafe where you can enjoy coffee and books. If you're using the cafe, you can read any book for free. There are also seats with power outlets, so charging your devices is easy and convenient.

Mt. Omuro

This mountain is a symbol of Ito, with its smooth, treeless silhouette that's pretty unique.
The view from the top is beautiful. Dogs can ride the lift too, so it's a nice spot to visit if you're traveling with your pet.
The summit is shaped like a mortar, and you can even try archery there. Every year they do a controlled burn, and if you time it right, you can see Mt. Omuro surrounded by flames.

Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter

Every corner of this beautiful town looks like a picture. There are lots of cute shops, so just walking around is fun. The second photo is of a shop that sells sake, so there’s a sugidama hanging at the entrance. I tried the peach parfait at Kurashiki Momoko, which is famous for its seasonal fruit parfaits. It had a whole peach on top! The type of peach changes with the season. The parfait was big enough to share between two people. It gets crowded, but if you love fruit, I definitely recommend it.

Sessho-seki (Killing Stone)

This is a scenic spot where the stone said to seal the Nine-Tailed Fox is enshrined. There are various stories and legends about its origins, but actually visiting made me feel it’s a truly sacred place. I also recommend Shika-no-Yu, a hidden hot spring with sulfur nearby.

Matsumoto Castle

This is a national treasure castle with a wooden main keep.
It's beautifully lit up at night, and looks stunning both day and night. You have to take off your shoes to enter, since wearing shoes inside is not allowed. In winter, your feet can get really cold, so I recommend borrowing slippers from your hotel before you go.

Tottori Sand Dunes

This is a must-see spot when visiting Tottori.
The beautiful patterns in the sand created by the wind, and the contrast between the sky and the dunes, are definitely highlights. It's perfect for social media! The dunes are huge and there aren't any shops around, so be sure to bring a water bottle and stay hydrated while you explore. I've heard it's beautiful in the snowy season too, so I'd love to visit in winter. The last photo is from a small restaurant called Yukichiya near Tottori Station. The set menu came with fresh sashimi and beautifully arranged side dishes—it was delicious.

Abashiri Prison Museum

This is a history museum where you can learn about the history of Hokkaido's development and what communal life was like back then. The exhibits are clean and easy to understand, and the garden is beautiful too. They had pamphlets in English and Chinese. The grounds are pretty big, so if you want to take your time, make sure you have plenty of time to visit.

Toraya Akasaka Branch

The building itself is impressive, and the exhibits are fantastic too. In the basement gallery, you can see displays of wagashi designs and other materials. If you time it right, you can even view some rare documents for free.

Western-style Bar "Prince"

This is a real hidden gem in Hachinohe, even among Japanese locals. The ceiling is covered with business cards from past visitors. The owner doesn't drink at all, but still makes beautiful and delicious cocktails. Part of the sales from the blue cocktail in the photo goes to support ocean conservation.
You can also buy logo merchandise online.

SHIBUYA SKY

The rooftop is fantastic, but if you want to relax, I recommend sitting on the sofas and enjoying the view. Both the sunny daytime and the night scenery have their own unique charm.

Itsukushima Shrine

I finally got to visit Miyajima, a place I've always wanted to see at least once in my life. The great torii gate floating on the sea, and seeing it up close when the tide was out, were both beautiful.
If you're staying on the island without meals included, be aware that shops close early.

Moerenuma Park

This is my favorite park. I go to Sapporo at least once a year just to visit here. Early summer and early autumn, when the grass is lush and green, are the best times—so refreshing! The park is huge, so renting a bike is a good idea. The playground equipment designed by Isamu Noguchi and the dynamic fountain show are also highlights.
*The photos of bikes on Moere Mountain and the Glass Pyramid were taken during an art festival.

Okada Museum of Art

This museum lets you enjoy Asian art in a beautiful setting. There are so many exhibits, so it's really worth taking your time here. If you want to see everything, make sure to set aside plenty of time. The garden is also lovely.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

A peaceful spot right in the heart of the city. There are lots of tall trees, and it feels more solemn than the open vibe of Yoyogi Park. I recommend the grassy area on the way from Sangubashi toward Yoyogi Station—it's a great place to relax.

Usagiya

When you think of Yushima, you think of Usagiya's dorayaki! The moist cake and the sweet bean paste are both absolutely delicious.
Everyone loves them, so they're perfect as a gift or a treat to share.