Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594. It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
Spring is hands down the best season to visit Matsumoto Castle. You get the snowy Japanese Alps in the distance and cherry blossoms everywhere nearby. How could this view not be stunning?
Odakyu Hotel Century Southern Tower
This convenient high-rise hotel is located close to the station, just a 3-minute walk from the south exit of Shinjuku Station.
The facilities and service are pretty good, but the super convenient location is definitely the biggest plus!
Sekai no Yamachan Main Store
The specialty of this restaurant is the "Maboroshi no Tebasaki", which would make you absolutely addicted for its spiciness and flavor of the "Maboroshi no Kosho（Phantom pepper）" and "Hiden no Tare(Secret sauce)".
Maybe I had my hopes up too high, so I wasn't blown away, but it was still pretty tasty!
Hakodate Yunokawa Hot Spring
Yunokawa Hot Spring, visited by 1.35 million people annually, is one of Hokkaido's three major hot spring resorts. It's believed to have originated in 1653 when the 9th lord of the Matsumae Domain, Takahiro, recovered from a serious illness through its healing waters. During the Battle of Hakodate, it's also said that the former Shogunate army leader, Takeaki Enomoto, took to these waters for recuperation, attracting many for its reputed benefits.
Yunokawa Onsen is just about a 5-minute drive from Hakodate Airport, and there are buses that go straight there too. Getting here is really easy!
Aoyama Tajimaya
A historic shop that has been selling Mamegashi (nut and bean confectionery), since its establishment in Meiji 27 (1894). The shop has a wide variety of peanut and soybean products available with a range of seasoning, such as salt, ume (plum) and matcha.
This place is famous for its peanut butter, and the packaging is beautiful too. I just had to buy a jar to try it out!
Kinkaku-ji
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
The beauty of Kinkaku-ji is so elegant and captivating. It sits quietly by the lake, blending perfectly with the garden and the forest behind. It's just mesmerizing!
Ozeki Supermarket Asakusa Kaminarimon Store
Nothing but local roots at this supermarket popping up across Tokyo.The Asakusa Kaminarimon branch is located just about 100 meters from the iconic Asakusa Temple Kaminarimon Gate. Check the storefront and just inside for wall-to-wall daily necessities like seasonal vegetables, fruits, fresh groceries and snacks, to seasonings, alcohol, daily necessities, and more! You can always expect an easy energy and bustling vibe from here during open hours.
Whenever I see an OZEKI supermarket, I always go in to buy fruit and some snacks to take back to the hotel!
Tokyo Trick Art Museum
Trick Art is the original interactive art that was created in Japan. It uses visual illusions to create amazing experiences, allowing you to "enter" the Trick Art work by taking photos of it. The Tokyo Trick Art Museum features Japanese scenes from the Edo Period (1603-1868) as well as a variety of other trick art masterpieces to enjoy!
I didn’t like to take the photos everytime. But when I saw my friends
being photographed with the amazing works ,I could not but say
“wow, the visual effects are super fun! I wanna in”
EDO WONDERLAND
Nikko Edomura is a theme park where guests can experience what it was like in the Edo period (1603-1868) in the present day. The vast grounds are made to look like an authentic townscape, with features like olden highways, inns, shopping streets, ninja villages, and samurai residences. In the dress-up area, guests can change clothes and transform themselves into Edo residents like ninjas, samurai, and feudal lords. Furthermore, there are so many hands-on experiences available to enjoy!
It was a very interesting experience to be able to dress up as a Japanese
historical figure and sample a lot of traditional food. We indulged with
the exotic stuffs and fascinated with the culture. We really love it.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
You could see the landscape 360 degrees, the lights were dim, and the whole atmosphere was so good. My boyfriend and I enjoyed the experience of viewing from a height but I would like it more, if there's fewer people.