Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine
Mentioned in the Kojiki (712), Japan's oldest historical record, Izumo Taisha is one of the country's most important ancient shrines, alongside Ise Jingu. Its principal deity is Okuninushi-no-Okami, famous as the god of matchmaking and relationships.
Came here to pray for good relationships. There are so many cute rabbit statues!
Yunomine Onsen
It is located along the Nakahechi Route (Akagi-goe and Dainichi-goe ridges) on Kumano Kodo Path, nationally known as Japan’s oldest hot spring. It was opened 1800 years ago. Emperors Shirakawa, Toba, Goshirakawa and Gotoba stopped here on the way to Kumano, which made this hot spring widely known.
The sulfur smell here is pretty strong, so it’s different from most Japanese hot springs I’ve been to.
Shimanami Kurushima Strait Sightseeing Boat
The Shimanami Kaido connects Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture on Honshu with Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture on Shikoku. Oshima is the southernmost island along this route, which crosses several islands in the Seto Inland Sea. The Kurushima Strait between Oshima and Shikoku is known for having one of Japan’s three fastest tidal currents. Its whirlpools, created by the swift currents and complex underwater terrain, are a famous feature of the strait. Board the Shimanami Kurushima Strait Sightseeing Boat for an up-close view of these powerful currents!
The fast currents and impressive whirlpools, plus the sight of the sea water constantly surging—this is a really unique spot.
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.
Their peanut butter is super fragrant and rich—really delicious!
Shibamata Haikara Yokocho and Toy Museum
Get off at Keisei Shibamata Station and face the main walk leading to Taishakuten temple to find a building with an extra special flair. This former “dagashi” or retro sweets shop in Katsushika-ku was turned into Shibamata Haikara Yokocho & Toy Museum in 2004, by its owner who specializes in children’s candy and toys.
With time, a lot of childhood memories have faded away, but I was amazed at how well everything—people, places, and things—has been preserved in this old street. It's all still so beautiful.
