Kurayami Matsuri (Darkness Festival)
This is an annual festival of Okunitama-jinja Shrine in Fuchu City, Tokyo. The festival has a history of more than 1,000 years, originating from the "Kokufu-sai / Konomachi " of Musashi Province, and is designated as an Intangible Folk Cultural Asset by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Festivals like this are pretty rare in Tokyo. It’s got a long history and really keeps the traditions alive.
Akagi Shrine
This Akagi Shrine is said to have been established in 1300, as a spiritual branch of the Akagi Shrine situated at the foothills of Mount Akagi in Gunma prefecture.
This is a perfect blend of a traditional shrine and modern architecture. There's no sense of conflict at all—it's really impressive how the architect pulled it off.
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, located in Shinjuku, is Tokyo’s centralized administration complex, comprised of three buildings: the First Main Office Building, the Second Main Office Building, and the Metropolitan Assembly Building. The First Main Office Building is home to a 45th floor Observation Deck, which is accessible by dedicated elevator on the 1st floor. In just 55 seconds the dedicated elevator will whisk you into the skies, to a height of 202 meters above ground and the sprawling view of Tokyo below.
There's a baggage check at the entrance on the first floor, but I was lucky—there was no line at all. Then you can take the elevator up to the 45th-floor observation deck. The view of Tokyo is amazing, and it's free!
YouMe Town Hiroshima
YouMe Town Hiroshima opened in Minami ward, Hiroshima City in 2008. Their three floors contain about 170 different shops, featuring popular fashion items, daily goods, knick-knacks, groceries etc. You can find anything essential for your daily life here.
The food court is pretty good, with lots of options to choose from.