MUJI Ginza
The world flagship store is located along Namiki-dori Avenue in Ginza, an upscale shopping area in Tokyo. Here, visitors can experience MUJI's concept of proposing "sensible living" in all aspects of clothing, food, and housing from various angles.
This MUJI in Ginza is totally flagship-level. The selection is insanely complete, and there’s even a restaurant upstairs. You can shop and grab a bite at the same time—love it.
Izumi Park Town Tapio
A lifestyle-oriented shopping complex featuring around 80 diverse stores and restaurants, spanning fashion, culture, and gourmet offerings. Located in Izumi Park Town, a new residential area in Sendai’s Izumi Ward, the mall attracts visitors who also enjoy the adjacent Sendai Izumi Premium Outlets for shopping and dining.
Feels like it’s mainly for families and people who live nearby.
The pace is much slower compared to the department stores in the city center.
Okazaki Castle
A castle where Tokugawa Ieyasu (1542-1616), who founded the Edo shogunate, was born. In 2006, it was selected as one of the “Top 100 Castles in Japan.” With many legends tied to dragons, it is also known as “Tatsugajo (Dragon Castle).” One legend says that when Takechiyo (later Ieyasu) was born, dark clouds swirled above the castle and a golden dragon appeared.
The exhibits inside are pretty seriously done—not the kind of place you just breeze through. If you’re a history nerd, you can easily spend longer here than you’d expect.
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store
Don Quijote Shinjuku Kabukicho Store is the discount shop drawing shoppers from near and wide for its whopping selection and unbeatable prices. Sat at the entrance of Kabukicho, Japan’s largest entertainment district, the store is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year so you can easily pop in for shopping whether on your way during the day or night.
Packed with international tourists.
You keep hearing people speaking Chinese everywhere.
Hokkaido University
Hokkaido University has a huge campus and an unconstrained space. A location of the ground is accessible on foot from the Sapporo station. The campus is open to the public for tours and walking as well as students or staff do.
The illuminated scenery at night in autumn is absolutely stunning.
Hakone Ropeway
From Sounzan to Togendai Station, a ropeway runs about 4km. You can ride in a gondola and look over the lush nature of Hakone mountains, Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Enjoy a skywalk for about 24 minutes.
The weather changed so quickly! It was perfectly clear when we were on the pirate ship, but by the time we took the ropeway, it was all foggy and the view was pretty bad.
Lake Ashinoko
The lake is said to have been created about 3100 years ago when a phreatic explosion caused by volcanic activity caused the sediment from a large collapsed mountain to dam the river. In fact, most of the water is rainwater rather than spring water, which is the source of the river. It is a huge puddle of water.
The lake is a beautiful blue and crystal clear, surrounded by lush greenery. It's a great spot for a relaxing summer getaway.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
We bought the express VIP pass and got to enjoy several rides as soon as we entered the park. Harry Potter, Flying Dinosaur, Jurassic Park—we barely had to wait at all. Totally worth it for saving time!
Minoo Falls
The name "Minoo Ohtaki" (Minoo Falls) comes from the resemblance of the cascading waterfall to the farming tool "Mi". The waterfall has been selected as “One of the 100 best waterfalls in Japan”, and the beautiful scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year. In 1986, Minoo Park, where Minoo Falls is located, was selected as “One of the 100 best Forests for Forest Relaxation Therapy”.
It's about a 4 to 5 kilometer round trip, but the walk is easy and really pleasant.
Hida Takayama Old Townscape
Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.
The old town has traditional shops and little stores selling all kinds of goods—these are exactly the kinds of places I love exploring.