Hakone Museum of Art
The museum was founded by the industrialist and religious leader Mokichi Okada. It was opened in 1952 within the “Shinsenkyo” garden, which he himself built between 1944 and 1953. With a view of the Hakone mountain range and the Sagami Sea, the garden harmonizes the beauty of natural landscape and artificial gardening.
This is a classic Japanese garden. You can sit in the tea house and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The museum also has a great variety of exhibits.
Ginkaku-ji
This temple was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, as a villa called "Higashiyama-den". Along with Kinkakuji Temple, this temple is a pagoda temple outside of Shokokuji Temple (i.e., a hermitage built in a different location from the main temple after his retirement). After Yoshimasa's death, the temple was named Jishoji after his Buddhist name.
As soon as you enter, you see the whole dry landscape garden—it's truly a masterpiece of art. Really impressive.
Nishiki Market
Nishiki Market is located on Nishikikoji Street, north of Shijo Street, Kyoto’s main street. The fish market thrived here, and in 1615, it received official permission from the Edo Shogunate to expand. It is called “Kyoto’s kitchen” and offers a wide range of foods such as Kyoto vegetables, fresh-water fish from Lake Biwa, Hamo (conger pike), Guji (tilefish), Sasakarei (half-dried flounder), Yuba (tofu skin), Namafu, and pickles. Most of Kyoto’s special ingredients can be found here.
Even though it's a traditional market, the place is decorated in a unique way and is super clean—no fishy smell at all.
Kamogawa (Kyoto)
Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.
Both sides of the Kamo River are lined with park areas. Kyoto summers are hot, so lots of kids come here to play in the water. The stepping stones in the riverbed are a really fun touch.
Fushimi Inari Taisha
It is the head shrine of about 30,000 Inari shrines which are traditionally familiar throughout Japan and the god is worshiped for bountiful harvests of grain, business prosperity, the safety of households, recovery from illness, and wish fulfillment. This shrine was established in 711 AD.
The first part of the torii gates is always crowded, but if you climb higher up, there are way fewer people.
Yamato Museum (Kure Maritime Museum)
A museum introducing the Yamato, the world’s largest battleship during World War II. Visitors can also learn about Kure’s history and science and technology. The 1/10-scale battleship Yamato, the symbol of the Yamato Museum, has been recreated based on original blueprints, underwater survey footage, and crew testimony. It continues to share the importance of peace and the excellence of science and technology with future generations.
Kure has a great location—the port is really hidden, which makes it perfect as a naval base.
Itsukushima Shrine
Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.
The deer on the island are super gentle and cute. There are lots of visitors both day and night.
Senkoji Temple
The Senkoji temple is located on the mountain sides of Mt. Senkojiyama and has a centuries old history since its establishment in 806.
This ancient temple sits on top of a mountain, offering a fantastic view of the Onomichi area and the Seto Inland Sea.
LEGOLAND®︎ Japan
A themepark that brings a world filled with LEGO® blocks to life. Divided into 8 different zones, you can enjoy areas like LEGO® NINJAGO® sets at LEGO® NINJAGO World, or set off on your own quest in the “Adventure” area.
A lot of the decorations inside are made from LEGO bricks. It's a great place for younger kids to have fun.
Ueno Park
Ueno Park, officially known as "Ueno Onshi Park," is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, the park spans an impressive area of 530,000 square meters and has a rich history.
It's a huge park and really easy to get to.