MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)
The Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, new ferries that entered service in 2023, travel between Osaka and Beppu. Departing in the evening and arriving the following morning, they offer a relaxing experience that makes the journey itself a highlight of the trip.
Feels just like being on a mini cruise! The facilities are comfy and clean, so you can relax and watch the sea. You arrive in Beppu the next morning—such a chill way to travel!
THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA
Located in Hiroshima’s Saeki Ward, THE OUTLETS HIROSHIMA is one of the largest outlet malls in the Chugoku and Shikoku region, spanning approximately 268,000 square meters and featuring around 220 stores.
I recommend the okonomiyaki place here—the flavor is super authentic and you don't have to wait long.
Okadera Temple
This historic temple is said to have been founded by High Priest Gien in 663 at the request of Emperor Tenji. It is Japan’s first sacred site for warding off misfortune. Commonly known as Okadera Temple after the Oka area where it stands, its official name is Ryugaiji Temple.
The surroundings are peaceful, and the scenery changes beautifully with each season. It's especially stunning during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.
Sanrio Puroland
Guests can meet Sanrio characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody at this indoor theme park. Sanrio characters put on authentic performances like shows and parades that mix stories, dances, and songs together.
The whole park is decorated with incredible attention to detail. Every corner reflects Sanrio's unique charm and a strong fairy-tale vibe. It's so enchanting, you won't want to leave!
Kyoto Takashimaya S.C.
Perched on the southwest corner of the bustling Shijo Kawaramachi intersection in Kyoto, this large-scale retailer keeps a long and bold history since its infancy as the “Takashimaya” vintage clothing cotton merchant that founded in the local year of Tempo 2 (1831). The brand moved to Kawaramachi-Takatsuji as the first privately-owned, reinforced concrete commercial building during the Meiji era in 1912, and has since then moved to its current spot as a market center in 1946.
The underground area is packed with all kinds of food, including fresh sushi, Japanese sweets, baked goods, and international cuisine. It's a fantastic spot to try and buy Kyoto's specialty foods.
GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO
Located just a 2-minute walk from Keihan Gion-Shijo Station, GRANBELL HOTEL KYOTO is a designer hotel nestled in the heart of Gion. Experience the charm of Kyoto's traditional culture in this prime location. A standout feature of this centrally located hotel is its large public bath, a rarity in Kyoto's city center.
The hotel is right in the center of Kyoto, close to Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Kyoto Tower. You can walk to all of them, which makes it super convenient for travelers wanting to explore the city.
Museum Meiji Mura Village
This open-air museum first opened its doors in 1965, the artistically and historically valuable buildings, including 11 important cultural properties, mostly from the Meiji period, were relocated, preserved, and exhibited here.
It's fascinating to see how Japan embraced Western technology and culture during the Meiji Restoration to become a world power.
Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology
This museum occupies the site and buildings of an experimental factory established in 1911 by Sakichi Toyoda, founder of the Toyota Group, for the research and development of looms. It is divided into two main sections: the Textile Machinery Pavilion, which introduces the textile machinery at the roots of Toyota, and the Automobile Pavilion, which traces the evolution of automotive technology.
You get to learn how Toyota became such a world-famous, top-tier company.
Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route
This 23.1-mile mountain sightseeing route cuts through the Northern Japan Alps, home to peaks reaching around 9,800 feet. With a maximum elevation change of 6,480 feet, the route connects Tateyama Station in Toyama Prefecture and Ogizawa Station in Nagano Prefecture via six modes of transportation, including cable cars and a ropeway. Numerous scenic spots can be found along the way, offering many ways to experience the majestic natural surroundings, from casual walks to serious trekking.
I went right after the route opened for the season. The trip was pretty relaxing, but there were just too many tourists. The shuttle transportation couldn't really handle the crowds, so we spent most of the time waiting. There also weren't many seats to rest because of the limited space. For older folks, this trip can be pretty exhausting.
Grapestone “Tokyo Banana Mitsuketa (found)”
“Tokyo Banana” was created in 1991 and has become a major souvenir from Tokyo. The fluffy sponge cake has a filling of pureed banana custard cream.
It's so cute, I almost didn't want to eat it!