Kawasaki Azalea
From its East Exit, a huge shopping mall extends beneath Kawasaki Station, connecting the area to places like the City Hall and La Cittadella shopping complex. A variety of shops surround the Sunlight Square and Humming Garden, located in the center of this building.
I hadn't been here in years, and I noticed a lot has changed.
Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street
Osaka's representative shopping arcade. It is said to be "the longest shopping arcade in Japan" with a total length of about 2.6 km from Tenjinbashi 1-chome to 7-chome. It takes about 40 minutes to walk from one end of the arcade to the other. The arcade began to flourish when it became the main approach to Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which is located in 2-chome and is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning.
This is a spot both tourists and locals love to visit. It's super fun to walk around and shop here.
Beppu Onsen
Beppu onsen is the collective name for all of the hot springs across Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 different springs that produce about 130,000 kiloliters of spring water every day, its ranked among the highest of hot springs in Japan. Beppu Onsen is divided into 8 areas and is also called Beppu Hatto or Bappu Onsenkyo. The many different springs offer different water properties and colors, so you won’t want to miss the chance to visit as many different hot springs as possible.
The hot springs here are really unique. Each pool has a different color, which makes it extra special.
Sakurajima
Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.
You can get here easily by taking the ferry from Kagoshima. Super convenient.
Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)
Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.
Shirakawa-go covered in snow during winter is just beautiful. The houses are so cute, they look like gingerbread houses.
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.
Every ride is super exciting and so much fun! You never get bored here!