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.
Ueno Park is a famous spot in Tokyo for cherry blossom viewing. When the season comes, crowds of people pour in. You can really feel how much Japanese people love cherry blossoms.
Chiba Makuhari Seaside Park
Located in the middle of Makuhari New City, the park’s theme is “surrounded by greenery and sea.” In seven areas from A to G, the facilities include a large lawn, one of the largest floral clocks in Japan, a Japanese garden, and a tea room.
The lawn is really well maintained, and the restrooms are super clean too. It's a great place to relax.
Awaji Yumebutai
Awaji Yumebutai is a facility complex designed by the world-famous architect Tadao Ando, located in the northern part of Awaji Island.
Even though it's a masterpiece by a famous architect... the Hyakudan-en kind of gives off a cemetery vibe 😓
Kegon Falls
Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but its most famous waterfall is Kegon Falls. Here the water from Lake Chuzenji spills down a 97-meter-tall cliff, showcasing a beautiful and powerful force of nature. From the observation platform, which you can reach down at the waterfall basin by elevator, you can experience the roar of the falls and the splashing water from up close.
When I visited, the whole area was covered in thick fog. It gave the place a mysterious, dreamy feel.
Akechidaira Lookout / Akechidaira Ropeway
From this lookout, view both Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls flowing down from it. On the eastern side, gaze at a row of sheer cliffs rising from the rock, and let your eyes take in the distant mountain ranges.
Looking out from the observation deck, the whole valley was covered in red autumn leaves. It was an amazing sight!
Lake Chuzenji
It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.
It's so cool and comfortable here in the summer. Really nice place to escape the heat.
Nikko Toshogu
Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Nikko Toshogu was built with a lot of time and money. Every carving has its own story and meaning. You really need to take your time to appreciate all the details.
Sunshine 60 Observatory TENBOU Park
Located on the 60th floor, this observatory feels like a park in the sky, surrounded by greenery and open space. Whether by day or night, in sunshine or rain, it offers a fun and relaxing experience at any time.
The view from the observatory is beautiful, and there are lots of facilities worth trying out.