Togoshi Ginza Shopping Street & TOGOSHIGINZA Information Center
Stretching approximately 1.3km east to west from Tokyu Ikegami Line's Togoshi Ginza Station, this shopping district boasts around 400 establishments ranging from fresh produce stores to cafes, bakeries, and bathhouses.
It's worth spending a bit more time here. Some of the old shops sell things you hardly see anymore.
Oi Racecourse – Tokyo City Keiba (TCK)
Also known as Tokyo City Keiba (TCK), Oi Racecourse has recently become a popular amusement spot that hosts a variety of events.
This place totally changed my impression—it's great for families to visit together. I think the Taiwanese government should consider bringing in horse racing entertainment facilities like this.
Kinkaku-ji
During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.
You can only walk around the lake and take photos from a distance. It's a bit disappointing that you can't go inside to visit.
Kumano-Nachi Taisha
In 662 BC, Kamuyamato-iware-hikonomikoto (became Emperor Jinmu) dedicated Nachi Waterfall as a god in this shrine. It is the head shrine of Kumano Shrines all over in Japan, known as one of the three major Kumano Shrines. It has another name, “Musubi no Miya” which means the shrine to bring a marriage and wishes to come true.
Beautiful forest and waterfall scenery, and it's also a World Heritage site.
Matsumoto Castle
Matsumoto Castle was built between the years 1593 and 1594. It is one of the oldest of the still-standing “gojuu-rokkai” (five roofs, six stories) structures in Japan, and it has been registered as a national treasure.
The castle looks beautiful both during the day and at night. The stairs inside the main keep are pretty tough to climb, but the staff are there to help you out.
Hakone Shrine
Hakone Shrine sits just steps from Lake Ashi, a spot dotted with coveted Hakone destinations like Owakudani and Togen-dai. The shrine heralds the Hakone Ookami god, and remains one of the most renowned shrines in Kanto.
The Peace Torii standing on Lake Ashi is the shrine's most iconic feature.
Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.
I hope I can visit again next spring after the pandemic is over.
Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
There are light displays at night in winter. You get a better view of them when riding the cable car. The area is pretty open, so make sure to wear a few extra layers.
Todaiji Temple
In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.
This is Japan's most famous and largest Buddhist temple. It's a must-see spot when visiting Nara, and the Nara deer in the park are also a big highlight.
Japanese Oni Exchange Museum
This is one of the world's few demon-themed museums. The museum is located at the foot of the Oe Mountain range, where many legends of Onis remain, including those of Shuten-doji. The giant onigawara (Japanese gargoyle) in front of the museum is the largest in Japan, standing 5 meters tall and weighing 10 tons, and has become the symbol of the museum.
There are lots of weird and unusual demon exhibits here. It's probably best not to bring young kids.