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Aiduya LaLaport EXPOCITY

Founded in 1933, this renowned takoyaki shop has been in business for over 90 years. The founder originally sold rajio-yaki made with beef tendon and konjac, but is said to have created takoyaki by adding octopus after taking inspiration from Akashiyaki in Hyogo Prefecture. The shop is also famous as the birthplace of takoyaki. Its batter is seasoned with Japanese-style dashi, so the takoyaki is traditionally eaten without sauce, mayonnaise, or aonori seaweed.

• Hokusetsu
• Light Meals

Shirakidani Plum Grove

A famous plum blossom spot spread across the mountains of Yahatanishi Ward, Kitakyushu City. Along the forest road running parallel to the Kusaki River, Approx. 500 plum trees have been planted, including red and white varieties such as Shirakaga and Satsuma Kobai. Buds begin to appear in January, and the trees usually bloom all at once from late February to late March. Surrounded by soft colors and a rich fragrance, time spent here feels deeply relaxing.

• Yahata, Wakamatsu, Tobata
• Tourist Attractions

Kagawa Family Nagayamon Gate

The front gate of the former Kagawa family residence, whose members served for generations as chief retainers of the Iwakuni Domain during the Edo period. Believed to have been built in the Genroku era in the late 17th century, it still retains much of its original appearance. Counted among the oldest buildings in Iwakuni, it was designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Yamaguchi Prefecture in 1966. Measuring 23.29 m wide and 4.85 m deep, it features an irimoya (hip-and-gable) roof with traditional hon-kawara tiles.

• Yamaguchi
• Museums

Tokyo Koenji Awa-Odori

It began as “Koen-ji Temple’s Baka Odori (Stupid Dance).” in 1957. Today, more than 1 million visitors come to see Tokyo Koenji Awa Odori. This is the summer staple for local people and the 2nd largest event after Tokushima of all the Awa Odori hosted in Japan.

• Nakano, Koenji, Ogikubo, Nerima
• Summer festivals & Events

Shinjuku Golden Gai

A traditional, retro nightlife district in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho area, where around 300 bars occupy wooden row houses lining narrow alleys. It is known as a place where visitors can experience Japanese culture up close.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Shopping Streets

Nogeyama Zoo

Nogeyama Park is located up on a hill that looks out over Yokohama city, and it is also the home of Nogeyama Zoo. Opened in 1951, the zoo is home to around 1,800 animals across around 80 types, including giraffes, lions, and lesser pandas (also known as red pandas).

• Yokohama
• Zoos & Aquariums

Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden

The Mt. Takao Monkey Park and Wildflower Garden is located in the midst of nature on the middle slopes of Mount Takao. The monkey park houses about 90 monkeys that form an orderly society, headed by the boss monkey. You can observe their lively lifestyles up close, including mutual grooming and huddling together for warmth on cold days. The commentary provided by the keepers is also popular. The adorable baby monkeys born from early April to early August each year are also a must-see.

• Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
• Zoos & Aquariums

Tokyo Takarazuka Theater

The Takarazuka Revue was established in 1934 as the base theater in Tokyo for the Takarazuka Revue, based in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. The theater was rebuilt in 1998, and the curtains were reopened on January 1, 2001, at the dawn of the 21st century. From the entrance, the gorgeous red carpet and shining chandeliers are a fitting entrance to the world of dreams, creating a space full of a sense of the extraordinary.

• Ginza, Yurakucho
• Museums

HANA・BIYORI

HANA・BIYORI is the new-concept flower park and destination next to Yomiuriland amusement park, replete with serene spaces to consider a greener earth and our place on earth hugged by seasonal flowers and plants. Popular highlights to see include the HANA・BIYORI Pavilion, where you can marvel at Japan’s largest collection of over 300 hanging flower chandeliers and colorful floral walls, the vibrant Seasonal Flower Path, and the PIET OUDOLF GARDEN TOKYO, designed by a world-renowned garden designer.

• Fuchu, Chofu, Tama
• Zoos & Aquariums

The Hakone Open-air Museum

Japan’s first open-air museum, founded in 1969, aimed at harmony between nature and art. It has about 120 sculptures spread across a cast landscape of 70,000 m², including classic work by Rodin, Moore, Miro and other world masters of modern and contemporary art.

• Hakone
• Museums