Nokogiri-Yama Nihonji Temple
This temple was established about 1300 years ago by a Buddhist priest, Gyoki (668-749). People call this temple from this origin “The Kanto region’s oldest Chokugansho”.
The scenery is really impressive, but there were so many people waiting to take photos at the tip that I had to wait in line for quite a while.
Sakura Furusato Square
It is a flower garden that welcomes you with its seasonal flowers, such as tulips in spring, sunflowers in summer, and cosmos in autumn. In the center of the garden, there is a symbolic windmill which actually spins with wind power.
There are tulips in April, sunflowers in July, and cosmos in October. For most of the year, the place is covered in flowers—it's a great spot for a weekend outing.
Umihotaru Parking Area
Umihotaru Parking Area is located at the midpoint of the Tokyo Bay Aqua Line, which connects central Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture’s Boso Peninsula. The parking area is built on a 650-meter-long artificial island.
This is the only rest stop in the world that's out at sea! You get a 360-degree panoramic view, plus there are restaurants, small shops, and even a shopping center—super convenient.
Hokkaido Shrine
Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most prominent shrines in Hokkaido, is located in Chuo District, Sapporo City. Its history is long, which began in 1869, when the Emperor Meiji directed to enshrine “Kaitaku Sanshin (Developing Three Deities)” here as a place of faith for pioneers.
There are so many types of omamori, and each one is beautifully crafted. I definitely recommend picking some up as souvenirs.
Maruyama Park (Kyoto)
The oldest park in Kyoto, built on land once owned by temples and shrines. It is located across the Shijo Ohashi Bridge from Kawaramachi and straight down the Gion shopping street on Shijo Dori Street. From the Shijo Ohashi Bridge, pass the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station and continue along the shopping street, and you will see Yasaka Shrine in front of you.
The most popular thing at Maruyama Park is the weeping cherry trees. During cherry blossom season, the park gets super crowded with people coming to see them.
Toyosu Market
To avoid further deterioration, the aging Tsukiji Market, known as the “kitchen” feeding Tokyo’s people, was moved to Toyosu in 2018. Along with improving safety, observational tour routes were set up, making it easy for visitors to enter the market.
The seafood here is super fresh and really tasty!
CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA
Through the museum’s many exhibits you can learn about the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Food products, and inventor of Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles.
It was a lot of fun—both inspiring and interesting.