Imakoyasan
Established in the early Heian period in 822 by Kobo Daishi Kukai, Imakoyasan is a sacred site for Shingon Esoteric Buddhism, with a history spanning over 1,200 years. Centered around Ryugeji Temple, which was deemed a special main temple of Kishu Koyasan, as well as Kongoji Temple and Niu Shrine, the site has prospered with 7 temples and 12 affiliated institutions as a base for political temples.
The area around Koyasan is really vast. It's truly a sacred space.
Yoyogi Pony Park in Shibuya Ward
Located not far from the Meiji Jingu Shrine is the "Shibuya Ward Yoyogi Pony Park", a unique spot in the heart of the city where visitors can interact with ponies.
Besides the wide lawns and ponds, the park also shows off different beautiful views depending on the season!
Yamaga Onsen
Yamaga Onsen is considered one of the oldest hot spring resorts in Kumamoto. It is said to have been discovered when Unochikaharuko, defeated in the Hogen Rebellion, observed injured deer healing their wounds in the hot spring waters. Yamaga Onsen is dotted with 23 public bathhouses and accommodation facilities. The water, known for being gentle on the skin, is believed to be effective for neuralgia, muscle pain, and joint pain.
I visited the Yamaga Lantern Folk Crafts Museum—really enjoyed it! Had an amazing bowl of soba for lunch, too. Such a perfect day! 😍
Lake Mashu
Situated in the eastern part of Hokkaido, u is a caldera lake located within the "Akan-Mashu National Park". Encompassing an area of about 19.6 km² with a circumference of roughly 20 km, the environs of the vast lake have been designated as a special protection area. Due to the steep cliffs surrounding it, direct access to the lake is restricted. However, several observation decks set up around the lake offer panoramic views of its serene surface.
Lake Mashu is surrounded by steep cliffs, so you can't get close to the water. But you can still enjoy the stunning views from the nearby observation decks.
Tokyo Gate Bridge
Tokyo Gate Bridge is a truss bridge that stands out with its distinctive form, spanning across Tokyo Bay. Located between Koto Ward's Wakasu and Koto Ward's Umi no Mori in the Central Breakwater, it boasts a total length of 2,618 meters and a height of about 88 meters. The bridge was inaugurated in 2012 and is toll-free for vehicles.
This bridge is perfect for taking photos and checking in!
Tsukemen TETSU Mitaka Branch
Tsukemen boom was started by Tsukemen TETSU’s head restaurant in Sendagi. This branch is on the ground floor of Mitaka Station building, busy around lunch time with a waiting line.
At TETSU, you can customize your tsukemen to match your own taste. Everyone can enjoy it their own way!
Nippara Limestone Cave
This limestone cave is located in Okutama-cho in western Tokyo. The cave has a total length of 1270 meters, with a height variance of 134 meters. It is One of the largest limestone cave in the Kanto region, and it has been designated as a natural monument by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Once flourishing as a spot for mountain worship, Nippara Limestone Cave is now a popular tourist spot.
The colorful lights shining on the stalactites look really nice. Just be careful—the ground can get pretty wet in there.
Ginkaku-ji
This temple was built by Ashikaga Yoshimasa, the eighth shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, as a villa called "Higashiyama-den". Along with Kinkakuji Temple, this temple is a pagoda temple outside of Shokokuji Temple (i.e., a hermitage built in a different location from the main temple after his retirement). After Yoshimasa's death, the temple was named Jishoji after his Buddhist name.
The garden design is so creative, blending perfectly with the dry landscape style. Every angle and season shows off a different kind of beauty.