Sumida Heritage Museum
Sumida Ward, a key hub in the Sumida River basin since ancient times and a flourishing center of commoner culture during the Edo period, is now known for the TOKYO SKYTREE. The Sumida Heritage Museum is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting materials related to the history, traditions, and local culture of Sumida Ward.
They have displays about the Tokyo air raids and exhibits on local history and culture here.
Mount Tarumae
Located about an hour from Hokkaido’s gateway, New Chitose Airport, Mount Tarumae is an active volcano standing 1,041 meters tall. Its most distinctive feature is its pudding-shaped lava dome, and it is known as one of Japan’s rare triple-type volcanoes. Situated in southwestern Hokkaido within Shikotsu-Toya National Park-often called a “living volcano museum”-it is also a popular destination for hikers seeking a true mountain experience.
If you visit in the fall, you'll get to see even more beautiful autumn leaves everywhere you look!
Asakusa Shrine
The shrine is located next to the main hall of Senso-ji Temple, well known for its Kaminarimon-Gate. It is also called "Sanja-sama" because it enshrines three local deities who contributed to the construction of Sensoji Temple. Although the exact date is unknown, it is believed that "Sanja Gongen-sha," the origin of Asakusa Shrine, was founded in the late Heian period or early Kamakura period or later.
I always come here to join the Sanja Festival, one of Tokyo's big festivals, which is held at Asakusa Shrine.
Sendai Mediatheque
The 700m Jozenji-dori Avenue lined with zelkova trees is the symbol road of the forested city, Sendai, where a glass-covered building stands out. This is a multi-cultural complex which houses Sendai City Library, an event space, galleries, studios and a cafe from B2 to 7F.
I love coming here for their coffee—it's really something special.
Nakano Central Park
"Nakano Central Park" consists of two buildings housing offices and restaurants, as well as a lush green plaza. By utilizing the plaza together with nearby universities and parks, this new Nakano landmark will serve as a "place of cultural creation" where local residents, students, and office workers can gather and deepen exchanges.
Nakano Central Park hosts all kinds of lively events, like farmers' markets and flea markets.
Asahikawa Design Center
Asahikawa City is one of Japan's leading wooden furniture production areas. The "Asahikawa Design Center" displays and sells Asahikawa furniture and woodworking crafts from about 30 manufacturers belonging to the Asahikawa Furniture Industry Cooperative.
Asahikawa furniture really stands out for its beautiful design and the advanced skills of its craftsmen. It's recognized and appreciated all over the world!
Roadside Station Asahikawa (Michi-no-Eki Asahikawa)
Located alongside National Route 237, which runs from Asahikawa through Furano and on to the Hidaka region, this station serves as a hub for Asahikawa's industry, gourmet food, and tourism. It's just a 15-minute walk from JR Asahikawa Station, ensuring easy access from the heart of Asahikawa.
They sell goods from Asahiyama Zoo here, plus the Asahikawa mascot Asapi and some famous snacks! Worth checking out if you're in the area.
Japan Mint Bureau Ministry of Finance (Mint Museum)
The Mint Museum converted a building originally built as a thermal power plant in 1911 (Meiji 44). The brick exterior was maintained throughout the transformation to this date. In 1969, the museum opened to the public to display valuable coins and other items stored by the Mint. Later, with the motto of "a people-friendly, environmentally friendly, and attractive museum," the museum introduced the latest techniques to its exhibits and facilities to make it more accessible. As a result, the museum underwent a major renovation and reopened in April 2009.
I love bringing my whole family here to see the cherry blossoms 🌸. Every time we come, I feel so happy ❤️. Japan 🇯🇵 really puts so much care into everything they do.
Echizen Ono Castle Town
As if it’s covered, and floating atop the cloud, the Echizen Ono Castle was dubbed the “Sky Castle”. The castle town, was created 400 years ago, when Nobunaga Oda’s subordinate, the warlord Nagachika Kanamori entered Ono and pioneered a community. Going west from the eastern Teramachi Street (Shrine street), there are 5 different streets. Due to its unique aesthetic and townscape, it is dubbed the “Little Kyoto of the North”.
After visiting, I found this charming little city in Hokuriku not only has a majestic ancient castle, but also traditional castle town streets full of Japanese vibes. Some of the local markets are really worth checking out too! 👍
Shitennoji Temple
Prince Shotoku, the father of Japan’s Buddhism, had this first Japanese Buddhism temple built in 593. In the 8th century, the respect for him has changed into a religion, which is still active to this day. Since the temple was built by Prince Shotoku, it was reestablished as Washu (Japanese religion) in 1949.
There’s a stone torii gate right in front of Shitennoji’s entrance, which is a pretty historic landmark. Torii gates ⛩ are usually placed in front of Japanese shrines or temples, and the whole hillside is filled with them. Many were donated by people who made wishes and wanted to give back ❤️. It’s also a popular photo spot.