Alex Wu's Reviews Page 4/8

Akigawa Valley

The Akigawa Valley, spanning approximately 20 km from Akiruno City to Hinohara Village in Tokyo, is a vast expanse of nature that seems unbelievable just an hour away from Tokyo's bustling center. Loved by locals as a handy spot for experiencing nature, the valley offers breathtaking views of rural landscapes in every season, from fresh greenery to autumn leaves. It's also a popular spot for outdoor activities like barbecuing and camping.

• Okutama, Ome
• Nature Spots

Jodogahama Beach

"Jodogahama" is a rock inlet facing the Sanriku coast, a representative scenic spot of Japan. Around 1680, the name is said to have originated when Reikyo, a Buddhist monk, upon seeing its white rock beach, beautifully clear sea, and otherworldly complex terrain, exclaimed that it was reminiscent of the "Pure Land Paradise".

• Iwate
• Nature Spots

Mitakesan

As a sacred mountain for mountain worship, it developed around "Kinpusan Mitake Zao Gongen", the predecessor of "Musashi-Mitake Shrine". Okuno-in and Mt. Otake, located behind Mt. Mitake, are said to have been training grounds where mountain priests and ascetics ran around on steep rocky terrain and ridges. The culture of Oshi (prayer masters), which has continued since the Edo period (1603-1868), still remains, and the mountain is popular for its unique atmosphere.

• Okutama, Ome
• Nature Spots

Hasunuma Water Garden

The site area is about 1.5 times the size of Tokyo Dome! It is one of the largest water parks in Chiba Prefecture, and opens from early July to late September.

• Chiba
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Kanahebisui-jinja Shrine

Kanahebisui-jinja Shrine is a shrine that venerates the "snake" and "water". Since ancient times, it's believed to bring prosperity in business and enhance financial fortunes. This has garnered the faith of entrepreneurs and business owners alike. Often referred to as the "strongest power spot in Tohoku", it has been featured in TV shows and magazines. Every day, countless people from all over Japan come to visit.

• Miyagi
• Shrines & Temples

SIGHTS KYOTO

A complex tourist facility opened in April 2022 in Miyagawa-cho, one of Kyoto Gokagai. The over 100-year-old Kyomachiya was once an Ochaya. They have now built a coworking space, cafe & bar, product sales space, and a tourist information center are placed together.

• Gion, Higashiyama, Yamashina
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

Printing Museum, Tokyo

The “Printing Museum” was established in 2000 by Toppan Printing Company, Japan’s largest printing company to commemorate their 100 year anniversary. Throughout various exhibits and experiences, visitors will be able to learn intimately about printing culture.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Museums

Gokokuji Temple

Gokokuji, affiliated with the Shingon Buddhism Toyoyama School was built as a praying temple in 1681 from the wishes of Keishoin, mother of Tsunayoshi Tokugawa, the 5th shogun of the Edo Bakufu government. It is the 13th grounds of the Edo 33 Kannon Sacred Sites.

• Ikebukuro
• Shrines & Temples

Toyo Bunko Museum

A treasure trove for enthusiasts of Oriental studies, the Toyo Bunko Museum was established in 2011 by the nonprofit Toyo Bunko organization to foster a deeper interest in Oriental studies. This public-access research library showcases around one million books and valuable documents.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Museums

Shika no Fune

This complex is produced by “Kurumi no Ki”, a popular cafe in Nara. Located in the south of “Naramachi” as the entrance of the town, this complex is composed of “Mayu”, a tourist center, “Kamado”, a restaurant, and “Saezuri”, a cafe.

• Nara
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers