Jason Chan's Reviews

Toki no Kane (Time Bell Tower)

Although only about an hour from central Tokyo, Kawagoe offers charming historic streetscapes. One of the city’s best-known attractions is Toki no Kane, a prominent landmark rising above a street lined with traditional kurazukuri storehouses. The three-story wooden tower stands approximately 52 feet tall. Its bell rings four times a day-at 6:00 a.m., noon, 3:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m.-to mark the time.

Saitama
Tourist Attractions

16 Feb 2026 See More

The whole street has a real Edo-period vibe. Super photogenic and full of character.
The shopping street feels pretty local too—not just touristy stuff.

Tenryu-ji Temple

This is the head temple of the Tenryuji sect of the RInzai school. It was founded by Ashikaga Takauji in 1339, during the early Muromachi period, in memory of Emperor Go-daigo, with Muso Kokushi (the eminent Zen master Muso Soseki) appointed as founding abbot.

Arashiyama, Sagano, Nishiyama
Shrines & Temples

16 Feb 2026 See More

The garden is insanely beautiful—there’s something to see in every season. The fall colors must be unreal.
Sitting on the tatami and looking out at the garden feels so calming. I could zone out there forever.

Nakatanido

The lively shout of "Haiyo!" kicks off the action, followed by the rhythmic "pachi, pachi!" of pounding mochi echoing through the air. As the pace intensifies dramatically, the crowd erupts into cheers. Famous for its lightning-fast mochi pounding performances, Nakatanido is not just putting on a show-it's showcasing a traditional technique from the owner's hometown of Kamikitayama Village in Nara Prefecture, which produces exceptionally soft and chewy mochi.

Nara
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

16 Feb 2026 See More

The mochi is super chewy and soft. The red bean filling isn’t overly sweet, so it tastes really well balanced.

Tsurugajo Castle

The castle is a cherry blossom viewing spot and the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City. Its official name is Wakamatsu Castle, and it is also sometimes called Aizu Castle or Aizu Wakamatsu Castle. The castle tower, the only one in Japan covered with red tiles, preserves the beautiful appearance of the castle in the feudal era.

Fukushima
Tourist Attractions

27 Jan 2026 See More

The castle is seriously impressive—one look and you can tell it used to be a big-deal landmark.

Ginzan Onsen

This hot spring resort was developed along with the Nobesawa Silver Mine which prospered in the Edo Period. After the mine was closed, it was turned into a therapeutic onsen resort until a flood destroyed it in 1913. By early Showa Period, local businesses have helped restore the village close to the current landscape with western-style wooden multi-story buildings on either side of Ginzan River.

Yamagata
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

27 Jan 2026 See More

When it snows in winter, it’s honestly unreal—couldn’t stop taking photos.

Kanazawa Maimon Sushi Main Branch

Situated in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture, Kanazawa Maimon Sushi Main Branch is one of Hokuriku’s most renowned conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

Kanazawa
Japanese Cuisine

29 Oct 2025 See More

The main sushi branch is such a great value! The sushi is super fresh, and the fish slices are thick and have a nice texture. The vinegared rice is seasoned just right. The chefs are quick and really friendly, and sitting at the counter lets you watch them work, which is a cool experience. The whole place feels relaxed and casual, and the prices are pretty reasonable. Definitely worth a try if you want to experience authentic Kanazawa sushi.