Michelle Lau's Reviews

Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama

With its eye-catching pink exterior against the blue sky, Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama is a resort hotel that opens up into a stunning nine-story atrium lobby the moment you step inside. Sunlight pours gently through the glass ceiling into the airy atrium lobby, lined with shops and restaurants.

Chiba
Hotels

17 Apr 2026 See More

The hotel is big and clean, and the ocean view from the room was really comfortable. The shuttle to Disney was pretty convenient too.

That said, check-in can take a while when it's crowded. Overall, it was still worth staying here.

Tendo Park

A relaxing spot in the center of Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture, beloved by locals as a symbol of the city. From the observation plaza spreading out on the summit of Mt. Maizuru, Approx. 240m above sea level, you can take in sweeping views of Mt. Gassan, the Asahi mountain range, the Mogami River, and more. Known as a famous cherry blossom spot, Approx. 2,000 trees burst into bloom in spring. Every year in mid-April, the Tendo Cherry Blossom Festival, “Human Shogi,” is held here.

Yamagata
Parks & Gardens

17 Apr 2026 See More

This park is really relaxing. If you walk up, you can see all of Tendo City, and the scenery is pretty beautiful.
It’s even more appealing in spring when the cherry blossoms are blooming. There’s a bit of an uphill walk, though, so I’d recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking your time.

Magome Inn

“Nakasendo” is one of the five highways that were constructed during the Edo period to connect Kyoto and Edo. Magome Inn is the 43rd post town on the Nakasendo. It is an inn town along a slope paved with stone pavement, and you can feel the atmosphere of the Edo period. Both sides of the road are lined with stores selling freshly baked gohei-mochi (rice cakes), oyaki (wheat cakes), etc., where you can enjoy eating and strolling.

Gifu
Famous Places

5 Jan 2026 See More

The whole street is really well preserved, and it looks gorgeous in photos.
The gohei mochi and soba are definitely worth a try.

DMM Kariyushi Aquarium

Located just a 20-minute drive from Naha Airport, DMM Kariyushi Aquarium opened in 2020 in the ever-popular "Toyosaki Town" area, home to beaches, resorts, and shopping facilities. The aquarium is designed around the concept of providing "zero-distance wonder and immersive experiences”, so you can get even closer to beauty of nature and marine life via innovative displays.

Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
Zoos & Aquariums

2 Jan 2026 See More

Compared to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, this one is way behind.
If your expectations are too high, you’ll probably end up disappointed.
For the size of the aquarium, the price isn’t exactly cheap.

AEON MALL Okayama

This large shopping mall opened in 2014 and spans multiple levels from Basement 2 up to the seventh floor above ground. Located in the center of Okayama City, it is a rare urban-style mall for AEON MALL, which more often operates suburban locations.

Okayama
Commercial Buildings

16 Dec 2025 See More

The whole place feels really new and clean. The air conditioning is strong, and it's spacious, so it never feels crowded when you're walking around. As for the stores, it's your typical AEON lineup: Uniqlo, GU, Muji, ABC Mart, and so on. If you're looking for something super unique or really local to Japan, you might find it a bit boring.

ShinQs by TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE

As the flagship project of the large-scale redevelopment around Shibuya Station, Shibuya Hikarie opened in April 2012. Spanning 8 floors from B3 to the 5th floor, its shopping zone is known as ShinQs by TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE.

Shibuya
Commercial Buildings

25 Sep 2025 See More

Some of the shop staff don't really speak English, so it's a bit tough to communicate. There aren't many places to sit and relax either—if you want to just chill for a bit, there aren't any seats.

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter

This entirely new walk-through attraction lets you experience how the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films were made. It is the first of its kind in Asia and the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.

Nakano, Koenji, Ogikubo, Nerima
Amusement Parks & Theme parks

19 Aug 2025 See More

Don't expect a theme park—there are no roller coasters or fireworks here. This place is all about appreciating the behind-the-scenes magic of the movies.

The Mt.TAKAO train

All-aboard this reserved seating, all new 5000 series train from Keio Electric Railway connecting Shinjuku and Takaosanguchi Stations. The train runs exclusively on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays ahead of the many hikers off to Mt. Takao.

Tokyo
Trains & Subway

6 Aug 2025 See More

I just sat back and watched the scenery outside the window the whole ride—it made time fly by. If you go during autumn when the leaves are red, the view is so stunning you won't even want to get off the train.

Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival

Held every year on the last weekend of August in Noboribetsu Onsen, the Noboribetsu Jigoku Festival is a grand event that reenacts the legend of Enma, King of Hell, arriving at the hot spring town with his demons after the cauldron lid of Hell Valley is opened.

Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
Summer festivals & Events

30 Jul 2025 See More

Absolutely mind-blowing! When the demons parade, it really feels like the gates of hell have opened. The atmosphere is just electric!