Noritake Garden
This is the birthplace of Noritake, a western tableware brand highly acclaimed globally. The park is a lush green space to relax in, with stores, cafes, restaurants, and a museum.
I visited during the season of fresh greenery, and the contrast between the lush green scenery and the red brick warehouses was perfect. It was a real treat to stroll around casually and enjoy such a relaxing time in the middle of a dense urban area.
Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze”
The Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze" connects three departure stations in Osaka-Namba, Kyoto, and Nagoya to Kashikojima Station in Mie Prefecture. The train has dedicated attendants on board and offers services based on the theme of "the highest level of comfort". Inside the train you’ll find a wide variety of cabins to match any travel need, including premium seats, Western and Japanese style private rooms, and raised observation decks for taking in the impeccable views.
I took Kintetsu’s sightseeing train, the "Shimakaze," to Ise. The exterior is painted a deep blue that symbolizes the scenery of Ago Bay, while the seats inside are a fresh pale yellow, almost like the breeze of Ise-Shima.
The ride from Yokkaichi to Toba takes about an hour, so I didn’t have time to stop by the café car for a meal. Even so, that one hour was enough to fully soak in the feeling of traveling. With the spacious, comfortable seats and the large windows looking out on all the greenery, I arrived in Toba before I knew it, in a great mood.
Kamiya Bar
Established in Meiji 13 (1880) and known as Japan's first bar, "Kamiya Bar" was adored by numerous literary greats like Osamu Dazai and Tayama Katai. This iconic spot often makes appearances in literary works. The building housing the bar, located near Azuma Bridge in Asakusa, was constructed in Taisho 10 (1921) and is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a down-to-earth Japanese bar, check out Kamiya Bar in Asakusa!
The exterior has a strong retro vibe, and it’s also Japan’s first bar.
Even though it’s a bar, the inside feels more like a casual local diner, and most of the customers are Japanese.
If you want to get a feel for local life during your trip, this might be a great choice.
Kintetsu Limited Express "HINOTORI"
The Kintetsu Limited Express "HINOTORI" provides “an upgrade in comfort” to travelers looking to go between Osaka and Nagoya in about 2 hours. The metallic red wrap on the train exudes the epitome of elegance, all while keeping an interior design and functionality that is just superb.
Instead of taking the Shinkansen, choose the Kintetsu "HINOTORI"!
The Kintetsu Limited Express "HINOTORI," with its crimson-red exterior, runs between Osaka and Nagoya and focuses on providing a comfortable ride. It offers both premium and standard cars, and if you get the chance to ride it, I recommend choosing the premium car. The fare is only JPY 700 more, but the seats are much more comfortable and the windows feel more open and spacious. The whole atmosphere feels upscale, and it makes it easy to fully relax during the trip.
The bench area is another highlight you shouldn’t miss. It’s a great place to change up the mood during the journey. Grab a coffee or snack from the café area nearby and quietly watch the scenery change outside the window—it has a special charm of its own.
Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Spanning approximately 400 meters east-west through Roppongi Hills, Roppongi Keyakizaka Street connects the Circular Route 3 and TV Asahi Street. It's a gently sloping avenue lined with zelkova trees, where beds of colorful flowers mark the seasons.
The illuminations on Roppongi Keyakizaka, shining in harmony with Tokyo Tower, are a classic part of the Christmas season in Tokyo and a place I’ve always wanted to visit. Seeing them in person was absolutely heart-stirring.
Inuyama Castle
The Inuyama Castle keep is one of five deemed national treasures in Japan. It’s especially famous for remaining today as the oldest watchtower-style keep in Japan. It’s said it was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the father of Oda Nobunaga.
The beauty of Inuyama Castle comes from seeing it at a distance. From the Rhine Bridge, the sight of Inuyama Castle towering above and the rapidly flowing Kiso River creates a truly breathtaking scene.
Lake Chuzenji
It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.
Sunlight shimmered across the lake in Nikko. Walking along Lake Chuzenji during the fall foliage season, with the crisp air and wide-open lake views, felt incredibly refreshing.
Kanda Myojin
Kanda Myojin is a historical shrine famous for bestowing its blessings in marriage and business prosperity, enhancing luck in battle while warding off danger and disaster. Located in Tokyo's central business district, many firms come to worship at the beginning of the year, as this shrine cannot be ignored if seeking fortune in business.
A place where the modern and the traditional coexist. With buildings woven from vermilion and bronze—this is Kanda Myojin, Tokyoites’ guardian shrine.
I’ve visited quite a few shrines, but Kanda Myojin feels the most modern. The on-site cultural exchange center, EDOCCO, isn’t just a place to take a break—it’s more like a mini department store. There’s a café, and you can even pick up anime collaboration merch.
If I had to choose one spot to represent Tokyo, it would have to be Kanda Myojin.
Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine
The shrine is located in Asagaya, Suginami Ward, Tokyo, and is dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami. It is said that the origin of "Asagaya Shinmeigū Shrine" dates back to the time when Yamato Takeru no Mikoto rested in Asagaya on his way back from an expedition to the east, and then later the villagers, who admired Yamato Takeru no Mikoto's military exploits, established the shrine.
My first time visiting Asagaya. I came for Asagaya Shinmeigu Shrine, but ended up loving the vibe of the whole area.
Right outside the station, the streets feel super lived-in and local. Then once you step into the shrine grounds, it’s like entering another world—quiet, elegant, and really calming.
The embroidered goshuin and the omamori are beautifully made, with tons of options (including seasonal limited editions). It honestly made it hard to choose.
Kegon Falls
Nikko is home to many waterfalls, but its most famous waterfall is Kegon Falls. Here the water from Lake Chuzenji spills down a 97-meter-tall cliff, showcasing a beautiful and powerful force of nature. From the observation platform, which you can reach down at the waterfall basin by elevator, you can experience the roar of the falls and the splashing water from up close.
Compared to Fukuroda Falls, the flow here feels more concentrated and powerful.
Even viewing from the observation deck at a distance, the thunderous roar is seriously impressive. It’s hard to believe this force comes from the calm waters of Lake Chuzenji!