金己田's Reviews Page 3/15

Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten Branch Miyage Nara Sanjo Store

In July 2022, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, a retailer of handicrafts and goods from across Japan, carried out a major renovation of its “Nihonichi Nara Sanjo Store,” transforming it into a shop offering about 1,300 Nara-themed souvenirs crafted with a focus on local handwork.

• Nara
• Miscellaneous Goods

If you’re visiting Nara and want to pick up a souvenir that’s a little different, I highly recommend Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten. You won’t find the usual traditional souvenirs here. Instead, they sell lots of lifestyle goods that incorporate Japanese craftsmanship. Everything is beautifully designed, inside and out, and it’s hard not to fall in love with it. If you’re looking for unique little finds, this is the place to go!

Asukayama Park

Japan's first park, opened to the public and planted with cherry trees by Shogun Tokugawa Yoshimune about 300 years ago. It is one of Tokyo’s most famous cherry blossom viewing spots, and the park features around 600 cherry trees. Other plants in the park include hydrangeas and azaleas.

• Akabane, Itabashi
• Parks & Gardens

Asukayama Park is one of Tokyo’s famous cherry blossom spots, but it’s not nearly as crowded as Ueno Park, which makes the overall hanami experience so much better.
Before entering the park, I walked up to the pedestrian bridge outside and waited for the Toden Arakawa Line train to approach. Watching the streetcar slowly pass by from above, with its retro cars framed by the cherry blossoms, I captured a feeling that felt uniquely Tokyo.
If you’re like me and don’t enjoy big crowds, Asukayama Park is absolutely a fantastic choice.

Yanagidani Kannon, Yokoku-ji Temple

Founded in 806 during the Heian period by Enchin, who also established Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Located in the mountains of Nagaoka-kyo, it is often referred to as the "Kiyomizu of the West." Since ancient times, the 'Okouzui' spring water emerging within the temple grounds is believed to cure eye diseases, attracting devotees, particularly those suffering from eye ailments since the Heian period.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Yanagidani Kannon is best known for its seasonal flower-filled water basins, but it's not easy to get to. I happened to visit on the 17th, the monthly festival day, when they offered a paid shuttle bus, so I decided to add it to my itinerary.
The temple grounds were larger than I expected. As I made my way around, I didn't see any of the flower water basins. Later, I found out there are several purification pavilions scattered throughout the grounds, so I'm not sure if I simply missed them. If you're coming specifically for the flower water basins, I recommend checking the official website or Instagram first to confirm where they are and whether they're on display, so you don't end up disappointed like I was.

Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)

Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Hokan-ji is a Rinzai sect (Kennin-ji branch) temple most famous for its five-story pagoda, widely known as Yasaka no Tō. This iconic structure is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend points to the temples founding in 589 by Prince Shōtoku, with the current pagoda rebuilt in 1440 under Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

While strolling along Sannenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda suddenly came into view. The old-fashioned streetscape is a must-shot scene for every visitor, and no matter the angle, this five-story pagoda gives off the classic charm of Kyoto’s ancient capital.

Kagurazaka

Kagurazaka, in Shinjuku, Tokyo, first got its start as a bustling geisha district. Visitors here will find a large shopping street that’s home to trendy shops and cafes, but just a few steps from the main drag sits a few cozy, veteran Japanese eateries, chic cobblestone streets and black, wood-latticed fences.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Famous Places

I made a special trip to Kagurazaka at night, hoping to catch a glimpse of what people call “Tokyo’s Little Paris.” Once I got there, I realized it’s not that the streets look European, but rather that the area is home to many French restaurants and schools.
Walking along Kagurazaka Street felt very lived-in, with a slight international flair. It’s a shame I didn’t have much time this trip, so I couldn’t explore it properly. If I get the chance to come back, I’d love to discover another side of Kagurazaka.

Abeno Harukas

Opened in 2014, the 300-meter-high skyscraper is a mix-use complex building. From the two basement floors to the 14th level you’ll find Kintetsu Department Store (Main Store Abeno Harukas) and the Abeno Harukas Dining restaurant floors.

• Osaka
• Observatories

Compared with always-crowded Umeda or Namba, shopping in Tennoji is a much better experience. From shopping to dining, you can do it all inside Abeno Harukas.
At night, you can head up to the observation deck to enjoy the city view. Looking out over Osaka and reflecting on the trip is the perfect way to end the day.

Tenmonkan Mujaki Main Store

Located in the heart of Kagoshima, the Tenmonkan Mujaki Main Store is famed for creating the beloved shaved ice dessert known as "Shirokuma" since 1949. Named after its bear-like appearance when viewed from above, due to the strategically placed fruit toppings resembling a polar bear's face, this dessert has been a staple in Kagoshima's culinary scene.

• Kagoshima
• Cafés

After dinner, we made a special trip to Tenmonkan Mujaki to try the Shirokuma shaved ice. We were really lucky that day and got seated right away without waiting.

We were worried we wouldn’t be able to finish a large one, so we ordered the small “Baby Shirokuma.” When it arrived, the fruit on top looked a little casually arranged, but that didn’t affect how delicious it was at all. The condensed milk and toppings tasted light and not overly sweet, which made it a perfect dessert after a meal.

Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER　

The tower is Nagoya’s symbol, built as Nagoya TV Tower for tourism and TV broadcast and completed in 1954. In 2011, TV signals were switched from analog to digital and its function as a consolidated radio tower was ended.

• Nagoya
• Observatories

It seems like every part of Japan has a landmark that symbolizes the city, and when visiting Nagoya, you naturally can’t miss this tower.

During the day, you can stand beneath it and admire the beauty of its steel framework. At night, you can go up to the observation deck and look out over the colorful cityscape. But seeing it from the rooftop of the Chunichi Building gives you a completely different feeling, with a full view of both the tower and Hisaya-odori Park.

Sawayaka Charcoal-Grilled Restaurant Kosai Hamanako

Located in Kosai City, this is the only branch in the city of Shizuoka’s famous hamburger steak chain, which operates 34 locations exclusively within Shizuoka Prefecture. The signature dish is the “Genkotsu Hamburg,” made from 100% beef formed into a thick block and grilled over charcoal. Served sizzling on a hot iron plate, the hamburger steak is cut in half right in front of you by the staff, after which you finish it to your preferred doneness. The bold, beefy flavor and firm, springy texture are outstanding. Sauces can be chosen from a classic onion sauce made with onions or a rich demi-glace, with a mixed option combining both also proving popular.

• Shizuoka
• Meat Dishes

If you visit Shizuoka, you absolutely have to try SAWAYAKA!
It’s a Shizuoka-only hamburger steak chain, and there’s always a long line, so getting a seat can be tough. Once the hamburger steak arrives, the staff helps finish it at the table. The sizzling sound from the hot iron plate is seriously mouthwatering.
Even though it was my first visit, I had already researched my own way of eating it. I asked the staff not to pour the sauce while cooking it. That way, I could enjoy the natural flavor of the meat and also get the doneness more to my liking.
The patty itself is already seasoned, so it was still delicious even without any sauce. And when you want to switch up the flavor, the spicy sauce at the table is a perfect match! When the drinks are served, you can even clink glasses with the staff. Before, during, and after the meal, you can really feel how friendly the service is. The whole dining atmosphere is cheerful and fun, and I highly recommend it!

Universal Citywalk Osaka

This mixed-use commercial complex is located along the street connecting the large theme park "Universal Studios Japan" and JR Universal-City Station. The streets are filled with an American flavor, creating an extraordinary atmosphere fitting for the entrance to the park.

• Osaka
• Commercial Buildings

Since we were going into Universal Studios first thing the next morning, we stayed at a hotel near the park the day before.
This pedestrian street in front of the hotel has lots of chain restaurants, plus Takoyaki Park. Since we were already in Osaka, of course we had to get a serving!
You can also pick up merchandise at the official Universal Studios store, so it’s basically the perfect place to stock up before heading into the park!