Kairakuen Garden
Built by Mito Domain’s 9th feudal lord, Tokugawa Nariaki. One of Japan’s three famous gardens along with Kenrokuen in Kanazawa and Korakuen in Okayama.
I came right in plum blossom season, so the timing was perfect. It was still a little chilly, but the whole place really had that early spring vibe.
Ouchi-juku
More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.
Coming here in winter is unbelievably beautiful. The whole Ouchi-juku is covered in snow, and the thatched-roof houses with the snowy scenery have so much charm.
Every photo looks like a postcard.
Shibamata Taishakuten Sando
Katsushika Shibamata has been chosen by the country itself as one of Japan’s iconic scenic spots. It’s also no exaggeration to say that Shibamata Taishakuten and its approach are iconic parts of Tokyo’s shitamachi (old town) areas that possess striking atmosphere and appearance.
As soon as you step out of the station, there’s a bronze statue of Tora-san. It really has the feel of an old Japanese movie and a lot of nostalgic charm.
The whole atmosphere feels like stepping back into the Showa era. It’s completely different from busy Tokyo and super relaxing!