Babadaimon no Keyaki Namiki
Keyaki Namiki is a 500-meter long walkup that's flanked with over 120 Zelkova trees. The avenue serves as a promenade that leads to Okunitama-jinja Shrine, and remains the sole National Natural Monument in Japan to be designated for its Zelkova trees.
The rows of tall zelkova trees look really impressive. It’s not as crowded as the more popular tourist areas, so the atmosphere feels much more relaxed.
PABRON S GOLD GRANULES
The “Pabron” brand of medicine, produced by Taisho Pharmaceuticals, is one of Japan’s most common cold medicines.
The small packets are super convenient. They’re easy to toss in your bag when traveling, so you don’t have to bring a whole box of medicine. Really practical when you suddenly start feeling unwell.
Smile 40 Premium THE ONE Series
Smile 40 Premium THE ONE is a series of eye drops that treat all of these symptoms with a single bottle: eye fatigue, blurred vision, bloodshot eyes, and itchiness. It is for people who struggle with symptoms such as “tired eyes,” “blurred vision,” “bloodshot eyes,” or “itchy eyes” due to long hours of computer or smartphone use.
This feels like a more premium version of eye drops. The moisturizing effect lasts longer than the regular kind, and after working late, using it makes my eyes feel like they’ve been rebooted.
Imayo Tsukasa Sake Brewery “Nishikigoi”
A sake inspired by Nishikigoi koi, now a major global trend as ornamental fish. The bottle, designed with a pattern of koi gracefully swimming through water, is especially striking and hugely popular as a gift. The crisp vermilion pattern on a white body makes a bold impression. Display it in the included carton with a fish-shaped window, and it feels like you’re admiring a real Nishikigoi koi.
This was my first time seeing a sake bottle designed like a Nishikigoi koi. The bottle design is truly distinctive and has that refined Japanese artisan aesthetic. The quality feels even more detailed than I expected. It’s not just beautiful—it also makes a great gift, and it works perfectly as a home decoration too.
Kinoko no Yama
Kinoko no Yama, a long-selling product that represents Meiji Co., Ltd. (hereafter, Meiji), has been a beloved national chocolate snack across generations since its launch in 1975. Its most distinctive feature is its cute mushroom-shaped form. The cracker is light and fragrant, while the chocolate portion has a two-layer structure that gives it a smooth melt-in-the-mouth texture. The slight saltiness of the cracker brings out the sweetness, while the clean finish makes it easy to enjoy.
I pretty much grab a few boxes every time I go to Japan. The mushroom top chocolate is smooth, and the biscuit base is kind of like a shortbread cookie. Overall, it has a nice layered texture.
Sumaura Sanjo Yuen
A popular destination in Sumaura, Kobe, a scenic area known as the site of the Genpei War. This nature-rich park spread across the mountaintop is packed with attractions for all ages, including spectacular views below, seasonal flowers, and unique rides.
Taking the cable car up the mountain was super fun. The ocean views along the way were beautiful, and the scenery felt really open and expansive. The park has a slightly retro feel, but that’s part of its charm.
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
The merchandise around the park is seriously tempting, so you really have to hold yourself back.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
Tokyo Tower has such a classic look, and it’s especially beautiful when it’s lit up at night. Even though it’s not as tall as Skytree, it feels more like Tokyo in terms of atmosphere.
Arakurayama Sengen Park
Arakurayama Sengen Park is famous as a place to view the splendid scenery of the magnificent Mount Fuji with a pagoda dedicated to those who died in battle. Inside the park grounds, about 650 Sakura trees have been planted. In the spring, the picturesque Japanese scenery of cherry blossoms, the pagoda, and Mount Fuji can be seen.
Arakurayama Sengen Park is a classic spot for photographing Mt. Fuji. The five-story pagoda with the scenery is absolutely beautiful.
But climbing the stairs is a bit tiring, and it can get pretty crowded. I’d recommend coming early so it’s easier and more comfortable to take photos.
Tsukiji Outer Market
Over 400 food shops and restaurants gather speciality shops. Suppliers, general shoppers for daily food, and tourists searching for specialty food always crowd even though after a change of the location of the central wholesale market from Tsukiji to Toyosu in October, 2018.
Tsukiji Outer Market has very fresh seafood and lots of choices. The tamagoyaki and seafood rice bowls are especially popular. It gets very crowded, and prices are on the higher side, but it's a lot of fun to eat while walking around. It's a great place for a quick taste of Tokyo's local food culture.
