楊雅雯's Reviews Page 10/13

Nagoya Castle

One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.

• Nagoya
• Tourist Attractions

It was drizzling when I visited Nagoya Castle. I thought there might be fewer people, but I was way off—it’s a popular attraction, so it was still packed with tourists!
Nagoya Castle truly deserves its reputation as one of Japan’s three great castles. The most eye-catching feature is the pair of gleaming golden shachihoko atop the castle tower. They stood out even more against the gray sky and looked incredibly majestic. As I slowly explored the grounds, every corner felt steeped in history, and the rain added a unique atmosphere. This is definitely worth including in your Nagoya itinerary. It’s not only beautiful for photos, but also offers a wonderful glimpse into the Edo period.

Sushi Dai

Located inside the bustling Toyosu Market-Tokyo’s hub for fresh seafood-Sushi Dai is a famous sushi restaurant that consistently draws long lines. Being situated within the market allows the chefs direct access to top-quality ingredients. The head chef’s expert judgment ensures only the very best seafood is selected, prioritizing freshness and flavor over brand or origin.

• Tsukiji, Odaiba, Toyosu
• Japanese Cuisine

One of the must-try restaurants at Toyosu Market is Sushi Dai. I thought arriving early would be enough, but when I got there a little after 6:00 a.m., there was already a long line. People really go all out for a taste of this fresh sushi!

The wait takes patience, but the moment I sat down and tried the first piece, I knew it was worth it. The chefs prepare each piece right in front of you. The fish is fresh with a subtle sweetness, and every bite highlights the natural flavor of the ingredients. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

AFURI Ebisu

Located just a 3-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this stylish ramen shop specializes in tanrei-kei (light and refined) ramen, crafted with pure natural spring water from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and a carefully simmered blend of chicken and seafood. AFURI has expanded from Tokyo to Kanagawa, Hokkaido, and even overseas in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Ebisu branch is open until 5 a.m. and operates as a completely cashless restaurant.

• Meguro, Ebisu
• Ramen

If you always order tonkotsu ramen, it’s definitely worth switching things up!

AFURI is best known for its yuzu shio ramen. The broth is light and refreshing, with the savory flavors of chicken and seafood plus a subtle hint of yuzu that makes a great first impression. I was worried it might taste bland, but not at all—it became more delicious with every sip, and I couldn’t resist finishing the entire bowl of broth. This is a great choice when you’re craving ramen but don’t want anything too rich or greasy.

Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi, Shinjuku Main Store

An elegant Japanese-style ramen restaurant. The soup combines a broth made from domestic pork bones and chicken carcass, with the main ingredient being "Yakiago" - flying fish dried and grilled. Multiple types of seafood broth are layered in the mix. For the salt seasoning, "Yakiago" prepared using Takahashi's unique method is used, combining broth extracted at two different temperatures with salt from Okinawa. The refined and delicious flavor of the premium ingredient "Yakiago" is a highlight.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Ramen

This popular spot definitely lives up to the hype! I came in just to give it a try and ended up becoming a huge fan. The grilled flying fish broth was incredibly aromatic, and the noodles soaked up all that flavor. Every bite was so satisfying. I kept thinking about giving up while waiting in line, but after eating, all I could say was, “I’m so glad I stayed!”

St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo

Located on a hill in Sekiguchi, Bunkyo Ward, this Catholic church has a long and storied history. It began in 1899 as a wooden Gothic-style chapel built for the École Française des Dames de Saint-Maur. In 1900, it became the chapel of the Sekiguchi Parish, and by 1920, it was elevated to serve as the Cathedral of Tokyo.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Museums

On this trip to Tokyo, I made a special pilgrimage to see this stunning cathedral!
I followed Google Maps from Gokokuji Station but ended up winding through residential neighborhoods. I later learned that coming from Edogawabashi Station is much easier.
It rained all day, but that didn’t take away from its beauty at all. The building’s curves are incredible. It’s hard to imagine that something so fluid and structurally beautiful was designed by hand before computer modeling existed. The more I looked, the more I admired the architect.
The interior was even more impressive. The exterior is sleek and minimalist, while the inside features raw exposed concrete with natural light streaming through the gaps. The whole space feels quiet and sacred, and you naturally slow down as you walk through it.

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Observatories

Standing beneath TOKYO SKYTREE for the first time, I couldn’t stop looking up. At 634 meters tall, it’s absolutely breathtaking! Take the elevator to the Tembo Deck, then continue up to the Tembo Galleria for sweeping views of Tokyo. On a clear day, you might even see Mount Fuji. It’s totally worth it and definitely a must-visit.

Don’t rush off afterward! Tokyo Solamachi downstairs is fantastic for shopping, dining, souvenirs, and clothes. You can also visit Sumida Aquarium and the planetarium. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with family, or with friends, you could easily spend half a day or even a full day here. You won’t want to leave!

Haneda Airport (Tokyo International Airport)

Haneda is Japan’s largest airport, officially called Tokyo International Airport. Each of the three terminals has an observation deck where you can watch closely the airplanes take off and land, shopping facility, and restaurants with different cuisines.

• Oimachi, Kamata, Haneda Airport Area
• Airplanes & Airport

When I go to Tokyo, one of the things I look forward to most is landing at Haneda Airport.

You don’t have to rush off right after getting off the plane. I always head to the observation deck first to watch the planes take off and land, and it’s so relaxing. When I get hungry, I’ll find a restaurant for a meal, then browse the souvenir shops. Time just flies by.

Haneda doesn’t feel like a regular airport that’s only for catching flights. It feels more like a small shopping mall, and I always end up staying an extra hour or two without meaning to. A trip to Japan is already fun from the moment it starts at Haneda.

Tokyo Monorail

The Tokyo Monorail that runs between Haneda Airport and Tokyo, with an average interval of only 4 minutes, can take you to Hamamatsucho Station in as little as 13 minutes, where a transfer to the JR Yamanote Line can be made.

• Tokyo
• Trains & Subway

The excitement of traveling starts the moment I get on the Tokyo Monorail. From Haneda Airport, it takes less than 15 minutes to reach Hamamatsucho, and transferring to JR is super convenient. No need to drag your luggage a long way.

I love getting a window seat, enjoying the view of Tokyo Bay while wondering what new memories this trip will bring. Every time I come to Tokyo, this ride officially kicks off my trip to Japan.

Ueno Tosho-gu

A shrine dedicated to the first shogun of the Edo shogunate (1603-1867), Tokugawa Ieyasu.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Shrines & Temples

While walking around Ueno Park, I unexpectedly came across a shrine with “understated luxury” — Ueno Tosho-gu.

I originally thought it was just a small spot inside the park, but once I walked in, I realized it was something special! The golden hall was shining brightly, and the exterior walls were covered with beautiful carvings. It was hard to believe the building has been around for hundreds of years. No wonder it has been carefully preserved in Japan and designated an Important Cultural Property.

The Karamon Gate and the neatly lined bronze lanterns on both sides were also real highlights. Every angle looked great in photos, and even casual snapshots had a strong Edo-period vibe.

Interestingly, there is also an “Eiyo Gongen Shrine” here, which is said to bring good luck for exams, work, and winning competitions. Many Japanese people come specifically to pray for good fortune.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum

Sat in Ueno forest, the distinctive red-brick tile construction of this striking museum has served as a hall for the fine arts since it first opened in 1926.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Museums

Besides the pandas and museums, Ueno Park is also home to a building with a lot of character: the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.

Its brick-red exterior really stands out among the green trees, and up close it almost feels like stepping through time. Opened in 1926, it has been part of Tokyo for nearly a century. The exhibitions inside are more than just famous paintings—they feel like grand celebrations of art.

Whenever I come to Ueno and get tired from walking around, I like to stop in, enjoy the air conditioning, and check out the exhibits. Sometimes I come across a piece I love and end up staying for quite a while. Compared with the crowds at more popular spots, this place feels quiet and elegant.