Hamamatsu Flower Park
Located on the shores of Lake Hamana, this botanical garden offers a chance to enjoy over 3,000 plant species blooming no matter what the season across its expansive grounds of some 300,000 square meters.
So many flowers across this huge park! When I visited, the wisteria was almost done, which was a bit disappointing, but the roses were in full bloom and absolutely beautiful!
1414cafe
Since opening in 2022, 1414 Cafe has become a popular hangout for motorcycle and car enthusiasts. It's a lively stopover for riders on touring trips and a favorite gathering spot for bike-loving friends. Run by a couple who are passionate about both motorcycles and cars (they own six bikes and two cars!), the café features shelves lined with books and magazines on bikes and automobiles, and even sells bags and riding gear.
This is a café where motorcycle and car lovers gather. You can enjoy coffee and light meals here, plus they have some tasty desserts! Even if it's your first time, it's a casual spot where you can easily chat with the owner and other customers. It's right in front of the highway interchange, so it's super convenient if you're coming from the Tokyo Gaikan, Joban, or Shuto Expressways.
San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple
Located at the base of Tokyo Tower is Zojoji, an Omotoyama temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Enshrined in Zojoji's Ankokuden Hall is the hidden black image of Buddha worshipped by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Since he won one battle after after another, visiting this temple is said to increase the chance of victory.
Even though it's in the middle of the city, the temple sits on a huge property, so the sky feels wide and it's really peaceful. It's right next to Tokyo Tower, so you'll definitely want to snap some photos. I drew an omikuji and got 'daikichi' (great luck)!
Hakone Tozan Railway / Hakone Tozan Cable Car
The Hakone Tozan Railway is an indispensable part of sightseeing in Hakone, with many of the major spots in the city located along the route.
The train climbs steep mountain slopes with impressive power. There are several switchbacks along the way, so you get the unique experience of the train changing directions. It's also really convenient that you can easily transfer to the Romancecar at Hakone-Yumoto Station!
Owakudani
After changing from the cable car to the ropeway at Hayamiyama Station on the main route of the Hakone tour, While enjoying an aerial walk for a while the scenery suddenly changes.
I visited on a snowy day in mid-March. The ropeway was stopped in the morning, so I went after it started running again in the afternoon. In the end, everything was completely white and I couldn't see anything, so I just ate a black egg and headed back. I'd love to come again on a sunny day.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
This shrine, affectionately known as "Okumansama" by locals, was established in 1590 from the division of the Kishu Kumano Hongu Taisha during the Muromachi period. It is known for its blessings of good fortune, with numerous lucky spots within its precincts, including the "Fortune-Trying Ring Toss" and the "Treasure Pond," where visitors wash money for increased wealth.
There's a giant Yatagarasu that suddenly appears in one corner of the shrine! It's so big that it feels a bit eerie at first, but the more you look at it, the cuter it seems.
Taisho Romantic Dream Street
Nestled in the charming streets of Kawagoe, this shopping street exudes a retro ambiance reminiscent of the Taisho era. The street stretches for 160 meters, paved with granite cobblestones, flanked by tiled-roof townhouses, Western-style stone buildings, and traditional storehouses.
If you're heading to the Warehouse District, I definitely recommend taking this street! Walking from Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station, you really feel like you're traveling back in time. It totally sets the mood!
Shika no Yu
Nasu Hot Spring's origin, 'Shika no Yu,' is believed to have been opened around 1300 years ago in the early 7th century. The hot spring was discovered when hunters chasing a wounded deer found it healing itself in the spring waters, hence the name 'Deer's Hot Spring.' Historical records mention Shika no Yu as early as the year 738, making it the oldest recorded hot spring in Tochigi Prefecture.
This is a great hot spring with that classic sulfur aroma! I visited on a snowy, chilly day at the end of the year. It was pretty crowded since it was a holiday, but the historic vibe and atmosphere made it totally worth it. I highly recommend checking it out at least once!
Zao Fox Village
A fox paradise in the mountains of Shiroishi City. More than 100 foxes of seven species, including north foxes , cross foxes , and arctic foxe s, are kept here. Visitors can feed and photograph the free-range foxes outdoors, and even hold a fox cub in their arms.
In winter, the foxes look so fluffy that they almost look like raccoons at first glance. But if you look closely, they're definitely foxes. There are so many of them and they're super cute! Watching the foxes was great, but I think the staff's attitude could use some improvement. The person at the front desk kept repeating in a harsh tone, 'If anything happens, it's all your own responsibility,' which was kind of scary. Other staff members were also yelling at guests with megaphones all over the place. I get that safety is important, but I don't think most visitors feel good about being treated like that. I hope things get better in the future.
Gomadokoro Gongen Chaya
Route No. 1 of Mt. Takao is the most popular among climbers due to its fully paved path, allowing even beginners to ascend with ease. Located at the intersection of the "Male Slope" and the "Female Slope" is "Gongen Chaya", a bustling shop situated just 15 minutes by foot from the Takaosan cable car station-making it the perfect rest stop.
I stopped by for a break and tried the Hachioji ramen. The soy sauce broth with chopped onions is what makes it unique. The flavor was light and easy to eat, but I wish it had a bit more character. Looking back, maybe I should've gone for the sesame dumplings instead.
