Yasaka Shrine
The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.
Yasaka Shrine in Kyoto's Gion district is the head shrine. It's quite impressive and is also the site of Kyoto's Gion Festival. I've heard it's very lively, and I hope I'll have a chance to attend someday.
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.
Universal Studios Japan is also a magical place, with Harry Potter, Minions, Nintendo, and Conan. I always feel so happy here, and I can even transform into a wizard. I truly feel so lucky.
Ichibankuji Official Shop Sunshine City Main Store
Located inside “BANDAI NAMCO Cross Store Tokyo,” which brings together an arcade, shops, and a Gashapon corner, this is one of the largest Ichibankuji official shops in Japan.
This place really is a treasure trove. There are so many Ichibankuji drawings and Gashapon machines that it's astounding, and they're cheap too. But it really is crowded, and you have to wait a bit for the popular Gashapon machines. I got tons of capsules here and even won an adorable pair of mouse dolls.
Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten in Sunshine City
Located in Ikebukuro, Konica Minolta Planetarium Manten is a popular spot for a wide range of visitors, from families to couples, where you can enjoy the beauty of the starry sky right in the center of the city.
After going once, I really think this is a must-visit place when you go to Sunshine City. The venue is very pleasant, and the seats are comfortable too. You can lie back and watch the stars. We watched Detective Conan: The Flashing Spacecraft, and as always, it was a cool mystery action movie. The picture shows a capsule toy I got there. It's a constellation capsule toy that can project onto a wall. It's highly collectible. The capsule toy machine is next to the shop, and I recommend getting one when you go.
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.
The night view from TOKYO SKYTREE is also very beautiful, but it felt a little stuffy inside the observation deck, so I still prefer Shibuya SKY because the view is more open. When I went, TOKYO SKYTREE was doing a Toy Story collaboration, and the entire observation deck was decorated with Toy Story displays. Super cute.
TOKYO Solamachi
With a wide variety of over 300 shops gathered in this retail complex, you can feel the liveliness of Tokyo’s shitamachi downtown.
The first thing to do at TOKYO SKYTREE is go up to the observation deck. The second is visit the Pokémon Center, the third is buy some delicious cookies, and the fourth is browse the small gift shops here. The mascot at this Pokémon Center is Rayquaza, and I was lucky enough to get this store's exclusive pin. Rayquaza is really cool. TOKYO SKYTREE also has the very famous Tokyo fries shop AND THE FRIET, but I still prefer the texture of Jaga Pokkuru.
Shibuya Scramble Intersection
This is a scramble intersection in front of Shibuya Station. Said to be the world’s busiest crosswalk, it has become a famous sight to see in Tokyo. From the pedestrian bridge connecting the JR Yamanote Line and the Keio Inokashira Line, you can view the flurry of people crossing the intersection from above.
The most important thing to do when visiting Shibuya is cross this intersection. There are really so many people here. Looking down from Shibuya Sky, the crowds look as tiny as ants. Every time the light turns green, they move densely across to the other side. It’s really super interesting.
Sugar Butter Sand Tree
Milky white chocolate is sandwiched between cookies made from a blend of whole wheat, rye and wild oats. With its adorable appearance, your clients or friends and family will be delighted to receive this box of cookies as a gift.
Whenever I visit Japan, this is one souvenir I absolutely have to bring home. Besides the original, there are lots of other flavors. I recently tried the strawberry flavor, and it was fantastic! The white grape flavor seems to be new, but I didn’t think it was quite as good.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
This entirely new walk-through attraction lets you experience how the "Harry Potter" and "Fantastic Beasts" films were made. It is the first of its kind in Asia and the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo is a dream destination that every Harry Potter fan should visit at least once. The sets are slightly updated to match different themes, so even a second or third visit feels fresh.
There were no special events during my first visit, but the second time I caught the Goblet of Fire exhibition. From the iconic scene where the champions are selected to the graveyard set where Voldemort returns, everything was incredibly lifelike and meticulously detailed. It truly felt like stepping into the movies.
SHIBUYA SKY
An observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape from a height of approximately 230 meters above the ground. Located on the 14th, 45th, 46th and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest building in the Shibuya area, there are three zones: "SKY GATE," "SKY STAGE" and "SKY GALLERY.
I recommend booking SHIBUYA SKY tickets online well in advance because it gets really crowded. The route there can also be a little confusing, so arrive early to avoid missing the sunset.
The rooftop has an outdoor area, and relaxing there while watching the sunset is wonderful. The escalator is also a must!
