Kanazawa Station has a fresh, distinctive exterior design that perfectly blends tradition and modern style. The famous Tsuzumi-mon Gate is impressive, and it looks even more beautiful when lit up at night.
With plenty of shopping and dining inside, it’s a landmark you shouldn’t miss when visiting Kanazawa.
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village
Hakone-Yumoto Onsen Hot Spring Village is known as one of the seven hot springs in Hakone and the largest hot spring resort in Hakone.
Taking the mountain railway to Hakone-Yumoto Onsen is such a relaxing scenic journey. The train slowly winds through the mountains and forests, with lush greenery and mountain views filling the windows. You can occasionally see the valley too, making it hard to look away from the scenery outside.
After arriving at Hakone-Yumoto, the atmosphere of the hot spring town immediately puts you at ease. Strolling along the streets, you'll find lots of unique shops and food on both sides. Browsing and eating along the way lets you soak up the distinct charm of a Japanese hot spring town.
Hida Kotte-ushi
Located in the historical district of Hida Takayama, the Kotte-ushi specializes in nigiri-sushi topped with Hida beef for takeout only. Eating Hida beef at a reasonable price while strolling about the traditional town of Hida Takayama has become a very popular activity, resulting in long lines of visitors wishing to try this gourmet street food.
Of course, you can't miss the famous Hida beef nigiri sushi when you're in Hida! It looked so tempting as soon as I got it, with beautiful, even marbling. The beef was incredibly tender and practically melted in my mouth without much chewing. Paired with soy sauce and rice, it was full of flavor.
What I liked most was the rich, sweet flavor of the beef fat. It was flavorful without being too greasy, and each piece was just the right size for one bite. You could really taste how delicious Hida beef is.
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.
Riding the Hakone Tozan Railway through the mountains and forests felt very different from taking a regular train. The train slowly made its way along the mountainside, with lush forests and valley views appearing outside the window from time to time, allowing me to leisurely enjoy Hakone's natural scenery.
