When visiting Sensoji Temple, don't miss Nakamise Shopping Street. The entire street has a strong traditional Japanese atmosphere, with many small shops on both sides selling wagashi, rice crackers, ningyo-yaki, fans, and all kinds of unique souvenirs. It's a great place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy tasty food!
Sensoji Temple is at the end of the shopping street. Once you enter the temple grounds, you can feel a peaceful atmosphere that's completely different from the lively shopping street!
Neo Park Okinawa
This zoological and botanical garden is located about 10 minutes by car from downtown Nago. The vast site, nearly five times the size of the Tokyo Dome, features an area that reproduces the environment of a tropical region.
The whole park feels very laid-back. Unlike typical large amusement parks, it isn’t as crowded and feels more like taking a walk through nature. You can see all kinds of plants and animals along the way, and the surroundings are quite pleasant, making it a great place to slow down and explore at your own pace.
The most interesting part of the park is being able to observe many cute little animals up close. There are often unexpected little surprises as you walk around. For people who like animals and being close to nature, this is quite a distinctive attraction.
The overall pace is relaxed, so there’s no need to rush through your itinerary. You can stroll around the park, take photos, and enjoy Okinawa’s laid-back atmosphere. It’s especially lush when the weather is nice, and the photos have a very natural feel.
If you’re planning to visit the Nago area, I think it’s worth stopping by for a half-day outing. Compared with the crowds at popular attractions, this place has a quieter, more soothing atmosphere. It’s a great place for families with children or anyone who enjoys exploring plants and animals.
Sakuranobaba Josaien
This multipurpose culture and tourism facility serves as an outdoor recreation of a Kumamoto Castle hill at the foot the mountain. Here you’ll find Kumamoto’s local gourmet, plenty of shopping and a chance to dive into the history of Kumamoto’s history.
Near Kumamoto Castle, besides visiting the castle itself, I also highly recommend stopping by Sakuranobaba Josaien. The entire complex was designed around the concept of an Edo-period castle town, and the streets are full of Kumamoto character, creating a charming historic atmosphere as you walk around.
There are many local Kumamoto foods, souvenirs, and specialty shops here, so you can take a stroll and browse at your own pace. Kumamoto specialties such as horse meat dishes, mustard-stuffed lotus root, and Kumamoto ramen can all be found here, making it very convenient for people who like to snack as they walk around.
I think the most appealing thing about Josaien is that it combines sightseeing, shopping, and food all in one place. There's no need to rush through your itinerary, and it's very pleasant to explore at a leisurely pace.
Okamotoya Shop
Located in the heart of Myoban Onsen in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture, Okamotoya Shop is operated by Okamotoya Ryokan, a long-established inn with a history of over 150 years. Since 1988, the shop has been selling its signature Jigoku-Mushi® Pudding, earning its reputation as the original.
While visiting Beppu Myoban Onsen, I made a special trip to Okamotoya Shop. This long-established shop is best known for its Jigoku-Mushi Pudding. The pudding is steamed using hot spring steam, giving it a smooth texture and rich egg flavor. It's sweet without being too rich, and the slightly bitter caramel is just right. The shop also has quite a few Beppu specialty snacks. Eating dessert while taking in the sulfur aroma of Myoban Onsen feels very local. This trip to Beppu left me with some very special memories. If I have the chance, I'd love to come back for the Jigoku-Mushi Pudding again!
