Walking along the Samurai Residence Street in Kakunodate, Akita, feels like traveling back to the Edo period. Traditional black wooden fences and lush green trees line both sides of the street, looking even more peaceful and elegant after a light rain. Along the way, visit the Iwahashi Residence, a prefecturally designated historic site, and experience the history of a samurai home firsthand. Then stop by Hanajō-an, a directly operated store of the long-established Ando Jozo brewery, to sample classic flavors passed down locally. You can also find adorable Akita dog merchandise along the way, adding plenty of playfulness and fun to this historic stroll!
Samurai Residences in Kakunodate | Review by Ming Yu
Other Reviews by Ming Yu
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Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
The world's largest anime merchandise store and a true mecca for anime fans is what you’ll find here at the Animate Ikebukuro Main Store. After a full overhaul in 2023 the store reopened with an even larger sales floor, complete with nine floors above ground and two basement levels. Take your pick and step inside to find hundreds of thousands of manga, character goods, and everything anime on the side.
As an anime fan, visiting the Animate Ikebukuro Main Store feels like entering an ACG pilgrimage site! The entire building is massive, with everything from anime and manga to light novels, doujinshi, figures, merchandise, and video products. It's incredibly satisfying to browse.
The store also holds limited-time displays and special exhibitions for various titles from time to time. Displays such as character standees from Cosmic Princess Kaguya! and special theatrical-film exhibition areas let fans take photos up close and fully enjoy supporting their favorite characters. Whether you want to hunt for popular merchandise or immerse yourself in the anime atmosphere, this is definitely one of Ikebukuro's top must-visit attractions!
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Omoide Yokocho
Walk just 2 minutes from the West Exit of Shinjuku Station to find yourself at a retro pub alley. With ticket shops and around 80 different establishments offering delicious food and drinks, it's a great place to enjoy the local cuisine and atmosphere.
If you want to experience Tokyo's most authentic Showa-era retro atmosphere, don't miss Omoide Yokocho next to Shinjuku Station! Once you pass through the iconic green entrance sign, you'll find narrow alleys packed with all kinds of izakayas. The air is filled with the rich aroma of charcoal-grilled skewers and cheerful laughter, creating a lively, down-to-earth atmosphere.
It retains the nostalgic feel of the Showa era and becomes even more beautiful at night. Office workers getting off work and visitors from around the world crowd into the cozy little establishments, drinking beer and enjoying piping-hot skewers and grilled offal. If you want to experience Shinjuku's most authentic nightlife and warm local hospitality, this is the place!
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Fuji TV Headquarters Building
With the futuristic impression of its silver sphere, the Fuji Television Headquarters, designed by architect Kenzo Tange, is a landmark of Odaiba. There is also a floor offering tours of the TV station.
When visiting Odaiba, you definitely shouldn't miss one of Tokyo's iconic landmarks, the Fuji TV Headquarters Building! Designed by master architect Kenzo Tange, the building has an extremely futuristic appearance. Its most eye-catching feature is the huge spherical observation room, Hachitama, suspended in midair, with a unique and striking design.
Inside, you can buy plenty of exclusive merchandise from popular Japanese dramas and anime. From the spherical observation room, you can also take in beautiful views of Tokyo Bay, Rainbow Bridge, and even Tokyo Tower. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, an anime or Japanese drama fan, or a traveler looking to admire Tokyo's waterfront scenery from above, this is an excellent must-visit attraction in Odaiba!
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