Japan's only architectural museum dedicated to craftsman tools, the Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum!
Located near Shin-Kobe Station in Kobe, the museum's refined wooden architecture and Japanese garden are soothing and relaxing. The exhibits carefully showcase the outstanding techniques of traditional Japanese wooden architecture, from historic carpentry tools and wood-carving joinery methods to a full-scale model of a tea room, all viewable up close. Both beautiful and educational, the exhibits offer a deep appreciation for the extraordinary attention to detail of Japanese craftspeople. It's a highly recommended cultural attraction to visit in Kansai!
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum | Review by Ming Yu
Other Reviews by Ming Yu
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Kawasaki Daishi Heikenji Temple (Kongosan Kinjoin Heikenji)
Kawasaki Daishi is considered the birthplace of the "Hatsumode" tradition. Every year during the first three days of the New Year, approximately 3 million people visit for worship.
On this visit to Kawasaki Daishi in Kanagawa, I happened to catch the chrysanthemum exhibition, and the venue was decorated very elegantly and impressively! As soon as I entered the temple grounds, I could feel the strong sense of history and solemnity. The incense burner in front of the main hall was bustling with worshippers, and I joined the locals in wafting the incense smoke toward myself while praying for protection from misfortune and for peace. It was a very special and soothing cultural experience. The octagonal five-story pagoda in the back looked even more magnificent against the blue sky and white clouds, and was great for photos! Shops along the approach also sell the famous Sumiyoshi Heart Sutra candy and kujumochi. It's close to both Haneda Airport and central Tokyo, so I highly recommend spending half a day here strolling around and praying for good fortune!
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Ajidokoro Satou
Ajidokoro Satou is a creative izakaya run by a skilled owner who honed his craft at various Japanese restaurants in Tokyo, specializing in traditional cuisine, kaiseki, and sushi. Known among locals for its exquisite seasonal dishes, the restaurant focuses on authentic Japanese flavors crafted from carefully selected ingredients.
The two things you absolutely can’t miss here are the signature live squid fishing and the katte-don with toppings of your choice! After catching a live squid yourself, the staff immediately prepares and slices it right in front of you. When it arrives at the table, the tentacles are even still moving slightly. Dip it in a little soy sauce and put it in your mouth—the incredible sweetness and springy texture are truly surprising. Then order a generously topped seafood bowl loaded with salmon roe, sea urchin, and scallops. Every big bite is filled with the fresh flavors of the sea. Pure happiness!
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Kaiten Sushi Hakodate Marukatsu Suisan Main Branch
Located just a short walk from JR Hakodate Station inside the Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club, a dining complex in the bay area, this conveyor-belt sushi restaurant is operated directly by a long-established fishmonger.
At dinnertime, I walked over to Hakodate Bay Gourmet Club next to the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouses. Seeing the red-brick building and signs for all the famous restaurants instantly made my stomach growl! This place brings together some of Hakodate’s most famous local foods, from the fresh conveyor-belt sushi at Marukatsu Suisan and the light broth of Ajisai’s shio ramen to the fragrant Jingisukan barbecue at Youyoutei. I spent ages standing in front of the sign by the entrance, unable to decide what to eat.
I finally picked a place and ordered sashimi and sweet shrimp delivered straight from the harbor. Every bite was full of sweetness, and it was so satisfying with an ice-cold beer! The restaurant was filled with lively laughter, and the warm aroma of food drifted through the air, completely soothing my sore feet and exhaustion after walking all day. Whether you’re craving seafood, ramen, or barbecue, you can find it all here. It’s definitely a delicious spot you shouldn’t miss when visiting the Hakodate Bay area!
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