The most eye-catching feature of HEP FIVE in Osaka Umeda is the red Ferris wheel on top of the building! The Ferris wheel is built directly on the roof of the shopping mall, making it look very distinctive, and its bright red gondolas can be seen from far away.
Once aboard, you slowly rise and can enjoy views of downtown Osaka from above, taking in the streets and buildings around Umeda.
Hokan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda)
Located in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, Hokan-ji is a Rinzai sect (Kennin-ji branch) temple most famous for its five-story pagoda, widely known as Yasaka no Tō. This iconic structure is one of Kyoto’s most recognizable landmarks. Legend points to the temples founding in 589 by Prince Shōtoku, with the current pagoda rebuilt in 1440 under Ashikaga Yoshinori. Designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.
In Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, seeing Hokan-ji Temple’s Yasaka Pagoda really makes you feel like you’re in Kyoto! The five-story pagoda towers above the streets, and together with the surrounding traditional Japanese machiya townhouses, the whole scene has the charm of the ancient capital.
Walking along the stone-paved streets near Yasaka Pagoda, you’ll find old buildings full of Kyoto character on both sides, and when you look up, you can see the pagoda. No matter which angle you take photos from, it has the feel of a traditional Japanese streetscape.
Lake Shoji（Shoji-ko）
This dammed lake formed by the volcanic eruption of Mt.Fuji is the smallest lake of Fuji Five Lakes. Lake Shoji and another 2 dammed lakes, Lake Motosu and Senoumi, also formed by the volcanic eruption of Mt.Fuji, were originally a single lake, but Mt. Fuji erupted again in the 9th century and outpouring lava divided 2 lakes and Lake Shoji.
While riding the bus past Lake Shoji, Mt. Fuji suddenly came into view through the window, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by the scenery. The lake reflected the sky, while Mt. Fuji stood quietly in the distance, its outline clear and graceful, like a natural landscape painting.
Lake Shoji is less crowded than popular tourist spots, giving it a greater sense of peace and tranquility. As the bus traveled along the lakeshore, the view from the window brought the lake, mountains, and Mt. Fuji together in a captivating scene.
Curél Lotion
A whole-body lotion from Curél, a skincare brand designed for dry, sensitive skin. The moisturizing ingredients (ceramide functional ingredients and eucalyptus extract) penetrate deep into the stratum corneum.
Curél Lotion has a pretty lightweight texture. It spreads easily on my face and doesn’t feel too heavy or sticky.
After applying it, my skin feels softer, and the moisture feels comfortable. It feels just right, especially when I’m usually in an air-conditioned room or when the weather is dry.
