Honestly, don't set your expectations too high for this place!
Harmony Land | Review by 王隆佑
Other Reviews by 王隆佑
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Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store
Starbucks Coffee Dazaifu Tenmangu Omotesando Store opened in 2011, right next to the torii gate facing the Omotesando Avenue of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine. This is one of the "Regional Landmark Stores," originally designed by Starbucks in iconic locations throughout Japan to promote the attractive local culture to the rest of the world.
This place is seriously unreal—so gorgeous it doesn’t even feel like a Starbucks. I came all the way to Dazaifu just for this store, and it was 100% worth it.
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Samurai Residences in Kakunodate
In Kakunodate, part of the city of Semboku in Akita Prefecture, exists rows of old houses first attributed to the Ashina family in the early Edo period (around year 1620), that later flourished under the castle town of the Satake-Kita family. This district has been designated as protected in an effort to conserve traditional buildings.
The area isn't very big, but every spot is worth taking your time to walk around and snap some photos.
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Ritsurin Garden
Used as a villa by the Matsudaira clan of Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago by successive generations of feudal lords who renovated it. While the sprawling strolling garden covers 16 hectares, the total area of this park, including Mount Shiun in the background, extends to an impressive 75 hectares!
If you’re visiting Takamatsu, this Michelin-starred spot is a must-see. The garden is full of rare pine trees, all carefully maintained by experts. I recommend coming during cherry blossom season in March or April.