The entrance to LEGOLAND Japan in Nagoya feels like stepping into a colorful LEGO box magnified millions of times! Scenes built with more than 17 million LEGO bricks are everywhere, while the scent of caramel popcorn and the sound of children screaming fill the air. Whether you're admiring enormous brick dinosaurs up close or wandering through colorful brick streets, your inner child and sense of adventure are instantly awakened. The whole park is filled with an irresistible childlike excitement.
The attractions here aren't just static displays—they're full of surprises and action! On Submarine Adventure, you can watch real sharks swim alongside a LEGO shipwreck through glass portholes. In Miniland, famous landmarks from across Japan are vividly recreated in LEGO form at a 1:1 scale, and even the little trains and vehicles move on their own. The most thrilling ride has to be The Dragon. Racing and twisting above the castle with the wind rushing past is just exciting enough, and even adults can have a great time.
When you're tired from playing, don't miss the park-exclusive LEGO fries! These golden, crispy, brick-shaped fries are soft and tasty inside and so eye-catching that they're perfect for photos.
A trip to LEGOLAND Japan in Nagoya brings a full day of laughter and surprises!
This is one of the places I recommend visiting at least once in your lifetime!
At first, I had only seen photos online and wasn't that interested in Zao's juhyo, but after seeing them in person, I was completely amazed by nature's incredible handiwork.
While doing research before the trip, I read online that juhyo form when winter snow and ice freeze onto trees and continue to accumulate, eventually transforming conifer forests high in the mountains into a fantastical landscape resembling snow monsters. Such a spectacular sight requires very unique climatic and natural conditions, so there are actually very few places in the world where juhyo can be seen. Luckily, Japan, which is very close to Taiwan, happens to have one. Before I left, everyone who had been there told me, “Make sure to dress warmly! Otherwise, your fingers and toes might just fall off along the way.”
(In the end, my fingers and toes didn't fall off, but one of my eyeglass lenses did. Fortunately, a kind woman helped me find it. I'm not sure if it was because of the cold, but it was very difficult to get the lens back into the frame. Once we got down the mountain, though, it wasn't a problem. If you wear glasses, I suggest switching to contacts to reduce fogging and the risk of losing your glasses.)
We went in February, right when the juhyo are at their most spectacular (though if you're unlucky enough to encounter a blizzard, visibility will be much lower). Fortunately, the blizzard we encountered wasn't too severe. Although it was unbelievably cold, we could still clearly see the snow monsters before us.
You really need to dress warmly! A waterproof jacket and snow boots are essential, and I also strongly recommend waterproof gloves. I even put foot warmers under my feet.)
Before leaving, we booked the ropeway and the nighttime snowcat tour, “Juhyo Fantasy Corridor.” I highly, highly recommend this tour! The snowcat was a little crowded, and the ride was quite bumpy, but the scenery along the way was so fantastical that it's hard to describe. Every snow monster had a completely different shape. As I looked at them, I thought—the snow monsters are just like us: every person is a one-of-a-kind presence in this world.
The snowcat takes everyone to a designated spot (I'm not sure if it's where the lighting looks best, but I thought it was the most beautiful), and then you get off and have about ten minutes of free time (maybe they don't let you stay out long because they're afraid everyone will freeze to death), allowing you to truly immerse yourself in the dreamlike snowy scenery. If you're not afraid of the cold, you can also try rolling around in the snow. The snow is icy cold and feels soft and fluffy, and because the temperature is so low, it doesn't melt easily. Even after rolling around in it, your clothes are still dry when you get up!
This trip to see the Zao juhyo completely changed my original impression that they “looked just okay in photos.” Some scenery really has to be seen with your own eyes before you can understand just how incredible nature can be.
I had barely finished seeing the belugas before flying to Fukuoka. My first stop on this return trip to Kyushu was Yamaga, a hot spring town full of Edo-period charm.
Yamaga is in northern Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its hot springs, lantern festival, and century-old kabuki theater, Yachiyoza. Yachiyoza is not only a cultural symbol of Yamaga but also one of Japan's valuable examples of wooden theater architecture, renowned for its unique wooden structure and beautiful Japanese architectural style.
The theater retains many traditional features, including a revolving stage, rising platforms, brass chandeliers, box seating, and ceiling advertisements... I sat here for a long time, breathing in the scent of the wooden building. Closing my eyes, I could feel the theater's rise and fall over the years. Today, it hosts not only theatrical performances but also other cultural events. Across the street, Yume Kogura, converted from a white-walled storehouse, displays valuable items such as stage props and costumes.
The afternoon sun was hidden behind the clouds as I strolled leisurely through the streets and soaked my feet with Kumamon. Nice〜
Kumamoto · Kumamoto Castle (Ginkgo Castle)
The journey began in Kumamoto and also came to an end there. Standing in front of Kumamoto Castle, looking at the black-and-white keep, the massive stone walls, and the traces of history still being restored, I truly understood that even the strongest fortress is no match for the power of nature. Kato Kiyomasa built this famous castle, which remained standing through wars and fires but was severely damaged in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. Today, it is being rebuilt step by step using historical construction methods so that its cultural legacy can continue.
On this journey, I saw not only a magnificent old castle, but also the Japanese people's respect for cultural heritage and their indomitable spirit in the face of disaster. History is not just words in a book, but stories that truly remain in every roof tile, every stone, and every wooden structure. A person's life will eventually become a page in history, and the value of travel lies in broadening one's horizons and gaining knowledge with every stop, making life richer by visiting more places and witnessing more stories.
Ningle Terrace in Furano is really beautiful in winter 😍, and it's easy to get to when traveling independently. There's also a limited-time "Furano Kan Kan Mura" next to Ningle Terrace, which is a lot of fun, with snow banana boats, snowmobiles, and dog sledding. It really makes you want to stay longer 🥰
The views at Izu Panorama Park are absolutely worth the visit. Taking the ropeway and enjoying the mountain and ocean scenery along the way was so relaxing.
From the summit, you can see Suruga Bay in the distance. It was cloudy at ground level, but by the time I reached the top, the weather was clear—and super hot! I was so happy to see Mt. Fuji. The view was incredibly wide open.
The park is well laid out, the walking paths are easy to navigate, and there are lots of great photo spots. I highly recommend adding this to your Izu trip.
I arrived a little after noon and spent time there taking in the scenery, resting, and enjoying a limited-edition matcha drink! Around 4:30 PM, I was about to head down, but then the clouds cleared even more and Mt. Fuji became super visible! I stayed until 5:15 PM, and I was the only person left—the last one to go down. It was truly beautiful!
I took a sightseeing bus from Furano and finally arrived at the dreamy hidden gem of Hokkaido: Shirogane Blue Pond!
In the sunlight, the water turned a stunning Tiffany blue. As the light shifted and the viewing angle changed, the blue of the pond showed mesmerizing variations in depth and shade. It sparkled beautifully and was truly breathtaking!
I originally thought the main difference between Himeji Castle and other Japanese castles was simply its beautiful white exterior. But once I went inside, I realized its scale, state of preservation, and architectural details were far beyond what I had expected. After entering from Sakuramon Bridge, it already takes a while just to cross Sannomaru Square and reach the ticket gate. Once officially inside the castle grounds, I was drawn in by the layered views of the main keeps, smaller keeps, connecting corridors, and multiple gates. I kept stopping to walk, take photos, and look around, so there was no way I could finish the visit in the two hours I had originally planned.
Compared with the main keep, which gets the most attention, I really liked the Hyakken Corridor and Keshō Yagura in Nishinomaru. This area preserves a rare glimpse of women’s living spaces within a Japanese castle. As I walked along the wooden corridor and looked at the small rooms used by attendants, household items, and exhibits related to Princess Sen, I realized that castles were not only places for lords, samurai, and war. They also once held the everyday lives of women. Princess Sen spent some rare peaceful years at Himeji Castle, but in the end she lost both her child and husband one after another. It gave that seemingly glamorous life a sense of fated sadness.
The main keep area has a completely different atmosphere. The low gates, steep stone steps, winding passages, and sudden corners are already quite tiring for ordinary visitors, so it’s hard to imagine how enemy soldiers in armor would have advanced through them. After entering the keep and seeing the many weapon racks, shooting holes, stone-dropping openings, and hidden rooms, I finally understood that beneath Himeji Castle’s elegant white appearance lies an extremely cold, warlike nature. I’m also grateful to live in a peaceful era, when this castle built for defense can finally be appreciated for its most beautiful side.
Every time I enter Tokyo Station, it feels like stepping into a huge maze. The high domed ceiling really makes you stop and look up.
With its modern, varied electronic payment options, getting in and out is really convenient. Since the cards are now minimalist in design, I got a registered card as a souvenir.
It has my name printed on it, so it’s not just my own personal travel pass. Every time I see it, I’m instantly reminded of the feeling of walking through the streets of Tokyo and looking up beneath the dome at Tokyo Station.
Takachiho Gorge was one of the most breathtaking spots on this trip. As soon as we stepped onto the trail, we were surrounded by lush greenery, and the air felt fresh and comfortable.
The towering gorge, vibrant green forest, and clear stream complemented each other beautifully. Along the way, we could also enjoy the famous Manai Falls, which made the scenery feel incredibly soothing.
Sunlight filtered through the treetops, and a gentle breeze made the whole forest feel even more alive. Walking along the trail, we could hear the sound of flowing water from time to time, and it really helped us relax.
There’s none of the noise of the city here, only the pure beauty of nature. It makes you want to slow down and fully enjoy the peace and emotion brought by all this greenery.
The Tateyama Cable Car is a must-ride part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route. In just a few minutes, it climbs a steep mountainside, with stunning views of the alpine forest along the way.
I recommend buying your ticket first after arriving, then taking your time with photos so you don’t miss your ride. Even on a weekday, there were still plenty of visitors, which shows how popular it is. Surrounded by mountains and picture-perfect scenery, every stop makes you want to pause and take it all in. It was definitely one of the most unforgettable experiences of the Tateyama Kurobe trip.
Such a beautiful, dreamlike waterfall. The terrain and scenery, together with the lush greenery in summer, are gorgeous and so soothing.
Watching the little boats glide slowly below also feels peaceful. I didn’t go down for a boat ride myself, but just taking in the view was really relaxing.
Highly recommend taking the cable car up Mount Sarakura around sunset! The scenery on the way up is already beautiful, and once you reach the top, the night view feels totally worth it. You can see the whole sea of lights across Kitakyushu, and the view is amazing. It looks even more stunning in person than in photos.
The air at the summit feels so nice, and it’s a great place to take your time enjoying the night view and snapping some pictures. If you’re visiting Kitakyushu, I definitely recommend coming here in the evening. It’s romantic and relaxing, and it’s the kind of place that makes you want to come back again.
The place that amazed me the most—and that I’ll never forget—on my first solo trip was Miyajima.
I usually get seasick super easily, so I was honestly a little worried before leaving. Maybe I was just too excited, but surprisingly I didn’t feel seasick at all during the whole ferry ride. The ocean views along the way were already beautiful, and once I actually arrived on Miyajima, I was even more blown away.
As soon as I got off the ferry, I saw deer everywhere, casually wandering around the island without being afraid of people at all. The whole island made me slow down without even realizing it. I walked along the streets feeling like I had somehow wandered into a hidden paradise. Even though there were plenty of tourists, it didn’t affect my enjoyment one bit.
I really loved all the little details hidden around Miyajima. The guardian-beast statues at the shrine had such cute expressions—one of them looked adorably goofy, and it made me laugh. The one on the other side looked totally serious, like it was there just to set the tone.
I happened to visit at low tide, so I got to admire the Great Torii up close. That’s when I noticed the pillars were covered in moss, which made me laugh again—it was such a different side of it.
Even now, when I think back on it, I’m still impressed with myself. Even though I knew I get seasick easily, I still chose to take this trip. I didn’t mind that the hems of my pants got covered in wet sand, because everything in front of me was absolutely worth it.
And because of Miyajima, my lucky trip to Japan was given its most unforgettable page.
A long-established shop that makes shiobiki salmon, a local specialty.
Every day, the artisans carefully check, polish, and adjust the salmon hanging inside, taking their time to make delicious salted salmon. The staff also explain the history, how the salmon is managed, and the tools they use.
The traditional Japanese architecture and the sight of so many salmon hanging up are absolutely stunning!
Tadao Ando perfectly buries the entire building beneath the hillside, leaving only geometric courtyards and skylights exposed. Walking through the stark geometric lines of the exposed concrete, everything is illuminated solely by natural light flowing freely with the time of day and the weather.
When I stepped into the Monet Water Lilies gallery, the pure white floor beneath my feet—made of tens of thousands of small marble pieces—and the natural light pouring down from above made the paintings, the space, and nature feel completely unified. It was so breathtaking I almost held my breath.
This is not just a place to look at paintings, but a profound dialogue between the body, space, light, and shadow.
Over the past two years, we’ve started planning our trips around Japan’s sightseeing trains and then arranging the rest of the itinerary around them. For those of us who don’t drive, it’s an especially convenient and comfortable way to travel.
We were lucky enough to book the only sightseeing train that runs from Chichibu to Tokyo, the "52 Seats of Happiness," for Sunday, 2026/06/07 at 4:00 PM, departing Chichibu for Shinjuku. Since we wanted to make it a day trip and also choose the French dinner service with live onboard music, this is the itinerary we ended up with:
At 9:00 in the morning, we took the Laview train from Ikebukuro Station, which first launched in March 2019. The ride took about 70 minutes. As soon as we arrived in Chichibu and exited the station, we saw the hot spring festival collaboration with Beitou in Taiwan. Right next to it was an area filled with all kinds of souvenirs and food.
About a five-minute walk away is Chichibu’s most famous ramen shop, and my personal number one, "Chindatsu." After a satisfying meal, we strolled through the thoughtfully designed streets. The shops along the way were all decorated in such a warm and charming style. In about 15 minutes, we reached Chichibu Shrine. It shares the cultural motif of the three cute monkeys with Nikko Toshogu Shrine, but its traditional shrine architecture paired with brighter colors gives it a very different feel.
After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, we passed a supermarket that was amazing for shopping, then headed to the hot spring facility next to the station. The large public bath overlooks the mountains, and there are also stone slabs where you can lie down and relax, which was perfect for easing the fatigue from walking 20,000 steps a day over the past few days.
The "52 Seats of Happiness" train is arranged like a French restaurant, and the meal was made with fresh, delicious ingredients. The authentic French sauces were impressively well done, and the live violin performance by a highly skilled musician was the perfect finishing touch to this trip.
I stayed here with my best friend this time, and it felt incredibly relaxing and comfortable. Once we got to the room, we honestly didn’t want to leave. The terrace opens out to nature, with birdsong, insects chirping, and the sound of the stream all around us, plus nothing but lush greenery in front of us. After soaking in the hot spring, we sat on the terrace together, chatting, drinking tea, and just zoning out. Doing absolutely nothing turned out to be the most relaxing luxury.
Dinner was a carefully prepared kaiseki meal by the hotel, and they thoughtfully checked our dietary restrictions before our stay. As my friend and I enjoyed the food and shared stories from our trip, each course arrived one by one. Not only was everything delicious, but even the plating and tableware were beautifully chosen. You could really see the care that went into it.
The meal featured lots of seasonal ingredients, so we got to enjoy their freshest and most natural flavors. Even though dinner lasted nearly two hours, it didn’t feel long at all. If anything, it gave us more time to slowly enjoy both the food and the view outside. There was no pressure to rush to the next thing, just a happy, meaningful time together that left me feeling completely satisfied.
What impressed me most during the stay was how much the hotel valued privacy. The staff never hovered or interrupted too much, but whenever we needed anything, they were quick to help. That made the whole stay feel both comfortable and reassuring, and it let us fully enjoy our relaxing time together without any worries.
When it was time to pack and leave, I really didn’t want to go. This little trip with my best friend didn’t involve a packed itinerary. We simply slowed down and enjoyed the scenery, the food, and each other’s company, and that made it feel especially healing.
If you love nature, care about the quality of where you stay, and want a place to relax and recharge with a close friend, I’d absolutely recommend this place.
Some hotels are easy to forget after you stay there, but this one is different. The setting, the food, and the service all left a lasting impression. It’s also a wonderful place to unwind with your best friend, have heartfelt conversations, and enjoy a stress-free trip.
The white soy sauce ramen broth looks light, but it has a lot of depth and doesn’t taste overly salty. Once the noodles soak up the broth, they go down really smoothly.
It was my first time trying Hakata’s specialty gurukawa, and the chicken skin was grilled crispy on the outside and pleasantly chewy inside. The more you chew, the more flavorful it gets, and it pairs really well with the ramen. If you’re around Tenjin, I definitely recommend giving this place a try. The white soy sauce ramen with their signature chicken skin skewers is a combo that makes me want to come back again.
The theater-style aquarium "AQUARIUM × ART átoa" in Kobe Harbor has an architectural concept that beautifully combines the port city's historical memory with the symbolism of rebirth after the Great Hanshin Earthquake.
Architectural concept: "The Uplift"
The building symbolizes "land rising from the sea." Its rugged, rock-layer-like exterior represents Kobe gathering its strength again after the devastation and destruction of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, showing a resilient life force and being "reborn" where the mountains and sea meet.
Coming to Kobe, a city I had overlooked for so long, the harbor moved me far beyond just the Ferris wheel 🎡 and Kobe Port Tower. What touched me even more was the rebirth of this land, its vibrant blue tones, and the powerful impact this building had on me!
Nothing was more a part of my childhood than Studio Ghibli. This time, I visited Ghibli Park, and although it was a bit of a shame that I could only get the stroll pass and couldn’t enter every area, just seeing Howl’s Moving Castle and spotting the little surprises along the way that only Ghibli fans would notice already made me incredibly emotional.
Next time I come here, I hope I can get tickets for all areas and really explore every corner of the park 🥹
The spacious grounds have all kinds of places to enjoy, including a restaurant where you can drink craft beer, a chocolate shop, and even a goldfish aquarium, so it makes for a really nice walk.
At night, we also enjoyed the beautiful illuminations.
It was convenient that there were free shuttle buses from multiple stations.
We stayed at Hotel Tokinosumika.
We were able to use the Kirakubo hot spring facility, which made for a very relaxing stay.
Walking into Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village feels like stepping into a time tunnel.
The movie is set in early Showa-era Japan, so the village recreates Showa-period homes and a wooden schoolhouse, and being able to experience them in person is really fun. The houses from the film have now been turned into little shops, exhibition spaces, and restaurants. I even happened to see a cat napping in front of one of the shops—so cute.
At Café Movie Club, they recreate the school lunch that elementary students used to eat back then. It was wonderful to enjoy the meal while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere.
You have to take off your shoes as soon as you enter, and in some areas you even walk directly through water. With the lighting, music, and mirrored spaces, it feels incredibly immersive.
My favorite was the Floating Flower Garden. The flowers slowly change as people move around, and seeing it in person felt absolutely dreamy. Photos really can’t capture what it looks like with your own eyes.
The overall flow was smooth, and the staff were all very kind. Even though it was pretty crowded, it was still well worth taking your time to experience.
I highly recommend coming with friends or your partner. It really feels like a brief escape from the real world. If it’s your first time in Tokyo, I think this is definitely one of the spots worth adding to your itinerary. The new exhibition area was especially fun too, with lots of interactive elements!
The AONIYOSHI color scheme is mainly purple with gold accents, giving it an atmosphere of ancient nobility. The seating layout is open, but it still feels private. The seats are nicely cushioned and very comfortable, and the interior is full of thoughtful details. From the lighting to the decorations on the luggage racks, the whole train has a retro yet stylish feel.
There’s also a dining car where you can buy limited-edition sweets and Daibutsu Pudding, and this is also where you pick up the commemorative boarding certificate.
Overall, a lot of care clearly went into both the hardware and the service, which made this a fantastic ride. The trip from Nara to Kyoto is only 30 minutes, and it honestly left me wanting more.
Crispy, toothsome, and deliciously fragrant anago rice.
Best anagomeshi I’ve ever had!
Even though it was after the weekday lunch rush, there was still a line.
Absolutely amazing!
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