The Japan FAQ
Shibuya At Night - A 4K Walkthrough 🌟 渋谷●東京 🌟 Japan As It Truly Is
updated
Shofuen Garden, opened to the public in 2007, is a garden and former home of the owner of the Tamaya Department Store, built in the early 1950s. You can see the former residence's tea rooms and Japanese style garden.
Shofuen Garden is easily reached by a 10 minute walk south of the Yakuin-Odori subway station, or a 15 minute walk west of the Nishitetsu Hirao Station.
Entrance fee: 100 yen.
Open 9 AM - 5 PM. Closed on Tuesdays, and Dec 29-Jan 1
For 300 yen more you can enjoy some traditional green tea by the garden, just as the owner once did.
Official website: http://www.shofuen.net
The Nebuta Museum Wa Rasse opened in 2011 and showcases several floats from Aomori's Nebuta festival, one of Japan's most colorful and spectacular and taking place in early August. It's a rare chance to see the nebuta festival floats, music, dancing and float construction all year long.
Open 9 AM to 7 PM May-Aug, til 6 PM Sep to Apr
Admission is ¥620.
Hasedera Temple (長谷寺) is one of Kamakura's most beautiful with its 2500 hydrangeas exploding in color each June.Kamakura is famous for its June hydrangea and along with Meigetsuin, Hasedera is one of the best places to see them.
The Hasedera Temple was completed in 736 AD, but reached its prime during the 13-14th Centuries. Today it's famous for its large Kannon Buddha (9.2 m or 30.1 ft tall, but they don't allow pictures), as well as its jizo statues, cave, and its magnificent hydrangea that bloom every June.
Open 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Oct-Feb until 5:00 PM) Last entry 30 min prior.
Entrance fee is 400 yen.
For more great sights in Kamakura and Kanagawa, please watch the Kanagawa Playlist:
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Rurikoin-(瑠璃光院)-has a history going back over 1300 years as a place for court nobles to relax. Today it is one of Kyoto's most beautiful temples and only open twice a year in early summer as well as for the autumn colors. See the exclusive early summer colors here in their most beautiful verdant. Rurikoin is also the 2nd most expensive place in Kyoto, costing 2000 yen to visit (Kokedera, on the other side of Kyoto in Arashiyama is still more expensive at 3000 yen). While it is not that large, it is amazing to see so much beauty packed into such a small area. It is relatively unknown to foreign tourists, but still quite crowded among the locals.
Hakusan Shrine (白山神社) in Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo holds its annual Hakusan Shrine hydrangea festival (あじさい祭り) every June and huge crowds go to see the amazing June flowers. Expect to see lots of people taking countless pictures of the beautiful flowers.
For other great places in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Playlist:
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Showa Kinen Park (昭和記念公園) is located in Tachikawa, Tokyo, and especially famous in spring for its tulips around the middle of April, as well as the autumn leaves around late November.
For more great gardens in Tokyo, please see the Tokyo Gardens Playlist:
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And for more great Tokyo places, see the Tokyo Playlist:
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Plus for beautiful Japanese gardens across Japan, please watch the Japanese Gardens playlist:
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Jonan Shrine has a rare prize - several beautiful gardens in multiple styles. While not the largest or most famous, it is still mostly undiscovered by the endless mobs of Kyoto tourists, and you can still see the Kyoto you've always dreamed of.
Jonangu Shrine is also very popular for the plum blossoms, which usually come out around the end of February to the first part of March.
For other great places to see in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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The Horikiri Iris Garden (堀切菖蒲園) is over 3 centuries old and has over 6000 flowers. Here you can see 200 different varieties of Japanese irises and early to mid June is the best time to see them.
While so many people rave about the cherry blossoms in Japan, there is actually so much more in spring - one of these is the beautiful iris flower and the Horikiri Iris Garden (堀切菖蒲園) in Tokyo's northeast area will not leave you disappointed.
For more great Tokyo gardens, please see the Tokyo Gardens playlist:
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For other excellent places in Tokyo, please see the Tokyo Playlist:
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Toshogu Shrine (東照宮) is the final resting place and main shrine for Tokugawa Ieyasu (1543–1616), Japan's most prominent shogun, who united the fractured country and began a rule of around 250 years of international isolation, peace, and economic growth.
Here you can see the best that Toshogu Shrine offers - the magnificent Yomeimon Gate (the most decorated in Japan), the famous Toshogu Shrine three monkeys, the sleeping cat, Ieyasu's grave, and much more.
Toshogu Shrine has been in renovation between 2007 and March 2024. Some areas may be having work done of them, but the impact on the whole of Toshogu is minimal.
Toshogu Shrine in Nikko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
For more great sights in the Nikko area, please watch the Nikko Playlist:
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Rinnoji Temple has a history going back to 1441, and was originally constructed in Fukushima. The Date clan moved it to Sendai in 1602 when their regional capital was also moved to Sendai. All the temple buildings burned down in a huge fire in 1876, but everything was slowly rebuilt. The temple garden was added in 1915. Rinnoji boasts one of the most beautiful temple gardens in Japan, with a beautiful serene pond, 3 story pagoda, and seasonal flowers in bloom. The pagoda was added in 1981.
The official Rinnoji Temple website is at rinno-ji.or.jp
Note that this is not the same Rinnoji Temple that's in Nikko, Tochigi.
Open 8 AM to 5 PM. Entrance fee is ¥300.
For more great sights in the Tohoku Region, please watch the Tohoku Playlist:
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Nanzenji Temple (南禅寺) in Higashiyama (Kyoto's eastern side) is one of the largest zen temple complexes, with numerous subtemples, as well as the Nanzenin Garden (南禅院庭園), a gorgeous Japanese garden that is well worth your attention. The Japanese Emperor Kameyama established Nanzenji in 1291, on the site of his previous detached palace.
For more great sights in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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Shugakuin Imperial Villa (修学院離宮, Shugakuin Rikyu) comprises 53-hectares (133 acres) , with its first part constructed in 1655-1659. Among all the gardens in Japan, the Shugakuin Imperial Villa gardens are revered as one of the great masterpieces of Japanese gardening. There are currently 3 areas - lower, middle and upper. The upper area has a commanding view with a huge pond stroll garden. The lower gardens use the mountains surrounding Kyoto as "borrowed scenery".
The only way to see the Shugakuin Imperial Villa is with a reservation through the Imperial Household Agency, with a 75 minute or so guided tour. Advance reservations are highly recommended.
For more great sights in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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And for another great imperial sight in Kyoto, please have a look at Katsura Rikyu:
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The Hakozaki Shrine Flower Garden (筥崎宮花庭園) in Fukuoka City is famous for its peony garden (牡丹, ボタン 花庭園) in the springtime, usually towards late April to early May. The garden also explodes in color every June with its hydrangea (あじさい 神苑花庭園).
Sanjusangendo Temple (三十三間堂) is near Higashiyama on Kyoto's east side, and while not that large, has some of Japan's most incredible 1001 Kannon Buddhist art as well a nice traditional Japanese garden. For more great sights in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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Entrance fee to Sanjusangendo is ¥600.
Open 8 AM - 5 PM Apr-mid Nov, 9 AM - 4 PM Nov-Mar. Last entry is 30 min. prior. Entrance is on the north side of the temple. It is about 6 min on foot (500 m) east of the Keihan Shichijo Stn, or about 20 minutes on foot east of Kyoto Station.
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Daigoji Temple (醍醐寺) was established in 874 AD - its 5-story pagoda was built in 951 AD and is Kyoto's oldest structure. The Sanboin garden began as a sub-temple but is part of the whole today, and is widely regarded as one of Kyoto's most beautiful. Daigoji Temple is also extremely popular in late November for its autumn leaves, as well as in the spring for its cherry blossoms - though both times can be overflowing with visitors.
DaigojiTemple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Daigoji Temple is open 9 AM - 4 PM daily.
Admissions fee is ¥800 yen normally, but ¥1500 for peak times (3/20-5/15, 10/15-12/10). There is an additional fee for Upper Daigo (Kami Daigo) which is at the summit of the mountain at the rear.
Daigoji is about a 10 minute walk east of the Daigoji Subway Station.
For more great sights in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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The Kyu-Furukawa Gardens (旧古河庭園) is one among many beautiful traditional gardens in Tokyo. Kyu Furukawa is especially good in May, and around October for its beautiful rose garden. This mansion belonged to Baron Toranosuke Furukawa (1887-1940), who owned a copper mine. The house and rose garden were completed in 1917, and the Japanese garden was finished 2 years later. Kyu-Furukawa was opened to the public in 1956.
Kyu-Furukawa Garden is about a 10 minute walk from Komagome Station on the JR Yamanote Line.
Entrance fee is 150 yen (does not include mansion tour).
Open 9 AM - 5 PM. Last admission is at 4:30 PM.
For other nice gardens in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Gardens playlist:
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And for stunning gardens across Japan, please see the Japanese Gardens playlist:
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For more excellent Tokyo sights, watch the Tokyo Playlist:
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Ryozen Kannon (霊山観音) may not have centuries of history, but it is well worth seeing if you are in the Higashiyama area of Kyoto. It was made in 1955 as a WW2 war memorial, for everyone, not only Japanese.
Ryozen Kannon is open 8:40 AM to 4:20 PM. Last entry is 4 PM.
Admissions is ¥300.
The Ryozen Kannon is a 15 minute walk east from the Keihan Gion-Shijo Station; it's just south of Maruyama Park.
For more great sights in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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Nezu Shrine is located near Ueno Park and Yanaka, in the northeast part of Tokyo. It's especially nice for its azaleas, exploding in color every April. The Bunkyo azalea festival is held annually and crowds from all over come to see the 3000 azalea plants.
For more great sights in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Playlist:
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Shinsekai, like Dotonbori, has a lot of Osaka nightlife and you'll find lots of great Japanese food, especially for the kushikatsu or fried skewers of meat or vegetables. The other big sights are the Tsutenkaku Tower, a more old school tower with a nice city view, as well as the Hello Kitty parking lot. Shinsekai is a more 'dangerous' and sleazy area as well, here you can see why, plus it has great food plus numerous cheap hotels for the budget minded. Even some rock bottom flophouses. The seedy side of Japan awaits you in Shinsekai!
For more great Osaka sights, please watch the Osaka Playlist:
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And for other big Kansai Region sights, please watch the Kansai Playlist here:
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The Fukui Dinosaur Museum (福井県立恐竜博物館) ranks as one of the Top 3 dinosaur natural history museums and its displays are simply mind blowing. Located in Katsuyama City in Fukui, it is a must see place for anyone in the area.
The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is open 9 AM - 5 PM, last entry is at 4:30 PM.
Closed on the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month, as well as Dec 29-Jan 2.
Admissions for adults is ¥720.
http://www.dinosaur.pref.fukui.jp/en
For more great sights in Fukui and the Hokuriku Region, please watch the Hokuriku Playlist:
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Onioshidashi Park (鬼押出し園) is a huge lava field formed by the volcanic eruption of Mount Asama, Nagano in 1783. The volcanic park is one of Karuizawa's most interesting places, and a true gem among Nagano's many wonders.
The Onioshidashi Volcanic Park is best accessed by rental car or by bus. There are only about 6 buses per day though, so if arriving by bus, be sure to note the return times before doing anything else, to avoid a 1-2 hour wait...or worse.
The park is open 8 AM - 5 PM daily (last entry 4:30 PM).
Admissions is ¥650 for adults.
Parking is free.
For other great sights in the Chubu Region, please watch the Chubu Region Playlist:
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Choanji (長安寺) offers an amazing and tranquil experience with a special treat of its 500 rakan (enlightened disciple) statues, most with hilarious expressions and no two are the same. It is surrounded by a picturesque forest with a beautiful garden and pond of koi fish. Choanji was established in 1356, and today while growing mobs of tourists continue to swell and overrun other sights in Hakone, Choanji is a quiet and secret jewel that nobody seems to notice. It is also very nice in the latter half of November for its autumn leaves.
The Hakone Choanji Temple is free to enter and always open. It is a minute's walk from the Sengokuhara bus stop.
Oshino Hakkai (忍野八海) is close to Lake Yamanaka near the foot of Mt. Fuji. It's part of the Fuji UNESCO World Heritage Site and its famous for its clear spring waters which are also rated as one of Japan's finest.
One of the best places there is the Hakkai Garden (八海庭園)which has a relaxing koi pond and lots of koi fish ready for some food.
For more sights in the Fuji 5 Lakes area, please watch the Fuji 5 Lakes Playist:
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For other great sights in the region, please watch the Chubu Playlist:
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Heisenji Hakusan Shrine (平泉寺白山神社) in Katsuyama-shi, Fukui, is one of Japan's most beautiful and still a mostly undiscovered gem. Come see what so few have seen yet treasure so deeply. The Heisenji Hakusan Jinja has a history going back to 717 AD as a Buddhist temple, and it has been destroyed 3 times through Japan's many wars and uprisings. Today it is a shrine and occupies only a small area of its vast original holdings. Heisenji Hakusan Shrine is very famous for its gorgeous moss that grows and almost glows a verdant green from late spring until autumn.
For other great sights in the Hokuriku region, please watch the Hokuriku Playlist:
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Ryusendo (龍泉洞) along with Akiyoshido in Yamaguchi and Ryugado in Kochi comprise the "Three Great Limestone Caves of Japan", of a list of over a hundred caves in Japan, some going back even several hundred million years. Ryusendo also has some of the most amazing underground lakes and river, with water gushing out at over 1.5 tons per second. Ryusendo is over 4 km long with around 700 m you can explore.
For other great sights in the Tohoku Region, please watch the Tohoku Region Playlist:
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Kusatsu-Onsen's Yubatake or hot water field is at the heart of the Kusatsu hot spring resort area, and it is amazing to see how so much water is heated by the crushing volcanic pressures underground and becomes part of Japanese culture to bathe your aches and pains away.
While there are many Kusatsu onsen ryokan (Japanese inns) to stay at, there are free public foot baths with the heated water, as well as a park, temple, and Japanese yumomi show which demonstrates how Japanese traditionally cooled the hot water for bathing without diluting it.
There are different ways to get to Kusatsu from Tokyo.
By train, from Tokyo go to Naganohara-Kusatsuguchi Stn and catch the JR bus the rest of the way. The JR Pass and relevant JR East passes will take care of the train, but if you have the Tokyo Wide Pass or South Hokkaido Pass, you'll need to pay for the bus.
There are also buses from Tokyo, from Shinjuku and Shibuya, but no pass covers these and they take about 4-4½ hours.
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Katsura Imperial Villa (or Katsura Rikyu, 桂離宮) goes back to the early 17th century and was a villa of Prince Toshihito. It was expanded by his son after his death. Katsura Rikyu has what is considered the finest achievements of Japanese architecture, as well as one of the most beautiful traditional Japanese gardens in the entire country.
Katsura Rikyu is about 1 km or a 12 minute walk from Katsura Stn. It can only be viewed in a tour given by the Imperial Household Agency, and advance reservations are recommended. Given the flood of tourists in Kyoto now, there is a ¥1000 charge for seeing the Katsura Imperial Villa. There are tours given both in Japanese and English.
Reservations can be made at the Imperial Household website:
http://sankan.kunaicho.go.jp/english/index.html
For more great places to see in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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Happo-en Garden (八芳園) is very close to Shirokanedai Stn, in Minato-ku, Tokyo. It is also not far from Shinagawa Stn and is one of west Tokyo's most unforgettable sights.
Here, you can see all of the Happo-en highlights - the serene pond and waterside hut, bamboo grove, waterfalls, koi fish, bonsai displays, azaleas and rhododendrons, and Japanese wedding couples.
The official website for Happo-en is
happo-en.com
For more great gardens in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Gardens Playlist:
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For even more beautiful gardens across Japan, please look at the Japanese Gardens Playlist:
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For other excellent places to see in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Playlist:
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Takeshita Street in the Harajuku area in Shibuya Tokyo is where many Japanese youth go for kawaii fashion shopping, eating and exploring. It is one of the trendiest and popular places in Tokyo, and you you see it on a Sunday afternoon, at the peak of activity.
The Harajuku Girls are famous and also gather on Sundays next to Harajuku Station. Right there also is Meiji Shrine, another famous place in Tokyo.
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The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands (箱根湿生花園, Hakone Shisseika-en) covers 20 hectares and was established in 1976. It contains close to 1700 plant varieties, including 1300 varieties of alpine plants as well as 200 different types of wetland plants from across Japan.
While other sights in Hakone are jammed with tourists on a daily basis, the Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is still mostly unnoticed and you can have a remarkable walk through this beautiful garden. It is open from Mar 20-Nov 30 every year.
The Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands is open 9 AM - 5 PM.
Entrance fee is ¥700
The garden is about a 1 km or 12 minute walk from the Sengokuhara bus stop.
For other great sights in Kanagawa, please watch the Kanagawa Playlist:
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Shiraito Falls (白糸の滝) is one of the gems of Nagano, with a seventy meter width and beautiful growth around you. It is one of the best sights for those visiting Karuizawa.
A car is by far the most convenient and time saving way to get around Karuizawa, but if that's not an option for you, there are some infrequent buses you can take to Shiraito Falls from Karuizawa Station as well as Kyukaruizawa. There is usually ample roadside parking, on weekdays at least.
Visiting the Shiraito waterfall is free.
Note that the Shiraito Waterfall in Karuizawa is not the same as another waterfall of the same name in Shizuoka, near Mt. Fuji.
For other great sights in the Chubu Region, please watch the Chubu Region playlist:
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Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja (北口本宮冨士浅間神社) was established in 788 AD to pray for protection from Mt. Fuji erupting (the volcano is not extinct). Some traditional Mt. Fuji climbers start at the Fujiyoshidas Sengen Shrine and say a prayer before their climb, even though it makes it twice as long - most modern climbers start further up, which just takes 5 hours or so. The main shrine hall in the Momoyama style was completed in 1615, and other impressive sights include its giant torii gate and several sacred cedar trees which are over 1000 years old.
You can reach the Sengen Shrine in a 20 minute walk from Mt. Fuji Stn, or a 5 minute bus ride (get off at the Kitaguchi Hongu Fujisengen Jinja-mae bus stop). There are also buses from Kawaguchiko Station, but beware of traffic jams in rush hour - it could take more than twice as long as normal.
Please note that there are several Sengen Shrines in the region. If taking a taxi, make sure you are going to the right one.
The official website of the Kitaguchi Hongu Fuji Sengen Jinja is
sengenjinja.jp
For other great sights in the Chubu Region, please watch the Chubu Playlist:
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Kegon Falls (華厳滝) is one of Japan's Top 3 waterfalls and offers some of the best scenery you'll see in Japan. The Kegon Waterfall is 97 m (318 ft) high and among the Toshogu Shrine and other sights in Nikko, Tochigi Prefecture, makes up a fantastic place to visit. Nikko is a couple hours north of Tokyo, but to reach the Kegon Falls in Okunikko it takes another hour's bus ride.
There are 2 decks to see the Kegon Waterfall. The upper one is free. The lower run requires an elevator ride to the bottom, and costs ¥570 yen.
Open daily.
Elevator hours:
9:00 to 4:30 (Dec-Feb)
8:00 to 5:00 (Mar-Apr)
7:30 to 6:00 (May-Sep)
7:30 to 5:00 (Oct)
8:00 to 5:00 (Nov)
More area info is at: http://kegon.jp
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A Kamakura day trip from Tokyo is a great way to see some impressive places, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura or Kamakura Daibutsu (鎌倉大仏) will be one of the highlights of your trip. The giant bronze Daibutsu statue was created in 1252 and orinially was in a wood housing, but storms destroyed the housing long ago.
Kotokuin Temple (高徳院) is not far from Hase Station and nearby is another excellent sight, the Hasedera Temple. The Great Buddha or Daibutsu does not take long to see, and only ¥300 to visit. For just another ¥20 you can go inside the statue and see its construction - also shown here.
Open 8 AM - 5:30 PM (5 PM Oct-Mar) - Inside statue: until 4:30 PM
The official website is: kotoku-in.jp
For other great sights in Kanagawa, please watch the Kanagawa Playlist:
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Gotanjoji (御誕生寺) is in Echizen, Fukui Prefecture, and mostly undiscovered among foreign tourists. But on weekends there are busloads of people going to see the Gotanjoji Nekodera, or Cat Temple. There may be as many as around a hundred cats at the temple. For this video, there were only a few dozen - the temple managed to find permanent homes for the rest - what you might call a "pleasant disappointment". Unfortunately there are still those who try to dump their unwanted cats into the temple in the middle of the night.
If you have pets, *please* spay and neuter them.
The best times to go to Gotanjoji are early in the morning as well as early afternoon for the feedings. That's when bedlam breaks out and the cats enjoy their favorite activity, next to sleeping.
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Shirakawago (白川郷) is very famous for its "Gassho Zukkuri", or steep thatched roof houses. Imagine a Japan centuries ago, with no electricity, no internet, radio, TV, cars, trains, or anything else modern that you take for granted. And little news from the outside world coming in. Not to mention bitter winters with snow piling up as high as you are. To deal with the heavy snow, the farmhouses are built so they won't hold the snow, and the thick layer keeps the heavy rains of Japan out as well.
Shirakawago, along with a similar village, Gokayama in Toyama, are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ogimachi in Shirakawago is the biggest with around 152 households and a population of 634 people. Gokayama has far fewer tourists, but is also more trouble to get to.
Shirakawago has become an enormously popular place to visit, and you will find huge crowds of day tripping tourists until the last bus leaves for the day (mostly about 5:30 PM). Those choosing to stay overnight at one of the farmhouses will find a totally different, silent atmosphere after that.
Most people going to Shirakawago are en route to Kanazawa or Takayama. You can leisurely see Shirakawago in just a few hours. One of the best views is the village overlook, which you can reach by bus (¥200 one way) or climb up in about 20 minutes. The path is closed during heavy snow.
There is no rail access to Shirakawago - the only way in or out is by bus (not covered by the full JR Rail Pass, but is covered by the Takayama-Hokuriku Area Tourist Pass, the Shoryudo Highway Bus Ticket, and some others), or by rental car. By bus, most people travel from Takayama or Kanazawa.
Bus schedule: https://is.gd/Lp4GPQ
For other great sights in the Chubu Region, be sure to watch the Chubu Region Playlist:
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The 936m high view of Daikanbo (大観峰) in Aso, Kumamoto gives you a commanding view of the area as well as the "Nehanzo" or Nirvana Buddha, since the mountain contours on the horizon look like a reclining Buddha asleep.
Unfortunately there is no train or public bus access, so renting a car is the most convenient way to reach Daikanbo. Parking is free and you will also find a restaurant and gift shop at the peak. Of course, make sure the weather is clear before going there.
For other great sights in Kumamoto please watch the Kumamoto Playlist here:
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And there are tons more great sights you can see in the Kyushu Playlist:
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The Sorakuen Garden was originally the garden of a former Kobe mayor, but was then opened to the public in 1941. Nearly all the original buildings were unfortunately destroyed during the War, but Sorakuen Garden survived and is one of the region's best.
Two of the best times of year to visit Sorakuen are in April to see the beautiful azaleas at their peak, as well as from late October to mid November or so to see the gorgeous chrysanthemums. The autumn colors are also very nice.
Sorakuen Garden is open 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
Entrance fee is ¥300.
Sorakuen Garden is closed on Thursdays (or the following day if a holiday) as well as Dec 29-Jan 3rd.
The official website is:
http://www.sorakuen.com/Index_en.html
Sorakuen Garden is easily accessed by a 10 minute walk northwest of Motomachi Station, or a 5 minute walk north of the Kenchomae subway station.
For other great sights in the Kansai Region, please watch the Kansai Playlist:
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For many more beautiful traditional gardens across Japan, be sure to watch the Japanese Gardens Playlist:
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Geibikei Gorge (猊鼻渓) is east of Ichinoseki City in Iwate and easily accessed by a 35 minute train ride from Ichinoseki to Geibikei Stn. It's beauty is astonishing, and it is one of the few places you can actually see koi fish in the wild and not captive in some pond. You will also be accompanied by many happy ducks and sweet fish, who will battle it out for your snacks.
Here you can see Geibikei in all its beauty, without any yapping or chattering - experience it like you are in the boat yourself right here.
The boat tour in total takes about 90 minutes, including a 20 minute break upriver. There you can buy some undama or lucky stones. The stones have different kanji or Chinese characters, one for different aspects that you might want, like happiness, love, etc. You try to throw them into a hole across the river, and if you succeed, you will gain what you seek.
The boat fee is 1600 yen.
The official website is: http://www.geibikei.co.jp
For other great sights in the Tohoku Region, please watch the Tohoku Playlist:
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Heian Shrine (平安神宮 or Heian Jingu) is a very popular sight in Kyoto, and actually one that is free to visit. Many walk around the spacious grounds, yet very few discover the treasure chest kept behind it all - a stunning garden (Shin-en, or 平安神宮神苑) with many ponds, streams, and the "Taihei Kaku", one of Japan's longest and most beautiful covered bridges, built in 1912. One of the best times to visit is in April during the cherry blossom season.
The shin-en garden of Heian Jingu is about 33060 sq. meters and was created over 20 years.
Anyone who is a fan of the film Lost in Translation will instantly recognize the "Garyu Kyo" or stone step bridge that Scarlett Johansson walked across at one of the ponds.
The Heian Shrine Garden is:
Open: 8:30 AM to 5 PM from Mar 1-14 and October.
Open: 8:30-5:30 Mar 15-Sep 30
Open: 8:30-4:30 Nov-Feb
For complete info, their website is:
http://www.heianjingu.or.jp
The Heian Garden entrance fee is ¥600, and can be seen leisurely in 45 minutes. The entrance is not well publicized - there's a large sign in Chinese characters, but not in the roman alphabet - you need to go all the way to the main shrine area and go left to the entrance. Look for "神苑, or Shin-en".
To see Heian Shrine itself, please watch the Heian Shrine video:
youtu.be/NB6A1ci6qRM
For other great sights to see in Kyoto, please watch the Kyoto Playlist:
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For more great sights in the Kansai Region, please watch the Kansai Playlist:
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This deer park is famous for its bowing deer - you can buy crackers for them in several places (about ¥150 for 10 or so) and then watch how fast they notice you. They are trained to bow back to you if you bow to them first. There are over 1200 sika deer in the park and are deeply treasured in Japan.
Be aware though that some of the larger deer can get very pushy and aggressive once they see you have some food. If you put the crackers in your pocket, they might shove their mouth into it, or even nip you to get more food. They are not pets - so don't think you can cuddle with them like a dog and get too close.
Nara Park is one of Japan's oldest, and was created in 1880.
If you only have limited time, you can see the sights of Nara Park in about half a day - feed the deer, plus see the Todaiji Temple (a must see), Kasuga Shrine, Kofukuji Temple, plus the beautiful Isuien and Yoshikien Gardens. The park itself is free and open 24/7. Most of the deer are near the Todaiji Temple area, though they roam all over. Several vendors in the area sell the crackers (senbei) for the deer.
Nara Park (奈良公園) is very easy to find from the JR Nara Station, and Nara is about 45 minutes from Kyoto on a rapid service JR train. Then just a 20 minute walk eastward, or there are some buses or taxis if you prefer.
Another way is by the Kintetsu train to the Kintetsu Nara Station, a few minutes walk from Nara Park's northwest side.
Nara Park is extremely large and in fact there are some hiking trails you can also walk through in the mountains behind it. Some areas of the park can get quite crowded with tourists, while other areas far less so. If you want to see some of the better areas with fewer people, it would be better to go in the early morning or evening.
For more great sights in Nara, including the places mentioned above, please watch the Nara Playlist:
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There are 3 observatory areas for the Kitayamazaki Cliffs (北山崎展望台), which are part of the Sanriku Fukko National Park (三陸復興国立公園) and they offer spectacular views of the coast. The first is at the top and has the highest view. Going down around 360 steps you can reach the second lookout point, which juts out into the ocean more. The 3rd point is about 850 steps from the parking lot and by the water's edge. Not too hard to get to - but you'd better have thighs of iron to climb the 850 steps back, or you'll be close to a heart attack on the way up. If you don't think you'd make it, here all the work has been done for you, so enjoy.
There is no rail access to the Kitayamazaki Cliffs and observatory. The only practical way to get there is by car. Parking is free, and there are some places to eat there as well.
For other great sights in the Tohoku Region, please see the Tohoku Playlist:
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Nankinmachi (南京町), like its counterparts in Yokohama and Nagasaki, specialize in restaurants, but you will also find some gift shops and grocery markets. And as in Yokohama you'll often find a restaurant owner holding a menu in front of their place calling to you and inviting you to eat there.
Nankinmachi was first established in 1868 as Japan opened its ports to the world. It's had its share of misfortune as it was flattened during the war with bombs, as well as taking a severe hit in the 1995 Kobe earthquake. Today, it thrives with over a hundred businesses and is a great spot for Kobe sightseeing.
For more great sights to see in Kansai. be sure to watch the Kansai Playlist:
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Teamlab Planets (チームラボプラネッツ) is a companion sight to the more famous TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba, Tokyo. Teamlab Planets however is in neighboring Toyosu and not a permanent attraction - it only runs until the end of 2027. It is less crowded, doesn't take as long, and is different in that a lot of it is walking through knee-deep water with digital art in the pool all around you. There are other sights as well, and some of it overlaps with what you will see at TeamLab Borderless.
You can bring shorts, or they have a free pair you can use there. Some of it is walking on mirrors, so for ladies it may be better not to wear a skirt. Teamlab Planets can be seen leisurely is 1-1½ hours. There are free lockers you can use to store your things while in the museum.
Many people take pictures or video while inside, but since dropping a camera or phone in the water would likely be disastrous, having a neck or wrist strap would be a wise precaution. Tripods and selfie sticks are prohibited.
Given a choice of TeamLab Planets vs Borderless, they both have their good points. Seeing both is ideal, but overall TeamLab Borderless is a better value since it costs the same, but you can spend hours and hours there. There's simply a lot more to experience and more variety of exhibits. That said, at Teamlab Borderless the crowds can be almost suffocating. TeamLab Planets is more relaxed, and easier to get tickets. Avoiding peak times like weekends or evenings would be smart. A weekday morning when TeamLab Planets first opens is probably a good choice.
For a comparison, please watch the TeamLab Borderless video here:
youtu.be/0Cr1aDUWHeU
TeamLab Planets is located next to Shin-Toyosu Station.
TeamLab Planets official website is at:
https://planets.teamlab.art/tokyo/
Tickets: Adults ¥3200 Kids 4-12 ¥800
Hours: 9 AM-10 PM daily until Sept 1st (last entry 9 PM)
From Sept 1st: 10 AM-10 PM weekdays, 9 AM-10 PM weekends
(last entry 9 PM)
Some irregular closing days and hours, so be sure to check their website. Buying tickets online well ahead of time is highly recommended.
For other great sights in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Playlist:
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One thing every visitor to Japan should do is visit a hot spring (Onsen) at least once. They are all over the country, and there are a few resort areas - Kurokawa onsen (黒川温泉) is one of the finest in Japan, with many outdoor baths and a true escape from the rat race.
There are actually 30 or so different Japanese inns (ryokan) with hot springs you can go to. All of them are a splurge though, with an overnight costing a few hundred bucks. For those on a day trip however, you can experience several onsen inexpensively. You can buy a meguri tegata which costs ¥1300 and lets you visit 3 different onsen during the daytime. A normal a la carte day visit normally costs ¥500-800. This video shows you 3 different places, a few of which are the most famous and best in Kurokawa. Yamamizuki has one of Kurokawa's best outdoor baths (rotenburo), with a river and waterfall next to you. Yamabiko is another, with several beautiful gardens and its own private bridge over the river.
Please note that Kurokawa Onsen has no rail access - you have to go there by car or bus. Bus frequency is only a few times a day. There are buses from Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Beppu, and some other stops.
If you have a car and the time, be sure not to miss Nabegataki Falls nearby - and don't miss walking behind the waterfall.
youtu.be/fqNCq1kMdac
Plus Mt. Aso is a spectacular sight in Japan.
youtu.be/Tyh_nKrv5tY
For other great sights in Kyushu, please watch the Kyushu Playlist:
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Fujita Memorial Garden (藤田記念庭園, Fujita Kinen Teien) was created in 1919 as part of a second home for an industrialist, Fujita Kenichi. There is both an upper and lower part, and the lower part is where most of the beauty is -- and overlooked by other visitors.
The Fujita Memorial Garden is located at the southwest edge of Hirosaki Castle (弘前城), and both can make a great outing. Hirosaki is about a 35-minute train ride from Aomori Station by a limited express train, and a 50-minute ride by a local train.
The Fujita Memorial Garden is open from mid-April to Nov. 23.
Hours are 9 AM - 5 PM. Last entry is 4:30 PM.
Entrance fee is ¥310.
To see other great places in the Tohoku Region, please watch the Tohoku Playlist:
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TeamLab Borderless (チームラボ ボーダレス) is one of Tokyo's hottest new attractions. It's like a 21st century carnival hall of mirrors with projected digital animation, lights, balloons, and your chance to interact with some of it. There are several rooms for you to explore, and the exhibits frequently change so you can actually spend hours and hours there and constantly see something new.
Part of the fun is you can draw your own picture of something and the staff will then scan it into their system, and animate it into the displays for you. This video shows a good sample of the best, but there is still more you can see and enjoy.
For an additional charge, you can also go to their tea room, and see more art swimming in your tea cup.
Another aspect of Teamlab Borderless is that some of the displays are interactive - if you touch them on the wall or floor, they react to you. There is also an app you can get for your smart phone that lets you partially control what happens (though many say it is quite buggy).
One negative thing though are the MASSIVE CROWDS that go to it. You have to buy your tickets online (your chances of getting them at the door are like winning the lottery) and it would be wise to choose a less crowded time, , such as a weekday when many others are at work or school. One of the busiest places is the "Floating Nest" where you walk above the floor on a thick net, then sit or lie down on it to watch the displays on the ceiling. There may be a 45 minute wait for it so if you want to go there, you should do it ASAP if there is not much of a line. The display lasts about 10 minutes or so.
Another aspect you should be aware of is that some places have mirrors on the floors - if you are a lady you might not want to wear a short skirt.
Finding the exit to some places can also be a challenge, but more of a fun one.
If bringing a load of stuff with you, there are lockers you can put your things in before entering. The lockers are free, but you will need a 100 yen coin for them (returned when you take your things out).
You can take as many photos or video as you like, but no selfie-sticks, monopods or tripods. Flash pictures are not permitted. Food, smoking, and booze is prohibited. Any drinks must be in capped bottles or containers, and consumed only in certain areas. There are rest rooms of course, but the lines for them can get extremely long.
Teamlab Borderless closed in Odaiba at the end of August, 2022. A new TeamLab Borderless opens in central Tokyo in January 2024, and will be the same but with some new things as well.
Teamlab Borderless also had another similar place in nearby Toyosu, if that is not enough for you - Teamlab Planets. There, you mostly walk through water up to your knees, and it has artistic projections of fish and other things put on the water. Teamlab Planets only takes about an 60-90 minutes or so and is not a permanent exhibit - it only goes on until the end of 2027.
For a comparison, please watch the TeamLab Planets video here:
youtu.be/Ah91JvPZ8fg
The official teamLab Borderless website is: https://borderless.teamlab.art
Open 10 AM - 7 PM weekdays, 10 AM - 9 PM weekends/holidays - but may vary.
Closed normally on the 2nd & 4th Tue. but check their website.
TeamLab Borderless is in Odaiba - not the Mori Art Museum in Roppongi. It is in Palette Town, next to the ferris wheel. The closest rail station to see the Teamlab Borderless Museum is to take the Yurikamome Line to Aomi Station.
Tickets: Adults: ¥3200 (15 yrs & over). Ages 4-14: ¥1000
Under 4 yrs is free.
Night Pass tickets after 6PM: Adults: ¥2900. Ages 4-14: ¥1000.
Unless you go on a weekend however, it is really not enough time to really enjoy the place.
For other great places to see in Tokyo, please watch the Tokyo Playlist here:
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Actually it's not hard to get lost in Shibuya Station, but if you have the time, it can be quite an adventure also. It is one of the world's busiest stations, and its bewildering size can be a lot of fun.
To see Shibuya at night as well, please see the amazing activity at:
youtu.be/RXb8OnJFal4
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Kurashiki (倉敷) is actually a city of almost half a million, yet still has its beautiful preserved old Bikan historical district of 19th century warehouses and canal area. Its old streets are not overrun with tourists like so many other places.
For other great places to see in Okayama, be sure to see the Okayama Playlist:
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And for tons of great sightseeing in the Chugoku Region, watch the Chugoku Playlist:
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Nonbei Yokocho still captures a taste of old Tokyo before it became a fully modernized city. There are many like it across Tokyo, but Nonbei Yokocho is one of the most popular and famous. Maybe getting too much so - the owners there are starting to get extremely anal and uptight about people shooting pictures there.
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