Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens, and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land, is the official name given to five historic sites in Hiraizumi, by UNESCO. Hiraizumi is a town located in Japan’s Iwate Prefecture. Hiraizumi is home to five sites that have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the 11th and 12th centuries, Hiraizumi was a cultural and political center among practicing Buddhists. Today, visitors can see the Historic Monuments and Sites of Hiraizumi by visiting Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, Muryoko-in Ato, Mt. Kinkeisan, and the historic and unique temple of Takkoku-no-Iwaya.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! UNESCO: Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land According to the UNESCO website, Hiraizumi – Temples, Gardens and Archaeological Sites Representing the Buddhist Pure Land consists of five sites scattered throughout the town of Hiraizumi. History in the region dates back to the 11th and 12th centuries when Buddhism was being practiced and said to be pure.  The five sites include Chuson-ji, Motsu-ji, Kanjizaio-in Ato, and Muryoko-in Ato. There are five other sites that were originally submitted to be nominated, including Takkoku-no-Iwaya.  Chusonji Temple Chusonji, the main temple of the Tendai sect of Buddhism in Japan’s Tohoku region. According to information at the site is was founded by a priest by the name of Ennin in the year 850 and was created by the Fujiwara Lord, Kiyohira.  This beautiful temple complex is built on a hill in a thick forested area. There are temples, museums, a cafe/restaurant, and many significant structures scattered throughout the area.  To fully explore Chusonji, you need a minimum of 2 hours here, but you can easily spend more time. Aside from visiting the temples and structures, the museum and Konjikido (Golden Hall). Konjikido, is an impressive Golden Hall that was completed in 1124. Gold lacquer covers the entire temple, it is truly impressive. Konjikido is protected and kept inside another building to shelter it from the elements.  Admission and Hours Admission¥800 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Motsuji Temple Motsuji Temple, designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011, is considered a special place to due its historical significance and natural beauty.  Walking around the complex, you might think it’s underwhelming especially compared to Chusonji, but it’s just as important and significant even though many of the original structures no longer exist.  Motsuji Temple began in 850. According to what was read at the site, around 40 temples and 500monastery compounds were erected at the site. Most if not all of the original structures were lost because of fires. But today, this site is still very significant due to the teachings of Buddhism that took place here and the Pure Land Gardens.  The gardens here have been somewhat untouched in the last 800 years. The gardens are meant to represent a “Buddhist Paradise.” The gardens are surrounded by natural trees and landscapes that were created to resemble that “paradise,” such as coastlines, footpaths made from stones, and other unique features.  Admission and Hours Admission¥700 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Takkoku no Iwaya Takkoku no Iwaya is a designated historic site although not officially listed as a World Heritage site like Chusonji or Motsuji. I feel this is one of the more unique temples I’ve seen in Japan, so if you are here to visit the other temples, might as well visit Takkoku no Iwaya. Located about 6km to the south of the town of Hiraizumi, you can find the tranquil temple of Takkoku no Iwaya. There is a large parking area across the street from the temple grounds. Like many temples in the region, this temple is a Tendai sect Buddhist temple. What makes Takkoku no Iwaya so unique is that the Bishamondo (Bishamon Hall) sits upon wooden support beams tucked back into a cave. Visitors can enter Bishamondo, it is well worth it. In front of Takkoku no Iwaya’s main temple is a scenic pond with an island. If you look closely at the cliff next to Bishamondo, there is a Buddha carved in the rocks. Admission and Hours Admission¥500 Hours8:00 – 17:00 Conclusion The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi hold a significant place in the cultural and historical heritage of Japan. These sites have been incredibly preserved and are an important historical asset, therefore they are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic monuments and sites of Hiraizumi show craftsmanship that were achieved in Japan during the 11th and 12th centuries. Visitors can get an insight into the religious and political aspects from the time. Although Chusonji Temple and Takkoku no Iwaya were my favorite temples we visited, all five sites plus the additional nominated sites are all worth visiting.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Located in northeastern Japan, Sendai is an evolving city with a nice blend of historical attractions and modern features. Being the largest city in the Japanese region of Tohoku, there are countless things to see and do in Sendai that cater to all types of visitors from exploring temples and castle ruins to shopping and dining. Whether you are looking for things to do in Sendai at night, in winter, or just on a quick visit, this guide to Sendai has some of the top activities and attractions that are a must when visiting Sendai.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Information About Sendai Sendai is located in the Tohoku region of Japan’s main island, Honshu. Tohoku includes Akita, Aomori, Fukushima, Iwate, Miyagi, and Yamagata Prefectures. Sendai is the largest city in this region with an estimated population of 1,089,000 people.  Sendai is a beautiful city situated in between the Sendai Bay to the east and mountainous terrain to the west.  Walking around Sendai, you will hear and read a lot about the feudal Lord Date Masamune. Lord Date Masamune was the founder of the Sendai clan and moved to the area (now Sendai) in 1600. Since his arrival in the area, Sendai started to gain significance.  Getting to Sendai and Transportation Being the largest city in the Tohoku region of Japan, Sendai is well connected to other regions of Japan and has a decent transportation system.  Most visitors coming to Sendai will arrive by train. The Tohoku Shinkansen running between Tokyo and Aomori makes a stop in Sendai. Traveling by shinkansen to Sendai from Tokyo will take anywhere from 90-120 minutes.  Sendai has an airport, Sendai Airport. Sendai Airport has flights all around Japan from the tropical islands of Okinawa to the snowy city of Sapporo. There are also international flights to other countries like South Korea, Taiwan, China, and Thailand.  Once in Sendai, visitors can take the subway, busses, or the JR Line from locations further out of the city. There are two subway lines in Sendai, these include the Namboku and Tozai lines.  Sendai Station is a huge train station that connects JR lines, subways, and the Shinkansen. Inside Sendai Station, you can find shops and restaurants. If Sendai Station is your first stop while in Sendai and you are looking for things to do in Sendai. I recommend browsing the malls at Sendai Station, picking up souvenirs, or trying one of the many places to eat.  For tourists, there is a loop on the Loople Sendai Bus that goes to many attractions and sites around Sendai. The Loople Sendai Bus costs ¥600 for the day or ¥250 per ride.  Top Things to See and Do in Sendai Prior to visiting Sendai, I had a few attractions and sites starred on my map but knew nothing about the historic temples, delicious cuisine, and energetic nightlife. I visited Sendai for a quick weekend but could have easily tacked on an additional day or two to my Sendai itinerary. Regardless, I packed in a lot over the course of a few days while exploring Sendai and want to share some recommended things to see and do in Sendai.  Zuihoden Temple One of Sendai’s most famous attractions and sites to see is Zuihoden Temple.  From downtown Sendai, we walked to Zuihoden Temple. Visitors can also take the Loople Bus to get here or drive, there is a large parking lot.  I’ve seen many temples all throughout Japan and Zuihoden Temple is one of the more unique ones, mainly because of the detailed and vibrant colors of the mausoleums around the complex. The mausoleums and shrines around Zuihoden were created for Lord Date Masamune who in 1636 died at the age of 70. The colorful buildings at Zuihoden were painted using a colored lacquer during the Edo period. According to an information panel at Zuihoden, this temple was designated as a National Treasure in 1931. During WWII it was unfortunately destroyed but rebuilt in 1979.  Sendai Castle Ruins Perched on top of a hill overlooking the city of Sendai is Sendai Castle. More ruins then castle, Sendai Castle is still worth visiting, if anything the views of the city and surrounding mountains are worth it alone.  Sendai Castle or Aoba Castle was built in 1600 by Lord Date Masamune. This castle was a heavily fortified castle but like many castle during the Meiji Period is was dismantled. The castle was also destroyed by fire and bombs during WWII.  Today the castle walls remain, as does a shrine, gift shops, and a famous statue of Lord Date Masamune on horseback.  Ōsaki Hachiman Shrine Designated as a National Treasure in 1903, Osaki Hachiman Shrine is another prime example of Momoyama-style like Zuihoden Temple. With its beautiful colored lacquer and metal fittings, Osaki Hachimangu Shrine is one of Sendai’s most gorgeous shrines. Osaki Hachimangu Shrine was built in 1607. According to information at the shrine, it is  considered to be the oldest “gongen-zukuri” structure from the Azuchi-Momoyama period.  Osaki Hachiman Shrine is along the Loople Bus Route. There is also a parking area behind the temple.  Rinnoji Rinnoji, my favorite temple and attraction in Sendai is a beautiful historic temple tucked away in a neighborhood.  The temple itself is small but what makes Rinnoji stand out amongst the rest of the temples and shrines in Sendai is the beautiful garden and 3-storied Pagoda. For ¥300 visitors can explore one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens.  Ichibancho Arcade Looking for things to do in Sendai at night? I recommend first starting at Ichibancho Arcade. Ichibancho Arcade is an arcade style covered street that stretches for several blocks. You can find everything here from high end shops to local izakaya restaurants.  Eat Gyutan, Grilled Beef Tongue Curious as to what food Sendai is known for? One of Sendai’s famed dishes is known as Gyutan which is grilled beef tongue.  I found a charcoal grilled beef tongue restaurant near Sendai Station called, Gyutan Nao (仙台 肉のいとう 炭火焼牛たん 直 本店). Their menu consisted mainly of charcoal grilled beef tongue and beef tongue hamburger. I got a set meal that came with both the gyutan and hamburger. Although a it chewy, the flavor and texture of the tongue was very good. This wasn’t my first stab at trying beef tongue in my life, but it was probably the best I’ve had.  Conclusion Sendai is a lesser known city in Japan at least when it comes to tourism but this city offers a wide range of things to do for almost any visitor. Whether you visit Sendai to explore the temples, try their well known beef tongue dishes, or want to take in some of the nightlife, Sendai will surely impress everyone. If you are planning on spending a quick weekend in Sendai or an extended period, make sure to add Sendai to your Japan travel itinerary.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Aizuwakamatsu, a city located near Lake Inawashiro in Fukushima Prefecture, is an underrated city in Japan that no one talks about. Aizuwakamatsu has a rich samurai culture and history that is sure to peak the interest of any visitor. Aizuwakamatsu offers plenty of attractions to include the stunning Tsuruga Castle, beautiful Oyakuen Garden, and unique Sazaedo Temple. A day in Aizuwakamatsu offers enough time to see these magnificent sites, grab lunch, and discover more of the surrounding area.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Aizuwakamatsu? Aizuwakamatsu is in the Japanese Prefecture of Fukushima.  Not far from Lake Inawashiro, Aizuwakamatsu is one of the biggest cities in the area with a population of 120,000.  Aizuwakamatsu is a little over an hours drive from the city of Fukushima and about 2.5 hours from Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture.  How We Spent a Day in Aizuwakamatsu We took a road trip in Japan from the city of Niigata to Sendai and the route went just north of Aizuwakamatsu. We first stopped in the town of Kitakata to try the famous style of Ramen from the region before making our way to Aizuwakamatsu. In case you are wondering what is Aizuwakamatsu known for? Or Things to do in Aizuwakamatsu? I have you covered, with just enough attractions starred on my map, we decided to spend a day in Aizuwakamatsu to explore some of the more famous sites. We first visited Sazae Temple before making our way to Oyakuen Garden and finishing the day at Tsuruga Castle. Explored One of Japan’s Most Unique Temples: Sazaedo Temple Sazaedo Temple is a unique hexagonal shaped temple that was built in 1796. According to an information sign at the temple, the structure is 16.5 meters tall and is three stories.  Visitors can enter the shrine for a fee of ¥400. The helix shaped stairwell make it so that you will not cross paths with other visitors going up or down.  There are 33 Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) statues that line the stairwell.  Admission and Hours AdmissionAdults – ¥400High School Students – ¥300Junior High & Elementary School Students – ¥200 HoursApril – December – 8:15 – 16:00January – March – 9:00 – 16:00 Took a Relaxing Walk Around Oyakuen Garden Oyakuen Botanical Gardens in Aizuwakamatsu is a picturesque Japanese garden in the heart of the city and a short distance from Tsuruga Castle.  Oyakuen Botanical Gardens was first built in 1670 as a garden and tea house for the Lord of the Aizu Domain. Oyakuen Garden is known as the “Medicinal Garden” because the lord of the Aizu Domain grew herbs here that were used for medicinal purposes. Herbs are still grown here today. Besides walking through the herb garden, visitors can take the path around the garden, visit the traditional tea house, and finish off in the cute souvenir shop.  Admission and Hours Admission¥330 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Walked Around Tsuruga Castle We finished our day in Aizuwakamatsu at Tsuruga Castle. 1.6 Km or a four minute drive from Oyakuen, we parked at one of the main parking areas just west of Tsuruga Castle. Upon entering the castle grounds, I couldn’t help but notice how large the grounds actually were to include the moats and walls. Tsuruga Castle was originally constructed in 1384. In 1591 new additions were added on to the castle. In 1639, the tower was built close to what the replica looks like today. Unfortunately, like so many other beautiful castles in Japan, Tsuruga Castle was dismantled during the Meiji Restoration in 1874. The main keep was rebuilt in 1965 on the original site.  Today, visitors can freely walk the castle grounds and enter the castle museum to learn more about the history of Tsuruga Castle.  Admission and Hours *Grounds are free but there is an admission fee to enter the tower keep.Admission for Castle EntranceAdults – ¥400Children – ¥150 Hours8:30 – 17:00 Kitakata Ramen for Lunch or Dinner Technically not in Aizuwakamatsu, but a 30 minute drive north is the town of Kitakata. If you love Japanese Ramen, then Kitakata is worth driving out of your way. Kitakata is known for its ramen. Kitakata Ramen is one of the three most famous styles of ramen in Japan after Sapporo and Hakata Ramen in  Fukuoka. What makes Kitakata Ramen unique is their noodles. The noodles are called Hirauchi Jukusei Takasuimen which is a flatter noodle. The broth s soy-sauce, then you have your other traditional ramen ingredients like chashu, bamboo shoots, and negi (green onion).  With over 100 ramen shops in Kitakata, how do you choose which ramen shop to go to? I researched online, all the big name ones were closed to include Bannai Shokudo, even though Google said they were open. Instead we found a very local Ramen restaurant just up the street called, けいこのぎょうざや, according to Google (37.6518482,139.8739174). There was a sweet lady who cooked and served the massive portions of ramen. I got a set meal for under ¥1000.  Conclusion For a town of its size, Aizuwakamatsu has many things to do and is known for many of its attractions. I would say a half day to a full day in Aizuwakamatsu is plenty of time to see the main sites which include Sazaedo Temple, Oyakuen Garden, and Tsuruga Castle. Aizuwakamatsu is an overlooked destination especially given its rich history, beautiful location, and many attractions.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Tokyo, Japan’s capital city is known as the largest city by metropolitan area. Tokyo is also known for iconic landmarks and its impressive skyline. Dominating Tokyo’s skyline are two iconic structures, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. As these two towers compete for attention many visitors are torn between deciding whether to visit Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or both. I recently visited the observation decks for both the Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree and had a completely different experience at each attraction. In this post, I’ll dive into my experience and thoughts of visiting each tower and compare and contrast Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree, so you can decide which attraction is right for you.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Tokyo Tower Dominating Tokyo’s skyline, at 333 meters tall, Tokyo Tower is a communications tower with a couple of observation decks.  Tokyo Tower was inspired by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and is considered to be Japan’s second tallest structure after Tokyo Skytree, of course.  Completed in 1958, Tokyo Tower still stands as one of Tokyo’s most famous attractions.  When visiting Tokyo Tower visitors have two options if wanting to visit the observation decks. There is a Main Deck and Top Deck tour. The Main Deck is 150m high while the Top Deck is 250m.  There is a combination ticket that allows visitors to go to both the Main Deck and Top Deck (recommended). From each deck, you get fantastic panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.  There is an elevator that takes you to the main deck at 150m. For those that want to get an extra workout in, you can take the staircase from Foot Town to the Main Deck, which is around 600-steps, so not to bad. We opted to take the stairs on the way down, only because we exited a door and thought we found the stairs going to the elevator only to find out we had 600-steps to the bottom.  The Top Deck is much smaller then the Main Deck and an elevator is required. This part of the tour offered a brief history of Tokyo Towers construction and the engineers and planners behind it. At the top, you get a small beverage and cheesy photo opportunity, which I always decline. On a perfect day, visitors can see Mt. Fuji off in the distance.  The bottom of Tokyo Tower consists of a mall like area called Foot Town. Foot Town is full of souvenir shops, cafes, and arcades.  Admission and Hours ADMISSION (MAIN DECK) (TOP DECK) Adults – (¥1,200) (¥3,000)High School – (¥1,000) (¥2,800)Jr. High and Elementary School –  (¥700) (¥2,000)Children (4-6 years old) – (¥500) (¥1,400) HOURS Main Deck – 9:00 – 22:30Top Deck – 9:00 – 22:15 PROS ✅ Less Crowded then Tokyo Skytree ✅Spectacular views from both the Main Deck and Top Deck ✅ Easy to access from anywhere in Tokyo ✅ Tours are well organized ✅ When going early, reservation is not required CONS ❌ A bit expensive for what it is if purchasing the combined ticket ❌ Top Deck can feel cramped as it is not very spacious   Book Tokyo Tower Tickets in Advance Admission tickets to Tokyo Tower can be purchased in advance.  Through Get Your Guide, I purchased an Admission Ticket in advance, which allowed me to choose the exact time and day I wanted to visit Tokyo Tower.   If purchasing an admission ticket through Get Your Guideyou can check availability on the website.  Tokyo Skytree Similar to Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree is a telecommunications tower with observations deck. Towering over Tokyo Tower at 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is Japan’s tallest structure. For visitors, Tokyo Skytree is built on top of a modern shopping complex, but the main attractions here are the two observation decks, Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.  When visiting Tokyo Skytree, it is recommended to make reservations online prior to coming. Tickets can be reserved online via the Tokyo Skytree website. Please note, being one of Tokyo’s most popular attractions, Tokyo Skytree can be very crowded. We made online reservations for an evening time slot and still waited 30-45 minutes before getting a ticket and then waited another 30 minutes to take the elevator to the first observation deck. When visiting Tokyo Skytree, there are two options when purchasing tickets, a Combo Ticket which includes both the Tembo Galleria and the Tembo Deck, the other option is the Single Ticket that includes just the Tembo Deck. Tembo Deck – Tembo Deck is the first observation deck that is 350m. Panes of glass offer spectacular 360° views of Tokyo. The Tembo Deck has a cafe, telescopes, restaurant, a glass floor, and many other features.  Tembo Galleria – The Tembo Galleria is part of the Comb Ticket and brings visitors to the 445th and 450th floors of Tokyo Skytree. At 450m up, there is no better view of Tokyo. Don’t worry, there is an elevator that goes to both the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. I think the extra ¥1,000 for the Combo Ticket is worth it.  Admission and Hours ADMISSION (Combo Ticket) (Single Ticket)**Combo Ticket includes Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. Single Ticket only includes Tembo Deck. Weekdays18 Years and Older – (¥3,100) (¥2,100)12 -17 Years Old – (¥2,350) (¥1,550)6 to 11 Years Old – (¥1,450) (¥950) HOURS 10:00 – 21:00 (Last Admission is 20:00)Open 365 Days a Year PROS ✅ Without a doubt, best views of Tokyo ✅ Modern, everything is new ✅ Surrounding mall has stores and restaurants ✅ Night views of Tokyo are incredible CONS ❌ Long lines, even when making a reservation ❌ To many people on each deck ❌ Poor organization ❌ Location makes it a challenge to get to Book Tokyo Skytree Tickets in Advance For a hassle free visit to Tokyo Skytree, it is recommended to purchase your ticket in advance. Admision Tickets can be purchased here, through Get Your Guide. Booking your Admission Ticket guarantees you a spot to visit Tokyo Skytree with your preferred date and time. This ticket includes admission to the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria.  Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree: Which is Right for You? Ultimately, I’d recommend visiting both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. But sometimes we are limited on time and visiting both of Tokyo’s iconic towers is not possible.  Both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree offer amazing views of  Tokyo. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either attraction. I believe three things should play a role in your ultimate decision of visiting Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree if you simply can’t visit both. Those three factors are location, time, and preferences. If you are staying near Minato City then I’d recommend visiting Tokyo Tower but if you are more north near Taito City, then I’d recommend Tokyo Skytree.  If history peaks your interest then Tokyo Tower is a given but if you are into more modern architecture then without a doubt visit Tokyo Skytree.  My personal opinion based on my experiences at both towers, I felt Tokyo Tower to be more enjoyable. I visited both towers on a Sunday. Tokyo Tower I visited in the morning and Tokyo Skytree I visited at night. I found Tokyo Tower to be better organized and less crowded, making for a better experience.  Conclusion Tokyo Tower vs Tokyo Skytree, which is right for you? In the end, both of these amazing structures are worth visiting. These iconic Tokyo landmarks offer unique experiences and incredible views of Tokyo. Tokyo Tower definitely has more history and has always been a symbol of Tokyo but Tokyo Skytree is much taller, more modern, and uses cutting-edge technology. The ultimate deciding factor on visiting Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree comes down to personal preferences, locations, and time. Trust me, no matter if you decide on visiting Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, or both like I did, you will not regret either decision.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Taito City or Taitō is a district in northeastern Tokyo. Taito City is known for Ueno Park which is home to many world class museums, Tokyo’s largest Buddhist Temple, Senso-ji, and Ameyoko, a shopping street full of shops and restaurants. If you are traveling to Tokyo and looking for an authentic Japanese experience, this must visit district in Tokyo is full of historical landmarks, traditional shrines and temples, genuine Japanese food, with a  lively atmosphere and bustling nightlife. Looking for fun things to do in Taito City? I spent three full days exploring Taito City and this post is a list of my recommendations and must visit places. **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! 10 Things to do in Taito City Taito City, a historical district located in Tokyo’s northeast region is a district that is often overlooked. Travelers head to other parts of Tokyo like Shinjuku or Shibuya and may often take a day trip to Taito City to see a museum or Senso-ji. But after spending three days in Taito City and still not being able to see everything I had planned, this district deserves more time and attention. The list of things to do in Taito City below is a recommended list of must visit places and things to do in Taitō based on my experiences and research.  1. Ameyoko: Shopping and Food Ameyoko, A lively shopping district in Ueno is full of shops, vendors, and restaurants.  Street markets in Japan are not as common as other parts in Asia. Early on, I was told that rent is so cheap in Japan that there really is not a need to be outside. But for those that do love markets, thankfully Ameyoko is just across the main street from the train station.  You can find all sorts of goodies from the street vendors here. Many food items can be found here, from Takoyaki to fresh seafood.  Besides food, there are many shops to brose through. You can find a lot of cheap goods here as well. Shops include everything from discount stores to pharmacies.  2. Explore the Temples and Nature at Ueno Park Surprisingly, Tokyo has so many parks and natural areas to visit, Ueno Park is no exception. If you are looking for things to do in Taito City then I highly recommend the Ueno area and especially Ueno Park. Ueno Park is home to the Ueno Zoo, museums, temples and shrines, walking paths, cafés, and so much more! You could spend almost an entire day walking the park and exploring the many attractions.  The Ueno Toshogu Shrine and the Fivefold Pagoda of Kan’ei-ji are a must visit temple in Ueno Park. Kiyomizu Kannon-do Temple and Shinoazunoike Benten-do are well worth visiting as well.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   3. Nakamise-dori Street: Souvenirs and Local Goodies One of the more popular and fun things to do in Taito City is walk Nakamise-dori to Senso-ji. If crowds are not your thing, you might want to find a different way to get to Senso-ji, because going up the center of Nakamise-dori is shoulder to shoulder traffic.  Nakamise-dori is between the famous Kaminarimon and Hozomon Gate of Senso-ji. This crowded street is full of fun souvenir shops and places selling Japanese treats on either side. It can seem overwhelming with the amount of shops and people here, but it’s all part of the experience. After all, would it really be Tokyo without all the people?  4. Nezu Shrine: Seasonal Flowers and Torii Gates Technically in Bunkyo City and not in Taito City is Nezu Shrine but it’s within a 15-minute walking distance from Ueno Park and a must visit Shrine when in the area.  Nezu Shrine is considered one of the oldest in Japan and one of Tokyo’s prettiest and most visited. Nezu Shrine offers all the quintessential Japanese Shrine features you can think of. The bright red Torii Gates, ponds full of Koi Fish, a natural setting, and sense of peace and calmness.  Nezu Shrine is especially beautiful during the Spring season when thousands of Azaleas are in full bloom.  5. Sample Craft Beer If like me, you are into craft beer and quickly do your research to see if there are any breweries, taprooms, or beerhalls in the area you are traveling to, then don’t worry, Taito City has all of the above!  Three beer related places we visited during our 3 days in Taitō include Yanaka Beer Hall, 2nd Cooper, and the Asahi Sky Room.  Yanaka Beer Hall is a taproom located in a traditional Japanese home. The atmosphere was notable and relaxing, I could have stayed here for hours. The beer on the other hand was just alright. They serve you typical Lagers, IPAs, and Stouts.  The Brewery on tap was called August Beer. The Yanaka Black and the August IPA were my favorites on tap.  2nd Cooper was our go to beer hall in the Ueno area. 2nd Cooper was a great place to visit at the end of the day to kind of reflect and relax. This beer hall had several beers on tap and a large variety of bottles and cans from beers around the world. They also serve bar food.  One beer place that we visited that was alright but felt like it was a must do thing in Tokyo was visiting the Asahi Sky Room. Finding this building was a little confusing. It’s located in Google Maps. Visitors need to take the elevator to the top floor. Here you can get a variety of Asahi Beers on tap. I ordered the Asahi Kuronama and rated it pretty high, it was good for an Asahi Beer.  6. Senso-ji: Tokyo’s Largest Buddhist Temple Tokyo’s most famous temple and largest Buddhist temple is Senso-ji. When visiting Tokyo, Japanese and foreigners flock to Nakamise-dori and Senso-ji.  If you’ve seen photos of Tokyo, you’ve seen photos of Kaminarimon or the “Thunder Gate.” This gate has a famous giant lantern that is popular in almost all photographs. After passing through Kaminarimon and walking past Nakamise-dori, the next gate is Hozomon. The main hall is Kannondo and is well worth walking up the stairs to see the inside. Gojunoto, the beautiful Pagoda towers above the walls on the west side.  If you are looking for must see things or things to do in Taito City, besides Ueno Park, Senso-ji in Asakusa cannot be missed.  7. Sit Down and Sample Food at a Local Izakaya Want to experience a true Japanese sit down restaurant/bar that serves some of the best food in Japan? Then head to a local Izakaya just outside Ueno Station a block away from Ameyoko Shopping Street.  This area was lined with Izakaya’s and so many great looking ones to choose from. Many Izakaya’s in Ueno had English menus. Izakaya’s are the best way to sample small amounts of Japanese cuisine. This is especially nice when going with a group of people, you can order a cheap drink and plate after plate of delicious food.  We found an Izakaya we liked so much, we went twice!  8. Visit One or Many of the World-Famous Museum Ueno Park is home to  many of  Japan’s best museums. Many people venture to Ueno just to visit the museums. You have the Tokyo National Museum, National Museum of Western Art, National Museum of Nature and Science, and the Shitamachi Museum.  While on our long three day weekend in the Ueno area, we visited the Tokyo National Museum and National Museum of Nature and Science.  The Tokyo National Museum is a must. You can potentially spend all day here. We spent about 3 hours here before realizing we still had a full schedule of other things to see and do around Taitō. The Tokyo National Museum has an extensive collection of exhibits and items all related to Japan. I found the archaeology exhibit to be the most impressive. They also have rotating exhibits here.  The National Museum of Nature and Science was another good one where you can spend several hours in. I mainly came here to see Hachiko, the famous Akita who was known for his loyalty to his owner. But this museum had a nice collection of taxidermied animals from around the world, and other exhibits related to Japanese history, geology, and space.  9. Wait in Line and Enjoy the Views at Tokyo Sky Tree Tokyo’s Skytree is technically not in Taito City, but it’s close enough. The Tokyo Skytree is a quick and easy walk from Senso-ji, so I recommend doing both attractions while in the area.  The Tokyo Skytree is the tallest structure in Tokyo, at 634 meters or around 2,080 ft. Visitors can take the elevator to the 450th Floor to receive the best views of Tokyo. I recommend coming in the late evening hours to see the city at night, it’s beautiful and mind blowing seeing how huge Tokyo really is.  Tokyo Skytree was up there with places I wanted to visit in Tokyo. I purchased tickets in advance for the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria. At the time of visiting (October, 2023) I purchased tickets for 17:00. Unfortunately, the management of Skytree was very poor. We had to stay in line to get tickets, even though we already paid and had a time slot. Then we were herded like cattle through a maze toward the elevators. Once at the top, it was already so crowded with people there and groups of people getting off the elevators. Then when leaving we stood in line just to get on the elevator down. In the end, we stood in line longer then actually viewing the city which was kind of a let down.  Once we got a clear view of the city from Tokyo’s Skytree, the views were spectacular. At night, you can see city lights as far as the eye can see. In the end, I am glad I visited Tokyo’s Skytree, the views were incredible but the management and lines were horrible. If you are looking for things to do in Tokyo. Maybe visit the Skytree at a random time on a random day.  10. Walk Through Yanaka Ginza Yanaka Ginza is a must when visiting the Ueno area. Roughly a 20-minute walk from Ueno Park or a 5-minute walk from Nippori Station, this popular shopping street is full of fun local shops, food vendors, and cafés.  Yanaka Ginza has an old town feel to it yet it is located in the middle of a residential area. I believe this area is also know as cat alley. Many of the shops here are cat themed and there were cat statues scattered throughout Yanaka Ginza.  Aside from shops and cafés, there were Sake Breweries offering locally made Sake and liquor stores with locally crafted beer.  Conclusion Taito City, offers a nice variety of activities and attractions for anyone visiting the Taitō District of Tokyo. From must visit museums to Tokyo’s biggest Buddhist Temple – Senso-ji, there is something for everyone. Plan at least a two day visit to Taito City to see what Ueno and Asakusa has to offer. Taito City is a must visit district of Tokyo and should not be overlooked.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel

Japan’s Beckoning Cat, also known as the Maneki-neko, is considered a cultural symbol in Japan. Believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owners, the Beckoning Cat has long been celebrated in Japan and can be found in shops and households throughout the country. With its raised paw gesture and cat like appearance, no wonder why the Maneki-neko is adored throughout Japan. In this post, we’ll explore what the Beckoning Cat even means in Japan, the origins of the Beckoning Cat, and must see Maneki-neko attractions.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! **As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. What does the Beckoning Cat mean in Japan: Significance in Japanese Culture Japan’s Maneki-neko aka Beckoning Cat or Lucky Cat is a cat figurine said to bring both wealth and good luck.  The origins of the Maneki-neko data back to the Edo period (1603-1867).  Although there are many theories of the origin of the Maneki-neko, I believe the origin started at Gotoku-ji.  Is the Beckoning Cat Chinese or Japanese? The Beckoning Cat has its origins in Japan, therefore it is Japanese. What does the symbolism of the Beckoning Cat actually mean? If you look at the Maneki-neko, you will notice it has a raised paw. Some figurines will have the right paw raised while others have the left paw raised.  With the Beckoning Cats right paw raised the figurine is said to attract wealth and good luck. The left paw raised is an invitation to customers visiting a business. In most shops around Japan, you will see the Maneki-neko with its left paw in the air.  Not only does the Beckoning Cat’s paws have a symbolic purpose but the color of the figurine is just as symbolic. A white Maneki-neko means purity and positivity, black Beckoning Cats are said to defend against evil spirits, while gold is tied to financial success.  Popular Beckoning Cat Attractions in Japan We’ve Visited The Maneki-neko or Beckoning Cat is an iconic symbol of Japan. With its unique pose, one arm in the air, and fun variations, these figurines are an integral part in Japan and can be found in homes, shops, attractions, and even religious shrines and temples. Jill and I have explored quite a few Beckoning Cat attractions in Japan, from historical shrines and temples that house thousands of these feline figurines to museums that allow you to paint your own Maneki-neko. If you love Japan’s Beckoning Cat as much as we do, here are some of the recommended Maneki-neko attractions.  Gotoku-ji Buddhist Temple Gotoku-ji, probably one of Japan’s most famous maneki-neko attractions lies in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. This historic Buddhist temple is from the Edo period and is said to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko or Beckoning Cat.  According to the Gotokuji website, this place became famous for the Maneki-neko because a lord was greeted by a luck cat at the temple gate. When the lord entered the temple grounds and rain began to fall. The lord engaged in a conversation with the temple master at the complex and the cats luck made an impression on the visiting lord.  On the grounds of Gotoku-ji, Shofuku-den was built to house the good luck cat, the name of the good luck cat was Maneki-neko.  Today, there are hundreds if not thousands of white Maneki-neko’s at the Gotoku-ji. Style wise, the Beckoning Cats here are all the same, with their white bodies, red ears, and right paw in the air,  but differ in sizes.  Visitors can purchase their own Maneki-neko at Gotoku-ji and place the Beckoning Cat at the temple or take it home as a souvenir.  Maneki-neko Museum of Art Are you interested in painting your own Maneki-neko? You can do just that at the Maneki-neko Museum of Art in Kanayamaji, Okayama.  The Maneki-neko Museum of Art is a museum that is home to over 800 Maneki-neko’s in all colors, shapes, and sizes. This museum is located in a historical home and visitors can freely walk around to the different floors. The museum even has Beckoning Cats that date back to the Meiji Era.  You can’t leave the museum without attempting to paint your own Maneki-neko. You get a unglazed Beckoning Cat figuring and can let your inner artist shine as you paint a truly fascinating and possibly silly Maneki-neko.  Admission for the Manekineko Museum of Art is ¥600. Hours are 10:00 to 17:00 with last admission at 16:30.  For more information, you can visit the Maneki-neko Art Museum’s website. Pottery Footpath and Maneki-neko Street in Tokoname Tokoname, a city located in Aichi Prefecture, not far from Nagoya City. Famous for its pottery footpath, giant Maneki-neko head, and Maneki-neko Street, Tokoname is a heaven for those that love goofy cat statues and maneki-neko sculptures in Japan.  The Pottery Footpath in Tokoname is a pedestrian walkway in Tokoname that follows a well developed path that goes by several merchant shops, kilns, and other attractions, all related to pottery. Prior to visiting the path, there is a Maneki-neko Street that is a must visit!  Maneki-neko Street is lined with 40 Beckoning Cats created by various artists. There are a few entertaning Beckoning Cats on pedestals. Continuing on Maneki-neko Street, there are several cat statues along the side of a wall. Each statue unique in their own ways brining luck to those that travel by.  Don’t forget to get photos of Tokonyan. Tokonyan is a giant Beckoning Cat head that resting above the street. Tokonyan can be seen from the train station. This giant Maneki-neko head is an astonishing 3.8 meters tall and 6.3 meters wide.  To learn more about the Pottery Footpath and Maneki-neko Street in Tokoname, I wrote a post on our trip here:Walking the Pottery Footpath in Tokoname Urinji Cat Temple A 30-minute drive from the town of Hagi, is the Unrinji Cat Temple. With over 600 cat statues at Unrinji, this temple is known as the “Cat Temple.” Here you can find Maneki-neko statues and wood carved statues that were made by a local artist.  Besides some traditional Beckoning Cat statues, there is a Cat Buddha statue carved out of wood and some other statues on the silly side.  To read more about Urinji Cat Temple and Hagi, feel free to read my post:Visiting Hagi, Japan Where to Buy a Maneki-neko? The Maneki-neko can be purchased in almost any souvenir store within Japan from the northern island of Hokkaido to the southern islands of Okinawa.  Some antique shops will have older Maneki0-nekos. There are also specialized attractions like Gotoku-ji and the Maneki-neko Museum of Art that sells them. You can find a wide range of Beckoning Cats on Amazon. If looking to purchase on Amazon you can type in either Beckoning Cat or Maneki-neko in the search result.  Conclusion Japan’s Beckoning Cat or Maneki-neko is a symbolic figurine in Japan that symbolizes good fortune and luck, invites customers to businesses, and can ward off bad spirits. The Maneki-neko has played an important role in Japanese history and continues to be a symbolic figurine in private homes, businesses, and even shrines and temples.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site. 

Located in Japan’s Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka Prefecture is the charming onsen town of Shuzenji Onsen. Shuzenji Onsen is rich in culture and history dating back to more then 1,200 years. Shuzenji Onsen is full of natural beauty with mountain rivers cutting through town, bamboo forests, and beautiful mountains surrounding the town on all sides. For a small onsen resort town, there is plenty to do and see here at Shuzenji Onsen. Walk the designated path that leads to all major attractions in town, explore the historical streets, sample local cuisine, and relax at an onsen at one of the famous ryokans. Visitors can also venture from town and sample local craft beer at Baird Brewery and hike to a beautiful waterfall surrounded by wasabi fields.  **This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links or banners throughout the page, whether it be TripAdvisor, Booking.com. Agoda.com, or any other affiliate, I might receive commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, you can visit my affiliate link page here. Thanks for the support! Where is Shuzenji Onsen and the Izu Peninsula Shuzenji Onsen is nestled in the mountains on Japan’s Izu Peninsula. The Izu Peninsula is located on the Japanese Prefecture of Shizuoka and is a short journey from the Mt. Fuji area.  This small town is popular among locals that live in Tokyo as it is easily accessible and a great nature escape from the world’s largest city. Visitors can take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Mishima Station in about an hour. From Mishima Station, it is about a 30 minute train ride to Shuzenji. Once at Shuzenji, hop on a 10 minute bus ride to the onsen resorts.  We rented a car from Tokyo and drove to Shuzenji Onsen. The route was about 150 km and took anywhere from 2 hours to 2.5 hours.  Exploring Shuzenji Onsen: Walking Course for Tourists Although small, Shuzenji Onsen has a lot of attractions that are worthwhile. Known as “Little Kyoto of Izu,” visitors can come here and not be overwhelmed by tourists like in Kyoto.  It is recommended to stay at one of the resorts and enjoy a relaxing vacation at one of the many onsen areas. Personally, we just did a day trip from the Mt. Fuji area and had no time to go to the onsen, instead we did a walking course that went to Shuzenji Temple, the Bamboo Grove Path, Kaede-bashi Bridge, Tokko-no-Yu, and ended at he Grave of Minamoto no Noriyori.  We started the walking tour at Shuzenji Temple. This temple was founded in the year 807 by a Buddhist Monk named Kobo Daishi Kukai.  The path then led us Tokko-no-Yu and the Kaede-bashi Bridge.  Tokko-no-Yu is considered to be a symbol of Shuzenji Onsen, as it is said to be the oldest hot spring in Izu with history dating back to Kobo Daishi Kukai. Visitors will also notice the beautiful red colored bridges around Shuzenji then cross the Katsura River. Kaede-bashi Bridge and Katsura Bridge are photogenic bridges that are stunning to look at especially during the autumn months when the maple leaves turn red.  My favorite stop along the walking course was the Bamboo Grove Path and I have to admit, it rivals Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. This one was much smaller but without tourists, we had the bamboo forest to ourselves. It wasn’t shoulder to shoulder traffic like in Kyoto and no one got into our photos. There was a lovely path through the Bamboo Grove with nice seats in the center for a well deserved break. The final stop along the walking course before going back into town, was a brief stop at the Grave of Minamoto no Noriyori. According to a sign at the site, Noriyori was a warlord during the Kamakura period between 1185-1333. To keep the story short, Noriyori won the battle of Ichinotani, putting his name out there. There was a lot of bad blood between him and his brothers. His older brother ordered him to murder his younger brother. Once Noriyori refused, his older brother no longer trusted him. There was betrayal against the local Shogunate, and Noriyori was imprisoned at Shuzenji Temple. Later on, Noriyori committed suicide and is buried at the current site.  Venturing Beyond Shuzenji Onsen Shuzenji Onsen is a small town. Unless you plan on relaxing at the onsen resorts for an entire day, there is plenty of things to do and see around Shuzenji that are a short drive away. You could always drive the Izu Peninsula, stop at other towns like Ito and Nishizu, check out the beautiful coastline, or go on a hike. If you are like us and limited to a day to explore Shuzenji and the surrounding area, we stopped at Baird Brewing Company for an afternoon drink and then took some photos of Joren Falls and checked out the wasabi fields.  Baird Brewery Gardens Shuzenji In my Beer Guide to Japan I mention that craft breweries are starting to pop up all over Japan. Baird Brewing is one of the bigger breweries in Japan and has been brewing delicious craft beer since 2000.  Baird Brewery has several brewing facilities and taprooms, and one of the is just a quick 5-10 minute drive from Shuzenji Onsen. The taproom has been around since 2014 and has a relaxing atmosphere. Tucked into the forests on the Izu Peninsula, down a questionable road it was hard to believe that such a giant facility existed here.  The taproom here has 20 different beers on tap to include their original lineup and seasonal beers, you can order various sizes and even a flight. The interior is very inviting, there is also a large outside deck. Besides beer, they make delicious non-alcoholic drinks and have a small bar menu.  Out of the beers I had here, I enjoyed the Temple Garden Yuzu Ale, Ganko Oyaji Barley Wine, and Joie De Vivre.  Joren Falls and Wasabi Less then a 20 minute drive from Baird Brewery is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen in Japan, Joren Falls.  There is so much more to Joren Falls then just taking beautiful photos of this waterfall. There is a large parking area here with several facilities to include restrooms, a restaurant, gift shop, and a café.  Walk behind the restaurant and there is a set of stairs that lead down to Joren Falls. Along the way there are a few gift shops and one place sells fishing poles. Visitors can rent a pole and catch trout and have them cooked there. Joren Falls is considered one of Japan’s top 100 most beautiful waterfalls. The falls is 25 meters high and the width is about 7 meters. The falls are spectacular to look at and the river below is just as beautiful. I set up my camera and took long exposure shots using my Hoya Pro ND Filter. Not only is this area famous for Joren Falls, but they grow wasabi. Wasabi fields are found in the region and visitors can try everything from wasabi beer to wasabi soft served ice cream.  Conclusion on Shuzenji Onsen Whether you are visiting Shuzenji Onsen to relax at one of the resorts or here as a day trip to immerse yourself in its culture and history, Shuzenji offers an unforgettable experience. Take in the natural beauty of this town and the surrounding village. Afterwards, go and enjoy a beer at Baird Brewery’s taproom or continue south to Joren Falls and sample a few treats that are infused with wasabi. No matter what your plan is when visiting the Izu Peninsula, it is a nice escape from the fast paced modern world.  Enjoying my photos and want to see more? Check out my Picfair Store. 📸   Plan Your Trip: 🗺️✈️🇯🇵  Booking Accommodations ⛺️🛖  For booking recommendations on the best deals and locations, check out Agoda or Booking.com Activities and Tours  🏖️🚁  Find fun activities and things to do through Tripadvisor. If you are looking for tours and day trips, Viator and Get Your Guide have a lot of great options.  In need of a car rental? 🚗🚘  I recommend checking with Rental Cars. Train Travel 🚂🚊  For the JR Pass, tickets can be purchased on the JR Pass site.