Visited on Dec 29, 2024 Pretty and photogenic lighthouse to visit on a sunny day. Loved this little spot. Entry is ¥300. Some illustrations and explanations of the nearby Yokosuka coastal area are provided in the exhibition room with no photos allowed. Also no souvenirs sold. Easy walk from the Kannonzaki bus stop, path is not too steep to get there. There is a rest bench corner tucked under the stairs behind the lighthouse, away from the sun so that was very pleasant, from which you can see the 4th and 5th pic of my photos.

Exhibition is nice, but to be honest the building and surroundings are much more fun to me. Calming vibe of the area is definetely worth experiencing. Lovely views, beautiful park and general feel of serenity.

This was the final stop on our two-week trip around Japan, and it couldn’t have been a better ending. The hotel's location is unbeatable—directly connected to the train station and conveniently accessible from both inside and outside the complex. The hotel itself is stunning, both inside and out. Upon arrival, the front desk staff were friendly, helpful, and spoke excellent English. While they weren’t able to accommodate an early check-in, they gladly held our bags so we could explore the area while we waited. Our room was very spacious, and whether you’re facing the interior dome of the station or the city skyline, the views are a treat—perfect for people-watching and soaking in the atmosphere. The room had everything we needed: a reasonably priced minibar, a wide range of toiletries, even thoughtful extras like luggage stickers and a thermometer (which came in handy when someone in our group was feeling unwell). We tried both room service and the breakfast buffet. Room service was prompt and much better than what we’re used to in the U.S. But the real highlight was the breakfast buffet—absolutely phenomenal! The bathroom was exceptional, with a large soaking tub, a separate toilet room, and a high-tech, heated toilet seat. The Japanese truly excel when it comes to clean, functional, and luxurious restrooms. The bed was large and incredibly comfortable. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and would highly recommend this hotel to anyone looking for an upscale experience in a prime location.

The Imperial Palace is a remarkably serene and beautiful place in the heart of Tokyo. The gardens are meticulously maintained, offering calm paths, elegant bridges, and stunning seasonal scenery. The harmony between traditional architecture and natural surroundings creates a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy city. The historic stone walls and moats add a sense of depth and significance, making every view picturesque. Visiting the Imperial Palace is consistently a rewarding experience and one of the most memorable highlights of Tokyo.

This garden is incredibly spacious and beautiful — perfect for picnics, hanging out with friends, or just relaxing. The atmosphere is calm and inviting, with plenty of spots to enjoy the scenery. I really appreciated how convenient it was too, with lots of vending machines available throughout. The highlight for me was the Starbucks inside the garden — not only is the coffee great, but the view from there is absolutely a must-try experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to spend a peaceful and enjoyable time outdoors!

This place is in the heart of Tokyo as well, the Meiji Jingu. I was surprised because the place is vast. When entering, you can really feel that you are inside of a sacred place. You can only here the sounds of the bird while walking even though there's a lot of people coming and going. The forest gives a peaceful vibes and I really liked it. The walk is long but when you reach the main temple, it is really crowded but still happy to see it. I was also interested at the couple tree and we were so blessed to see a wedding pictorial there. We also went to the Well. It has an additional maintenance fee but unfortunately we didn't see much because it is a seasonal based spot. Overall we enjoyed the walk.

On Sept 23, 2025, my wife and I came to this waterfront park. Judging from the number of visitors and activities here, the Park was a popular one. We didn’t walk much but took a tour bus from a nearby station - we bought a one-day bus/train ticket for Yen700.

Both North and South Observatory are at the 45th storey. The lift entrance is only at Building No. 1, ground floor. The lift takes 55 seconds to reach the top. Mount Fuji will be visible from both towers on a clear day. South tower has a grand piano open to public for performance from 10am to 12pm and 2pm to 4pm.

A walk through Yokohama’s Chinatown turned out to be a real discovery for me. It’s not just a tourist street lined with restaurants and shops, but a whole district with a rich history and an atmosphere all its own. It also happens to be the largest Chinatown in Japan and one of the biggest in the world—you can really feel its scale the moment you pass through the colorful gates and find yourself surrounded by glowing lanterns and the aromas of street food. The story of this place goes back to the 19th century, when Chinese merchants began settling here after the port of Yokohama opened. Over time, they built temples, opened shops and restaurants, and formed a vibrant community. The area was destroyed more than once—first during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, and later in World War II—but each time it was rebuilt, coming back even brighter and more lively. Chinatown is especially impressive during the Chinese New Year. The streets fill with music, lion and dragon dances, lanterns light up everywhere, and the entire district turns into a massive celebration. It feels like you’ve stepped into another world. What struck me most was the Kanteibyo Temple—such a beautiful and powerful spot that gives the whole walk a deeper meaning. Chinatown is a place I’ll return to again and again, whether it’s to try new dishes, notice hidden architectural details, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere that seems to live here every day.

Such a nice place! The walk to get there is very soothing and the building is beautiful. The shops inside sell mostly leather goods, jewellery and home decor but everything has a quality feel to it and many things seem to be made locally. The gourmet section is also great. Highly recommended! And the balcony is a super nice place to just sit and relax a bit…

My Visit to the Cup Noodles Museum, Yokohama Before stepping into the story of the Cup Noodles Museum, let’s pause to honour the man who changed how the world eats ,Momofuku Ando. We all know instant cup noodles ,that magical meal ready in minutes. I’ve often carried them while travelling, a quiet source of comfort and assurance. This thought, this comfort, this feeling of assurance all trace back to the brilliant mind of one man: Momofuku Ando of Japan. He wasn’t a scientist, or a famous chef. He was just an ordinary man with an extraordinary dream to make sure no one in the world ever goes hungry again. Timeline of Innovation • 1958: Invented Chicken Ramen in his shed • 1971: Introduced Cup Noodles • 1999: CupNoodles Museum opened in Yokohama • 2005: Created Space Ramen for zero gravity Over the years since opening: expansions and renovations to add more interactive features and modern exhibits. Today: The museum continues to evolve as both a cultural destination and a fun experiential place for families, food lovers, and kids. About the Museum Located in Minato Mirai, Yokohama, the museum celebrates Ando’s legacy through creativity, innovation, and food culture. Operated by Nissin Foods, it encourages visitors to experience rather than just observe. Major Exhibitions & Attractions: Here are some of the key features of the museum: The Momofuku Theatre: A 58 meter long panorama (illustrated, friendly for kids) tracing Ando’s life, thinking and inventions. screening time is 14 minutes, screened every 10 minutes. Momofuku’s Work Shed : A faithful recreation of the simple shed where Ando worked on Chicken Ramen. Emphasises the message: “With an idea, ordinary tools, and passion, you can make something great.” Instant Noodles History Cube : Exhibits over 3,000 packages of instant noodles from around the world, showing how it grew into a global culture. My CUPNOODLES Factory : A hands on attraction where you can design a cup, pick your soup flavour and select toppings (there are thousands of combinations). Chicken Ramen Factory : A more advanced workshop where you can make noodles by hand,kneading, steaming, flash frying, etc. NOODLES BAZAAR : World Noodles Road ,A food zone where visitors can taste various noodle dishes from around the world (reflecting Ando’s interest in global noodle culture). CUPNOODLES Park : A playful “factory” park where children experience the journey of a noodle in a fun way. And finally, visiting it, is more than just seeing “instant noodles”. It is about appreciating a modern invention with cultural significance. My Experience: The museum is playful, inspiring, and beautifully designed. Take your time,each exhibit tells a story of creativity, perseverance, and global connection. And finally, visiting it, is more than just seeing “instant noodles”. It is about appreciating a modern invention with cultural significance. My last meal before flying home was, fittingly, a Cup Noodle. But this time, it wasn’t just food ,it felt like a tribute to Ando’s dream. ♿ Accessibility: Elevators provide easy access for wheelchairs and baby prams. Nearest Stations: • Minatomirai Station – 8 min walk • Bashamichi Station – 8 min walk • Sakuragicho Station – 12 min walk

Went there as an away fan. Good experience. Nice stadium, amazing environment next a river. Friendly ticket price. Also, it’s rare to watch a 7 goals game, though it’s our team got battered. But we got battered wherever we go, hahaha be positive. Also it’s good to see Daizen, Ito and Mitoma play in person!

Visit date: 6/10/2024 afternoon. Free carpark and free entry to park. Spider Lilies slightly off peak but still excellent.

An absolute must-see in Kamakura! The highlight is, of course, the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an impressive bronze statue sitting in the open air that leaves you speechless with its scale and serenity. The temple grounds are peaceful, well kept, and easy to walk around, making it a perfect spot to take in the history and atmosphere. It’s a place that perfectly blends cultural significance with a calm, spiritual vibe. Easy to reach from Kamakura Station, and definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.

Every train enthusiasts dream.. Lots about the history of trains and railway cars in Japan and how they evolved. In fact, there is probably too much information for just one day. The museum has: * various trains * a giant diorama (think model train set in a basement but x100) of the trains currently in Tokyo and how and when they operate * simulators (you can to practice driving trains) * a lunch car train for you to eat in * interactive activities, such as making your own train * a cafe/restaurant * souvenir shop * audio information available in English via the app * daily demonstrations of how they would change tracks. I am sure i am missing stuff as well but if you like trains or are with someone who likes trains. I would recommend this museum. It was easy to get to via the metro and you can buy tickets online or in person. Would recommend 2-4 hours based on level of interest.

Such a great experience to see the beautiful sunset here. Visited 3 times and all was worth coming for. I love the place and specially with the person I am with ❤️

We visited this Shrine and really liked it. The shrine has a nice atmosphere and beautiful views. It’s a peaceful place to explore while walking around Enoshima Island. I enjoyed the visit a lot!

One of the strategic places for family and kids, where you can spend a whole day excursion: explore and learn about sea creatures, followed by playing at the beach. Mount Fuji can be seen if the weather is nice. Sunset time on a clear day can be a relaxing yet mesmerizing moment to end the trip.

Worthy visit from Tokyo its just at the prefecture north of the city Saitama so a short day trip is doable. There is a small area in the city which showcases what looks like Edo era Japan architecture. It gives a vibe of Gion-Shijo area in Kyoto. That old Edo era look. The bell tower is the center of this old town and there are many small shops selling trinkets and food items.

The place is a good area for reminiscing the Edo period of Japan, the yokata rentals here really have a good selection. The food and snacks along the streets are a must try. Furthermore, it’s best to schedule earlier the bus ride since it gets crowded from 5-6pm.

Very beautiful city. The recommendation is Japanese sweet potate that tranformed to the dessert such as ice cream. The building is very beautiful and ancient. The city is ver clean.

Oyama Afuri Shrine is a must-visit! I went yesterday, and the commute was incredibly convenient. What made the experience even more magical was the snowfall—it created such a serene and breathtaking atmosphere. The views from the shrine were absolutely stunning, and the peaceful surroundings made it a perfect place to reflect and appreciate nature. Highly recommend visiting, especially during winter!

Very nice hiking. Not the easiest one, as there are many stairs. We chose Onnazaka, and then climbed up via Miharashidai, and went down via Fujimidai. Next time I'd choose the Fujimidai path for climbing up, as it seems not so steep. For us from the Cable car station to come back (including lunch and snack breaks) it took 5+ hours.

Odawara Castle is a beautiful, peaceful spot with some of the most breathtaking views from the very top. Once you're up there, you can take in wide views of the land and the sea—it’s honestly stunning and absolutely worth the climb. The atmosphere is calm and not overly crowded, which made the whole experience even more enjoyable compared to some of the busier castles. You can get a bundled ticket that includes entrance to both the castle and the nearby Samurai Museum, which is a great option if you’re interested in diving deeper into the history. Inside, many of the historical displays have English translations, which was helpful for navigating and learning more about the site. As for payment, they accept cash, Visa, and PayPay, which is convenient. Just outside the castle grounds, you’ll find some snack vendors selling shaved ice and other quick bites note that these are cash only. There are also several vending machines and quiet little spots with benches where you can sit, rest, and take in the view of the castle and its surroundings. Overall, it’s a calm, scenic, and culturally rich experience. Definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

We arrived at the Hakone Open-Air Museum with just 30 minutes to spare before closing—and while the staff at the ticket counter kindly warned us that it wasn’t ideal, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see Japan’s first open-air museum. So, with running shoes on and camera gear in hand, we dashed in at 4:30 PM and made the most of every minute. Despite the time crunch, we managed to see a surprising amount. The kids loved the interactive sculptures, and we snapped some fantastic photos with our tripod as we raced through the grounds. It was a whirlwind, but totally worth it. If you’re short on time, don’t skip it—just be ready to move fast! The museum itself is a stunning fusion of nature and art, with over 120 sculptures spread across beautifully landscaped gardens and lawns. Established in 1969, it features works by legends like Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, and even Pablo Picasso, whose pieces are housed in a dedicated two-story pavilion. There’s also a colorful stained-glass tower called the Symphonic Sculpture that you can climb for panoramic views of the park and surrounding mountains. One tip: find the entrance ahead of time. We spent nearly 10 minutes wandering around trying to locate it, which ate into our already limited time. The museum is just a short walk from Chokoku-no-Mori Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway, but signage can be subtle, especially if you’re in a rush. If you can, give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore. There’s a foot bath, kids’ play areas, cafes, and rotating indoor exhibitions that deserve more than a quick glance. But even in a sprint, the Hakone Open-Air Museum left a lasting impression—and I’m so glad we didn’t miss it.

Very unique station with a few souvenir shop nearby. Connected to Hakone Tozan Cable Car and direct public bus to Gotemba Premium Outlet.

Enjoy the silence and peacefulness in the Gora Park! Stopped by as part of the Hakone Free Pass and the place didn’t disappoint! Grab a coffee or lemonade and sit down by the fountain, walk in the green house or just wander around - this place is energising and making the hot weather more bearable!