Spot Infomation

Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory

The high-rise Umeda Sky Building was constructed so that the two individual buildings join at the top to form a design that looks like a floating spaceship. With a global reputation, every year the building is visited by over a million tourists and was once featured in a British magazine article on the “Top 20 […]

Kitakarou/Sapporo Main Building

Osaka Takashimaya

With a turnover: 141 billion yen and a surface area of 64,000m2 (13th largest in Japan), Takashimaya is the a large-scale landmark store in the Minami area. It is the main store of the Takashimaya department store chain. Directly connected to Nanba Station on the Midosuji line, it is conveniently located and easily accessed by […]

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse

A throng of red brick warehouse buildings made over 100 years ago face the bay.  Now, they exist as commercial complexes. Inside you will find around 40 shops, sweets vendors, and restaurants.

Shiretoko Sightseeing Boat “Aurora”

This is cruise takes passengers on a large ferry to the west coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula, where precipitous cliffs continue. There are two courses: Secret ground Shiretoko Cape route Departs from Utoro Port and returns to Shiretoko Cape in 3 hours and 45 minutes (operates from June–September) Kamuiwakka Waterfall Route Returns to Kamuiwakka Waterfall […]

Ramen Yotsuba

Opened in December 2015, the restaurant is relatively new, but quickly gained popularity and has been awarded the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand. The owner is very particular about his dried sardine ramen (niboshi ramen). No MSG is used, instead, several kinds of Japanese dried sardines, kelp, and dried bonito are used to create a deep […]

Memanbetsu Airport

Domestic flights to and from Tokyo (Haneda), Nagoya (Chubu), and Sapporo (New Chitose) are available. 5 – 6 flights depart each day from Tokyo (Haneda) and Sapporo (Chitose), only 1 flight per day from Nagoya (Chubu). There is another airport in the area, Monbetsu Airport, but it is about 100 km northwest of Abashiri City […]

Kamimura

A Michelin starred modern French restaurant.

Bihoro Pass

Bihoro Pass is a 525m high mountain pass located on the outer rim of the Kussharo Caldera. The view from here is an unbelievably brilliant panorama, and is one of the most spectacular views in Hokkaido. Not only do you have a panoramic view of the 57km-long Lake Kussharo, but you can also see Mt. […]

Yumoto Takubokutei

On the 11th floor is the the large bath “Unkai” , boasting a spectacular night view of Hakodate City through the 30 meter glass window. The open air bath “Isaribi” has a sense of space and quite nice too.

Tギャラリア 沖縄 by DFS

面積10,000㎡と、日本にある免税店の中では最大の施設で、LVMHグループが運営している。 LVMHがやっているだけあって、施設は綺麗でスタイリッシュかつラグジュアリーだ。 ファッション・ジュエリー・時計・コスメティックなど140以上の海外のスーパーブランドや一流ブランドが集まっており、日本国内の小売価格より最高で30％安く購入できる。 日本国内未発売商品やDFS限定商品などもある。   店内にはゴディバのチョコレートやドリンク、アイスクリームなどが楽しめるゴディバカフェがあるので、一休みすると良い感じだ。   「Tギャラリア沖縄」は、ゆいレールの「おもろまち駅」に直結しており、那覇空港から20分とアクセスも良い。 なぜか沖縄を出る航空券を持っていれば日本人でも免税で買い物が出来てしまうのが不思議だ。   ★購入について 飛行機への搭乗2時間前までにレジで精算すれば良い。 ※5時間とか半日くらい前までに購入しなければいけない他の国の免税店よりも、かなり“ゆるくて”、便利だ。 精算時は、飛行機の搭乗日と便名を伝えるだけでよく、パスポートの提示等は必要ないのもまた“ゆるい”。 購入した品物は、那覇空港の出発ロビーにある「DFS商品受取カウンター」で受け取る形だが、その際にはDFSで作ったショッピングカードと搭乗券を見せる必要がある。

Hiramatsu Hakata

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple was first founded in 806 by Kobo Daishi (774-835)—the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, a form of esoteric Buddhism—and a very famous high priest in Japan. It it also the first temple he founded. It houses the Fukuoka Daibutsu, the largest wooden seated statue of Shaka Nyorai in Japan. Made from […]

Hakata Kawabata Shotengai

With a history of more than 130 years, this is the oldest shopping arcade in Hakata. The 400-meter-long arcade connecting Hakata Riverain and Canal City Hakata is lined with 130 long-established stores and restaurants. The slightly retro atmosphere makes it fun to walk around.

知念岬公園

太平洋に向かって突き出した岬の先端にある公園で、あまり人が多くない“穴場”だ。 高台にあり、三方が海に囲まれているので、視界を遮るものがなく非常に眺めが良い。 公園の下は、エメラルドグリーンの珊瑚礁となっており、その先はグラデ―ジョンが美しいコバルトブルーの海と水平線、青い空が広がっている。 そして沖縄で“神の島”と呼ばれている久高島も間近に見える。 また、知念岬は東側に向かって開けているので、海から昇ってくる真っ赤な太陽を見ることが出来る“日の出観賞スポット”としても有名だ。 そして周りに光源がほとんどない場所なので、夜は星空や月が非常にクリアに見える。 公園内はきれいに整備されており、赤瓦屋根の東屋や歩きやすい遊歩道があるので、散策すると非常に気持ちが良い。 なお、公園内に売店やレストランなどはない。

Meat Suzuki

A delicatessen located in Yanaka Ginza shopping street. The most popular item is the “Genki Menchikatsu” / 220 yen. Made from high-quality beef (Wagyu and Australian) and deep-fried in lard, the menchikatsu is crispy on the outside and very juicy inside, filled with the flavor of meat. It is good to buy it freshly made […]

Goryōkaku Park

If you look at Fort Goryokaku from right above, you’ll see it is shaped like a pentagram. It is the first western style castle and where the last samurais fought the new government army 150 years ago. Today it exists as a park. It’s open from 5am and entrance is free (too generous)! When spring […]

Toyo Hyakkaten

Though labeled as a department store, it appears more run-down. Having said that, the garage has over 20 unique shops lined up from used clothing stores, general goods stores, a bicycle shop, nail art salon, and an event space – all with strong individual personalities and selling original goods. Here, visitors can catch a glimpse […]