Best Visiting Spot List

This museum is linked to the Yotsuya Fire Department. Here you can see exhibits of actual equipment, including the first fire engine introduced to Japan in 1917, as well as the helitack first brought into the Tokyo Fire Department. In addition, you can sit in the helitack set up outside. Why not try considering some disaster prevention?

This museum was established in March 2003 with 3 designers, Issei Miyake (fashion designer), Taku Sato (graphic designer), and Naoto Fukazawa (product designer) as its directors and Noriko Kawakami, a journalist and editor, as its associate director. Not only does it offer exhibitions, but it also offers various programs such as talks and workshops with a concept of ”becoming a venue where day-to-day perspectives and views can be proposed.” The building with a symbolic roof created with an image of ”one sheet of fabric” was designed by Tadao Ando, an architect.

Shinjuku Central Park is the largest public park in Shinjuku Ward. It is an urban oasis in the western Shinjuku area where high-rise buildings stand side-by-side. Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring and on weekends, events such as flea markets are sometimes held for local residents. If you wish to take a break from the energy and excitement of Shinjuku and relax among the greenery, take a stroll to Shinjuku Central Park. Photo: Courtesy of Shinjuku Ward

Ozu Washi in Nihonbashi is a washi seller that was established in 1653. In a corner of the shop with various papers on display is the Handmade Washi Experience Studio where you can experience making paper. You can learn the process of making paper in about an hour. There is no minimum number of people for the experience, but reservations take priority. You can keep the paper you make!

Towering about 700 meters high, Mt. Maya lies in the central part of Rokko mountain range. The night view of Kobe seen from Kikuseidai near the mountaintop is famous as one of new three best night views in Japan. Legend has it that the name comes from the fact that Kobo-Daishi enshrined the statue of Shaka’s mother, Maya, on the mountain.

This attraction introduces the culture and history of Austria, with a central emphasis on Mozart. You'll see valuable items on display, such as a replica of the piano that Mozart used for composing, and a music score written in his original handwriting. On the terrace you can enjoy the imperial torte set (1,350 JPY), which is imported directly from Vienna, as well as Austrian beer and wine.

Experience the intriguing allure of Kabukicho, a pulsating locale situated in the heart of Tokyo's Shinjuku, celebrated by LIVE JAPAN readers. An acclaimed adult-oriented nightlife hub, Kabukicho brims with diverse entertainment avenues. Crossing under the iconic "Kabukicho Ichibangai Arch" transports you into a thrilling world of izakayas, snack bars, and clubs, each mirroring the city's vibrant nocturnal spirit. Explore the nighttime wonders of Kabukicho and experience the unique vitality of Tokyo's after-dark scene.

This museum conserves and exhibits arts collected by the Sumitomo family, with its main building located in Shishiga-tani, Kyoto. The collection is composed of various and diverse items, such as modern Japanese and Western paintings, modern pottery and chinaware, tea utensils, and Noh masks and costumes collected from the middle of the Meiji era to Taisho era. Despite being in the middle of Roppongi, it is surrounded by greenery and is a quiet environment, which lets you forget about time and appreciate the arts to your heart's content.

The Dotombori-gawa River slices right through the Minami district of Osaka, and it is from the river's Ebisubashi Bridge that you can view the famous Glico neon billboard up close. The riverside promenade called Tombori River Walk exudes a tasty atmosphere. Tombori River Cruise, in which you can enjoy the scenery of Dotombori from the river, is open for an only limited time.

Rakugo is a type of humorous storytelling which depicts the daily lives of townspeople, fairy tales, and more. This is an old tradition which has been loved in Japan since the Edo period. Ikebukuro Engei-jo is a place in Ikebukuro where you can enjoy rakugo. There are chair seats available, so you can sit for a long time without trouble. Let yourself get sucked into the world created by the rakugo storyteller.

Tamagawa Fireworks Festival is held in the summer, and it is crowded with many people.

Ibasen is a folding fan and uchiwa shop established in 1590. They sell a range of fans with varying uses, such as ”Edo folding fans” made of yukata (casual summer kimono) cloth, ”mai-ogi” used in traditional Japanese dances, and ”kazari (decorative) fans” used as decoration. Also, don't forget the uchiwas with prints of kabuki (classical Japanese dance-drama) actors and famous spots in Japan, that are based on the publications of ukiyoe masters like Utagawa Hiroshige and Utagawa Kuniyoshi.

In 1180, Yoritomo Minamoto raised an army to destroy the Taira family and revive the Minamoto family. He lost the Battle of Ishibashiyama, and guided by Sanehira Doi, hid in “Shitodo-no-Iwaya” (Shitodo Cave). Springwater flows down there and the rocks have become covered in moss. The cave, where it is cool even in summer, has an enchanted atmosphere as it contains rows of statues of Kannon and stone pagodas. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Motohakone for about 40 minutes The cave is a 10-minute walk from the Shitodo-no-Iwaya Iriguchi bus stop

On February 26, 1936, this site was part of an attempted coup d'état unparalleled of in modern Japanese history. Kofuso is the only location linked to the February 26 Incident outside of Tokyo. Kofuso was a former property of Itouya, a traditional old Japanese inn, and it is now used to exhibit items related to that period such as items belonging to residents, photos, and newspapers. Guided tours are given by volunteers (reservations are required for weekday tours). Open on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays Business hours: 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (last entrance at 2:30 p.m.) Reservations required for weekday visits (please book at least one week in advance) *We are open on every year on February 26. No reservations required. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Okuyugawara or Fudo-Taki for about 12 minutes We are one minute's walk from the Koen Iriguchi bus stop

Tenshozan Shrine was founded in 1931. It honors the Japanese gods Ameterasu, Sarutahiko, and Taisei, and people from all over Japan come for the festival held each year on May 22, briefly creating a lively atmosphere. Located deep within the forest, the shrine comes alive in each season with flowers and foliage. Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Motohakone for about 40 minutes The shrine is a 30-minute walk from the Shitodo-no-Iwaya Iriguchi bus stop

Itabashi Fireworks Festival is held in the summer, and it is crowded with many people.

Koto Fireworks Festival is held in the summer, and it is crowded with many people.

Held early every Sunday morning in front of Yugawara Tourist Hall. Naturally you can find produce unique to the seas and mountains around Yugawara as well as goods you can only buy directly from the producers or manufacturers at bargain prices. Enjoy haggling with the stall owners and maybe you will get a great discount or a little something extra. Held every Sunday Business hours: 6:00 to 9:00 a.m. (cancelled during stormy weather) Venue: The open area in front of Yugawara Tourist Hall Products available: local specialties, dried fish, vegetables, tangerines, seafood, accessories, home-made bread, pickles, and many other things Access: From Yugawara Station, take the bus headed to Okuyugawara or Fudo-Taki for about 10 minutes. We are right next to the Ochiaibashi bus stop.