Tokyo DisneySea

     Tokyo DisneySea is a fantasy theme park in Tokyo Disney Resort that is unique to Japan. Inspired by the myths and legends of the sea, Tokyo DisneySea is made up of seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.

     While suitable for all ages, Tokyo DisneySea was designed to specifically also appeal to a more grown up audience. The park addresses the Japanese visitors' strong interest in good food by providing a wider selection of table service restaurants than Tokyo Disneyland and by serving alcoholic beverages, which are unavailable at the neighboring park.

Mediterranean Harbor

Mediterranean Harbor at the entrance to the park is styled after an Italian port town. Its waterfront features Venice style canals and gondolas, and its buildings make up the Tokyo DisneySea Hotel MiraCosta. Large shows with boats and water fountains are held daily in the harbor. Mysterious Island      Mysterious Island is found within the volcano at the heart of the park and is a page from the science fiction writings of Jules Verne. Here you can explore the depths of the ocean aboard one of Captain Nemo's submarines or journey to the center of the earth in one of his science vehicles. Mermaid Lagoon      Mermaid Lagoon allows surface dwellers to enter the undersea world of Ariel and her fishy friends from The Little Mermaid. This whimsical area of the park with its rides and shows is geared toward younger children. Arabian Coast      The Arabian Coast recreates the world of Aladdin and 1001 Arabian Nights. Here you can watch a magic show hosted by Genie or travel with Sinbad as he sets sail for discovery. Lost River Delta The Lost River Delta was built among the ruins of an ancient temple pyramid in the Central American jungle. The Indiana Jones Adventure ride explores the bowels of the temple ruins, while the Raging Spirits Roller Coaster rumbles along next door. The port also serves as a stop for the Tokyo DisneySea Transit Steamers which travel between the various parts of the park. Port Discovery      Port Discovery is the marina of the future where visitors can check out the StormRider, a type of virtual rollercoaster, or try out some of the experimental, self-guided watercraft that travel between the rocks, fountains and whirlpools of the Aquatopia attraction. American Waterfront The American Waterfront zone is styled after the 20th century harbor towns found around New York, New England and Cape Cod. The area features an elevated train, American styled restaurants and shops, a playhouse and the S.S. Columbia steam liner that houses a restaurant and lounge. It is also home to the Tower of Terror ride. My opinion:      My favorite attraction in Tokyo DisneySea is Tower of Terror. It is a great free fall ride that's tame enough to appeal to even the little ones. You can get a great view of Tokyo Sky Tree from it!

Hakone

     

     Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, less than 100 kilometers from Tokyo. Famous for hot springs, natural beauty and the view of nearby Mt. Fuji, Hakone is one of the most popular destinations among Japanese and international tourists looking for a break from Tokyo.

Owakudani

     Owakudani is the area around a crater created during the last eruption of Mount Hakone some 3000 years ago. Today, much of the area is an active volcanic zone where sulfurous fumes, hot springs and hot rivers can be experienced. Additionally, Owakudani has good views of Mount Fuji on clear days.

A short walking trail (about ten minutes one way) leads from the ropeway station into the volcanic zone to a number of steam vents and bubbling pools. Here you can purchase eggs, cooked in the naturally hot water, whose shells are blackened by the sulfur and which are said to prolong one's life by seven years.

For the more adventurous, a hiking trail leads from the ropeway station to the peak of Mount Kamiyama and continues on to Mount Komagatake from where you can catch the Komagatake Ropeway down to Lake Ashi. The hike takes about 2 hours one way and can be rocky or slippery as well as quite windy. Proper hiking shoes and rain gear are recommended.

Alternatively, about 30 minutes past the peak of Mount Kamiyama a trail splits off down towards Lake Ashi. It leads down the mountain and along the lakeshore, ending at Kojiri not far from Togendai, from where the Hakone Ropeway connects back to Owakudani. The round trip takes about 4.5 hours.

My opinion:

This is a place with sulfur gas and hot springs. You can buy boiled egg in natural hot water which is black color. You should try it because it is a signature for Owakudani. A great place to visit.

Fuji Five Lakes

     The Fuji Five Lake region lies at the northern base of Mount Fuji about 1000 meters above sea level around the lakes Kawaguchiko, Saiko, Yamanakako, Shojiko and Motosuko. It is one of the best places to view Mount Fuji from a close distance and a good base for climbing the mountain.

     Fujigoko is known as a lake resort area, where hiking, camping, fishing and snow sports are among the popular outdoor activities that can be enjoyed. There are also plenty of hot springsand museums found in the area, along with Fuji Q Highland, one of Japan's most popular amusement parks with record breaking roller coasters.

Among the lakes, Lake Kawaguchiko is the easiest to access and offers the most things to see and do for the average foreign traveler. The four other lakes are less developed than Lake Kawaguchiko and are not as easy to access by public transportation.

Fuji-Q Highland

  

      Fuji-Q Highland is a major amusement park located in the Fuji Five Lakes region at the foot of Mount Fuji. One of Japan's most popular theme parks, Fuji-Q Highland is best known for its thrilling, record holding roller coasters and elaborate, anime themed rides and attractions. The park strives to be at the forefront of theme park entertainment, and has been constantly opening new rides and attractions, including Guinness World Record breaking roller coasters.

Currently, the park has four major roller coasters. Fujiyama, the park's centerpiece attraction, was the world's tallest and fastest roller coaster when it opened in 1996, and it continues to rank among the best coasters in the world. Dodonpa (2001) is currently the parks speediest coaster and the world record holder for fastest acceleration. Eejanaika (2006), a "4th dimension" roller coaster with seats rotating within the car, has the most inversions of any roller coaster. Finally, Takabisha, built in 2011, is the steepest roller coaster in the world, dropping at an angle of 121 degrees.

     The park also has several large scale entertainment attractions, many of which are based on popular anime series. Gundam Crisis and Evangelion World are immersive displays of their respective robot suit themed anime and include life-sized models of the robots and characters. There are also three maze attractions: the Ultimate Horror Labyrinth (aka Haunted Hotel), one of the world's largest and scariest haunted attractions; Ultimate Fort, a prison escape themed puzzle maze; and Kassen Sengoku Basara, a warring states period themed attraction.

In addition to those major rides and attractions, the park further offers a host of amusement park staples such as tea cup, frisbee, log flume, pirate ship and drop tower type rides along with traditional rides such as a ferris wheel, carousel and sky swings. Seasonal attractions, such as an ice skating rink, are also available. Restaurants, rest areas, souvenir shops and carnival games are spread out around the park. 

My opinion:

My favourite roller coaster is Dodonpa, top fastest roller coaster in Japan. Don't miss it. But you shouldn't go in winter. Many roller coaster can't play when snowing. 

Tokyo Disneyland

     Tokyo Disneyland is a theme park based on the films produced by Walt Disney. It was opened in 1983 as the first Disney theme park outside of the United States. Modeled after Disneyland in California and the Magic Kingdom in Florida, Tokyo Disneyland is made up of seven themed lands and features seasonal decorations and parades.

My opinion:

This wonderland for all ages ! Great fun but do expect longer lines for popular rides. Good options for food. Some restaurants have set menus which can be viewed before you enter. I think one day is not enough depending on your total queuing time. A must see is the fireworks at night. Head for the castle for a show starting 7:30 pm, followed by their grand fireworks. So beautiful.

World Bazaar

     World Bazaar, located at the main entrance to the park, is a covered shopping arcade lined by shops and restaurants. The area is designed like an early 20th century American town and serves as the park's main shopping area where many guests stop on their way out of the park.

Tomorrowland

     Tomorrowland explores the themes of outer space and future technologies. It is home to popular attractions such as Space Mountain, Star Tours and Buzz Lightyear's AstroBlasters.

Toontown

     Toontown is a suburban toon neighborhood where the Disney characters live, work and play. Aimed at a younger audience, Toontown lets visitors meet Mickey at his house, play on Donald Duck's boat, check out Chip'n Dale's Treehouse and ride a kid sized rollercoaster.

My opinion:

This is the best for me, Monsters Hide and Go Seek - On this ride guests are given flashlights with which to seek out Monsters hidden throughout the various rooms. This is interactive and makes for a different experience each time you ride! This is an original ride at Tokyo Disneyland and can't be found anywhere else in the world. But you will wait a long time for Monsters Hide and Go Seek.

Fantasyland

     Fantasyland is based on the classic animated films by Disney and is home to the iconic Cinderella's Castle at the center of the park, as well as other characters and rides such as Peter Pan, Snow White, It's A Small World and Pooh's Hunny Hunt, an original Fantasyland attraction unique to Tokyo Disneyland.

Critter Country

     Critter Country is home to Br'er Rabbit, Br'er Fox, Br'er Bear and the other characters from the Disney film "Song of the South". Here you can find the popular Splash Mountain log ride, as well as guided canoe tours on the Rivers of America.

Westernland

     Westernland is themed after the US western frontier along the Rivers of America. The area is home to the popular rollercoaster Big Thunder Mountain, while Tom Sawyer Island is located out in the middle of the river.

Adventureland

     Adventureland includes attractions that encompass the spirit of adventure. Here you can join a jungle cruise, explore the Swiss Family Treehouse, ride the Western River Railroad and sail with the Pirates of the Caribbean.

Kitano Tenmangū

     Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, founded in the 10th century, is one of the most important of hundreds of shrines across Japan that are devoted to the Shinto deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. Osaka Tenmangu Shrine has been destroyed by fire a number of times during its history, and its current main hall (honden) and main gate date back to 1845.

Osaka Tenmangu is famous for its festival, the Tenjin Matsuri, which is held annually on July 24 and 25 and is ranked as one of Japan's top three festivals besides Kyoto's Gion Matsuri and Tokyo's Kanda Matsuri. During the festival, the shrine's deity is paraded in a divine palanquin (mikoshi) through the city in a joyful land and river procession, accompanied by fireworks.

     Osaka Tenmangu is located in a residential area and has a neighborhood feeling about it. Locals pray at the shrine mostly for academic fortunes, but there are also secondary shrines at its precincts, such as an Inari Shrine, where people pray to the deity of fertility, agriculture and industry.

Located just steps away from Tenmangu Shrine is the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, which claims to be the longest in Japan. The covered shopping street stretches more than two kilometers, starting approximately from Tenjimbashi-suji Rokuchome Subway Station and leading south until close to the Tenjinbashi Bridge.

    The shopping street has a neighborhood atmosphere and is where many locals shop for a huge variety of goods, such as groceries, clothes, shoes, books, medicine, snacks and sundries. Prices for fashion products are relatively low in return for average quality. There are also many eateries and cafes. In the evenings, izakaya at a couple of side alleys provide an authentic local dining experience.

My opinion:

One of the only temples in Osaka that have been kept up since before WWII. It is located in one of the most nice shopping streets of all Japan. best visiting it in the morning when opens or at night when closing. If you can also take the tour and try the sacred sake it will be worth.

Shinsekai

     Shinsekai is Osaka's "new world," a district that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia evoking symbol of Shinsekai.

The area was developed into its current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which brought over five million people to the neighborhood within just five months. Shortly after the expo closed its doors, work began to improve and update Shinsekai.

     Paris was chosen as the model for Shinsekai's northern half, while the southern portion was built to imitate Coney Island in New York. Tsutenkaku Tower was constructed in 1912 after Paris' Eiffel Tower. Although it was scrapped during WWII, the tower was reconstructed soon afterwards in 1956. The current tower is 103 meters high, with the main observatory at a height of 91 meters.

Another noted attraction is kushikatsu, one of Osaka's best known specialties. It is a dish, composed of various skewered, battered and deep fried foods. Varieties on offer range from chicken and beef, to pumpkin and asparagus, to the banana and ice cream dessert varieties. Many of Shinsekai's kushikatsu restaurants are open 24 hours, but only truly come alive when the lights come on at night.

My opinion: 

Shinsekai is the true face of Osaka. It is festive, colorful and feels more authentic. The main area, which is around the Tsutenkaku Tower, had a lot of tourists. It was crowded but had a vibrant atmosphere, with a lot of restaurants, gift shops, and Billiken statues. 

     Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of pools on a European themed floor and an Asian themed floor (enjoyed naked and gender separated). The floors are switched between genders each month. Natural hot spring water is pumped up from far below the earth's surface.

My opinion(Spa World):

There are a handful of onsen themes that you can try. Men and women spas are on separate floors. You can also go to the swimming pool at the upper floor. There are a few restaurants in the building that cooks good ramen and rice dishes. You can repeat these acticities if you have plenty of time.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium, also known as Kaiyukan , is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka's bay area, and is one of Japan's most spectacular aquariums. It introduces various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well organized and impressive way.

Marine life is displayed in 15 tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacifc Ocean, is nine meters deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium's main attraction.

Visitors start their tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by floor around the central tank. Some of the tanks stretch over several floors, making it possible to observe the animals from different depths and perspectives. New exhibition space was added to the aquarium in March 2013.

My opinion:

The Aquarium is located at a section of a parcel of land on its own, it's pretty amazing, once you get off the train station for the aquarium you immediately get signs pointing you to the location. The aquarium itself is great, there were huge seals, playful dolphins that would interact with the balls that you can throw around outside the glass. And there's a massive tank that holds large stingrays and several whalesharks. 

Tempozan ferris wheel

     The Tempozan Ferris Wheel is the city's largest. It offers far-reaching, panoramic views of the bay area and the city's skyscrapers beyond from a height of 112.5 meters. It is located just next to the Tempozan Marketplace and Osaka Aquarium.

My opinion:

Tempozan ferris wheel that's just located beside Kaiyukan, the night view is amazing. You can expect to spend at least 3 hours if you rush through everything. And up to 5 hours if you take it slow. And you could choose an ordinary gondola or a see-through one which has see-through seats and the bottom.