While not as famous as Kobe, Awaji Island across the Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge is one of the top tourist destinations in Hyōgo Prefecture. Many visit the island for the stunning scenery. It is also a historical and cultural rich part of the Kansai region. So, if Awaji Island is on your itinerary and you plan to
The Top Plum Blossom Spots on Awaji Island Read More »
Close to Kobe in Takarazuka City, Nakayama-dera (中山寺) is a well-known plum blossom spot in the region. The temple has long been known for granting child-related prayers, including safe delivery. So, it was worshipped and supported by the imperial family and power samurais, such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Escalators and elevators are in the temple, making it
Nakayama-dera: The Safe Delivery Rituals & Stunning Flowers Read More »
If you have a few days in Tokyo and are already tired of the mainstream areas, such as Shinjuku and Shibuya, consider allocating a day to Jiyūgaoka (自由が丘). The neighborhood named Liberty Hill has a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to famous sweet shops and stylish cafes, many of its boutique shops sell items in the
The Best Guide to What to Do and Where to Eat in Jiyūgaoka Read More »
TWG Tea (TWG Tea 自由が丘) is a Singaporean tea shop with several branches in Japan. The one in Jiyūgaoka was their first shop in Japan and has a tea salon attached. Like other tea shops that sell high-quality tea leaves, TWG Tea’s packaging is sophisticated, making it a good option for both gifts and personal
TWG Tea Jiyugaoka: A World of Tea and Incredible Sweets Read More »
If you have a day in the stylish town of Jiyūgaoka, shopping is something that you will inevitably do. With so many boutique stores lining the sides of the streets, which ones are the most-go? If that’s your question, read on! Jiyūgaoka has several good shops scattered throughout the small town. You wouldn’t want to
The Best Guide to the Must-Visit Shops in Jiyūgaoka Read More »
If you go past JIYUGAOKA de aone and walk along Maple Street, you will see Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka (テコナベーグル 自由が丘) on your left. Its stylish entrance will draw you in, and you will wonder what shops are there at the far end of the courtyard. However, the signboards at the gate would have given some
Tecona Bagel Jiyugaoka and Its Deliciously Made Bagels Read More »
If you want to live like a madam for a few hours, Royal Crystal Coffee (ロイヤルクリスタルコーヒー) is the best place to visit in Jiyūgaoka. The cafe housed in a Western-style house that would appear in period dramas is opened by the founder of Doutor Coffee, a Japanese coffee shop chain. The building is where Toriba
Royal Crystal Coffee: Where You Become a Madam in Jiyūgaoka Read More »
The variety store in Jiyūgaoka that we love the most is People Tree (ピープルツリー 自由が丘). The service provided by the friendly staff is impeccable and their products are Fair Trade certified. Organic and natural materials are used whenever possible to make their garments. All products are made in developing countries, and each tag tells its
People Tree Jiyugaoka: Our Favorite Variety Store in Jiyūgaoka Read More »
A good spot to visit with children in Jiyūgaoka is Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo (ミルクランド北海道 東京). Your attention will definitely be attracted to the cafe that features Hokkaidō’s fresh milk and dairy products. Why? The two-story tall milk cow in the cafe is simply too hard to ignore! Drinking milk underneath the giant milk cow’s udder
Milkland Hokkaido Tokyo: The Spot in Tokyo for Dairy Lovers Read More »
If you are in Matsumoto and crave Indian food, visit Doon Shokudo Indoyama (DOON食堂 印度山). It is where you can find delicious home-style Indian food with a light twist to the Japanese taste. Many dishes are cooked using the recipes from the owner/chef’s grandmother from India. Like Kobayashi Soba, the couple who run the restaurant
Doon Shokudo Indoyama: The Top Indian Restaurant in Japan Read More »
