tagcafe is nestled in the backstreets of Shimokitazawa, and is only about a minute’s stroll away from the station. Enjoy all-day dining at tagcafe, which is open until midnight. Lunch and dinner sets are available, along with a delicious selection of handmade cakes and single origin coffees. The popular cake sets are available from noon until 8PM. Order a drink of your choice and add 350 yen for a dessert of your liking. The casual cafe is an ideal place for meetings as it has wi-fi and electrical sockets. Some guests enjoy eating alone at this cozy place. tagcafe offers a wide selection of appetizers and drinks even after 8PM, so it is also a nice place to also drop by for a few drinks.

Sumida Wa-glass-kan, in Tokyo’s Sumida ward, offers insights into the traditional Japanese art of cut glassmaking. The site is run by the 120-year-old glassmaker Hirota Glass. Examine the history of Japanese cut glass on the third floor, where exhibits focus on glassware dating back to the company’s founding days. Hands-on workshops are conducted on the fourth floor. The shop on the ground floor has many beautiful pieces of traditional and contemporary Japanese glassware that will make special gifts for loved ones.

Toretore-no-yu (Toretore bath) is located in Nishimuro county, in Wakayama. The public bath is part of the Toretore theme park, which also houses a market and a resort. Toretore-no-yu has a variety of unique indoor and outdoor baths -- you'll be spoilt for choice. Be sure to check out the stone saunas. There are six of them, each based on different themes. Toretore-yu is the perfect place to wind down after a busy day out at the theme park.

Shiide Itsukushima Shrine is located in Kudoyamacho, Shiide, Wakayama prefecture. It was originally founded to enshrine a guardian deity of this area, but due to the late Meiji Period wave of shrine mergers all over Japan, it merged into the nearby Kamikosawa Itsukushima Shrine, leaving only the main altar building today. It’s just a 2 minute walk from Koyashita Station on the Nankai Line. Jizo Temple stands at the back of the shrine, housing the Jizo Shoryu (meaning Rising dragon) picture on its ceiling. One of the features of this shrine is the Shinto ritual, Oni no Mai (Dance of the Devil), held on August 16th every year, and designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Properties of Wakayama. The purpose of Oni no Mai is to ward off natural disasters and bad luck and to pray for an abundant harvest and safety of the village people.The tradition has an oral history dating back as far as 670 years, and a written history of 350. The cast of Oni no Mai consists of a devil, a drummer, a crowd pleaser, 2 flutists, and 7 local singers. The legend tells that the children who touch the stick held by the devil will grow up healthy, so the festival attracts crowds of excited spectators and their children.

Kumagaya Sakura Tsutsumi (river bank), in Kumagaya City, northern Saitama Prefecture, is a famous river bank recognized as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Locations in Japan. About 500 cherry trees are planted along the Arakawa River, which flows through the southern part of the city for about 2km. During the Kumagaya Sakura Festival, held in late March every year, the trees are lit up at night. A highlight of this location is the landscape when the rapeseed blossoms are in full bloom at the same time with the cherry blossoms. You can enjoy the beautiful contrast of light pink and yellow. There is easy access from JR Kumagaya Station, at about 5 minutes by foot. While limited, there is also parking near the river bank. Other events are also held on the river bank, and you can enjoy dynamic fireworks up close at the Kumagaya Fireworks Festival held in August every year.

The National Diet Building in Tokyo is where Japanese politics come to life. It was the tallest building during its time when it was built in 1936 and the sophisticated architecture was praised as well. To the left is the House of Representatives, and the right is the House of Councilors. Both provide free guided tours.