The Omiya Hachimangu Shrine is located in Suginami-ku, Tokyo. North latitude 35 degrees, 40 minutes, 56.55 seconds, and east longitude 139 degrees, 38 minutes, 22.79 seconds. Because it stands at the center of Tokyo, it has been nicknamed the “Bellybutton of Tokyo”. This shrine is famous as a marriage location and a power spot for the safe delivery of child birth, hence the nickname “bellybutton” , the link between the fetus and the mother. Enshrined are the “Three Gods of Hachiman” : Emperor Ojin (Homudawake no mikoto), Emperor Chuai (Tarashinakatsuhiko no mikoto) and Empress Jingu (Okinagatarashihime no mikoto). There are many stories that express the strength of the bond between the three gods as a parent and child, and that is why people have faith in the Omiya Hachimangu Shrine as a place to pray for marriage, safe delivery of children, and child-rearing. There are various power spots within the temple grounds. Right after passing through the gates, there are two giant trees, named the “Male Ginkgo Tree” and the “Female Ginko Ginkgo Tree”, together known as the “Couple Ginkgo Trees”. These Ginkgo Trees are seen as a power spot for marriage. In addition, you will find the “Tama Shimizu Shrine”, where drinkable sacred water, that benefits longevity, springs out. Just to the left side of the shrine is what is known as the sacred “symbiotic tree”. A Japanese nutmeg tree and Japanese bird cherry tree that support each other as “symbiotic” (for couple cooperation, international cooperation, religion cooperation and mutual assistance etc.). This is also a popular power spot for cooperation and mutual assistance. You will also find “Omiya Tenmangu”, the god of study, on the grounds, which is often visited by students who come to pray.

Kanno Farm is between Biei-cho and Kamifurano-cho, in central Hokkaido. This tourist farm is popular for its flower beds that spread over a gentle hill like a colorful carpet of blooming flowers such as purple lavender, German iris, and sage. Kanno Farm is a Hokkaido highlight and a perfect photo spot. You can have a break from flower watching at the shop Kinkonkan. There are various food selections such as a steamed potato with butter and fried potatos, both made from freshly harvested potatoes, or and white sweet corn. You can also find cute souvenirs that cannot be found anywhere else, such as dried lavender flowers and lavender potpourri. There is also a nationwide delivery service to ship freshly harvested vegetables like potatos, sweet corn, pumpkin, and others. It is located conveniently along national highway 234, so please stop by as you enjoy the scenic drive.

“Satsuma Brewery” is located in Makurazaki City in the southern part of Kagoshima Prefecture. Founded in 1936, this is a brewery located at the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula. Satsuma Sake Brewery nestled in a land filled with the blessings of pure water and Soil, is suitable for shochu making. The technique established in the Meiji era is still inherited, and we continue to make discerning shochu. There is a wide variety of shochu, such as Potato Shochu, wheat shochu, and happoshu. Some are sold only in Kyushu, making them ideal as souvenirs for sightseers. At the Hanawatagawa Distillery “Meijizo” attached to the brewery, you can see the state of the preparations and overlook the city of Makurazaki from the observation deck. After visiting the sake brewery, it is recommended to visit the “Hanawatagawa Beer House” where you can enjoy shochu and meals together. For daily lunches and course meals, local ingredients are used abundantly. In addition to shochu, beer made from fresh sweet potatoes with a unique manufacturing method is also popular. How about tasting and finding your favorite liquor?

Kinko Bay lies in southern Kagoshima, in between Satsuma and Okuma peninsulas, and is a sea made by a massive volcanic eruption approximately 30,000 years ago. In the north of the bay, the beauty of Kinko Bay's Serenity and Sakura-jima’s flowing volcanic smoke, awaits visitors as one of Kagoshima’s greatest vistas. The active volcanism of the area can be seen in a phenomenon called “tagiri” by locals, in which gasses emitted by underwater volcanoes create bubbles on the sea’s surface. It is a rather bizarre sight to behold, that gives the illusion of the ocean boiling up. Approximately 300 dolphins live freely in this nutritionally rich sea, and the cute sight of them jumping playfully can often be seen from the coastline. For the adventurous souls who want to get up close, there are tour cruises going around Sakurajima, and kayak programs to experience the bay’s natural beauty. Enjoy the bay to the fullest!

"Miyama Touyukan" is located in Hioki-shi, a city in western Kagoshima prefecture. It is an interactive recreational facility that provides ceramic making experiences in a nature-rich environment at in Miyama, the hometown of Satsuma-yaki pottery. Your original creation will be baked in a kiln, and then delivered to you in about a month. Crafts of local potteries of Miyama are displayed and sold at the shop, with an impressive variety for visitors to choose from. Exclusive events and workshops to get in touch with the appeals of traditional Satsuma-yaki are also held regularly. Brochures and area maps are also available, so you can use this as a base of sightseeing in this region.

Sakura Hotel Jimbocho is in Jimbocho, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. It is a multinational hotel where guests and local people can interact through various events. Sakura Hotel Jimbocho is the first of of the Sakura Hotels chain, which expanded to 5 hotels in central Tokyo. It is located at about a 2-minute walk from Jimbocho station and has a cafe and reception counter, both of which are open 24 hours. The recommended selection at the cafe is Sakura Yaki-Curry (curry flavored rice gratin with cheese on top), a dish fitting of the Jimbocho area known for its great number of competing curry shops. Among the 5 Sakura Hotels in the chain, this menu selection is only available at the Jimbocho hotel. Furthermore, a variety of choices are available including an organic dish using vegetables from the "Tohoku Farm", a farm owned and operated by Sakura Hotel itself. Since this hotel is so close to the Imperial Palace, it also serves as a runner’s hub for those running the popular jogging course around the palace. The hotel assists runners to enjoy their run through hotel services such as baggage drop, free towels, and shower room rentals. (photo courtesy: Sakura Hotel Jimbocho)