Japan’s Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Locations

13.December.2018 | SPOT

Snaplace is a website that analyses posts on social media they they deem ‘Instagrammable.’ They have close to 6,000 spots listed on their website, and they have selected the very best from their data this year to make two Top 10 lists for 2018 – one for Instagram and one for Twitter.

 

Instagram Top 10


1st Place: Yasaka Kōshin-dō (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
Coming in at No. 1 is Yasaka Kōshin-dō, a small temple in Kyoto dedicated to Shomen Kongo, a guardian warrior, and three wise monkeys. The temple is known by locals for the colourful cloth balls that decorate the site called “kukurizaru” on which worshippers write their wishes and hang them. There is a rental kimono place close to this temple, making it the perfect spot to snap some photos.

 

2nd Place: Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe, Saitama)
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a popular spot with Japanese women for being a shrine of love. There, you can get your hands on special charms and fortunes based on the East Asian concept of the ‘red string of fate’ which binds together two people destined to meet. There’s a stylish cafe and in summer they set up a corridor of wind chimes as shown in the photo. There’s lots of places to take pictures here.

 

3rd Place: BE KOBE (Kobe, Hyogo)
The “BE KOBE” sign was built in April 2017 and was seen much across student social media during its first year. You can see lots of high school students take photos here on school trips to Kobe from October to March. This spot was initially popular with just students but its recognition began to spread amongst the masses and today taking a picture there is a must-do when visiting Kobe. On a busy day you can be waiting over 30 minutes to get one.

 

4th Place: La Collina (Omihachiman, Shiga)
La Collina is a confectionery factory that sells a range of exclusive sweets and confections including baumkuchen. This cute place looks like something out of a fairy tale and is noted for its post-worthy treats and chic, otherworldly architecture. Its spread on social media came from the fact that the building can easily make it look like you’ve been transported to another world. It has a real Studio Ghibli vibe to it with its grassy roof and surrounding natural environment.

 

5th Place: Sakushima (Nishio, Aichi)
6th Place: 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art (Kanazawa, Ishikawa)
7th Place: Sarushima (Yokosuka, Kanagawa)
8th Place: Sankoinari Shrine (Inuyama, Aichi)
9th Place: Site Of Reversible Destiny (Yoro, Gifu)
10th Place: Shima Mediterranean Village (Shima, Mie)

 

Twitter Top 10

1st Place: Ōkunoshima (Takehara, Hiroshima)
Ōkunoshima is sometimes called “Poison Gas Island” for its role in World War II as a poison gas factory. But it is more known for being called “Rabbit Island” due to the number of feral rabbits living there. Around 700 roam the island, so it’s become a popular spot for taking photos.

2nd Place: Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum (Katsuyama, Fukui)
This museum is the biggest dinosaur museum in Japan and is renowned across Asia for its dinosaur fossil and specimen display. The gigantic realistic dinosaur models have hit it big on Japanese social media.

 

3rd Place: Ushiku Daibutsu (Ushiki, Ibaraki)
Ushiku Daibutsu was originally the tallest statue in the world from 1993-2002, even making it into the Guinness World Records. As of 2018 it is now one of the five tallest statues in the world. A photo of this Buddha looks like something from another world which led to its surging popularity on social media.

 

4th Place: Yasui Konpiragu Shrine (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
The Yasui Konpiragu Shrine is home to a large stone which is associated with binding good relationships tighter and severing bad ones. You first write your wishes on a piece of paper. If you want to initiate a good relationship then you must crawl through the hole in the stone from front to back while holding the paper. To end a bad relationship you crawl from back to front. The ritual is completed by sticking the paper onto the stone.

 

5th Place: Shimizu Koen (Noda, Chiba)
6th Place: Sand Museum (Tottori, Tottori Prefecture)
7th Place: Mikane-Jinja Shrine (Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture)
8th Place: Nanzo-in (Kasuya District, Fukuoka)
9th  Place: North Safari Sapporo (Sappoto, Hokkaido)
10th  Place: Momotaro Shrine (Inuyama, Aichi)

 

Use this list as reference when in Japan to get the very best photos for showing off your trip!

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Rainbow sweets are now trending. As well as being very popular overseas, a large variety of shops that sell rainbow sweets have also been opening in Japan. Today we’ll be looking at rainbow sweets that you can eat in Tokyo! The impact of their vivid colours makes them perfect for an Instagram shot!

     

     

    LE SHINER (Takeshita Street, Harajuku)

    This shop has appeared many times on TV for its Instagram-worthy aesthetics. The pink bear is a real eye-catcher! The exterior is also cute ♡

     

    The shop's speciality is the rainbow soft serve ice cream. Colourful rainbow ice cream spirals around the base of pink ice cream.

     

     

    Their colourful menu also includes rainbow cake sticks, rainbow sandwiches and much more!

     

    Further information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/93444

     

    ◼︎Information

    LE SHINER (レ・シヤナー)

    Address: COXY176 Building 1st floor, 1-7-10, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening hours: Weekdays - 11:00 — 18:00 / Weekends & national holidays - 10:30 — 19:00

    Access: 3-minute walk from Harajuku station Takeshita Street exit (JR Yamanote line)/ 4-minute walk from the 5th exit of Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro Chiyoda line)

    TEL:070-1361-8686

     

     

     

    Totti Candy Factory (Takeshita Street, Harajuku)

     

    Totti Candy Factory has cute petit cakes, cotton candy and much more. There must be so many people who have tried this! Whatever you may have heard about this place, their showstopper is definitely the huge colourful cotton candy!

    If you're looking for a present or souvenir, we recommend you get one in a cup!

     

    ◼︎Information

    Totti Candy Factory

    Address: RYU Apartment 2nd floor, 1-16-5, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening hours: Weekdays - 11:00 — 20:00

    Weekends & national holidays: 10:00 — 20:00

    Access: 3-minute walk from Harajuku station Takeshita Exit (JR Yamanote line)

    TEL:03-3403-7007

    URL: http://www.totticandy.com/

     

     

     

    KAWAII MONSTER CAFE, HARAJUKU

    The KAWAII MONSTER CAFE is a new famous spot in Harajuku that has attracted many from all over the world.

     

    One of their specialities is the colourful poison parfait, which is a photogenic masterpiece that is topped with ice cream, fruit, and even a piece of roll cake.

     

    There are even rainbow cakes, rainbow pasta dishes, and much more!

     

    Further information: https://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/64096

     

    ◼︎Information

    KAWAII MONSTER CAFE(カワイイモンスターカフェ)

    Address: YM Square 4th floor, 4-31-10, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening hours: Lunch: 11.30 — 16:30 (last orders: 16:00 ), dinner: 18:00 — 22:30 (last orders: 22:00) (Monday — Saturday and the day before national holidays

    ※ 90-minute seating slots, last entry: 15:30

    Sundays & national holidays 11:00 — 20:00(Last orders: 19:30)

    No regular closing days. It is possible that customers will not be allowed to enter the cafe when certain events take place.

    Access: 1-minute walk from the 5th exit of Meiji-Jingumae station (Subway)/ 5-minute walk from JR Harajuku station Omotesandō exit

    TEL: 03-5413-6142 ※It is possible to make reservations(Excluding Weekends and national holidays)

    URL:http://kawaiimonster.jp/day/pc/

     

     

     

    LOLA’S Cupcakes (Roppongi, Harajuku)

     

    It is possible to say that LOLA'S Cupcakes are the instigators for the rainbow sweets trend. Their cupcakes may be famous, but their rainbow cakes are also a popular choice!

     

    Seven different colour layers of cake are sandwiched together with buttercream.

     

    ◼︎Information

    LOLA’S Cupcakes

     

    Harajuku

    Address: Cascade, 2nd floor, 1-10-37, Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo

    Opening hours: 11:00 — 20:00

    Access: 2-minute walk from 3rd exit Meiji-Jingumae station (Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line/ Chiyoda line), 2-minute walk from Harajuku station Omotesando exit (JR Yamanote line)

    TEL:03-6447-1127

     

    Roppongi

    Address: Roppongi Hills Metro Hut floor B1, 6-4-1, Roppongi, Minato, Tokyo

    Opening hours: 11:00 — 21:00

    Access: Direct access from the concourse of Roppongi station (Tokyo Metro Hibiya line), 4-minute walk from Roppongi station (Toei Ōedo Line)

    TEL:03-3475-1127

     

    URL:http://lolascupcakes.co.jp/Default.aspx

     

     

     

    A WORKS (Gakugei-daigaku Station)

     

    Haruka Uminoさん(@umiharu428)がシェアした投稿 -

    What makes this cafe appear so Instagram-worthy is its resemblance to a traditional Japanse-style house. In this popular cafe, all the cakes are made by hand. Sales end once all the cakes are gone.

     

    This place has more to offer than just a rainbow-coloured cheesecake — there are also unicorn cakes, Cheshire cat cakes and much more ♡

     

    ◼︎Information

    Address: 3-3-7, Takaban, Mguro, Tokyo

    Opening hours: Monday, Tuesday Friday & Sunday:  11:30 — 22:00

    Thursdays:  11:30 — 16.00

    Saturdays:  11:30 — 23:00(Last orders: 22:00)

    Regular closing days: Wednesdays

    Access: 2-minute walk from Gakugei-daigaku Station (Toyoko line)

    TEL:050-5570-3475

    URL:http://aworks.m-cobo.com/menu.html

     

     

     

    NEW NEW YORK CLUB (Azabu-Jūban/ Jiyūgaoka station)

     

    @ab_fried.shrimpがシェアした投稿 -

    This shop was built for those who want to experience and taste New York culture in a New York atmosphere. Their signature treat is the rainbow-coloured bagel. However, they are only available on the weekends!

     

    ◼︎Information

    NEW NEW YORK CLUB

     

    Azabu-Jūban

    Address: 3-8-5, Azabu-Jūban, Minato, Tokyo

    Opening hours: 9:00 — 18:00 (Sales will end once all have been sold)

    No regular closing days

    Access: 3-minute walk from the A1 exit of Azabu-Jūban station (Tokyo Metro Namboku line)

    TEL:03-6873-1537

    Jiyūgaoka

    Address: TF 2-15-14, MidorigaokaMeguro, Tokyo 

    Opening hours: 11:30 — 20:00

    Regular closing days: Tuesday

    Access: 5-minute walk from Jiyūgaoka station

    TEL:03-6459-5669

     

    URL:http://newnewyorkclub.com/

     

     

    What are you waiting for? Get your hands on some rainbow sweets!

     
  • A photogenic dreamland, “TOKYO ICE CREAM LAND” which offers photogenic ice creams suitable to be uploaded on your Instagram!

    14.October.2017 | SPOT

    Tokyo Photogenic Team will hold a most-advanced, dreamy photogenic ice cream event which will offer ice creams suitable to be uploaded to your Instagram called “TOKYO ICE CREAM LAND” for a limited time offer from the 15th of December to the 17th.

    Young females using Instagram (16 to 24 years old) often visit various photogenic spots to upload photos and videos to their SNS. Many young females are requesting for information RE: sightseeing spots and restaurants which are popular with Instagramers. One can create an “ideal timeline” by uploading quality contents to SNS. One of the most popular photogenic items is ice cream.

    The event will set up many kinds of photo spots created under the theme of “ice cream,” not just offering ice cream to the customers.

    It can be said that the event is a dreamy kingdom of “ice cream” with many photogenic spots which young females will love. A lecture tour of teaching how to take photos will also be held.

    Let’s upload nice photos to SNS in the most advanced photogenic dreamland.

     

    ■Information 
    Event name: TOKYO ICE CREAM LAND

    Date: 12,15 to 17

    (15th – 19:00 to 21:00, 16th to 17th – 9:00 to 21:00)

    Venue: Omotesando SO-CAL LINK GALLERY.

    Address: 〒150-0001 4-9-8, Jingumae, Shibuyaku, Tokyo

    Access: 3 minutes by walk from Tokyo Metro “Omotesando” Station, 7 minutes by walk from “Meiji Jingumae” Station

     

    Fees: Pre-ordered ticket 2,000 yen, normal ticket 3,000 yen (the quantity of the ticket is limited)

    First-come-first-serve-basis, limited time offer – 45 per session (the time might differ according to the situation of the reservation)

     

    Ticket can be bought from here↓

    http://ptix.at/HWlsJi

     

    ※Please enter the discount code (TIC7) if you want to purchase a pre-order ticket so that you can receive a discount. (pre-order ticket must be purchased before 10,31. The number of the tickets is 1,000)

     

    Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/TILofficail

    Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ice_land2017/?hl=ja

  • Fukuoka Castle becomes a photo spot! –“Light Festival in Fukuoka Castle Ruins”

    28.December.2017 | SPOT

    “Light Festival in Fukuoka Castle Ruins”is now being held inside the grounds of Maizuru Park / Fukuoka Castle ruins in Fukuoka Prefecture. Fukuoka Castle is famous for its beautiful stone walls. The castle’s stone walls have now become an

    light-art space. Light projections onto the wall move as people get close to and touch the stone wall.

     

    teamLab is a creation group comprised of programming, CG, mathematics and other specialists. They are an ultra-technologist group of creators. Setting their aims on exploring a new relationship between man and nature, they cross over the boundaries of art, science, technology and creativity.


    The venue for this festival, Fukuoka Castle was built in 7 years starting in 1601. It is the biggest castle in Kyushu and is a nationally designated historic site. The castle is comprised of the main enclosure, the second enclosure and the third enclosure. The stone walls are a prominent part of this castle and so it is sometimes called a “stone castle.”This castle’s stone walls are very beautiful and they are constructed in four layers making of a large-scaled castle.

    teamLab is calling this a “Digitalized Nature, Digitalized City” project. Why not come and view and experience this festival!
    AFnlFlowers, Symbiotic Lives in the Stone Wall - Fukuoka Castle Ruins

     

    Featured Works

    <Resisting and Resonating Ovoids and Trees>

    The light-emitting ovoids scattered throughout the castle ruins and the trees.

    The light-emitting ovoids and the light on the trees are independent of each other. Yet, as the lights become brighter and then become dimmer, it looks as though they are breathing. The propagating lighting creates a resonating sound which spreads out and disappears. In other words, if a wave of light resonates towards you it means that there is a person over there. By entering this art space you will become more fully aware that there is another person entering your same space.

     

    <Animals of Flowers, Symbiotic Lives in the Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Ruins>

    Ruins of Daitenshudai – a stone wall 60 meters in length and 8.5 meters in height. In various animal bodies, flowers are born, bloom then scatter and fade away. Furthermore, if people touch the animals the flowers scatter. When all the flowers have scattered, the animal fades away.

     
    <Breathing, Resonating Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Ruins>

    All of the 630 meter stone walls of Fukuoka Castle are lit up. The lights on the stone walls flicker as if they are breathing. Furthermore, the lighting on the main stone wall looks as though it is responding to the artwork, “Resisting and Resonating Ovoids and Trees.” It shines brightly, spreads and then fades.


    <Stone Steps of Oblivion – Fukuoka Castle>

    The stone steps leading up to Shoten Shukaku of Fukuoka Castle are lit up. When people come close to the steps the lights get brighter and sound is emitted.


    <Spatial Calligraphy in a Stone Wall – Fukuoka Castle Ruins>

    Fukuoka Castle is sometime referred to as the“Stone Castle.”On the stone walls of Fukuoka Castle’s Daitenshudai Ruins, is an open space for “spatial calligraphy.”Here a never-ending calligraphy work appears on the stone walls.

    “Special calligraphy” means to write on an open space. The depth and speed of the strokes create a special power. One can gain a new insight into the power of calligraphy by viewing this artwork.





    Here is an experience-based art project that both adults and children can enjoy. Why not go and visit this “Light Festival in Fukuoka Castle Ruins.”


    ■Information

    “Light Festival in Fukuoka Castle Ruins” 2017-2018

    Address: Fukuoka Castle Ruins 1 Maizuru Park Jonai, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
    Festival duration: 2017 December 1st (Fri.) ~ 2018 January 28th (Sun.) *no holiday during this period

    Open: 18:00 - 22:00 (last entry 21:30)

    Admission: Adults 1000 yen  Junior and senior high students 600 yen   children 300 yen  * 3-years and younger are free

    Sponsored by “Light Festival in Fukuoka Castle Ruins Planning Committee”

    URL:https://www.teamlab.art/jp/e/fukuoka-castle/

     

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    06.December.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Fans of Japan and Japanese culture may know that Kobe’s food scene is not to be missed. A new restaurant, KANBE, is now open and tells the story of the city’s food culture. The grand opening was on November 30 in Sannomiya.     The story begins with water, the source of Kobe's food. The city’s famed fare like Kobe beef, Suma salmon, and seasonal vegetables  will take the stage through storytelling, projection mapping, and uniquely planed dishes. Ingredients are served to guests the same day that they are delivered to the restaurant, offering the freshest possible experience. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of drinks made in Kobe, including Nada Gogou sake and Kobe wine. These are made using Nunobiki water from the Rokko mountain range, meaning that everything guests enjoy was truly made in Kobe.   At KANBE, visitors will chat with a storyteller who weaves the story of Kobe's food into the experience. A chef himself, he is well-versed in cooking methods, food history, and nutrition. The 18-meter-long counter adds to the experience by displaying seasonal scenery, the water of Nunobiki, and the night view from Mt. Rokko. Nature sounds, like the murmuring of Nunobiki Falls and the chirping of birds, also echo through the restaurant in time with the projection mapping, creating an atmosphere that feels alive.   Why not come enjoy a new kind of dining experience?
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    Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland - Sunshine by Ono Tako

      Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.   A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece. Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements. A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade.  Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800   Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato

    Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato

      Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits. Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.   A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon. Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com   Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.
  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO to be Held at Ninna-ji, a World Heritage Site

    22.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.   This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.   NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.     NAKED Distanced Lanterns NAKED TsukubaiFive-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping DANDELION PROJECTVirtual Fashion Show Limited Edition Paper GoshuinThis year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace.    This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter?