The Kawaii district — with the latest youth fashion and food — makes you believe it may have come from space. The cuteness overload is enough for Professor X to create an army of Powerpuff Girls. If you want to know where Japan’s kawaii culture began, I say it started here. From spaceship saucer-shaped cotton candy to rainbow grilled cheese, you think it is part of a Care Bears’ food group pyramid and the poop ice cream (do not worry, it is not real poop). It is a given why I see it as another planet to visit. Nevertheless, I can not forget its divergent twin: Omotesando. While Harajuku is about the cute scene, Omotesando has a chic-style scene and coffee shops. Both night and day of the two, Omotesando is right on the line of Cat Street. Both Harajuku and Omotesando have what I enjoy the most: history, traditional culture, and food — especially the food. There are many places to visit and hidden spots (even if Omotesando is more on the luxury side). Let’s begin!

During my four years living in Nagano City, I lived close to Zenko-ji. And every season, it looks and feels different. From the beautiful sakura leaves blooming in April. The lotus flowers opening in the lake gardens in June. The rainbow of autumn colors falling down over the temple. And, my favorite is the colorful illumination light festival in December. Within this guide: Transportation how to get there 🚐🏃 Activities in and around Zenkoji🎨 Recommended gifts to buy 💮 Food 🍜 Where to stay around Zenkoji