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Park of the Studio "Universal"
Don't miss the night parade! It was magical, but I think people start lining up at least an hour beforehand for a good spot.
Check out the food options before you go. I regrets not looking it up - some places are way overpriced and not that great. Look for places that locals recommend.
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
If you're a photography buff go for the big tank around 4 PM. The lighting gets amazing then and the colors pop like crazy. I wished I had known that beforehand!
My advice is to check out the Kuroshio Sea tank first! It's the biggest and by far the coolest - save the smaller exhibits for later when you're winding down. It was a great starting point.
Fuji
I suggest checking the weather beforehand. It can change fast at Fuji, and a clear day makes a huge difference for views and pictures.
Wear good hiking shoes! I learned the hard way that flip-flops are a big no if you want to enjoy the trails without blisters
Start your hike early, like around 6 AM, to avoid the crowds and catch the beautiful sunrise from the trails. Trust me, it's breathtaking!
Shinjuku Gyoen
I recommend checking the seasonal highlights before you go. When I visited in spring, I missed the cherry blossoms by a week—bummed me out! Timing is everything!
My advice is to bring a packed lunch! The food in the area can be pricey, but having a little picnic on the grass is super nice, especially with the Sakura blossoms if you're lucky!
Osaka Castle Park
I recommend downloading an offline map before you go. Cell service got a bit spotty at times and I didn’t want to get lost while exploring the park
I suggest packing a light lunch and a couple of drinks. There are nice spots by the cherry blossom trees to sit and relax, rather than eating at crowded cafes.