The Miraikan National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation is a science museum open to everyone. With seven floors in total, the first, third, fifth, and sixth floors have different types of exhibition halls. On the seventh floor, there is an observation lounge and a place to have lunch. On the third floor, you can watch a stage performance by ASIMO, the world's most advanced humanoid robot developed by Honda. Although the performance lasts for just 10 minutes, I could feel the high-tech power emanating from each of ASIMO's movements. You can even talk with it as well. Take a ride on the UNI-CUB in the hallway of the large hall on the first floor. The UNI-CUB is controlled easily by the moving your body and feet, and can reach speeds of several km per hour.

Going to Shibuya and looking at the waves of people going back and forth across the intersection makes me feel like I am looking at the movement of trends in Tokyo. Shibuya Hikarie is a skyscraper and retail complex that opened in 2012. Across the street is Bic Camera, a major electronics retailer offering duty free shopping. The store carries a huge selection of merchandise, from cameras and small electronics to the kinds of cosmetics and personal hygiene products found in a drugstore.

In addition to a menu of authentic sushi, the restaurant features a fully automated ordering and delivery system, which is something I've never seen before at conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

Although hotel rooms in Japan can be on the small side, I can't complain about the great location, services, facilities or restaurant.

Japan's public transportation options include the subway, JR trains or the Shinkansen. All of them operate according to very precise schedules.

The combination of thick and savory sauce with tonkatsu and rice really whets the appetite. Local food safety inspections are quite rigorous after the Great East Japan Earthquake, as each and every ingredient is carefully inspected and approved.

I was taken to a studio where I learned how to make lacquerware. To finish off your beautiful lacquerware piece, you can draw a picture or even write your name or the name of a friend. It was only 1,500 yen to participate and you get to take your creation home.
*Prices are for travelers at the time of use.

It also wasn't my first time to visit Tsuruga-jo Castle. I once visited to see the snowy sights of winter, when downpours of snow danced across the landscape. At that time, I said to myself that I wanted to come one more time in a different season. I found myself nearly running to the base of the castle, where I was greeted by the bright white exterior of the castle juxtaposed with red maples and golden gingko biloba at night. I couldn’t help but repeat to myself, What a wonderful sight!

It was a very lively and vibrant area. I chatted with the staff of the souvenir shop while gazing at the many adorable handicraft items. As I grilled fish and drank tea around the traditional hearth, I felt like I had been transported to the time of the Samurai.

On my trip to Tokyo and Fukushima, I was able to experience high-tech Japan. At the same time, I had a glimpse into rural Japan in Fukushima, where I was transported back to the time of the Samurai during my visits to the dazzling white Tsuruga-jo Castle and sunshine-brightened Ouchi-juku. I hope to return to Fukushima and Eastern Japan again soon - this time during the cherry blossom season.