Shizuoka

I went there specifically to get Cinnamon. I arrived after 10 AM, so I couldn't get the limited edition plushie (sigh). I thought it wouldn't be too crowded since it was the day after a typhoon... but it was incredibly crowded (lol). I couldn't even find parking. If you're planning to go, be sure to allow plenty of time as it takes a while to find a parking spot. We didn't do any activities this time, just crossed the bridge. It's expensive by my standards... but it looked fun, so I'd like to make a reservation and do it again once my youngest is tall enough.

The cable car ride is very safe; it's just a bit high up along the way, so some swaying is inevitable.

The coupon is incredibly useful! You can redeem it at the front desk for a special QR code, which adds an extra discount when you shop. Thumbs up! 👍

This was my first time visiting. All the bears were clearly well cared for, and the rabbits and Pisuke among them were also cherished. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, and the atmosphere was calm and gentle; I was so glad I came. The workshop also featured heartfelt presentations for the stuffed animals, making me want to return again and again. The cafe's decor was incredibly cute and charming, completely capturing my heart. Furthermore, each and every staff member provided such heartfelt service that I was deeply touched. I would definitely like to visit again. Thank you for a wonderful time!

It's convenient and easy to use, but it doesn't have a QR code, so you have to go to the counter to exchange for a ticket.

We got a 400 yen discount per person, and the tickets were issued on the spot, so the discount was amazing. This time, I found out about it and bought them right before entering, so it felt like an incredible bargain. The facility was also wonderfully uncrowded since it was a weekday evening.

The one-day trip on September 1st cost more than the round trip for two people to Kawaguchiko. The cheap price, coupled with a very humorous and kind tour guide, made this trip truly worthwhile. I'm so grateful to our guide, Zhang Jie, especially for his hilarious Chinese accent; otherwise, I probably would have slept the whole way. I urge the boss to give Zhang Jie a raise! It's rare to find a tour guide who can talk all day without forgetting to be funny and explain history. The itinerary was well-planned, and there was no traffic congestion. The tight schedule was inevitable, given how long a day is, but we still had a great time. The only downside was being taken to a restaurant at lunchtime (the downstairs sold souvenirs). It's not that I dislike shopping at these partner stores, but it would be better if this was clearly stated in the itinerary. I understand that companies need to make money with buy-one-get-one-free offers, so they need related marketing. I think most people aren't afraid to spend money when traveling, but I was severely carsick that day and had no appetite. However, I was worried about bothering the tour guide, so I still ordered lunch. As for souvenirs, I had already bought a lot of cosmetics elsewhere, so I really couldn't buy any more. If they had informed me beforehand, I think it would have been more acceptable, as some people can't stand shopping and forced spending. But overall, it was quite perfect – the tour guide was perfect, the price was perfect, and the itinerary was perfect! ✌️

This trip was made possible by choosing a chartered car service; the entire experience exceeded expectations! The chartered car tour was fantastic! The driver was punctual, reliable, friendly, and a first-rate driver, so there was absolutely no worry about getting lost or getting stuck in traffic. The car was clean and the seats were comfortable. The itinerary was flexible, allowing us to rest whenever we got tired, truly enjoying a vacation! The car was clean and spacious, with powerful air conditioning, so even on long journeys, we weren't fatigued. The itinerary was well-planned and followed our pace perfectly, so we didn't have to rush and had a very relaxing time. It was excellent value for money!

Karuizawa is quite a long drive, taking almost 6 hours round trip. I recommend staying overnight in Karuizawa so your trip won't be too rushed. Unfortunately, we encountered a wedding at the Kogen Chapel and Stone Chapel and couldn't go inside, which was a real shame. I suggest avoiding weekdays as the chapels are less active!