Hi, I’m Eiryu.
In September 2025, I traveled Tokyo and conducted “Google map- trip”.
What? Google map- trip?
Yes, Google map-trip is the new method of traveling which we only use google map to find our destinations with no pre-knowledge.
In this article, you can follow my “Google map- trip in Tokyo”.
So let’s get started!
Last night, I stayed in the “Ogikubo Tombo hotel” near Ogikubo station.
In the morning, I left the hotel and opened google map.
Luckily, I found an interesting place immediately near Kichijyo-ji station on the map, and I got on the train to explore the place.
When I arrived here, the park was not open yet. However, after waiting for around 10minutes, I could enter the park as the first visitor of that day.
In this nature park, you can see lots of indigenous animals of Japan, such as Japanese badger, Japanese rabbits, and Japanese serows.
The most remarkable thing is “squirrels’ path”.
You can see a lot of squirrels passing the path or eating a walnut without fence.
Also, you can take such a wonderful photo of squirrels by smart phone camera!
Entrance fee is only 400 Japanese yen for per adult. I truly enjoyed watching cute animals here!
After visiting nature park, I opened google map again.
This time, I couldn’t find next spot soon.
However, watching the map in detail, I noticed there is a national place related to astronomy with a excellent pictures of huge observatories.
Therefore, I decided to go here.
This place is inside University of Tokyo’s campus.
Admission fee was free. I watched great-huge Astronomical Observatories which were used approximately 100 years ago.
Also, you can learn the history of Japan’s astronomy.
It’s very unique experience to come here and feel the space.
It’s me haha, with Sumsung’s Galaxy fold 7.
Anyway, free admission is perfect.
Following this facility, I discovered a big temple near here.
After walking 30mins, I finally arrived Jindaiji-temple.
This temple was amazing. I was surprised that I hadn’t know such nice temple before.
You can eat delicious Soba noodle in special atmosphere below.
This is the entrance of soba restaurant! Very Japanese style!
Moreover, there are lots of food stalls where you can eat Japanese traditional mochi.
Of course, temple itself is also amazing.
This temple was built in 733. It has more than 1200 years history.
This wooden statue of a sacred lion is carved into the roof of the temple.
There is also a clear pond with beautiful Japanese carp.
Additionally, this temple is also famous for Daruma, the traditional round doll that symbolizes perseverance and good luck in Japan.
I bought a silver one.
Each color of Daruma represents a different type of wish—for example, red for good luck, gold for wealth, and silver for success.
When you make a wish, you paint in one eye of the Daruma, and once the wish comes true, you paint in the other eye.
This one is only 1,100 yen. You can buy your favorite one, and wish your own dream.
My google map-trip continues. While watching the map, I recognize there is an another temple with unique pictures.
Okay, let’s go!
The name of this temple is Gotokuji Temple, which is famous for the legend of the “Maneki-neko,” or beckoning cat.
Long ago, a samurai passed by this temple and saw a cat gesturing to him.
When he followed the cat inside, a sudden storm broke out.
Since then, the cat has been called a lucky symbol.
Today, more than ten thousand Maneki-neko figurines are dedicated at this temple.
It is obvious that this temple is so unique and worth visiting.
Please enjoy taking photo of pretty cats symbols!
How did you like it?
I hope you will also visit these places in person or try “Google map- trip”.
After exploring these places, please add your review on this site!
National Astronomical Observatory of Japan
Also, if you have other recommended places in Japan, please share them here!
Bye! See you soon!
