We then moved on to Azabu-juban, which is lined with small quaint shops, bars, and restaurants. While it is a quiet district, it is also full of life because there are so many shops and eateries here. It is really enjoyable walking around this area. It was a real pity that Naniwaya Sohonten, a popular taiyaki stall (taiyaki is a fish-shaped pancake filled with bean jam) was closed for its regular closing day, so we missed a chance to try out their taiyaki. We also discovered the tranquil Juban Inari Shrine, nestled in the back alleys of this bustling district that is so perfect for walks and photography.

We visited the Sumida Edo Kiriko Museum, where visitors can experience the making of Edo Kiriko glasses. Edo Kiriko, characterized by its unique cuts and delicate decorations, is a traditional artisanal craft from Tokyo that has been around since 1834. Edo Kiriko glasses have a two-layer structure that consists of the exterior glass with its colorful decorations, and the transparent inner layer. Depending on the sculpting, it is possible to create different designs for all the glasses. The hands-on class offers an excellent opportunity for trying out the techniques and decorating our own glasses. After listening to the artisan explain how to use the polishing machine, we tried our hands at actually sculpting patterns on the glass. Once we had finished, we could also bring back the glasses as souvenirs.

We headed to Oshiage, where Tokyo Skytree is located. The Oshiage area left a deep impression on us as it exuded the colorful atmosphere of Christmas. Shops near the Skytree are ideal if you are searching for small souvenirs to bring home with you.

At Tokyo City View, we went up to the Sky Deck on the 52st floor, where we drank in the lovely view of the city. There may be other places where one can see Tokyo from a high vantage point, but I am sure Tokyo City View is the best place as it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding areas. Thanks to it, we were able catch a view of the Tokyo cityscape against the backdrop of the setting sun.

After it turned dark, we took a walk around the Roppongi Hills area. Maman, the grand sculpture by Louise Bourgeois, was far and away the most amazing thing we encountered on this trip. This giant spider is powerful and terrifying, but at the same time, made us feel calm and protected. After taking many pictures of this impressive masterpiece, we moved to the Mohri Garden for an evening walk. As we enjoyed the quiet tranquility of the garden, filled with lush greenery, we admired the gleaming aspect of Roppongi Hills from a distance. It was a very moving experience

As Tokyo greeted us the next morning, we went shopping at Haneda Airport. The friendly cabin attendants provided us with warm service while boarding the domestic ANA flight, and we could choose from a wide range of hot and cold beverages. I also liked the magazines and pamphlets placed in the seat pocket. Although it was only a short flight, we were able to check our schedule for the next destination.

We had lunch at the restaurant Genkai, where we got one surprise after another. This restaurant is in a very concealed location, and one would never think that there is a restaurant in that place at just one glance. The entrance resembled a garage or a small workshop. Upon entering, we passed by tanks containing live sea creatures such as fish and octopus. Going further in, we finally reached the seating area of the restaurant. The seating area was, once again, a wonderful surprise for us! These are small, private dining rooms covered in Japanese tatami floors, comprising a low table and filled with delicate decorations. The cuisine that we savored there was a perfect match for this simple yet luxurious atmosphere. The dishes included sashimi and tempura, made with fresh seafood, and were incredibly delicious.

The Genkai Underwater Observation Tower is the best place for observing the living things of the sea. As the underwater observation room is positioned 7 meters below sea level, it is possible to watch the underwater world in its natural environment. We thought that we would only be able to see a few fish, but to our surprise, we were greeted by the views of a vast array of living things, fish of various sizes, and even creatures such as starfish. After we left the Observation Tower, we then headed to Cape Hado, where we enjoyed an excellent walk that presented us with a superb view of the northwestern tip of Kyushu.

That afternoon, we spent the time at the old mansion where the coal mine industrialist Koreyoshi Takatori resided during the Meiji era. Located in Karatsu, this is an attractive house designed majestically, with a wonderful fusion of design elements from the West and the East. Upon closer look, visitors will discover delicate and luxurious irregularities in all parts of the house, inspired by nature. Many of the paintings, in particular works used to decorate the doors, are truly incredible and incomparable masterpieces. Among these, there were also works in the art nouveau style. There was even a Noh theater inside the house, which is the only existing "Noh" theater in Japan to be located inside a manor hall.

Visitors to Saga Prefecture should definitely take a trip to Okawachiyama in Imari City. It is a very enchanting area surrounded by green mountains, and continues to attract visitors with the urge to walk around and uncover all its secrets. Okawachiyama was ruled by the powerful Nabeshima clan in the past, and it is a village created exclusively for the purpose of producing porcelain ware to be presented to the Shogun. To protect the secrets behind its ceramic art, the area was isolated and protected from the world for several centuries. Ceramic decorations can be seen here and there, even on the bridges.

There are many ceramic workshops and shops in Okawachiyama village. Among these, we visited a workshop that has continued to produce the traditional craft known as Nabeshima ware. It was a moving experience to observe the artisans at work, creating works in innovative forms even as they continue to inherit the Nabeshima spirit. It was a luxurious treat, soaking up the beauty of the past.

Arita looks considerably different from Okawachiyama. This small town has a unique appearance that comprises a combination of traditional Japanese architecture and the Western architecture in a curious way. Do explore the back alleys when you visit Arita. There, you will find interesting fences that bring out the charms of this village. This unusual wall is known as a tonbai, and is made from fire-resistant bricks used in a kiln. Ceramic pieces have also been mixed into the wall. It is also a must to drop by Sueyama Shrine if you come here. That is because the torii (gate leading to the entrance of a shrine) is made from white porcelain decorated with pictures of leaves colored in light blue. There are also guardian dogs, ponds, and lanterns made from ceramic.

Takeo Onsen is an interesting place, built more than a century ago. While a part of it is still used as a bathing hall, the oldest parts of the building have bene converted into a museum with displays of mosaic-tiled baths and a rest area covered in tatami floors. The unusual gate at the entrance to the hot spring is a sight not to be missed. This two-floor gate was designed in 1915 by Tatsuno Kingo, the famous architect who created Tokyo Station. During the construction of the gate, Tatsuno playfully included something special in this gate just for fun; he inscribed four of the twelve zodiac signs in the Chinese calendar into the gate. These, combined with the eight zodiac signs inscribed into Tokyo Station, makes up all twelve of the signs.

We continued our journey to the quiet yet attractive Takeo Shrine. Passing through the bamboo forest behind the inner shrine, we saw one of the oldest trees in Japan. It was a moving experience. This majestic tree is about 3,000 years old, and it reminds you of a tree-house that appears in a famous Japanese animation. We then took a walk around the wonderful Mifuneyama Gardens situated around Takeo. This garden, poised against the backdrop of Mt. Mifuneyama stained in red in the setting sun, seemed as if it would last forever. It was an incredibly beautiful sight.

Our experience staying in a Japanese ryokan (inn) was a wonderful one that included dinner and a hot spring bath. Amidst the relaxing atmosphere, local dishes from the area were presented to us in succession. It was a luxurious and delicious dinner. After dinner, we put on the yutaka (traditional bathing robes) placed in our bedrooms, and headed to the hot spring at one of the buildings of the inn. Taking a bath in a top-quality hot spring was truly enjoyable. In this inn, guests can use the indoor bath and the outdoor bath. It was an unforgettable experience for us. Upon returning to our room, we found to our surprise and great delight that our mattresses had been laid out, and tea prepared for us on the table.

The next morning, I tried something that I had been looking forward to for a long time - putting on Japanese kimono and visiting the Yutoku Inari Shrine! I selected a kimono at a small shop located at the foot of Yutoku Inari Shrine, and the staff dressed me in it. It takes quite a long time to put on kimono, but the experience was special and incomparable.
Once I was prepared, I headed to Yutoku Inari Shrine, which is one of the most famous shrines in Japan. Whilst walking around this wonderful place, I had the opportunity to take many great photographs. I enjoyed Saga Prefecture to the fullest, even till the last day.

We took a walk in Yanagimachi, a town located in Saga City, and found the area very comfortable too. The sight of rows of shops displaying an array of impressive products made by Japanese artisans, only served to reaffirm the appeal of Japan's small towns for me. It was at this place that I felt so moved by the beauty of Saga Nishiki textile.

The trip to Tokyo and Saga was filled with wonderful surprises and experiences. I highly recommend this itinerary for those who love Japanese culture, Japanese craft, and Japanese cuisine that is unparalleled in the world. For me, at least, there is one thing I am sure of - I will be back!