[Definitive Edition] Top 3 Best Spots I Visited in the First Half of the Year

As a travel and hotel enthusiast, I’m sharing a ranked list of places I actually visited from January to June 2025 that made me think, “I want to go back here!” 💭

Whether it was a solo trip, a spontaneous weekend, or just a little escape from everyday life, these places gave me a touch of the extraordinary.

The genres vary widely, but I’ve carefully selected only the spots I can confidently recommend!

Now, let’s start with number 3 👇

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🥉 3rd Place: tpb Lounge (Tokyo Port Brewery Lounge) @ Shiba, Mita
tpb
A microbrewery and lounge run by Tokyo Port Brewery, which carries on a 100-year tradition, suddenly appearing in the heart of Shiba. This four-story reinforced concrete building maintains a temperature-controlled environment year-round, brewing a diverse range of sake, including the brewery-direct “Edo Kaijo,” doburoku, and plum wine.

Next door is the tpb Lounge, where you can enjoy seasonal dishes and sake cocktails made with “Edo Kaijo.” The modern space, based on a sophisticated black theme, is a soothing hidden gem accented by seasonal greenery.

On the 10th-floor lounge, you can savor a fresh pour straight from the brewery while feeling connected to the brewers, letting time flow gently... This was a rare place in the heart of Tokyo where you can experience “a new way to enjoy sake” 🍶

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🥈 2nd Place: Hotel Vintage Meguro-Fudomae
Hotel Vintage Meguro-Fudomae
A hidden hotel for adults just a little off the Meguro River. The exterior is modest, but inside, a surprisingly sophisticated space unfolds. The high ceilings and furniture and lighting that radiate the warmth of wood are exquisite. Plus, the rooms even have kitchens, so you can bring your own wine and enjoy a cozy night in 🍷
It felt less like a hotel and more like “luxury as an extension of everyday living.” Honestly, I like it so much I want to keep it a secret.

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🥇 1st Place: HAWAII 🌺🌈
State of Hawaii
As expected, the No. 1 spot this year is Hawaii. No matter how many times I go, it’s always special. The crystal-clear morning sea, the soft scent of plumeria swaying in the breeze, the cheerful music, and a time when everything before my eyes feels so dear.
This time, I based myself in classic Honolulu, explored local shops, and took a rental car to venture a bit further.
The perfect balance of “healing” and “excitement” reset both my mind and body.
Just thinking about which island to visit next makes me happy 🏖️

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Each of these places brings a smile to my face just by remembering them.
I’m excited thinking about the wonderful encounters and experiences waiting in the second half of the year 💫
Please share your “Best Spots of the First Half” in the comments!

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