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DAIGOJI Temple
In 874, Reverend Kobo Taishi’s disciple, Rigen Taishi founded this head temple of the Shingon sect. The entire 2.6 square miles of Mt. Daigo is the premise of the temple, the largest in Kyoto City.
Many of the buildings in the temple are designated as National Treasures and World Heritage Sites. The area you can visit is pretty big, so you'll need an hour or two to see everything.
Moka Railway
This local railway connects 17 stations in two cities and three towns from Shimodate Station in Chikusei City, Ibaraki to Motegi Station in Tochigi, serving as essential transportation for local residents. It is also known among railroad fans for its regional revitalizing projects. Moka Railway’s biggest news is the steam locomotive operation.
The train makes a brief stop at Moka Station, which is a great chance to get off and take photos of the steam locomotive. The countryside scenery outside the window is beautiful, and when I went, it wasn't crowded at all. The whole trip was really relaxing. 😌
Aizu Sazaedo (Entsu Sansodo)
Sazaedo is a Kannon-do hall located at the midway of Iimori Hill known as the place where the Byakkotai corp had suicided. The official name is Entsu Sansodo. This three-layer Hexagon kannondo hall was built in 1796. It is 16.5m-tall and was built by Ikudo, a priest of Seishuji, a local temple.
You can walk through it really quickly, but they still charge an entrance fee. The Sazaedo itself doesn't seem to be well maintained.
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe
The aquarium is centered around "Nixe Castle," which was built on the actual "Egeskov Castle" model in Denmark. About 400 species and 20,000 living things are on display. The entire interior of the beautiful brick castle is used as an aquarium.
Most of the visitors inside were tour groups from Taiwan. I barely saw any Japanese people.
Bitchu Matsuyama Castle
Of the 12 castles in japan with a remaining castle keep to this day, Bichu Matsuyama is the only mountain castle. A two-layered castle keep, a two-storied tower and part of the earthen wall are still left. You can tour inside the castle keep with a room set aside in case of a siege and a big hall with an open hearth.
I went up early in the morning to wait for the sea of clouds, and it was totally worth it! The view was like a fairyland. Climbing the mountain was a bit tough, but definitely rewarding!