Queenie's Reviews Page 2/4

Kunozan Toshogu Shrine sits between the mountains and the sea. It is the original Toshogu shrine in Japan and the first resting place of Lord Tokugawa Ieyasu. Taking the ropeway means you don't have to climb all 1,159 stone steps, and you can easily enjoy magnificent views of Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula. The most impressive sight in the grounds is the National Treasure shrine building, with black lacquer, vermilion, gold leaf, and intricate carvings that make it both ornate and solemn. Walking all the way to the shrine at the very back and experiencing the peaceful atmosphere steeped in history makes it truly worth a visit!

Walking into Jozankei feels like arriving in a Japanese hot spring town surrounded by mountains and forests. It has a history of about 150 years and was founded by the ascetic monk Miizumi Jozan. It still retains the distinctive atmosphere of a traditional hot spring district. My favorite spot was the footbath near the park entrance. The spring water was clear and clean, and quite hot, making it especially relaxing to soak my tired feet. Strolling slowly along the valley, listening to the babbling stream and feeling the mountain breeze, I naturally began to slow down. It's perfect for spending half a day with no rush, simply enjoying the leisurely pace.

You really have to get close to the water at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido to appreciate its beauty. I especially recommend taking a boat ride or walking along the stream next to the visitor center. The water is so clear you can almost see straight to the bottom, and its deep blue color inevitably brings Jiuzhaigou to mind. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and the air is fresh and pleasant. As for cycling around the lake, the scenery is fairly ordinary. If you’re short on time, definitely save it for the lake itself—it’s much more worthwhile!

The Otaru Canal Cruise is a highly recommended experience when visiting Otaru! The boat slowly makes its way along the canal, and during the day, you can admire the well-preserved historic buildings and warehouses along the waterfront. Listening to the onboard commentary also gives you a better sense of Otaru's former prosperity as a port town. In the evening, the sunset and streetlights reflect on the canal, creating a completely different atmosphere. See the history by day and enjoy the romantic night views after dark—each time of day has its own charm, so don't miss it when visiting Otaru!

Mt. Tengu is an attraction you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Otaru! I specifically chose a clear day, took the train from Sapporo to Otaru, then transferred to a bus and the ropeway up the mountain. I enjoyed the mountain scenery all the way up, and once I reached the observation platform, I could see all of Otaru, Otaru Port, and the coastline. The elevation here isn't particularly high, which actually makes the view of the city feel just right. The views are also great as you slowly walk along the hiking trails. Overall, the scenery is every bit as good as Mt. Hakodate, with an added touch of romance unique to Otaru. I recommend heading up the mountain when you visit Otaru!

After taking the JR train to Otaru Station, I slowly walked over, enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Otaru's streets along the way. The weather was beautiful that day, and the blue sky and white clouds paired with the warehouse buildings along the canal made every photo look great.

I strolled along the canal, took photos, and soaked in the city's unique romantic and nostalgic atmosphere. Otaru is even more charming when the weather is nice. Walking through the streets feels like being in a movie scene.

If you visit Otaru in Hokkaido, I really recommend setting aside some time to take a leisurely walk along the canal. There's no need to rush—just wandering around is very relaxing.

Shobara Ueno Park is a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Hiroshima Prefecture, with about 600 Somei Yoshino cherry trees blooming all around the pond. Just imagining the whole expanse of pink reflected on the water during cherry blossom season—it must be so beautiful you'd never want to leave!

Unfortunately, this visit wasn't during cherry blossom season, so I missed the romantic sight of the trees in full bloom, which was a bit disappointing. I hear the nighttime cherry blossom illuminations here are also very popular. If I get another chance, I'll definitely come back when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and take in the whole beautiful view.

Mitarai is an atmospheric old port town. In the past, ships would wait here for the right winds and tides, and it was once an important shipping hub in the Seto Inland Sea.

Walking through the old streets, there aren't crowds of tourists. Instead, the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful. Strolling slowly through the narrow alleys, you can see many old buildings preserved from the Edo period, and every turn reveals another piece of history.

Although Mitarai's former prosperity has faded, that's exactly what makes it feel like traveling through time.

With no need to rush, I simply walked around and took in the traces of time left on the old streets. It ended up being the most relaxing part of this trip. If you like historic streets, old buildings, and a sense of history, Mitarai is well worth adding to your itinerary.

I took a stroll around Hiroshima Botanical Garden, and the grounds were really pleasant. The plants were all very well maintained. The biggest attraction is the “Great Greenhouse,” the largest in western Japan. It has all kinds of plants inside, so much that you hardly know where to look. It’s perfect for taking your time walking around and taking photos.

I came a little late in the season this time and was worried I might have missed the roses, but there were still quite a few beautiful ones. Although they weren’t at peak bloom, it was still a nice surprise.

The only thing to keep in mind is that there’s an uphill walk from the parking lot to the park entrance. It can be pretty hot and tiring in summer, so if you visit in midsummer, remember to use sun protection and bring water.

I also found a very generous discount: admission is only JPY 170 for visitors age 65 and older. Such a great deal!

Overall, it’s a great place to slow down and enjoy the greenery and the scent of flowers. If you like plants, it’s worth adding to your itinerary when visiting Hiroshima!

This really is one of Hiroshima's most popular restaurants. There's almost always a line, but once you try it, you'll understand why everyone is willing to wait. The Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is freshly made on the griddle, with noodles fried until slightly charred and fragrant, and the cabbage's sweetness fully brought out. Every bite has layers of flavor, and eating it piping hot is incredibly satisfying. It's inexpensive, but the portions are very generous. One serving left me so full I didn't even need dinner.

If you don't want to wait too long, I recommend avoiding the peak lunch and dinner hours. Otherwise, a long line is completely normal. Still, I think this authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki is well worth it.