周黛西's Reviews Page 1/7

Todaiji Temple

In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.

Nara
Shrines & Temples

23 Jun 2026 See More

A day trip to Todaiji Temple lets you take your time exploring the Great Buddha Hall and admire the solemn, majestic Great Buddha of Nara up close. You can also visit Nigatsudo, Hokke-do, Kaidan-do, and more. Every corner has its own historical story and offers a chance to experience the culture of Japan’s ancient capital.
I recommend setting aside a little time to interact with the deer and take some photos so you can bring home your own special memories of Nara.

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Opened in the year 778, the temple was registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. In the 130, 000 m2 area of the precincts spread out on the hillside of Mt. Otowa, there are more than 30 cathedrals and monuments, including national treasures and important cultural properties.

Kyoto
Shrines & Temples

22 Jun 2026 See More

Kiyomizu-dera is huge, and the famous “Kiyomizu Stage” is absolutely magnificent. Photos can only capture so much—you really have to see it in person to feel how awe-inspiring it is.
Nestled in the lush green mountains, I couldn’t help thinking how beautiful the autumn leaves must be here.
The water at “Otowa Waterfall” is divided into three streams, and each one has a different meaning and blessing.
The first is for health and longevity. The second is for lasting and happy love. The third is for good fortune and wisdom, especially for success in school.

Chion-in / Yuzen-en

Chion-in, the head temple of Jodo Sect, was built on land related to the founder, Reverend Honen. Yuzen-en on the premises was remodeled in 1954 on the 300th anniversary of the birth of Yuzen textile’s founder and a painter in mid Edo Period, Miyazaki Yuzen. It is made up of the stroll-style pond garden with the spring water from Higashiyama drawn in and also a Japanese rock garden Rokuyaen.

Kyoto
Shrines & Temples

20 Jun 2026 See More

When you arrive at the entrance to Chion-in, the first thing you have to tackle is a staircase as tall as a one-story building. As you make your way up, the magnificent Sanmon Gate rises right in front of you. So impressive!

Directly above the gate hangs a black plaque with gold lettering, “Kachozan,” bestowed by Emperor Reigen. It feels बेहद solemn and grand.

Tower of Osaka Castle

Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified the country during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1568-1600), began construction of the tower of Osaka Castle in 1583 and completed it in 1585. The castle was later destroyed during the Osaka Natsu no Jin（summer campaign of Osaka） in 1615, but was rebuilt by the Tokugawa Shogunate in 1626. However, the castle keep was destroyed by lightning in 1665. In 1931, the castle tower of the Toyotomi period was reconstructed with donations from Osaka citizens.

Osaka
Tourist Attractions

19 Jun 2026 See More

Osaka’s iconic landmark, Osaka Castle, looks especially dazzling in the early summer sunshine. The surrounding park is lush and green, but it gets really hot in areas without shade.
There’s a steady stream of tourists heading to Osaka Castle, which stands on the hill. From the observatory at the top of the main tower, you can take in the full view of the vibrant cityscape.

Oyu Stone Circles

Perched in a northeastern corner of Akita Prefecture at some 180 meters high sits a Jomon era archaeological site, dating back as far as 4,000 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in July 2021, this spot remains one of 17 “Jomon Prehistoric Sites in Northern Japan”, found scattered across Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, and Iwate Prefectures.

Akita
Tourist Attractions

18 Jun 2026 See More

I love the old-fashioned charm of Oyu Onsenkyo in Akita. It preserves the character and atmosphere of traditional hot spring lodges.
After the rain shower, the stream was full, and a thick layer of mist hovered above it, like the foam on a latte. The greenery looked even fresher and more soothing after being washed by the rain.
Summer is definitely the perfect time to visit Tohoku.

Sakaeda Udon Main Store

Sakaeda Udon Main Store is located behind the Kagawa Prefectural Government Office in Takamatsu. This long-established handmade udon restaurant was founded in 1963. Open from 7:00am, it draws both locals and tourists. The restaurant uses a self-service style. Customers warm up their own noodles, pour broth from a tap, and add their favorite toppings.

Takamatsu
Japanese Cuisine

17 Jun 2026 See More

I tried the handmade udon experience at Nakano Udon School. The instructor teaches you everything from kneading the dough and stepping on it, to rolling it out and cutting the noodles, and in the end you cook your own authentic bowl of udon.
The activity takes about 40 minutes, and after the class you receive a hanging scroll certificate of completion to commemorate this one-of-a-kind udon experience.

Iya Valley

Iya Valley was formed by the rushing waters of the Iya River flowing through Tokushima Prefecture. This V-shaped valley, with depths ranging from several dozen to several hundred meters, stretches for Approx. 10km and offers scenery worthy of being called a hidden gem.

Tokushima
Nature Spots

17 Jun 2026 See More

When you visit Tokushima, Ryugu Cliff Park is about a 35-minute drive from the scenic Oboke Gorge. There’s a suspension bridge about 70 meters high, and from the bridge you can look out over the beautiful valley below.

After crossing the bridge and walking into the woods, there’s a nature center, though it seemed to be deserted. Surrounded by lush greenery, the view from the bridge makes for dreamy photos. It’s a nice spot to visit in Tokushima.

Former Hirosaki City Library

A Western-style building with a striking red dome roof, featuring octagonal twin towers on both sides, standing in Otemon Square near Hirosaki Castle. Built in 1906 to commemorate Japan’s victory in the Russo-Japanese War, it was used as the city library until 1931. The three-story wooden building was designed and built by master carpenter Sakichi Horie, a Hirosaki native.

Aomori
Museums

11 Jun 2026 See More

While visiting the Fujita Memorial Garden in Hirosaki, Aomori, you can experience the luxury and style of a wealthy merchant’s world. This is a Western-style building designed by Kinzō Horie. In addition to the exhibition rooms, there is also a Taisho Roman Cafe where visitors can enjoy authentic apple pie.

Kinkaku-ji

During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.

Kyoto
Shrines & Temples

10 Jun 2026 See More

When visiting Kyoto’s famous Rokuon-ji Temple, the must-see highlight is its golden Shariden, Kinkaku-ji.
Kinkaku-ji is world-famous for its exterior covered in gold leaf. Surrounded by Kyokochi Pond, the temple’s golden reflection shimmering on the water is dazzling and breathtaking. The “upside-down Kinkaku” reflection is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, and it was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994.
Kinkaku-ji offers different scenery in every season, and the constant crowds are proof of its popularity as a tourist destination. I hope to visit again in winter to see the Snow Kinkaku.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan, nicknamed “USJ”, is a large-scale theme park with entertainment for everyone, both children and adults alike. The park is separated into different areas, each with a different theme from popular titles across the world.

Osaka
Amusement Parks & Theme parks

9 Jun 2026 See More

The immersive experience at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan begins the moment you pass through the stone entrance and step into Hogsmeade and Hogwarts Castle. The music and scenery are recreated with amazing detail, and even if you are not familiar with the series, the magical atmosphere is truly impressive.
The park was absolutely packed, and every attraction had a long line. Among them, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey stood out, combining 4K visuals with real mechanical motion to create an exciting and realistic Quidditch and magical chase experience. The blend of virtual and physical effects was especially memorable. I would definitely recommend it for families and Harry Potter fans.