周黛西's Reviews Page 2/7

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

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

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

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

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.

Kobe Harborland

Kobe Harborland, lined with multiple large scale multi-facility complexes, is the name of the area by the coast covering approximately 18.5 Hectares. One of the commercial complexes, “Kobe Brick Warehouse, HARBOR STORES”, was originally a cargo warehouse built in the late 1890s.

• Kobe
• Famous Places

This place brings together international cuisine, large shopping malls, and an amusement park, so it feels really lively.
Soft music plays, colorful neon lights twinkle, and the sea breeze gently blows...
Everywhere you look, people are having a great time.

Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Studio

This theme park is based on the open set used for the film "Twenty-Four Eyes," which depicts the interaction between a female teacher and her twelve students. Set along the coastline with a panoramic view of the Seto Inland Sea, the 10,000-square-meter site recreates a small village from the Taisho and early Showa periods.

• Kagawa
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Walking into Twenty-Four Eyes Movie Village feels like stepping into a time tunnel.
The movie is set in early Showa-era Japan, so the village recreates Showa-period homes and a wooden schoolhouse, and being able to experience them in person is really fun. The houses from the film have now been turned into little shops, exhibition spaces, and restaurants. I even happened to see a cat napping in front of one of the shops—so cute.
At Café Movie Club, they recreate the school lunch that elementary students used to eat back then. It was wonderful to enjoy the meal while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere.

National Takino Suzuran Hillside Park

Takino Suzuran Hillside Park is the only national park in Hokkaido. 400 hectares (988 acres) of premises are divided into four zones - colorful flower gardens, a large playground, three waterfalls and a forest for hiking.

• Sapporo
• Parks & Gardens

Visiting this national park, you get wide-open views as well as beautifully designed flower gardens, with little surprises everywhere.
Walking the nature trails and breathing in the fresh forest air, then strolling through gardens filled with floral fragrance, lets you experience the charm of Hokkaido’s nature again and again.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.

• Sapporo
• Shopping Streets

A must-visit at night on any trip to Sapporo, Hokkaido: Tanukikoji Shopping Street. It stretches across seven blocks and runs nearly 1 kilometer, packed with popular shops for drugstore items, great food, and souvenirs. It’s also connected to the underground shopping area, making it one of Sapporo’s hottest shopping spots. Definitely worth taking your time and shopping to your heart’s content.

Jozankei Onsen (Hot Springs)

A historical hot spring resort located in Minami-Ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido, also known as the inner city of the large Sapporo metropolis. It has been designated as Shikotsu-Toya National Park for more than 150 years since the hot spring opened. The hot spring resort extends along the riverbanks carved by the Shirai River and the Toyohira River.

• Sapporo
• Famous Places

Jozankei Onsen, near Sapporo, is a well-known hot spring town in Hokkaido, often called Sapporo’s backyard retreat. It’s famous for the beautiful Toyohira River gorge scenery. Staying at a traditional ryokan and enjoying an authentic sulfur hot spring bath is highly recommended.

As you stroll through the hot spring town, you’ll spot cute kappa everywhere, along with lots of kappa-themed souvenirs and keepsakes.

You can also enjoy water activities. Even beginners who can’t swim can easily have fun paddling, getting close to the water and the forest while surrounded by lush green mountains and clear streams—it’s such a joyful experience!

After night falls, listen to the sound of the stream under the soft lights, and in the dreamy glow, you might just have an unexpected encounter with a kappa.

Otaru Tenguyama Observation Platform, Otaru Tenguyama Ropeway

Otaru’s symbol, Mt.Tengu, stands 532m-high above sea level. On top, there is an observation platform awarded one star on Michelin Green Guide Japon, where you can look out at the city and the Japan Sea. At night, Mt Tengu offers a breath-taking sight over Otaru City, referred to as one of Hokkaido’s Three Best Night Views, along with Mt. Moiwa and Mt. Hakodate.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Observatories

Mt. Tengu is located on the outskirts of Otaru. After taking the ropeway up, you can enjoy one of Hokkaido’s top three night views.
The mountain was pleasantly cool and lush with greenery, and the beautiful scenery stretched out before us. No wonder movies like Love Letter and First Love were filmed here.
I hope I can visit again next time. Going up in the evening would probably let us stay until the city lights start to glow...