金己田's Reviews Page 1/14

Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Chidorigafuchi Moat)

A 700-meter promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by nature so rich that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of Tokyo, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Tourist Attractions

Chidorigafuchi Green Way is one of Tokyo’s classic cherry blossom spots. When the sakura are in full bloom on both sides, walking along the moat feels like watching cherry blossoms cascade down like a waterfall. During the day, the sight of small boats gently drifting on the water is incredibly relaxing.

However, once night falls and the cherry blossoms are lit up, that peaceful feeling seems to belong only to the people out on the water. On the shore, the real photography battle is just getting started. The nighttime sakura were beautiful, but the competition for photo spots along the bank was so intense that after quickly pressing the shutter a few times, I decided to leave the battlefield early and head home!

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

The delightful scenery attracted noble families and poets who built their homes in Sagano. Sagano bamboo trail spans about 400m (437 yards) from Nonomiya Shrine, via Tenryuji Temple’s north gate to Okochi Sanso cottage.

• Kyoto
• Tourist Attractions

I stayed overnight in Arashiyama and happened to catch the nighttime illumination event, so I walked into the bamboo grove after dark.

The bamboo path, which is usually packed with people, was much quieter at night. Lights illuminated the bamboo along the way. When the wind blew through the grove, the bamboo kept creaking as the stalks bumped into each other. Together with the sound of light rain hitting my umbrella, it felt like a symphony of nature.

There were fewer people, but the overall atmosphere was mysterious. It’s a nighttime walk that takes a little courage.

Tokyo Midtown

Tokyo Midtown is a complex “city” featuring 6 buildings and wide spaces of greenery. This complex encompasses a variety of shops, restaurants, offices, green spaces, a hotel and a museum.

• Akasaka, Roppongi, Azabu-Juban
• Commercial Buildings

Among Tokyo’s cherry blossom spots, which one best captures the city’s urban atmosphere? I’d say it’s definitely Tokyo Midtown.
The cherry blossoms bloom right in the heart of the city, surrounded by tall buildings. During the day, they have a refined and charming beauty, and walking through the area feels stylish and elegant. But once night falls, the lights illuminate the cherry blossom avenue, reflecting beautifully with the lights from the buildings and instantly turning the scene into a dazzling cityscape.
I stayed from daytime until night and got to see the cherry blossoms in completely different moods. Every minute was worth it.

Amanohashidate Shrine

Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, is a breathtaking natural sandbar stretching 3.6 kilometers in an elegant arc, covered with lush pine trees. Known as "Hashidate Myojin," Amanohashidate Shrine is located about a 10-minute walk from the rotating bridge and the Otenbashi Bridge, quietly nestled among the pine-lined path.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Walking from the rotating bridge toward the long sandbar, Amanohashidate Shrine is tucked away along the path. The shrine is smaller and more delicate than I expected, but the atmosphere is wonderfully quiet. The torii gate standing by the sea felt a little lonely against the cloudy sky.

The weather wasn’t great when I visited, but walking between the shade of the pines and the sea breeze, then coming across this shrine and torii gate, actually made me feel like this kind of weather suited the place even better.

Kamogawa (Kyoto)

Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

I took a walk to the area near Shijo Ohashi Bridge on the Kamogawa River and went down the steps. The famous “evenly spaced seating” was right in front of me. Couples, students out for a walk—everyone really seemed to have an unspoken agreement to sit at just the right distance from each other.

The weather was perfect, so I joined in too. I originally planned to stay for just 10 minutes, but with the gentle breeze, chatting with my friend and zoning out while looking at the river, I ended up sitting there for half an hour. It became the most relaxing and memorable part of my trip to Kyoto.

Blue Seal Café Kokusai Street Store

Blue Seal, is the beloved ice cream brand founded in 1948 in Okinawa, renowned for its unique Okinawan flavors, such as beni-imo (purple sweet potato), shikuwasa (Okinawan lime) and salt chinsuko (a local biscuit). With over 20 varieties always available, the lineup at their Kokusai Street store includes both classic and limited-edition products, tailored to suit the hot and humid climate of Okinawa with a rich yet refreshing taste.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Light Meals

When visiting Okinawa, Blue Seal is an ice cream brand many people make a point to try. This time, I chose their signature Blue Wave. It combines soda-flavored ice cream with pineapple fruit ice cream, which is a pretty unique pairing.

I’ve hardly had a flavor like this anywhere else. If you’re in Okinawa, I’d recommend giving this distinctive flavor a try.

Yokohama Marine Tower

Built in 1961 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening, the Yokohama Marine Tower stands as a beloved symbol of the city. Standing at 106 meters and inspired by a lighthouse, you can spot this landmark from a number of points across the Bay Area. With significant renovations completed in 2022, the spot now glimmers as a fully enhanced, prime destination.

• Yokohama
• Observatories

Located next to Yamashita Park, Yokohama Marine Tower was originally a lighthouse, and its renovated steel-frame exterior gives it a modern feel.

While it may not be the tallest landmark, its location is actually a great advantage if you want to see the ocean or watch ships coming in and out of Yamashita Pier. If you happen to be taking a walk through Yamashita Park, it’s worth stopping by the observation deck for a different view of Yokohama Port.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.

• Kagoshima
• Famous Places

When I saw Sakurajima from the train, I knew I had arrived in Kagoshima.

This still-active volcano blends into everyday life in Kagoshima like a backdrop, visible from all around. Even though it can bring inconveniences like volcanic ash, it feels so naturally woven into the cityscape. For visitors, it’s a rare and memorable sight, but for locals, it’s simply part of daily life.

SOU-SOU Isemomen

SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.

• Kyoto
• Miscellaneous Goods

If you like SOU・SOU, this is a hard place to skip when you’re in Kyoto. Tucked into the Shinkyogoku alleyways not far from Nishiki Market, there are several SOU・SOU shops clustered together, each with a different theme. You can find everything from clothing and kids’ wear to all kinds of lifestyle goods. If you’re already a SOU・SOU fan, it’s seriously easy to go overboard shopping here!

ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka

ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is part of a specialty coffee chain with other locations in Okusawa, Yakumo, and Nakameguro. The café sources beans directly from farmers in regions like Colombia and Ethiopia, roasting them in-house to create the exceptional coffee that has earned it a strong following. Opened in April 2022 along Jiyugaoka Green Road, this location stands out for its warm, natural wooden décor and the calm, sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly suits Jiyugaoka.

• Jiyugaoka, Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Futako-Tamagawa
• Cafés

ONIBUS COFFEE has solid reviews online, so it’s a café many people add to their Jiyugaoka plans. When I actually visited, it was even more popular than I expected, and finding a seat wasn’t easy. In the end, I got a coffee to go and enjoyed it slowly along the nearby Kuhonbutsu River Green Road, which was a nice way to take in Jiyugaoka’s relaxed atmosphere.