金己田's Reviews Page 2/9

Kinomiya Shrine

This shrine has long been worshipped in Atami as the God of fortune and luck resides. The shrine grounds are home to Okusu, a sacred camphor tree, which is designated as a Natural monument. This is also popular as one of the best places with spiritual energy in Japan.

Shizuoka
Shrines & Temples

5 May 2026 See More

Kinomiya Shrine is absolutely a hidden gem in Atami!
After passing through the torii gate, the approach is filled with greenery on both sides. The worship hall and kagura hall blend beautifully with the natural surroundings, while the hall on the other side has a very modern design. The whole place has such an amazing atmosphere, and I fell in love with it right away.
The giant camphor tree on the grounds feels powerful from every angle. A visit to Kinomiya Shrine feels like taking a walk through a forest bath, leaving you refreshed and clear-minded.

Hida Takayama Miyagawa Morning Market

"The Miyagawa Morning Market is held along the Miyagawa River from Kaji-bashi Bridge to　Yayoi-bashi Bridge, near the “Furuimachinami”(old townscape) of Hida Takayama.

Gifu
Shopping Streets

5 May 2026 See More

I visited the Miyagawa Morning Market in Takayama in the morning. The stalls along the Miyagawa River sell local fruits and vegetables, pickles, and handmade goods, and you can really get a feel for the local way of life.
The market itself is not very large, but the atmosphere is relaxed, and after strolling around, you can also enjoy the view of the Miyagawa River from the bridge.

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu

Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the symbol of Kamakura, located in the heart of the city. It is frequented by many worshipers as a shrine related to Minamoto no Yorimoto, the founder of the Kamakura shogunate. The current main shrine, which was built in 1828, has been designated as an Important Cultural Asset of Japan.

Kamakura
Shrines & Temples

4 May 2026 See More

I visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura for a year-end shrine visit, and also did a bit of a pilgrimage to a famous filming location. Seeing a place that once appeared in a historical drama right in front of me was really special.

This historic shrine has witnessed the rise and fall of the Kamakura shogunate, and actually walking up the stone steps made me feel the weight of its history.

As one of Kamakura’s signature attractions, I’d highly recommend visiting for worship even if you haven’t seen the TV drama.

Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion

It was built in 1911 as the head office of the Bank of Morioka, designed by Kingo Tatsuno and Manji Kasai Architects. It is the only remaining architectural work in the Tohoku region designed by Kingo Tatsuno, and is also famous for designing Tokyo Station. The red brick with white granite shingles and a dome on the roof gives the building a Tatsuno-like appearance. The Renaissance-style building is a National Important Cultural Property.

Iwate
Tourist Attractions

4 May 2026 See More

Morioka’s city center still has quite a few retro historic buildings, so I spent half a day leisurely exploring them.

My first stop was the Iwate Bank Red Brick Pavilion, designed by Kingo Tatsuno. Its familiar red-brick exterior reminded me of Tokyo Station.

Inside, the former bank spaces and exhibit materials have been preserved. It’s not very large, but the atmosphere is calm, and it’s a nice place to look around at a relaxed pace.

Atami Heiwa Street Shopping District

Atami City, one of Japan's premier hot spring destinations, is renowned for its abundant natural hot spring water. Located right outside JR Atami Station, this shopping district serves as the city’s welcoming gateway.

Shizuoka
Shopping Streets

3 May 2026 See More

As soon as you step out of Atami Station, the shopping street is right in front of you. The retro atmosphere feels like stepping back in time. There’s a great mix of shops, from traditional dried fish stores to stylish dessert spots. I bought an Atami pudding and enjoyed it while sitting in the arcade, then finished things off with a footbath before leaving. A perfect ending.

Umikaji Terrace

Senaga Island with a 1.8km circumference is connected to Naha Airport with a marine road. This is where a multi resort facility stands. White buildings line the slope facing the emerald green ocean. It looks like a little town. The beauty was designed after the European resorts such as the Amalfi Coast in Italy and Santorini Island on the Aegean Sea.

Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
Tourist Attractions

3 May 2026 See More

Senaga Island is built along the coast, and the white buildings make you feel like you're on the Mediterranean.
Eating taco rice there, with the sound of planes taking off and landing in the background and an amazing ocean view right in front of you, really puts you in full vacation mode.

Shiba Park

One of the first places designated as a park in Japan in 1873. Adjacent to Zojoji Temple and Shiba Toshogu Shrine, nearby Tokyo Tower can be viewed from anywhere in the park.

Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tokyo Tower, Hamamatsucho
Parks & Gardens

2 May 2026 See More

Christmas had already passed, so I didn’t expect to still catch the last touch of autumn colors in Tokyo.

I came to Momijidani in Shiba Park early in the morning. It’s one of the latest spots in Tokyo for fall foliage. Even though it was already close to the end of the year, the leaves here were at their peak, creating a uniquely Tokyo scene against Tokyo Tower.

Ushijima Shrine

This ancient shrine is said to have been founded in the 2nd year of the Jogan era (860) when the renowned Buddhist priest Ennin received a divine revelation from the incarnation of Susano-no-Mikoto. The shrine venerates three deities: "Susano-no-Mikoto", known for blessings in bountiful harvests, matchmaking, and warding off evil; "Ame-no-hohi-no-Mikoto", considered the god of the sun and rice ears; and "Sadatoki Shinno-no-Mikoto", governing agriculture and academic improvement. Thus, the shrine is widely respected as a place where a variety of wishes are accepted.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Shrines & Temples

2 May 2026 See More

Ushijima Shrine puts up lights in winter, and the view of the bamboo lanterns with Tokyo Skytree in the same frame really captures the feeling of “old meets new Tokyo.” It also adds a lot of romantic atmosphere.

If you’re visiting Tokyo in winter, this shrine is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

Nikko Toshogu

Nikko Toshogu is a shrine dedicated to the Edo shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa. It is the most visited spot within the World Heritage Site “Shrines and Temples of Nikko,” and here you can see 55 exceptional buildings, including 8 that have been designated as national treasures and 34 that have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

Tochigi
Shrines & Temples

1 May 2026 See More

The architectural style of Nikko Toshogu is quite different from the usual image people have of Japanese shrines. The ornate Yomeimon Gate is especially striking, and the carvings throughout the grounds are another highlight. From the "Three Wise Monkeys" to the "Sleeping Cat," each one is worth stopping to admire.
The echoing dragon sound in Yakushido was also unforgettable.
Overall, Toshogu is full of details worth appreciating, so it would be a bit of a shame to just rush through it.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple

This historic temple, which was established in 940 by High Priest Kanchō, is rooted in prayers for the pacification of the Taira no Masakado revolt.

Narita Airport Neighborhood
Shrines & Temples

1 May 2026 See More

I took an early morning walk in Narita just after daybreak. The sunlight was falling across the temple grounds, the air was crisp and clear, and with so few people around, it felt especially peaceful.

Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is not far from Narita Airport, so it’s a great first or last stop on a trip. The grounds are fairly large, though, so be sure to allow extra time if you want to explore and pray properly.