Looking out over Tokyo’s night view from the top at 450 m felt like being on a plane.
You can take in the whole city at once—the lights of this massive metropolis are dazzling.
It really makes you feel small in the best way.
金己田's Reviews Page 3/4
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Mount Takao feels like an amusement park—starting with the chairlift, my heart was already racing.
Even though it’s a hike, it’s super beginner-friendly. The trail is gentle and easy to walk, and you can reach Yakuo-in Temple with a relaxed stroll. After praying there and taking a short break, we headed toward the summit… and that’s when the real challenge starts!
Reaching the top felt like clearing a level—so satisfying. I just found a spot to sit, ate the snacks I brought, and looked out at the mountains in the distance. Total reset for both body and mind. -
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Getting to Oyama definitely takes some legwork. I got off at Isehara Station on the Odakyu Line, took a bus to the Oyama Cable Car Station, and then still had to walk about 15 minutes to reach the cable car.
After working my way up, I finally arrived at Oyama Afuri Shrine. I visited along with the New Year’s crowds, then took in the view from the shrine—soaking up the deep blue of Sagami Bay and the clear winter sky all at once. -
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As one of Kamakura’s symbols, I missed it last time because my schedule was too tight. This time, on my return trip to Kamakura, I made it my top priority.
I read a bunch of reviews beforehand, so I knew what to expect. The grounds are small and it’s basically centered around the Great Buddha—you can finish in about 15 minutes.
Worth seeing for a first visit, but I wouldn’t really want to go a second time. -
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Came to Hasedera Temple for the fun of exploring.
Starting with that iconic pine tree by the entrance, there are thoughtful details everywhere. The landscaping and plants change with the seasons, and even the main deity—an 11-faced Kannon—is Japan’s largest wooden carved Buddha statue.
And the view of the ocean in Kamakura from the observation deck is something you can’t miss.
Hasedera is full of surprises—every turn seems to bring a little, unexpected beauty. -
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Famous for its wide variety of jellyfish, and the “Jellyfish Dream Theater” is a signature symbol of Tsuruoka tourism.
When I visited, I realized the tank itself isn’t very big, but the design is really clever. With the lighting effects and tons of jellyfish drifting around, it feels quiet, pure, and genuinely soothing.
Even if the trip is a bit of a haul, it’s worth coming for this dreamy, almost unreal view. -
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The terraced rice fields and the art pieces complement each other beautifully. Feeling the gentle breeze in nature, it was so quiet I could only hear the bamboo swaying. It really calmed my mind.
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The signature dish here is the “Kama Butter Udon,” which tastes a lot like carbonara. Even though the location isn’t in a busy area, it still draws tons of food lovers.
I came after peak meal time and the place was still packed. Even so, I didn’t have to wait long to order, thanks to the staff’s smooth, well-organized service.
After mixing the butter and raw egg really well, the noodles turn super silky, and the black pepper is the perfect finishing touch. I cleaned the bowl in no time. -
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Tonkatsu Taro, the birthplace of Niigata’s sauce katsudon. Even though I’d just finished breakfast, I still wanted to try it—thankfully they have a mini bowl option.
Two sauce-coated pork cutlets laid right on top of white rice. That’s it, super simple.
It doesn’t look especially pretty, but that’s kind of the point with Niigata sauce katsudon.
The sweetness of the sauce clings to the cutlet with a bit of chew, and with Niigata rice it tastes plain and comforting in the best way. When it started to feel a little rich halfway through, adding a bit of yellow mustard or pickled daikon totally changed the flavor.
No wonder it’s a beloved local spot—by the time I finished, there was already a long line out front! -
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In the center of Niigata City, the Shinano River runs through town, and the city’s symbol that connects both sides is Bandai Bridge.
After a good dinner and some drinks at night, I walked over to the river. Bandai Bridge lit up after dark has a completely different vibe than during the day.
Even though it’s right in the middle of the city, it’s surprisingly quiet. Sitting on a bench by the water and just taking in the view—nights like this really hit you. -
