金己田's Reviews Page 4/12

Atami Plum Garden

Established in Meiji 19 (1886) by the wealthy Yokohama businessman Sobei Motogi, this urban park has its roots in a plum garden. Covering approximately 44,000 square meters along the Ichigawa River, the vast garden boasts 469 plum trees of 60 different varieties, including specimens over 100 years old.

Shizuoka
Parks & Gardens

7 May 2026 See More

In Atami, January isn’t just about cherry blossoms—plum blossoms are blooming too.
I walked from Kinomiya Station to Atami Plum Garden. It’s an uphill walk, but the scenery along the way is lovely, with ocean views and cherry blossoms to enjoy as well.
At the entrance, the red and white plum blossoms were interwoven like scattered stars. The plum blossoms in the garden weren’t in full bloom yet when I visited, but the elegant landscaping added plenty to appreciate.

San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple

Located at the base of Tokyo Tower is Zojoji, an Omotoyama temple of the Jodo sect of Buddhism. Enshrined in Zojoji's Ankokuden Hall is the hidden black image of Buddha worshipped by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period. Since he won one battle after after another, visiting this temple is said to increase the chance of victory.

Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tokyo Tower, Hamamatsucho
Shrines & Temples

7 May 2026 See More

The view of Zojoji Temple’s main hall framed together with Tokyo Tower feels like a perfect blend of the old and the new, beautifully capturing the character of Tokyo and immediately drawing my attention.
Unlike the lively, bustling tourist atmosphere of Sensoji Temple, Zojoji feels more solemn and tranquil. Its spacious grounds let you slow down and take in the unique charm of past and present existing side by side.

Ogoto Onsen

Located on the western shore of Lake Biwa, Ogoto Onsen is a hot spring area said to have a history of Approx. 1,200 years since it was opened by Saicho, the founder of Enryakuji Temple on Mount Hiei. It has long flourished as a temple town of Enryakuji and is a popular hot spring destination thanks to its easy access, just Approx. 1 hour from Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, making it easy to fit into a travel itinerary.

Shiga
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

6 May 2026 See More

After visiting Mount Hiei, I highly recommend stopping by Ogoto Onsen for a day-use hot spring experience. It’s a great way to relax after a full day of sightseeing, and you can also enjoy the views of Lake Biwa.

Since the hot spring area is a little far from the station, the free shuttle bus is very useful. It runs on schedule and is especially convenient for independent travelers.

SHIBUYA SKY

An observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape from a height of approximately 230 meters above the ground. Located on the 14th, 45th, 46th and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest building in the Shibuya area, there are three zones: "SKY GATE," "SKY STAGE" and "SKY GALLERY.

Shibuya
Observatories

6 May 2026 See More

Looking out over Tokyo from SHIBUYA SKY is an amazing experience. The open-air observation deck gives you an endless view that makes you feel like you’re blending into the sky. The biggest highlight is being able to see both Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in the same view.

I especially recommend booking an evening time slot so you can enjoy both the sunset glow and the city lights coming on.

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.