金己田's Reviews Page 5/12

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

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

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

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

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.

Atami Sun Beach

This beach is a swimmers’ favorite in summer with a dozen firework shows above the ocean. The shore is lined with palm trees along 400m with the beautiful white sand against the blue sky and the waves are calm in the shoal. You will fall in love with this exotic-looking beach.

• Shizuoka
• Famous Places

Atami is nestled between the mountains and the sea. Walking along the hillside roads gave me a familiar feeling, like being in Beitou. But the closer I got to the shore, the more it felt like a vacation destination.

Exploring along the coast was so relaxing. The laid-back atmosphere made me want to stop and just sit on the beach, zone out, and listen to the sound of the waves. It was incredibly soothing.

Dotonbori

Crab, octopus, cow, crane….these are just a few of the oversized 3D signboards that make up the look and feel of the bustling Dotonbori Area. Its packed with a number of eateries along the northern Dotonbori River and main street along its southern side.

• Osaka
• Famous Places

Osaka’s nights are lit up by the neon of Dotonbori. Crowds flow through nonstop, and the lively, buzzing atmosphere feels like a city that never sleeps. It’s a symbol of Osaka and the city’s energy.

Ise Jingu

Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".

• Mie
• Shrines & Temples

Ise Jingu is said to be a place every Japanese person should visit at least once in their lifetime, and I’ve been there twice!
The first time, I underestimated the travel time and could only rush through the Inner Shrine. This time, I gave it another try and successfully visited both the Inner Shrine and the Outer Shrine.

Travel guides say the proper order is to visit the Outer Shrine first and then the Inner Shrine, so we took the Kintetsu train from Toba to Iseshi Station. As soon as you exit the station, you can see a huge torii gate, and straight ahead is the approach to the Outer Shrine. There are quite a few tasteful shops lining both sides of the path. On the shrine grounds, the irises by Magatama Pond had already started to bloom. Walking along the gravel path surrounded by greenery on both sides, we finally arrived at the main shrine to pray.

After that, we took a bus to the Inner Shrine. The Isuzu River was as clear as ever and left an unforgettable impression. Finishing my visit to the Inner Shrine truly made up for the regret I had carried for years.

Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District

Centered on Shikemichi, a street in Nishi Ward, Nagoya, the Shikemichi Townscape Preservation District extends around Ofunamachi-dori. The Shikemichi area is a castle town that prospered thanks to merchants using water transport on the Horikawa Canal, which was excavated in 1610 along with the construction of Nagoya Castle.

• Nagoya
• Tourist Attractions

I started my morning walk in Nagoya at Shikemichi.
The old warehouses have been beautifully preserved here, and it was nice to just wander around with no real plan, weaving through the little alleys.
I picked a cafe for a Nagoya-style breakfast, then strolled over to the Endoji Shopping Street. It has a Showa-era vibe and wasn’t too crowded with tourists.
It felt like spending a whole morning watching time unfold.

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

As soon as we got in, we headed straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Seeing Hogsmeade from the books and movies brought to life right in front of us was honestly so moving.

Of course we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks too. Eating by the lake with Hogwarts in view, plus a cup of Butterbeer, was such a treat!

The parade is also something you absolutely shouldn’t miss. As soon as the music starts, you just want to dance along. The energetic dancers lead the floats forward, and everyone is so into it, putting on an amazing show for the crowd. Halfway through, guests are allowed to get up close to the floats and dance with the Minions, and it really feels like you’re part of the world yourself!

Byodoin

An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

The image of Byodoin Phoenix Hall is not just something you see on the 10-yen coin. Seeing it right in front of me in real life, with its symmetrical vermilion architecture reflected on the water, it had such a solemn and sacred atmosphere. So this is what the Pure Land in this world looks like.
However, when I went inside, there was a विशाल Buddha statue seated there. Even though I only partly understood the Japanese explanation, just being there filled me with joy and made my heart feel incredibly calm.