金己田's Reviews Page 6/14

Mishima Taisha

The exact founding date of Mishima Taisha is unclear, but it is believed to have a history of over 1,300 years, as evidenced by records in ancient Nara and Heian period documents. Known as the Ichinomiya of Izu, the shrine is famous for where Minamoto no Yoritomo, exiled to Izu, prayed for the revival of the Genji clan with his wife, Hojo Masako.

Shizuoka
Shrines & Temples

10 May 2026 See More

I visited Mishima Taisha in January. Although the winter scenery felt a little subdued, the shape of the branches made it easy to imagine how spectacular it must be when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
As an important center of faith in the Izu area, the shrine was steadily busy on Saturday morning, but it didn't have the noisiness of a typical tourist attraction. Most of the visitors seemed to be locals coming with their families for Hatsumode, and there was still a strong New Year's atmosphere in the air.

Byodoin Omotesando

This historic Omotesando (main approach) leads to the main gate of the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station and immediately across the Uji Bridge from Keihan Uji Station, it is easily accessible from both stations.

Kyoto
Shopping Streets

9 May 2026 See More

Both sides of the approach to Byodoin are lined with many long-established matcha shops with a lot of history. If you visit closer to the evening, after the crowds have thinned out, you can better appreciate the street’s original quiet charm.

On the day of my visit, I chose a shop near the Uji River. Sitting in its elegant second-floor seating area, I enjoyed matcha while taking in the view of the river. The peaceful atmosphere made me fall in love with Uji instantly.

Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple

Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple is the overarching name for a sought after collective of sacred halls, pagodas, and sub-temples. It’s said that Shodo Shonin initially founded the Shihonryuji Temple, which went on to be the first of Nikko’s temples.

Tochigi
Shrines & Temples

9 May 2026 See More

Visiting Rinnoji Temple in the fall was especially beautiful. The vermilion Sanbutsudo Hall stood out beautifully against the surrounding autumn leaves, and the beauty of Nikko’s shrines and temples really comes from the harmony between the architecture and nature.

Inside the main hall, the three massive Buddha statues were truly impressive. Photography is not allowed inside, which actually helps you focus on appreciating the statues.

Inuyama Castle Town

This castle town stretches south from Inuyama Castle, a famous castle built in 1537 and designated a National Treasure. Miraculously spared from the ravages of war for more than 480 years, both the castle and castle town still retain the original town layout based on the defensive castle structure known as sogamae. With its old-world atmosphere and manageable size, it is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Aichi
Tourist Attractions

8 May 2026 See More

Inuyama Castle Town is similar to many historic streets in Japan, with traditional buildings that have been turned into charming shops. But the atmosphere here doesn’t feel overly commercialized, and the whole area feels much more relaxed.

As you walk along the old-fashioned streets, Inuyama Castle appears at the end of the road. Grabbing a local gohei mochi skewer, you can almost imagine that this is how people lived back in the Edo period.

Lake Kawaguchi (Kawaguchi-ko)

Lake Kawaguchi is known as one of the five Fuji lakes and is a popular spot because of its spectacular view of Mt. Fuji. The lakeside is filled with cherry blossoms in the spring, purple lavender in early summer, and autumn leaves in the fall, making each season a different and beautiful sight. Lake Kawaguchi is also known for having the only "island" and "bridge" in the Fuji Five Lakes.

Yamanashi
Nature Spots

8 May 2026 See More

Lake Kawaguchi is quite large, so I’d recommend starting with a stroll around the Funatsu-hama Onsen area. There are lots of great places to eat and shop there, and it’s a perfect spot to pick up souvenirs.

If you want to take that classic photo of Mt. Fuji with the lake, head to Ubuyagasaki. It’s not too crowded, so you can take your time composing shots and enjoying the view.

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.