金己田's Reviews Page 8/9

Tokyo Station: Marunouchi Station Building

The construction of Japan’s front gate, Tokyo Station, began in March, 1908 and it was opened in December, 1914. Kingo Tatsuno, the pioneer of modern architecture in Japan, designed it. The steel-framed, brick Marunouchi Station building was burned on the roof and interior in the 1945 air raid.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Tourist Attractions

26 Feb 2026 See More

When you think of Tokyo, besides Tokyo Tower, it’s got to be Tokyo Station, right?
Surrounded by all the skyscrapers in Marunouchi, I can’t help wondering how much history Tokyo Station has witnessed since it opened in 1914.
I took this photo in Marunouchi Square, and it really captures Tokyo’s mix of tradition and innovation. For me, getting to Tokyo Station feels like I can finally say, “I’m home!”—it’s just so comforting.

TOKYO SKYTREE(R) TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN(R)

Boasting a height of 634 meters, TOKYO SKYTREE is the world’s tallest free-standing tower which stands in the center of TOKYO SKYTREE TOWN surrounded by tourist facilities. The tower has two observation decks, Tembo Deck at a height of 350 meters and Tembo Galleria at 450 meters.

Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
Observatories

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.

Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
Nature Spots

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Oyama Afuri Shrine

Oyama is a hill often covered in clouds. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as a holy mountain to pray for rain. That's why a Shinto shrine was built here. Divided into a lower shrine and the main shrine on the peak, a cable car brings worshippers to the lower shrine.

Kamakura
Shrines & Temples

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple

As the principal object of worship at Kotoku-in temple (officially known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji), the Buddhist statue of Amida Nyorai enjoys tremendous popularity among the famous spots of Kamakura. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is familiar for the intensity of its presence.

Kamakura
Shrines & Temples

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Hasedera temple (Kamakura)

Hasedera Temple, often referred to as "Hase Kannon," is known as one of the most scenic spots in Kamakura. The principal deity is the statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, with 11 faces. Standing at 9.18 meters high, it is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan.

Kamakura
Shrines & Temples

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium

The only aquarium in Yamagata by the coast of Tsuruoka City, which exhibits more than 60 species of jellyfish. It is known for the world’s top care and different kinds of exhibitions.

Yamagata
Zoos & Aquariums

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Nakayama Senmaida

Located in the Nakayama district, known for its Nakayama Rural Kabuki Stage, in the central part of Shodoshima, the Nakayama Senmaida terraced rice fields are a sight to behold, with about 800 large and small terraces overlapping on sloping land at an altitude of 150-250 meters.

Kagawa

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Teuchi Jyudan Udon Baka Ichidai

Udon Baka Ichidai is about 7 minutes on foot from Kotoden Kawaramachi Station, and is a famous Udon restaurant that has lines forming outside. The restaurant is covered by the media, such as on TV and in magazines, and is visited by many famous people.

Takamatsu
Japanese Cuisine

26 Feb 2026 See More

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.

Sightseeing Train KAIRI

The sightseeing train KAIRI, operated by JR East, runs between Niigata Station and Sakata Station in Yamagata Prefecture. The train’s name combines the characters for “sea” and “land,” representing the rich natural scenery and food culture of Niigata and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. The train consists of four cars: Car 1 has reclining seats, Car 2 has compartment seats, Car 3 has a shop and event space, and Car 4 is a dining car.

Niigata
Yamagata
Trains & Subway

26 Feb 2026 See More

Racing from the snowy country all the way to the Sea of Japan, the name “KAIRI” comes from that very image.
Starting from Niigata, the endless white snowy landscape outside the window is gradually replaced by the magnificent deep blue of the Sea of Japan. That’s a unique charm of riding it in winter.