W10B's Reviews Page 3/19

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

29 Jun 2026 See More

My favorite place of all.

There’s something almost magical about the reflection at Byodoin—it instantly makes you feel calm. Watching the Phoenix Hall perfectly mirrored on the pond is something I could never get tired of. No matter how many times I see it, I fall in love with it all over again.

Compared with the crowds at Kyoto’s other popular spots, Byodoin has a special elegance.

What I love most is sitting down at the wisteria tea house there, ordering an authentic Uji sencha and dessert, and gazing out at the greenery and garden outside the window. Enjoying that peaceful, Zen-like moment without any interruptions was honestly one of the best parts of my trip. It feels like a secret hideaway just for the people who truly appreciate it.

And the tea is so, so good—I still miss it.

New Chitose Airport

This is the largest airport in Hokkaido which spans Chitose and Tomakomai Cities. With the excellent access to the cities, it is called the aerial gate to Hokkaido. On the two 3000m-long runways, international aircrafts take off and land 24 hours a day.

Chitose and Tomakomai
Airplanes & Airport

28 Jun 2026 See More

It had been many years since my last visit to New Chitose Airport.
After clearing immigration this time, I saw a FamilyMart convenience store right away on the right, so I immediately went over to buy some limited-edition items. The layout was also very convenient. If you go straight, you reach the domestic terminal, where you can catch flights to destinations all over Japan. On B1, you can take the JR train to central Sapporo, and there are also shuttle buses available. The planning and overall setup have really gotten better and better.

Kouri Beach

Located on Kouri Island, just across the Kouri Ohashi Bridge from Yagaji Island in Nago City, this beach features pristine white sand stretching on either side of the bridge, offering a scenic view of Kouri Ohashi Bridge itself.

Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
Nature Spots

25 Jun 2026 See More

The beach below Kouri Ohashi Bridge is the safest choice for playing in the water.
The official swimming season here runs from April to October every year. There are lifeguards on duty, safety nets, and the public facilities nearby are the most complete as well.

Tokei Beach

Located on the northern part of Kouri Island, a small island about 8 km in circumference, Tokei Beach lies beyond Tinu Beach, known for its heart-shaped "Heart Rock." This beautiful beach, split into eastern and western sections by a small peninsula, still features coral remnants.

Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
Nature Spots

25 Jun 2026 See More

It’s really beautiful, and it makes you want to run straight into the water and splash around in the waves. But since it’s a more natural, undeveloped beach, it’s worth noting that there are no public restrooms or shower facilities nearby.

Tinu Beach

Located on the northern side of Kouri Island, a small island surrounded by beautiful emerald-green waters and spanning about 8 km in circumference, Tinu Beach is a popular spot. Known as the "Island of Love" for centuries, Kouri Island draws special attention to Tinu Beach, home to the heart-shaped rock formation, or "Heart Rock," a famous love-themed power spot.

Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
Nature Spots

24 Jun 2026 See More

It looks beautiful from a distance, like two hearts standing in the sea.
Just a quick heads-up: the path to Heart Rock includes a small steep slope and some uneven rocky ground, so be sure to wear comfortable, non-slip sneakers or flat shoes, take it slow, and stay safe.

Sounkyo Onsen

Located within Daisetsuzan National Park, this is one of Hokkaido’s premier hot spring destinations, blessed with dramatic gorge scenery and an abundant supply of hot spring water. Sitting at an elevation of about 670 meters, the area captivates visitors with natural beauty that changes with the seasons. In autumn, the mountains are painted in vivid reds and yellows, while winter transforms the landscape into a vast, shimmering world of snow-each season offering a completely different experience.

Asahikawa and Sounkyo
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

23 Jun 2026 See More

Sounkyo Gorge, nestled between the mountains, is filled with lush greenery as far as the eye can see, and even the air feels crisp and forest-fresh.
With streams accompanying you along the way (definitely take a walk if you get the chance), staying in this hot spring town and enjoying the "three baths a day" experience felt deeply healing for both body and mind.
The biggest surprise was spotting a family of wild deer out for an evening stroll while soaking in the bath. That unexpected encounter with nature was incredibly special. Just watching their graceful movements was amazing, though I have to admit I was a little nervous, worried one of them might suddenly make a bold leap right over to me.

Taisetsu Ji Beer Asahikawa

Taisetsu Ji Beer Asahikawa was designed with snow color, white, and ground color, brown, to feel the nature of Hokkaido. With a maximum seating capacity of 100, visitors can enjoy Hokkaido’s local beer and dishes that go perfectly with the beer in a relaxing atmosphere.

Asahikawa and Sounkyo
Izakaya

23 Jun 2026 See More

The moment I walked in, I was completely surrounded by the amazing smell of grilled meat.
Known for its local craft beer and barbecue, this is definitely the perfect pick for a slightly buzzed night.
Make sure to book ahead, because it’s a popular local spot.

Kogetsu Premium Senju Senbei

In Kyoto, where traditional confectionery shops fiercely compete, it was the "Senju Senbei" that made Kogetsu famous. Since its launch in 1963, this confection has become a long-selling favorite, not just as a Kyoto souvenir but nationwide. In 2022, the beloved Senju Senbei was further refined, resulting in the "Premium Senju Senbei."

Kyoto
Snacks

22 Jun 2026 See More

Senju Senbei is as delicious as ever. This time, I bought the one made with organic matcha from Nakai Seicha, and the matcha flavor was rich and fragrant. If I get the chance next time, I’ll definitely buy more.

Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center

The Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center provides tourist information mainly for the Asahikawa city and nearby Daisetsuzan area. In addition to providing tourist information, the center also has a sales area and a food and beverage corner to promote the attractions of Asahikawa City and the northern Hokkaido area, and also provides tourist information for foreign visitors.

Asahikawa and Sounkyo
Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

17 Jun 2026 See More

Asahikawa Tourism and Local Products Information Center
They offer local specialties and tourist information. In the summer, they also rent bicycles, so if you want to slow down and relax here, you can ride around and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the city.

Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden

Connected to Asahikawa Station, Asahikawa Kitasaito Garden is placed in a rare location - in the middle of a city. Passing the west concourse of the station and reaching the “Shopping Park” in the city, you can appreciate the grand Chubetsu River and the rich nature in the northern land.

Asahikawa and Sounkyo
Parks & Gardens

17 Jun 2026 See More

Cleverly integrated behind Asahikawa Station and along the Chubetsu River, this place creates a green urban oasis with a modern design that stretches toward the city center. It’s a great spot for Asahikawa residents to exercise or take a walk, and it also gives short-term visitors a place to relax.
In winter, it is turned into a ski park and offers a simple skiing experience.