楊雅雯's Reviews Page 1/5

Miyazaki Jingu Shrine

This shrine is the crown jewel of Miyazaki, and it worships the first Emperor Jimmu. Alongside the emperor, his parents, the god Ugayafuki-Aezu-no-Mikoto, and goddess Tamayorimi-Himenokoto is worshiped. Visitors pray to the altars in hope for being successful in education, business, and maternity. The festivals in October is dubbed “Jimmu-sama”, and is attended by many.

• Miyazaki
• Shrines & Temples

Visiting Miyazaki Jingu Shrine really feels like stepping into a shrine in the middle of a forest. It enshrines Emperor Jimmu, Japan's first emperor, and his parents, so it has long been a popular shrine where locals pray for marital harmony, a safe delivery, their children's well-being, success on exams, and victory. Walking along the approach lined with towering cedar trees, you naturally slow down, surrounded by the pleasant scent of the forest.
If you're visiting Miyazaki, I recommend taking some time to stop by. It's not just about worshiping; it feels more like a walk through the forest, where you can experience Miyazaki's most relaxed and historic side.

Lake Ikeda

Located in the southeastern part of the Satsuma Peninsula, Lake Ikeda is the largest lake in Kyushu, boasting a circumference of 15 km and a depth of 233 meters. Formed over 5,000 years ago through volcanic activity, it took shape after six major eruptions in the surrounding area, eventually becoming the caldera lake it is today.

• Kagoshima
• Nature Spots

I was really looking forward to capturing the dreamy view of blue skies over Lake Ikeda with Mount Kaimon, the “Satsuma Fuji,” in the background. Unfortunately, the weather didn’t cooperate, and it was cloudy the entire time. Still, Lake Ikeda was very appealing! It’s one of the largest lakes in Kyushu and a crater lake formed by a volcanic eruption more than 5,000 years ago. The lake is incredibly vast, and walking along the shore was very relaxing. Although there was no sunshine, the lake had a peaceful quality that gave it a different kind of charm.

HUIS TEN BOSCH

This is the largest theme park in Japan, with beautiful European-like cityscapes and a canal that leads to the sea. The park is decorated with seasonal flowers and illuminations and has a wide range of the latest attractions. The park is also filled with excitement and a moving experience through a variety of events.

• Nagasaki
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Coming to HUIS TEN BOSCH really feels like being transported to Europe in an instant. The park is huge, and everywhere you go there are fairy-tale streetscapes, canals, castles, and fields of flowers. Every corner is photogenic, and every picture looks like a postcard. There are also plenty of rides and attractions. Even after spending the whole day there, it still felt like there was more to do.
The only slight disappointment was that it was cloudy that day. With blue skies, fields of flowers, and European-style buildings, the photos would definitely have looked even dreamier and felt more like a European vacation. But looking at it another way, the cloudy weather made it less hot and sunny while walking around, and I still took tons of beautiful photos!
If I get the chance, I'll definitely come back on a clear, sunny day and capture HUIS TEN BOSCH at its most beautiful.

Kyushu Railway History Museum

Located in the Mojiko Retro District, this railroad museum is housed in a Meiji-era red brick building that was the former headquarters of Kyushu Railway Company. The museum exhibits old rolling stock, uniforms of past station staff, and railroad equipment, and is fun not only for railroad fans but also for the whole family.

• Kitakyushu
• Museums

If you're planning to visit Mojiko, the Kyushu Railway History Museum is definitely worth stopping by! Even if you're not a railroad fan, you'll still find yourself having a great time exploring it.
The museum is housed in a renovated red-brick building from the Meiji era, giving it a historic, retro feel. It was also once the headquarters of the Kyushu Railway Company. As soon as you enter, you can experience the story of Kyushu's railways through trains from different eras, station uniforms, and all kinds of railroad equipment.
My favorite part was the train-driving simulator. It felt incredibly realistic, letting you experience driving a train from Mojiko Station as if you were the conductor! There's also an exhibit featuring the classic Tsubame train, which is a major highlight for many railroad fans.
The museum includes the main building, a rolling stock exhibition area, a mini railway park, and a locomotive display area. Adults can revisit railway history, while kids can have a great time. It's a great place for the whole family to explore at a leisurely pace and take photos. If you're visiting the Mojiko Retro District, be sure to add it to your itinerary. It's more interesting than you might expect!

Oasis 21

The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

This was my first visit to Oasis 21. I thought it was just a transit hub, but it completely blew me away at night!
The glass roof, known as the “Spaceship-Aqua,” is truly unique. You can stroll across it while enjoying nighttime views of the entire Sakae area. Once the lights come on, the nearby Nagoya TV Tower lights up too, creating a gorgeous scene. Even casual phone shots turn out great. I recommend visiting around sunset so you can experience both the daytime and nighttime atmosphere. It’s definitely worth adding to your Nagoya itinerary.

Nagoya Castle

One of the largest castles in Japan, built in the early Edo period on the orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Edo shogunate, the five-story castle tower is topped with shining two Kinshachi, one male and one female that has become a symbol of Nagoya.

• Nagoya
• Tourist Attractions

It was drizzling when I visited Nagoya Castle. I thought there might be fewer people, but I was way off—it’s a popular attraction, so it was still packed with tourists!
Nagoya Castle truly deserves its reputation as one of Japan’s three great castles. The most eye-catching feature is the pair of gleaming golden shachihoko atop the castle tower. They stood out even more against the gray sky and looked incredibly majestic. As I slowly explored the grounds, every corner felt steeped in history, and the rain added a unique atmosphere. This is definitely worth including in your Nagoya itinerary. It’s not only beautiful for photos, but also offers a wonderful glimpse into the Edo period.

Sushi Dai

Located inside the bustling Toyosu Market-Tokyo’s hub for fresh seafood-Sushi Dai is a famous sushi restaurant that consistently draws long lines. Being situated within the market allows the chefs direct access to top-quality ingredients. The head chef’s expert judgment ensures only the very best seafood is selected, prioritizing freshness and flavor over brand or origin.

• Tsukiji, Odaiba, Toyosu
• Japanese Cuisine

One of the must-try restaurants at Toyosu Market is Sushi Dai. I thought arriving early would be enough, but when I got there a little after 6:00 a.m., there was already a long line. People really go all out for a taste of this fresh sushi!

The wait takes patience, but the moment I sat down and tried the first piece, I knew it was worth it. The chefs prepare each piece right in front of you. The fish is fresh with a subtle sweetness, and every bite highlights the natural flavor of the ingredients. Simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

AFURI Ebisu

Located just a 3-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this stylish ramen shop specializes in tanrei-kei (light and refined) ramen, crafted with pure natural spring water from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and a carefully simmered blend of chicken and seafood. AFURI has expanded from Tokyo to Kanagawa, Hokkaido, and even overseas in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Ebisu branch is open until 5 a.m. and operates as a completely cashless restaurant.

• Meguro, Ebisu
• Ramen

If you always order tonkotsu ramen, it’s definitely worth switching things up!

AFURI is best known for its yuzu shio ramen. The broth is light and refreshing, with the savory flavors of chicken and seafood plus a subtle hint of yuzu that makes a great first impression. I was worried it might taste bland, but not at all—it became more delicious with every sip, and I couldn’t resist finishing the entire bowl of broth. This is a great choice when you’re craving ramen but don’t want anything too rich or greasy.

Yakiago Shio Ramen Takahashi, Shinjuku Main Store

An elegant Japanese-style ramen restaurant. The soup combines a broth made from domestic pork bones and chicken carcass, with the main ingredient being "Yakiago" - flying fish dried and grilled. Multiple types of seafood broth are layered in the mix. For the salt seasoning, "Yakiago" prepared using Takahashi's unique method is used, combining broth extracted at two different temperatures with salt from Okinawa. The refined and delicious flavor of the premium ingredient "Yakiago" is a highlight.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Ramen

This popular spot definitely lives up to the hype! I came in just to give it a try and ended up becoming a huge fan. The grilled flying fish broth was incredibly aromatic, and the noodles soaked up all that flavor. Every bite was so satisfying. I kept thinking about giving up while waiting in line, but after eating, all I could say was, “I’m so glad I stayed!”

St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo

Located on a hill in Sekiguchi, Bunkyo Ward, this Catholic church has a long and storied history. It began in 1899 as a wooden Gothic-style chapel built for the École Française des Dames de Saint-Maur. In 1900, it became the chapel of the Sekiguchi Parish, and by 1920, it was elevated to serve as the Cathedral of Tokyo.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Museums

On this trip to Tokyo, I made a special pilgrimage to see this stunning cathedral!
I followed Google Maps from Gokokuji Station but ended up winding through residential neighborhoods. I later learned that coming from Edogawabashi Station is much easier.
It rained all day, but that didn’t take away from its beauty at all. The building’s curves are incredible. It’s hard to imagine that something so fluid and structurally beautiful was designed by hand before computer modeling existed. The more I looked, the more I admired the architect.
The interior was even more impressive. The exterior is sleek and minimalist, while the inside features raw exposed concrete with natural light streaming through the gaps. The whole space feels quiet and sacred, and you naturally slow down as you walk through it.