楊雅雯's Reviews Page 10/14

This time I visited Lake Furen, a place with relatively few tourists. Without bustling crowds, it was easier to quietly appreciate the beauty of Hokkaido's untouched nature.

Lake Furen is known as a wintering ground for whooper swans, and if you're lucky, you may see flocks of them resting by the lake. The vast lake, wetlands, and surrounding natural scenery create a very peaceful atmosphere. There are none of the crowds found at popular attractions, giving it a more relaxed and unspoiled feel. If you enjoy natural scenery, this place is definitely worth saving.

When visiting one of Japan's northernmost shrines, of course you can't miss taking home a precious goshuin from Japan's northernmost shrine. There's also a unique little touch near the shrine entrance: the hand-washing station automatically dispenses water, which I found convenient and interesting. Besides enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this northern shrine, don't forget to get a goshuin as a special keepsake from your trip.

When visiting Sapporo, Hokkaido Shrine is definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Located in Maruyama Park, it has a different charm in every season and a steady stream of worshippers.

This historic shrine is not only an important center of worship in Hokkaido, but also offers its own special beauty, whether you're viewing cherry and plum blossoms in spring or enjoying the snowy scenery in winter.

Once inside the shrine grounds, away from the noise of the city, there's a peaceful and solemn atmosphere, making it especially pleasant to stroll around. If you happen to visit during the Sapporo Festival in June, you can also experience the lively atmosphere of a traditional Hokkaido festival.

Maruyama Park is a popular place in central Sapporo for enjoying nature and relaxing. Strolling through the park, you'll find lush greenery and peaceful surroundings, along with a unique atmosphere where nature and shrine culture come together.

It's said to be very beautiful in spring when the cherry and plum blossoms bloom at the same time, while in fall, the entire park turns red with maple leaves. Both are very charming seasons.

Unfortunately, this visit wasn't during the popular flower season, so I didn't get to see the cherry blossoms or fall foliage. But looking at all the greenery from a different perspective had its own special charm.

Hokkaido really does look different in every season!

When I arrived at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido, I was immediately captivated by the lake and mountain scenery. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is clear and pristine, and together with the vast natural landscape, the whole view was so beautiful that it made me feel calm. In summer, you can also take a sightseeing boat and admire Lake Shikotsu's beauty from a different angle.

I really like places like this, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, where simply looking at the scenery feels so soothing. It's just that this trip was too rushed, and my stay was far too short. I had to leave before I'd seen enough.

On the way from Abashiri to Memanbetsu Airport, I unexpectedly came across this scenery that made me want to stop.

The rolling hills and open fields, paired with Hokkaido's expansive sky, make it feel like stepping into a fairy-tale world—simple yet full of charm.

There's a convenient parking lot here, making it a nice place to stop along the way, take some photos, enjoy the scenery, and experience the relaxing and soothing atmosphere of the Hokkaido countryside.

You don't need to set aside much time. Even a brief stop lets you take in a beautiful Hokkaido landscape.

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.

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.

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.

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!