楊雅雯's Reviews Page 3/14

Walking into Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of Japan's Soto Zen school, the solemn old wooden buildings intertwined with the snow-covered mountains instantly made me feel as if I had traveled through time. Founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, it remains the spiritual center of Soto Zen to this day. Throughout the visit, I wore the slippers thoughtfully provided by the temple and slowly admired the wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and the stunning painted ceiling in Sanshokaku Hall. Once I looked up, I could hardly bring myself to leave! The snow fell silently, and the entire temple was so peaceful that I couldn't help but slow down. No wonder it's called a “sacred place for zazen”--on this trip, it felt like even my heart grew quiet.

I really loved the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins! It's about a 30-minute ride from the west exit of Fukui Station. This castle town once flourished for a hundred years during the Warring States period, but now only peace and greenery remain, making it feel like a secluded paradise untouched by the world. I strolled through the ruins, admired the restored Karamon Gate and samurai residences, and imagined the prosperity of Echizen under five generations of the Asakura clan. The castle town was burned down by Oda's forces in 1573, and archaeological excavations have now brought its former appearance back to life. This was the place on my Fukui trip that surprised me and that I really liked!

When you come to Fukui, you definitely shouldn't miss Dinosaur Plaza at the west exit of Fukui Station! As soon as you walk out of the station, you're greeted by giant dinosaurs and striking dinosaur murals, as if you've suddenly traveled back to the Jurassic period. The most interesting part is that the dinosaurs in the plaza aren't just models—they move and roar with sound and light effects. They're so lifelike that you'll really jump when they suddenly make a sound! Look up and you'll also see spectacular dinosaur murals that look impressive in every photo. No wonder Fukui is called the "Land of Dinosaurs." Dinosaur fans can take so many photos just outside the station that they won't want to leave, without even having to visit a separate attraction!

While visiting Fukui City, I made a special trip to Yokokan Garden. Formerly known as Osensui Yashiki, it is a Japanese garden where the residence and pond blend together beautifully. Admission is only JPY 220. Although the garden isn't large, every detail is exquisite. The huge pond is crystal clear, with colorful koi swimming through it, and the rustic sukiya-style building seems to float on the water. After taking off your shoes, you can sit on the tatami and look out from different angles, where the pond, unusual rocks, greenery, and koi come together like natural landscape paintings. The peaceful, elegant surroundings make you instinctively slow down and fully appreciate the tranquility and beauty of a traditional Japanese garden.

As soon as I walked out of Fukui Shinkansen Station, I was blown away by all the dinosaurs! The enormous dinosaurs seem to have traveled through time to welcome visitors. They not only look incredibly realistic, but there are also all kinds of interactive displays and photo spots, so every casual shot looks impressive.

Fukui is famous in Japan for its dinosaur fossil discoveries, and the area around the station fully showcases its identity as the “Dinosaur Kingdom.” Arriving in Fukui by Shinkansen, you can get a whole collection of great dinosaur photos before your trip even begins. It's so much fun!

If you like dinosaurs, you definitely shouldn't miss this place. A must-visit for dinosaur fans!

My first time at Tojinbo Cliffs, and the sheer scale of the view really took my breath away! The towering columnar-jointed rock walls stretch along the coast, with rough waves constantly crashing against the cliffs. Even from the shore, you can feel the incredible power of nature. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Sea of Japan along the walking path, or take a sightseeing boat for a close-up view of the spectacular cliffs from the water. I heard there's also a legend about a monk behind the name Tojinbo, adding an air of mystery. The sea breeze is strong and the terrain is quite rugged, so be sure to stay safe when taking photos. This breathtaking coastal scenery is truly worth experiencing in person!

Our next stop was Kumagawa-juku on the Saba Kaido. Mackerel from Wakasa Bay was very popular with people in Kyoto, so large quantities were transported to Kyoto along the Wakasa Kaido. As the Saba Kaido flourished, Kumagawa-juku gradually developed into a bustling post town. Today, the townscape from the Edo to Showa periods has been preserved, and the area is designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings. Although it's in a remote location and doesn't get many visitors, nearly every old house has a strong old-fashioned charm. It's very pleasant to stroll around, and it really feels like traveling back in time. It's definitely worth a visit!

Kehi Jingu Shrine is a famous ancient shrine in Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, and the ichinomiya of the former Echizen Province. Since ancient times, it has been known as the “Guardian Shrine of the Hokuriku Region.” This time, I took a taxi from JR Tsuruga Station, and it was quite convenient. The overall atmosphere is solemn and peaceful, and you feel a special sense of calm as soon as you enter the grounds. It is also said to be a spiritual power spot, and many people come specifically to worship and pray for safety and good luck. What impressed me most was the towering vermilion torii gate, which has a commanding presence. It is well worth visiting in person to experience the charm of this ancient shrine.

Rainbow Line Summit Park is really worth visiting! It takes about 3 minutes by cable car to reach the summit of Mount Baijodake. I recommend trying the single-seat chairlift—you can skip the line and enjoy the mountain breeze all the way up, which is both thrilling and fun. There are five observation decks at the summit, offering 360-degree views of the magnificent Mikata Five Lakes and the Sea of Japan. When the weather is nice, the scenery is so beautiful you won't want to leave. Although the park isn't very large, it also has a teahouse, café, shrine, and a free sky footbath where you can soak your feet while enjoying the view. It takes about an hour to explore at a leisurely pace, or two hours is just right if you want to have coffee or something to eat!

Mikata Five Lakes is such a beautiful place that it makes me want to visit again! I took the cable car up the mountain and rode one by myself for the first time, which made it especially memorable. On the way up, the blue sky and deep blue lakes, along with the colorful roses, created scenery so beautiful I didn't want to blink. From the mountaintop terrace, you can look out over the lakes in five different shades of blue, and the view is very expansive. There weren't many visitors that day, and the fresh air and quiet atmosphere made me feel completely relaxed. This trip was really worth it. If you have a chance to visit Fukui, definitely stop by!