楊雅雯's Reviews Page 6/14

Lake Towada is a stunning lake sculpted by nature over countless years, and it is also one of the most iconic attractions in Japan's Tohoku region. The water is clear and tranquil, surrounded by mountains. I can imagine that in autumn, the golden beech trees and crimson maple leaves reflected on the lake must look as beautiful as a painting. We visited in summer this time. Although it lacked the romance of the red fall foliage, it had a fresh, lush green summer charm instead. Looking out over the expansive lake, I couldn't help but marvel at the beauty of nature.

Mito Castle is the former residence of the Nanbu clan in northern Oshu. Today, only historical ruins and a replica castle tower remain. Admission is just JPY 220, and there are many historical artifacts on display, including real armor. Although the building is somewhat old and even a little damp, the view from the top floor is quite nice. There are very few tourists here, and the overall atmosphere is peaceful, making it a great place to explore at a leisurely pace for those who enjoy Japanese history and lesser-known attractions.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Tsutanuma Pond ranks among the most memorable places I’ve ever visited.

Be sure to set your navigation to "Tsuta Onsen Hotel," since searching for "Tsutanuma Pond" directly may not bring it up. You can park in the hotel’s free parking lot, then follow the signs and walk about 10 minutes to reach the pond.

As you walk into the forest, the trees are so dense that you can barely see the sky, and the whole trail feels like an adventure through a hidden place. The path is made of PU material, so it feels soft and comfortable underfoot. If you take a leisurely walk and stop for photos, it won’t take too long to finish.

The weather was perfect that day, and with the sunlight streaming through the trees, Tsutanuma Pond was so beautiful that I couldn’t stop taking pictures. I’ve heard it’s even more magical when the maple leaves turn red in fall. I’d really like to come back if I get the chance.

After visiting Tsutanuma Pond, we happened to see a sign for Suirennuma Pond on the way to Sukayu Onsen and decided on the spot to park and walk in for a look. We kept seeing warnings about bears along the way, and with almost no one around, the walk was honestly a little nerve-racking.

It didn’t take long to reach the observation deck, with the Hakkoda Mountains right in front of us. The weather was great that day, and the Asian skunk cabbages blooming in the marsh were quite beautiful. The bamboo groves rustling in the wind made it feel like a secluded, hidden place.

We were worried about running into a bear, so we left quickly after taking photos. I later found out that the fall foliage here is even more spectacular. I’d really like to come back if I get the chance!

Takayama Inari Shrine is famous for its spectacular Senbon Torii. Although it’s relatively inconvenient to get to, if you’re not driving, you’ll need to take a bus and then walk for about 40 minutes, or take a taxi for about 5 minutes. But it’s definitely worth making a special trip! The vermilion torii gates stretch on and on, creating a dreamlike scene, and during cherry blossom season, they’re incredibly beautiful. Even if you visit outside the flowering season, it’s still impressive, and there are relatively few international tourists, so you can leisurely enjoy the tranquility and beautiful scenery.

Cape Tappi is at the northernmost tip of the Tsugaru Peninsula, and from the cape, you can gaze out over the vast Tsugaru Strait. This time, I took the JR and Resort Asunaro trains from Aomori Station and arrived in about two hours. The scenery kept changing along the way, and the clear weather made the journey even better! At Kanita Station, I was also lucky enough to see the Train Suite Shiki-shima returning from Hokkaido. This unexpected little surprise made the trip even more memorable.

Finally made it to Cape Kamui, a place I've always wanted to visit! The cape is surrounded by the crystal-clear azure sea known as “Shakotan Blue,” and the scenery was truly breathtaking. That day, the sky was blue with white clouds and plenty of sunshine, so every photo looked like a postcard. Although there were quite a few visitors around noon, the trail was gentle and easy to walk, though the sea breeze was extremely strong. There are also mysterious legends along the way, making the trip even more interesting. Seeing this deep blue sea with my own eyes was truly worth it!

Otaru is really perfect for strolling around and exploring at a leisurely pace. This time, I visited Tanaka Sake Brewing. The century-old brewery has so much character, with its wooden architecture and strong traditional Japanese atmosphere. You can sample sake and plum wine inside, and Chinese-language service is also available, making it easy to browse. It doesn't feel overly commercial; instead, it has a simple, warm quality. If you like Japan's historic streets and long-established shops, I highly recommend stopping by while you're in Otaru to experience a taste of old Hokkaido.

If you're visiting Otaru, I really recommend planning a trip to Mt. Tengu!

Take Bus No. 9 from bus stop No. 4 at Otaru Station, ride it all the way to the last stop, and then take the ropeway up the mountain.

There weren't too many visitors before noon, so there was almost no wait for the ropeway. As it climbed, we watched the scenery through the windows. Once we reached the summit, we had sweeping views of downtown Otaru, the harbor, and the endless sea. The scenery was really beautiful!

Mt. Tengu also has plenty of fun attractions in summer. Besides enjoying the scenery, you can visit the chipmunk park. Admission is free, and you can buy food to feed them for JPY 300.

The speed at which the chipmunks devour sunflower seeds is honestly ridiculous. As soon as you have the food in your hand, it's gone in an instant, giving you no chance to feed them slowly. Watching them eat up close is unbelievably cute and so soothing!

If you visit Otaru, Mt. Tengu is definitely worth adding to your itinerary〜

You can enjoy the ocean views, ride the ropeway, and feed the chipmunks during the day. The whole outing is relaxing and fun!

It's about a 1-minute walk from Motomachi Park, on the right side of Motoi-zaka Slope heading toward Hakodate Port. This consulate experienced two fires and was later rebuilt during the Showa era. It is now a Tangible Cultural Property of Hakodate City.

I originally expected the consulate to feel like a very formal government building, but up close, it actually looked more like a large European-style estate. There are double gates at the front, and a simple landscaped garden in the courtyard, giving the whole place a distinctive look. What caught my attention most was the roof. It uses traditional Japanese roof tiles paired with a blue-and-white color scheme, which unexpectedly gives it a Mediterranean feel and makes it very different from the typical image of an old Japanese building.

We stopped here briefly to take some photos, then continued walking toward the Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse〜As you stroll through Hakodate's Motomachi area, every building has its own character, making it a nice place to explore and take photos along the way.