楊雅雯's Reviews Page 8/17

When visiting Matsushima, besides taking a sightseeing cruise, I also highly recommend visiting Zuiganji Temple, one of the Tohoku region's foremost ancient temples with a thousand-year history. Admission for adults is JPY 1,000, and there are several paid parking lots nearby for about JPY 300 per hour. The temple grounds include a museum, the kuri, and the main hall, all simple and solemn, with a strong sense of history. I spent about an hour exploring at a leisurely pace and taking in the beauty of the temple. If you're traveling to Matsushima, it's a good idea to visit Zuiganji Temple and take a cruise on the same day, so you can experience the mountains, sea, and historic temple all at once.

Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Scenic Views, is truly breathtaking! We took a local train from Sendai, passing from underground stations through residential areas, fields, and lush green forests before arriving at Matsushima-Kaigan Station by the sea about 40 minutes later. The small islands scattered across the bay looked like a natural Japanese garden. The weather was perfect that day, with blue skies reflected in the turquoise sea, so every photo came out beautifully! Besides strolling around and enjoying the scenery, don't forget to take a sightseeing cruise to admire this iconic view from the water. It's definitely worth visiting in person.

The Matsushima sightseeing cruise is really worth taking! Seeing Matsushima, one of Japan's Three Great Views, up close from the water is beautiful. On a clear day, the deep blue sea and all the islands are so stunning you won't want to blink. The tickets aren't expensive, so don't miss it when you visit Matsushima! Even more surprising, there were only a little over 10 people on my boat, including me. I couldn't help thinking, “Can they really make money like this?” Being able to enjoy the scenery so leisurely was also a rare experience. If you get the chance, please come and support them.

When you visit Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture, don't miss the charming Miyagi Prefecture Matsushima Rikyu! About a 5-minute walk from Matsushima-Kaigan Station, this new landmark, which opened in 2020, brings together food, shopping, activities, and beautiful scenery. You can stroll around the first floor and enjoy oysters and desserts, while the second floor offers workshops, a museum, and other activities. I especially recommend going up to the rooftop garden for panoramic views of Matsushima Bay and a relaxing time in the sea breeze. It's a great place to spend half a day or even a full day exploring at your own pace.

Towada Shrine is located on the shore of Lake Towada and is a well-known spiritual spot in the Tohoku region, famous for its "Uranai-ba," where fortunes are told. As you walk along the lakeshore toward the shrine, you are surrounded by dense forest. The atmosphere is especially peaceful and secluded, making you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle. If you're planning a day trip to Lake Towada, I highly recommend including the lake, a sightseeing boat cruise, and Towada Shrine in your itinerary. Besides enjoying the beautiful lake and mountain scenery, you can also experience the shrine's unique, mysterious atmosphere. It's well worth stopping by for a walk.

The Statue of Maidens on the shore of Lake Towada is the final work of renowned Japanese poet and sculptor Kotaro Takamura, and one of the lake's most iconic landmarks. The statues of two young women stand quietly by the lake, creating a picturesque scene with the surrounding mountains, forests, and water. We were very lucky to have beautiful weather that day and took many postcard-like photos. After seeing the Statue of Maidens, you can also stop by the shrine and take a leisurely walk while enjoying the scenery of Lake Towada. It's a very relaxing way to travel.

Take a sightseeing cruise across Lake Towada, one of Aomori's famous scenic destinations. The boat ride takes about 50 minutes, with beautiful views of the lake and mountains all along the way. The water is clear, and the lake is surrounded by mountains and forests. It's especially breathtaking in the fall, when the red and yellow foliage is reflected on the surface like a natural painting. There are two cruise routes, and the fare is JPY 1,650 per person. If you have enough time, you can also walk from the pier to Towada Shrine and the lakeside statue to experience the unique tranquility of Lake Towada.

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.