BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 11/26

JR Central Towers

A building directly connected to the terminal station, consisting of two towers with a height of over 200m. Department stores JR Nagoya Takashimaya, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, restaurants, offices, etc. are combined.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

JR Central Towers is a major landmark next to Nagoya Station, combining department stores, distinctive restaurants, cafes, and hotels, with very convenient transportation. I enjoyed browsing the shops, buying Nagoya-exclusive souvenirs, tasting local food, and taking in the lively urban atmosphere. Whether for shopping, dining, or taking a short break, it's very convenient. It's a stop you shouldn't miss during your trip, and it left me with a wonderful impression of Nagoya.

Yasaka Shrine

The shrine’s deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Yahashira-no-Mikogami, and it is the head shrine of approximately 2,300 Yasaka Shrine and related shrines with Susanoo-no-Mikoto enshrined scattered throughout Japan.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

When I arrived at Yasaka Shrine, the first thing I saw was the magnificent, historic shrine building, which made me appreciate Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. I slowly strolled through the shrine grounds, admiring the traditional architecture, and felt much calmer. During my visit, I sincerely prayed for safety, good health, and a smooth journey, and it felt very fulfilling. The shrine is close to Gion and Hanamikoji Street, and the surrounding area is full of Kyoto charm. It was a memorable place on this trip and one I'd like to visit again.

Yasaka Koshindo

A temple built in a famous tourists spot in Kyoto called Higashiyama, where other famous sights such as the Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine are located. The official name of the temple is "Daikokusan Kongoji Koshindo,” but is well-known as "Yasaka Koshin-san" in the local area. It is said that this was where the Koshin faith, which derived from Chinese Taoism, first started in Japan, and is also one of the three Koshin in Japan.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Although Yasaka Koshindo is not very large, it is full of traditional Kyoto charm. The colorful kukurizaru wish dolls inside the temple are very eye-catching, filling the entire space with warmth and energy. Writing down a wish by hand and praying for peace and good fortune also adds a sense of ceremony to the trip. Stopping by while strolling through the streets of Higashiyama lets you not only enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the ancient capital, but also take beautiful photos with a distinctly Kyoto feel!

Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat

This activity is located in the northern part of Kyoto on the Tango Peninsula, the boat takes about 25 minutes to cruise around Ine Bay. The bay is lined with funaya houses along the shore, offering a beautiful, quintessential Japanese landscape you can see from water.

• Kyoto
• Ships

Cruise leisurely through the calm waters of Ine Bay on a sightseeing boat, admiring the traditional funaya boathouses built along the shore up close and experiencing the fishing village's unique history, culture, and relaxed atmosphere. Seagulls and black-tailed gulls often fly alongside the boat, and passengers can buy food to feed them, adding some interactive fun to the trip.

Naminoue Umisora Park Naminoue Beach

It is the only beach in Naha City that stretches near Naminoue Shrine, the first of the eight Ryukyu shrines and the most prestigious shrine in Okinawa.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Parks & Gardens

Located near Naminoue Shrine, this is a popular local spot for both recreation and sightseeing. Naminoue Beach has fine white sand and clear blue water. Despite being in the city, it still offers pleasant coastal scenery and is perfect for walking, playing in the water, or watching the sunset. Nearby Naminoue Umisora Park has walking paths, observation decks, and rest areas where you can look out over the blue sea and passing boats. The scenery is very charming. Visitors can enjoy the sea breeze and relax, then stop by Naminoue Shrine to experience Okinawa's natural beauty and cultural character.

Okinawa World

This theme park condenses the charms of Okinawa and is very popular among tourists from both inside and outside Japan. The largest limestone cave in Okinawa, Gyokusendo Cave, was created over 300,000 years ago, and it's more than one million stalactites reaffirm the mystery and grandeur of nature.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Gyokusendo Cave’s stalactites formed over hundreds of thousands of years. The lighting creates spectacular, dreamlike scenery that showcases the incredible artistry of nature. The park also offers traditional Ryukyu dance and taiko performances, along with hands-on activities like glassmaking and textile dyeing, providing a deeper look into Okinawan culture.

Atsuta Houraiken Main Store

Founded in 1873 in front of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, this restaurant is the birthplace of "Hitsumabushi", Nagoya's famous eel dish. Hitsumabushi, which is a registered trademark of Atsuta Horaiiken, is a dish of broiled eel chopped into small pieces and served on a bed of rice in a container called an "o-hitsu".

• Nagoya
• Japanese Cuisine

Located in Nagoya, Atsuta Houraiken Main Store was founded in 1873 and is one of the city’s most iconic places to try hitsumabushi. The fresh eel is carefully grilled over charcoal, giving it crispy skin and tender meat. Its rich aroma pairs beautifully with the restaurant’s secret sauce, which has been passed down for generations without being overly sweet.

The highlight of hitsumabushi is enjoying it three ways: first on its own, then with toppings like green onions and wasabi, and finally with broth poured over it, ochazuke-style. Each preparation brings out a different flavor.

Tsutenkaku Tower

A steel tower which looks like the Eiffel Tower and 75 meters high was built In 1912, on top of a building which was the motif of the Arc de Triomphe, and named “Tsutenkaku” meaning “A building reaching the heaven'' by Nangaku Fujisawa, a Confucian in the early Meiji period. After being broken down due to a fire, citizens lobbied for rebuilding and the current 2nd Tsutenkaku was built in 1956.

• Tennoji, Shinsekai
• Observatories

Tsutenkaku Tower offers a real taste of Osaka’s local character. The observation deck has expansive views of the city and a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere. Nearby Shinsekai is lively and filled with the irresistible aromas of kushikatsu, takoyaki, and other local favorites. Rubbing the soles of the Billiken statue’s feet for good luck adds a fun touch. It’s a memorable experience packed with food, culture, and joy.

Otaru Canal

Otaru Port, which developed as a gateway for Hokkaido's settlement, saw an increasing volume of cargo over the years. To streamline its transportation, the "Otaru Canal" was completed in 1923 (Taisho 12). The canal, created by reclaiming the offshore coast, is characterized by its gentle curves rather than a straight line.

• Otaru and Niseko
• Tourist Attractions

Many red-brick warehouses and stone buildings still line both sides of the canal. Together with the gas lamps, they create a wonderfully historic atmosphere. During the day, you can enjoy the sparkling water, while the evening lights add a romantic glow. In winter, the snowy scenery is especially enchanting, like something out of a fairy tale.

Kurama-dera

This shrine is the headquarters of Kurama Koukyou, a sect of Buddihsm. In 770 AD, saint monk, Gantei, who was also a disciple of Ganjin, the founder of Toshodaiji Temple, enshrined Bishamonten (guardian god of Buddhism), and this is the origin of this temple. In the golden head hall, statues of Bishamonten No, Senju-Kannon Bosatsu, and Goho Maoson are enshrined.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Kurama-dera is located on Mount Kurama in northern Kyoto and is one of the city's renowned ancient mountain temples. You can take the cable car or enjoy a leisurely walk along the forest trail. The lush greenery and fresh air offer a peaceful escape from the bustle of the city. The temple grounds have a solemn, historic atmosphere, and the Kongosho in front of the Main Hall is a popular place for visitors to stop and pray.