BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 6/17

Toyama Castle (Toyama Municipal Folk Museum)

Toyama Castle was built during the Age of Civil Wars. Then, at the completion of the post-World War II reconstruction project, Toyama Industrial Expo was held, where this memorial was built. It models a three-layer and 4-story castle which is open to the public as a folk museum.

• Toyama
• Tourist Attractions

From the observation room inside Toyama Castle, you can enjoy views of the city while learning about the castle’s history and local culture. The surrounding moat and gardens add to the charm of the historic castle, with beautiful scenery in every season. It is especially romantic when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom during spring.

This visit allowed me to appreciate the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture and experience the unique blend of history and modern city life. Strolling leisurely through the castle park and taking in its peaceful atmosphere became a memorable part of my trip. I hope to return someday and see Toyama Castle in another season.

Kamogawa (Kyoto)

Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

Kyoto’s Kamogawa River is a beautiful, relaxing spot and a favorite place for visitors to walk and unwind. On my first visit, the gently flowing water, well-maintained riverside paths, and distant mountain views gave me a sense of Kyoto’s unique tranquility and elegance.

As you stroll along the river, you can see locals sitting by the water chatting or reading, while visitors enjoy the scenery. The whole area has a wonderfully laid-back atmosphere. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along both banks, and their reflections on the water create a romantic view. Even simply sitting quietly by the river brings a sense of happiness and peace.

Nihonkai Sakanamachi

Fresh seafood shops with catches directly sent from Tsuruga Port, Processed seafood and delicacies, sweets, restaurants serving Tsuruga’s specialty seafood bowls, sushi, grilled mackerel - nearly 60 shops form this largest seafood market on the Japan-Sea side. Filled with the lively sellers’ voices, it is always an energetic place.

• Fukui
• Shopping Streets

My first impression of Nihonkai Sakanamachi was its lively atmosphere and abundance of fresh seafood. The market displays everything from plump crabs and fresh fish to regional seafood specialties, showcasing the rich marine resources of the Sea of Japan. Walking through the market, you can browse the incredible variety of products while experiencing the energy of local daily life.

The most memorable part was sampling the seafood prepared right there. The fresh sashimi, grilled seafood, and seafood rice bowls all preserved the ingredients’ natural sweetness and flavor, offering a delicious taste of the sea.

Fukui Station West Plaza (Dinosaur Plaza)

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen in March 2024, Fukui Station is drawing increased attention. The "Dinosaur Plaza" at the west exit is a fitting gateway to Fukui Prefecture, known as the "Dinosaur Kingdom" due to the numerous fossils discovered here. The plaza boasts a variety of dinosaur-themed attractions.

• Fukui
• Tourist Attractions

As soon as you step out of Fukui Station, you are greeted by enormous dinosaur models standing in the plaza. Their lifelike designs are spectacular and make you feel as if you have traveled back to prehistoric times. They attract plenty of visitors who stop to take photos.

Fukui is one of Japan’s best-known sites for dinosaur fossil discoveries, so the area around the station is filled with dinosaur-themed designs. In addition to the huge statues, there are moving dinosaur displays with sound and lighting effects that are fun and full of surprises. These attractions are great for families and also help visitors learn more about Fukui’s natural history.

Hida Takayama Old Townscape

Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.

• Gifu
• Famous Places

What impressed me most about Hida Takayama Old Town was its traditional Japanese streetscape. Walking along the neat stone-paved roads, with beautifully preserved wooden townhouses on both sides, felt like stepping back in time. There are also many unique shops selling handicrafts, souvenirs, and local foods, allowing you to experience Takayama’s distinctive culture as you explore.

No visit to Takayama is complete without trying the famous Hida beef. Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor left a lasting impression. Whether served as Hida beef sushi, grilled skewers, or another beef dish, every preparation highlights its delicate marbling and savory flavor. It was incredibly satisfying.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

Shinjuku Gyoen once stood as an estate of the Naito family, the hereditary vassals of the Tokugawa family in the Edo period before being established as an imperial garden in 1906.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Parks & Gardens

One of the things I was most looking forward to on my Tokyo trip was seeing the cherry blossoms at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. As soon as I entered the park, I was amazed by the blossoms in full bloom. The pink and white flowers, spacious lawns, ponds, and gardens came together like a beautiful spring painting.

Walking beneath the cherry trees was incredibly romantic. Whenever a gentle breeze passed through, petals slowly drifted to the ground, making me stop and admire the view. The park was very pleasant, with visitors leisurely enjoying the blossoms, taking photos, and making the most of spring. Compared with the bustling city, Shinjuku Gyoen felt peaceful and elegant, allowing me to fully appreciate the magic of cherry blossom season.

This visit not only gave me the chance to enjoy some of Tokyo’s most beautiful spring scenery, but also helped me appreciate how deeply people in Japan value and cherish nature. Although cherry blossom season is brief, it left me with wonderful, lasting memories.

Mount Takao

Mount Takao is a peak with an levation of 599 meters, located in Tokyo’s Hachioji City. With good transportation access, it’s a popular placee to go mountain climbing. While still in the city, it’s like taking a trip to the countryside! From families with small children to the elderly, about 3,000,000 people visit every year. It’s world famous as the mountain boasting the most climbers in the world.

• Tachikawa, Hachioji, Machida
• Nature Spots

Mount Takao, just outside central Tokyo, allowed me to experience the beauty and tranquility of nature. As I slowly followed the forest trail uphill, I was surrounded by lush greenery and fresh air. The sounds of birds and wind rustling through the leaves were incredibly relaxing. The beautiful mountain scenery along the way even made me forget how tiring the climb was.

The sweeping view from the summit was stunning. On clear days, you may even get a distant view of Mount Fuji. The magnificent scenery left a lasting impression on me. Mount Takao also has historic and cultural attractions such as Yakuoin Temple, making the trip even more rewarding.

This trip gave me the chance to enjoy hiking, reconnect with nature, and feel refreshed both physically and mentally. I hope to return during another season to see the cherry blossoms, fall foliage, and other seasonal scenery—and make even more wonderful memories.

Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine

A shrine famous on social media as a “Spiritual Place” and a “Gateway to another world”. This shrine worships Izanagi-no-Mikoto, Izanami-no-Mikoto, and Iwagimitai-Shogun as its deities. It is known by locals as “Gongen-San”. On the temple grounds, there is the “Nagi” for good luck in marriage and “Ugeto-Iwa” (Ugeto Stone) which is good for passing tests and winning things.

• Kumamoto
• Shrines & Temples

As I entered Kamishikimi Kumanoimasu Shrine, I was greeted by rows of ancient stone lanterns and moss-covered stone steps. Surrounded by towering trees, the shrine felt mysterious and serene. As I climbed the steps, all I could hear was the wind and birdsong. It naturally made me slow down and appreciate the beauty of nature.

The shrine has a solemn atmosphere that brought me a sense of peace while worshipping. Farther up, I saw the famous Ugeto-Iwa, a massive rock with a natural opening in the center. It was a spectacular sight and made me marvel at the incredible power of nature.

Beppu Onsen

Beppu onsen is the collective name for all of the hot springs across Beppu City in Oita Prefecture. With 2,847 different springs that produce about 130,000 kiloliters of spring water every day, its ranked among the highest of hot springs in Japan. Beppu Onsen is divided into 8 areas and is also called Beppu Hatto or Bappu Onsenkyo. The many different springs offer different water properties and colors, so you won’t want to miss the chance to visit as many different hot springs as possible.

• Oita
• Famous Places

The view from the Yukemuri Observatory left a lasting impression on me. From above, you can look out over the entire city of Beppu and see hot spring steam rising continuously from all around town. The white mist drifts between the streets and wooded hills, creating a landscape unique to Beppu and showcasing the charm of this hot spring city.

A gentle breeze blew across the observation deck, with sweeping views of the distant mountains and city. It was wonderfully refreshing. Around sunset, the warm light illuminates the city and steam, adding a romantic atmosphere that makes you want to stay a little longer and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Komezuka

Komezuka, a cone-shaped volcano, is located at the base of Kishimadake, one of the central peaks of Mount Aso's five peaks. This small mountain stands about 80 meters high and is believed to have been formed by an eruption around 3,300 years ago. The slopes are covered with grasslands, turning a vibrant green from spring to summer. In autumn, the slopes glow golden with susuki (Japanese pampas grass), and in winter, they are beautifully blanketed in snow.

• Kumamoto
• Nature Spots

The first time I saw Komezuka, I was struck by its unusual shape. The entire mountain looks like an upside-down rice ball or a little green hat. Its cone-shaped slopes are covered in lush grass, making it look adorable. Our guide explained that Komezuka was formed by volcanic activity thousands of years ago, which made me appreciate the power of nature even more.

Viewed from a distance, Komezuka stands against vast grasslands, blue skies, and white clouds. The scenery is spectacular and incredibly refreshing. This trip not only allowed me to enjoy Aso's distinctive natural landscape but also taught me about volcanic landforms. I learned a lot. I hope to return to Aso someday to enjoy the scenery in different seasons and make more wonderful travel memories.