wendy's Reviews Page 11/19

An ancient temple known for its cherry blossoms and lotus flowers, and well worth visiting in Kamakura. The main hall is one of the largest surviving wooden buildings in Kamakura. Its majestic scale and historic atmosphere are impressive as soon as you approach! The temple gate is equally imposing and one of the largest among Kamakura's temples. Looking up at it is quite a sight. Unfortunately, I didn't visit during cherry blossom season, so I missed the flowers in full bloom. Still, quietly walking around the temple and taking in its historic atmosphere made the visit feel very worthwhile.

When you reach the top of Enoshima, don't miss the resort-like Enoshima Sea Candle. The lighthouse observation deck has a great view overlooking the Shonan Coast and the deep blue sea. When you get tired from exploring, sit down for dessert at the nearby French toast specialty shop, LONCAFE. From the terrace seats, you can enjoy the ocean view while savoring fragrant, fluffy pancakes. The whole atmosphere is relaxed and romantic. With the sea breeze and beautiful scenery, it really feels like you've suddenly arrived at a Japanese island getaway!

While looking for food near Yokohama Station, I unexpectedly found this really unique ramen shop! Founded in Yokohama in 2002, it specializes in house-made noodles paired with a chicken broth. The ramen has a distinctive style and is quite different from typical traditional ramen. The shop is open until 4 a.m., making it convenient for a late-night meal. There are plenty of seats and the atmosphere is relaxed. The most interesting part is the free self-serve cotton candy machine, so you can make your own cotton candy after finishing your ramen. It's really unique! If you're near Yokohama Station, stop by and give it a try〜

It truly lives up to its reputation as one of Kamakura's most iconic historic temples. The temple grounds are very large, and you can take your time admiring the old buildings, gardens, and serene Zen atmosphere along the way. Unfortunately, I had limited time on this visit and didn't make it all the way to the innermost area, but that bit of regret gives me a reason to come back next time.

Kenchoji Temple isn't far from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, but it's much less crowded, making it especially relaxing and pleasant to walk around. The temples in the Kita-Kamakura area are really worth exploring at a leisurely pace. I recommend setting aside a day for a “Kamakura temple pilgrimage,” stopping along the way and experiencing a different side of Kamakura.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a classic attraction you have to visit when you come to Kamakura! As you enter Kotoku-in Temple, the enormous bronze statue of Amida Buddha sits quietly outdoors, and the first sight of it is truly impressive. The Great Buddha is about 13 meters tall and weighs 121 tons. After earthquakes and a tsunami destroyed the Buddha hall, it became the unique open-air sight it is today. For a small fee, you can also go inside the Great Buddha and see the exquisite casting techniques of ancient times. After your visit, it’s also convenient to walk over to Hasedera Temple and see two of Kamakura’s classic attractions in one trip!

Besides shopping and enjoying the ocean views on Enoshima, I also highly recommend visiting ENOSHIMA AQUARIUM! There are so many marine animals, including dolphins, penguins, sea turtles, and seals, and it's nice to take your time walking around. I especially loved the dolphin show. It was exciting and cute, and the atmosphere was lively. The aquarium also has a great location facing Sagami Bay, and on clear days, you can see Enoshima and Mt. Fuji. After the aquarium, you can enjoy the sea breeze nearby. It's just right for a half-day trip〜

When visiting Odawara, don't miss these mountain castle ruins full of history! Ishigakiyama Ichiya Castle was the headquarters built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Siege of Odawara. Although only the stone walls and ruins remain today, from the top you can still look out over Odawara and Sagami Bay. The view is very expansive.

It's also one of the Continued Top 100 Japanese Castles, so anyone interested in Japanese history will definitely find it fascinating. On holidays, you can take a day bus. On weekdays, you can rent a bicycle at the tourist information center or take on the roughly 50-minute walk up the mountain. Taking your time along the way is also enjoyable!

Of course, you can't visit Kamakura without stopping by Tsurugaoka Hachimangu! As one of Kamakura's landmarks, it offers different scenery in every season. It was really crowded when I visited, but the overall worship route was well organized, so it didn't feel too congested. You need to climb some stairs to reach the main shrine, but they aren't very long or steep, so most people can get up easily. Afterward, you can also browse amulets, goshuin stamps, and more, giving it a real Japanese shrine atmosphere. If you're taking a walk around Kamakura, I definitely recommend stopping by!

當天天氣超好，來到城山湖真的讓人心情大好！這是一座小巧迷人的人工湖，四周被豐富的自然景色包圍，湖面在陽光照射下閃閃發亮，搭配藍天白雲，怎麼拍都好看。這裡步調悠閒、環境也很舒服，很適合來散散步、放空一下。如果想更愜意一點，也可以自己帶份便當來野餐，坐在湖邊享受風景。整體來說，是個很適合悠閒走走的小景點！

If you're visiting the outskirts of Tokyo and want somewhere away from the hustle and bustle of the city where you can take a relaxing walk, Ikuta Ryokuchi Park is a great choice! The park is huge, with dense mixed forests, wetlands, and springs along the way. Walking along the lush green trails made me feel much more relaxed.

The scenery changes with each season, and it's especially popular during cherry blossom season. From the observation deck on Mt. Masugata, you can also see Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree in the distance. The combination of natural scenery and distant city views is unexpectedly charming! It's perfect for spending half a day strolling around at a leisurely pace and enjoying a different side of Tokyo.