wendy's Reviews Page 5/23

When visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama district, you definitely shouldn’t miss this iconic landmark—the Yasaka Pagoda. The historic Hokan-ji Temple stands quietly among the streets of Higashiyama. With the towering Yasaka Pagoda surrounded by streetscapes full of Kyoto charm, walking around here really makes you feel as if you’re in the ancient capital.

This time, I specifically chose to visit during cherry blossom season, and the cherry blossoms along the way added a touch of romance. Even though it was a weekday, it was still extremely crowded, with a constant stream of tourists. It was really difficult to take a photo without anyone in it. Still, the combination of cherry blossoms and the scenery of the ancient capital made me want to keep pressing the shutter and capture beautiful memories of spring in Kyoto.

When visiting Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine is always a classic spot well worth seeing. With a history of more than 1,300 years, it has stood here since before the capital was moved to Kyoto and is also the shrine where the Gion Festival originated. The ancient shrine buildings and strong Kyoto atmosphere make you feel the depth of its history as soon as you step inside.

This time, I happened to visit during cherry blossom season. Pale pink blossoms were in full bloom around the shrine, and the combination of the red gate, traditional buildings, and cherry blossoms felt so distinctly Kyoto and was truly beautiful. In spring, Yasaka Shrine has an added sense of romance and gentleness. You can enjoy the scenery as you walk, and every photo turns out beautiful. No wonder it’s considered one of Kyoto’s must-visit cherry blossom spots.

Maruyama Park, one of Kyoto’s famous cherry blossom viewing spots, is so beautiful during cherry blossom season that you won’t want to leave! The highlight of the park is the century-old “Gion Weeping Cherry Tree” standing beside the pond. When it’s in full bloom, its cascading blossoms form a vast pink waterfall. It’s one of Kyoto’s classic cherry blossom views and a famous photo spot for many visitors to the city.

When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, their soft pink reflections appear on the pond, and together with Kyoto’s distinctive historic atmosphere, every photo captures the romance of spring. Maruyama Park gets quite crowded during cherry blossom season, but seeing the weeping cherry tree in full bloom in person is still well worth it.

If you come to Kyoto for the cherry blossoms, you really shouldn’t miss this place!

Walking into Ishigaki Island's largest limestone cave feels like instantly entering a fantasy world created by nature. Admission is about JPY 1,200, and it takes around 20–30 minutes to walk through the cave. Some sections are fairly narrow, and the cave is dim with damp ground in places, so keep a close eye on children. It's also not very suitable for strollers.

Along the way, you can admire natural formations such as stalactites and stalagmites. The farther you go, the more spectacular it feels, and you can't help but marvel at nature's craftsmanship.

Although the visit isn't very long, it's well worth fitting into your itinerary. Walk into the underground world yourself and experience a different side of Ishigaki Island's natural beauty!

When visiting Ishigaki Island, of course you should explore this historic "island kitchen." The market has all kinds of Ishigaki Island specialties, souvenirs, and local ingredients. It's a good place to walk around if you want to experience the atmosphere of local life.

I came on a weekday morning, and the entire market was fairly quiet. Most shops didn't start opening until around 11, with only a few preparing to open. The market is especially peaceful in the morning, so you can browse at your own pace without the crowds.

If you want to buy some Ishigaki Island specialties or experience the atmosphere of a local market, it's worth stopping by. However, I recommend coming closer to noon, when more shops will be open!

If you're visiting Ishigaki Island and want to experience Okinawan traditional culture and natural scenery all in one place, consider stopping by Ishigaki Yaima Village. The grounds aren't very large and can be explored in about an hour. There are several preserved traditional buildings, Ryukyu traditional clothing you can try on for a fee, and traditional performances at scheduled times, giving the place a strong Yaeyama atmosphere.

Overall, the grounds are relaxing and easy to explore. If you want to experience the local culture, wear Ryukyu clothing, or watch traditional performances, it's worth adding as a stop along the way. You can also compare ticket prices on Trip.com or KLOOK beforehand, since buying online is sometimes cheaper than purchasing tickets on-site!

If Taketomi Island is a place that makes you slow down, then HOSHINOYA Taketomi Island carries that sense of relaxation throughout the entire stay.

The whole resort was designed around the concept of a traditional Taketomi Island village, with red-tiled roofs, stone walls, and greenery woven together. It looked beautiful at first sight. The surroundings are very quiet and far from the hustle and bustle of the city, so staying here really feels like an escape from the rest of the world.

The staff are all attentive and polite, though at times the service feels a bit formulaic and lacks some of the easygoing atmosphere you'd expect at a resort.

Overall, this is a truly beautiful and distinctive place. If you enjoy peace and quiet and nature, and want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Taketomi Island village, it's still well worth staying for a night to experience the island's slow pace of life for yourself.

When visiting Okinawa, besides enjoying the beautiful ocean views, I also recommend visiting the Himeyuri Cenotaph and the Himeyuri Peace Museum. They document the history of the Himeyuri Student Corps during the Battle of Okinawa through photos, written accounts, and valuable materials, offering a deeper understanding of that painful period. Although the visit was emotionally heavy, it made me appreciate the value of peace even more.

If you're visiting Nanjo City in Okinawa, I highly recommend adding Cape Chinen Park to your itinerary! The park is located on an elevated cape with wide-open views. From the observation deck, you can gaze out over the endless Pacific Ocean. When the weather is nice, the water turns a beautiful blue-green, and you can clearly see Kudaka Island in the distance.

The park has a loop trail where you can enjoy the ocean views while taking a walk. The overall atmosphere is comfortable and relaxing. The weather was absolutely beautiful that day, and with the sunlight sparkling on the water, every photo had that Okinawa vacation feel.

This is also a popular spot for paragliding. If you happen to see someone flying, you can appreciate the vast scenery of the cape even more. However, the attraction itself isn't very large, so about 1 hour is plenty. It's a great little stop to add to an itinerary around Nanjo for ocean views, walking, and photos.

Sefa Utaki, located in Nanjo City, Okinawa, is one of the most sacred ceremonial sites of the Ryukyu Kingdom. It is also a sacred place where people can worship Kudaka Island, believed to be home to the gods, from afar.

After purchasing a ticket, a video at the entrance explains the rules for visiting. One especially important rule is that photography is strictly prohibited if someone is praying, so be sure to respect the local beliefs and regulations.

Most of the paths here are gravel, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Definitely don't wear high heels.