一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 17/31

Getting the chance to see Zao's iconic Okama Crater in person is definitely a journey that requires a bit of luck. Even when the sky is perfectly clear at the foot of the mountain, the weather on the way up can often change in an instant, with clouds and fog rolling in. I was very lucky to have good weather during my summer visit and immediately saw the dazzling blue-green crater lake, shining like a jewel, with patches of unmelted white snow dotting the slopes. It's hard to imagine the impact of nature's extraordinary power in creating such a unique and magnificent landscape without seeing it for yourself.

After arriving at Okama Crater, you can easily get closer for a view by following the gentle walking path. If you want a full view of the entire crater and the magnificent surrounding mountains, I definitely recommend climbing up to the shrine at the top, where the highest point offers an excellent panoramic view. Standing quietly and gazing at this emerald-green lake, formed by a volcanic eruption tens of millions of years ago, I was filled with emotion and awe. It's definitely a dreamlike spot you must visit when traveling in Tohoku.

While visiting Yamagata, I made a special point of adding Zao Fox Village, deep in the mountains, to my itinerary. Since I wasn't driving, joining a one-day bus tour was the easiest and most convenient option. When I visited the fox village hidden in the mountains in summer, the foxes were in the middle of shedding, so they looked a bit fluffy and unkempt, and the smell was also somewhat noticeable. However, this is also the season when adorable baby foxes are born. I was very lucky to have the chance to interact up close with the unbelievably cute fox cubs. They felt soft and fluffy when held, and were as warm as puppies. It was a rare experience.

Also, visitors need to be especially careful because foxes are easily startled. Be sure to move gently, don't run, and don't touch the adult foxes without permission, so you can safely enjoy this soothing wildlife experience!

Although I didn’t get the chance to stay overnight at Ginzan Onsen this time, seeing Notoya Ryokan in person, which looks like the inspiration for the iconic bathhouse in Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away, was still incredibly exciting.

This century-old, Western-style wooden building is a representative work of the Taisho Romantic era. From the other side of the small red bridge, its rows of classical window frames and intricate sign look exactly like a scene from the movie. As a Ghibli fan, unexpectedly coming across a real-life fairy-tale setting filled me with emotion. Even without staying there, simply standing quietly and admiring the stunning beauty of this historic building was enough to leave a lasting impression. It was the most precious sight of this trip.

Walking through Ginzan Onsen on a summer afternoon, the rustic wooden buildings and colorful flowers decorating the bridges created a charming scene. I was wondering why there was a steaming pool beside the bridge, and when I got closer, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that it was the free Warashi-yu Foot Bath.

Sitting on a wooden seat by the bridge, soaking my feet in the warm hot spring water, looking up at the entire streetscape filled with Taisho Romantic charm, and listening to the gentle sound of the flowing stream was such a dreamy and captivating experience that completely relaxed both body and mind. It was the most heartwarming unexpected discovery of my summer trip to Yamagata. Travelers who come here definitely shouldn’t miss this ultimate pleasure.

The summer weather at Ginzan Onsen is cool and pleasant. From the end of the hot spring town, it takes about ten minutes along a gentle walking trail to reach the secluded Shirogane-no-taki Waterfall.

Not only can you admire the magnificent sight of the rushing waterfall up close, but you can also feel the cool mist while surrounded by nature. Most interestingly, there are many small stone piles carefully arranged by travelers as prayers around the waterfall, adding a cute and heartwarming touch to the majestic mountain forest. Listening to the gentle sound of the waterfall in the summer afternoon breeze and quietly taking in the purity and beauty of nature makes for a very soothing and relaxing afternoon. Like me, you can find a large rock and quietly enjoy this extraordinary view.

The classic snowy scene of heavy snow falling around the red wooden bridge always comes to mind, but as a traveler who doesn't like crowds, I decided to take a side trip to Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata while visiting Sendai in the summer.

The journey itself was a fascinating adventure. First, I had to travel from Yamagata to Oishida Station, then transfer to one of the infrequent buses going up the mountain. This is probably one of the most appealing parts of independent travel. When I finally stepped into this dreamlike mountain town, I instantly fell deeply in love with it.

Ginzan Onsen in summer was free of noise and bustle, with only a few visitors and the soothing sound of the flowing stream. I chose a traditional soba restaurant, quietly admiring the quaint streets outside the window while sampling local food. In the afternoon, I walked farther into town to the waterfall and took in the fresh forest air, then leisurely enjoyed a cup of coffee on the way back. Best of all, I was able to photograph the “Spirited Away red bridge” in front of Notoya with no passersby at all and enjoy the ultimate tranquility.

Although it didn't have the romance of a snow-covered landscape, its quiet beauty, unique to summer, left a deep impression on my heart and became one of my most treasured scenes from the journey.

After taking the stylish Relay Kamome from Hakata to the final stop, don’t miss Kamome Market, located right inside Nagasaki Station. It brings together all of Nagasaki’s local foods and souvenirs, satisfying both your taste buds and shopping cravings in one place.

As a fan of Nagasaki castella, this place is like a dream for treasure hunting. This time, I stocked up on castella from the long-established local shop Shooken, Fukusaya, which is well known among Taiwanese people, and the classic Bunmeido, then brought them back to my guesthouse to savor and compare. At Fukusaya, you can buy not only the classic flavor but also an exclusive package of small square boxes. They’re delicate, cute, and easy to carry, making them perfect souvenirs to bring back to Taiwan and share with friends and family. As for flavor, I especially liked the depth of Shooken’s castella. If you get a chance to visit Kamome Market, don’t miss it.

Whether you want one last food splurge before leaving or to carefully choose thoughtful local souvenirs, Nagasaki Kaido Kamome Market is definitely a perfect and essential stop on your itinerary.

When visiting the classic hillside attractions of Glover Garden and Oura Cathedral in Nagasaki, you definitely shouldn’t miss the extremely popular Nagasaki Minamiyamate Pudding Main Store, located on the slope.

I recommend visiting before the lunchtime crowds arrive. Not only can you avoid the packed tourist crowds, but you can also enjoy this local specialty at a leisurely pace in front of the cozy, retro storefront. The pudding has a dense, smooth texture and a rich egg flavor, and you can even see the vanilla seeds. Every bite is full of genuine, delicious goodness. Besides the signature pudding, the shop’s specialty soft-serve ice cream is also very popular. Its silky texture and rich milky flavor keep you coming back for another bite. Japanese ice cream really is unforgettable.

Enjoying a dessert as you stroll along the slope not only perfectly satisfies a sweet tooth, but also adds a sweet memory to this exotic walk through Nagasaki.

Once hailed as one of the “World’s Three Great Night Views,” the night view from Nagasaki’s Mt. Inasayama was definitely the most breathtaking visual feast of the entire trip.

Getting to the summit isn’t very straightforward. You first need to take a bus to the area near the shrine, then transfer to the ropeway up the mountain. It can feel a little nerve-racking to find your way in the dim light when everything around you is pitch-black, but there are actually plenty of other visitors along the way, so it’s quite safe as long as you follow the crowd. As the ropeway slowly rises, the view opens up as well.

The moment you finally step onto the Mt. Inasayama Observatory, the scenery before you instantly makes it clear that its world-class reputation is well deserved. The brilliant lights from countless homes blend perfectly with the bay’s distinctive landscape, making the entire city look as though it has been covered with a sparkling carpet of jewels. The stunning, mesmerizing night view goes straight to the heart and is definitely a grand finale not to be missed on a trip to Nagasaki.

Dejima, which preserves the memory of Japan’s only point of foreign trade during the country’s period of isolation, is a man-made island steeped in history. As you stroll around, you can visit faithfully reconstructed Dutch trading houses and warehouses and see how residents lived at the time. There are even staff members walking around in traditional period clothing, instantly transporting you back in time and making the experience feel very immersive.

After the historical tour, I made a special trip to a tucked-away shop nearby called “雪氷らんかん,” run by an elderly Japanese man. Because of Nagasaki’s hilly terrain, the shop looked close on the map, but it took me a while and some effort to find it. The shop serves shaved ice made with real fruit, and I was lucky enough to try the rich Mont Blanc shaved ice that day. Watching the owner slowly and carefully prepare the dessert, with Japanese news playing in the background, I felt the warmth of the local community in the cozy little space. If you visit Dejima, I recommend adding a food stop to your itinerary as well.