黃國棟's Reviews Page 3/10

I originally just happened to pass by Nanko Lake during my trip, but I didn't expect to be captivated at first sight by the clear lake water. I couldn't help but stop and take in the beautiful scenery.

I had only planned to stop by for a walk, but it completely exceeded my expectations! There wasn't much noise, just the lake, greenery, and a pleasant breeze that immediately made me slow down and enjoy a rare moment of peace. It's a great place to take a walk, snap some photos, or simply sit quietly and admire the lake, letting both body and mind fully relax. Nanko Lake also has different scenery in each season, displaying different colors as the seasons change. I couldn't help thinking—next time, I definitely want to come back and see Nanko Lake in another season.

While exploring Fukushima, I came across an ancient temple that embodies the elegance of the Heian period—Shiramizu Amida Hall. This historic building is a National Treasure of Japan. Admission is 500 JPY, and in addition to visiting the National Treasure Amida Hall, you can also see five wooden Buddhist statues inside that are designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

During the visit, I also listened to a brief explanation that lasted about 2–3 minutes, which gave me a deeper understanding of the history of this ancient temple. Amida Hall is surrounded by ponds and greenery. Strolling slowly along the paths, the surroundings are very peaceful, and you can really feel the atmosphere of an old Japanese temple.

Each season has its own charm, but it may be rather hot in summer. Personally, I think spring, fall, and winter would be more comfortable.

There are several parking lots nearby. I recommend parking directly in the lot in front of the hall for easier access. Some of the surrounding paths are gravel, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. There are no noisy crowds—just the ancient building, pond, and scenery of the changing seasons.

I arrived earlier this time, just as the sun was rising. The morning light gently fell across the lake, bringing out its clear, captivating colors. Every so often, I could hear crows cawing, and the quiet surroundings felt especially relaxing.

The weather that day was excellent. The sunlight, lake, and forest came together to create a beautiful natural scene that looked good in every photo. There weren't many noisy crowds, so it was even easier to appreciate the tranquility and mystery of Goshikinuma.

Coming here early in the morning is truly worthwhile. Walking quietly, watching the colors of the lake change, and enjoying the wonderful feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Aquamarine Fukushima—the biggest surprise during this visit was the brand-new exhibition hall and display spaces. They’re bright and modern, and the various marine creatures and extensive exhibits offer a deeper understanding of Fukushima’s marine ecosystem.

The aquarium was severely affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami, but it has since been restored and reopened. It is once again welcoming a steady stream of visitors, and the building is filled with lively laughter.

Seeing how vibrant it has become again, I could really feel the resilience and hope that have carried this city through the years. It’s not just a place to learn about the ocean, but also a very meaningful travel experience. If you have the chance to visit Fukushima, consider setting aside some time to stop by and experience the beauty of Fukushima’s sea with family and friends!

When visiting Fukushima, you can’t miss Ouchi-juku, a historic old village. Walking among the neatly lined-up thatched-roof houses feels like traveling back in time to the Edo period. Without the hustle and bustle of the city, the old street has a peaceful, simple atmosphere. Strolling through it slowly is truly relaxing.

Looking down from above, you can see the thatched roofs lined up along the entire street. The scenery looks like an old Japanese painting, and every photo has a distinctive charm. Of course, when visiting Ouchi-juku, you should also try its unique Takato soba! Eating soba with a whole green onion instead of chopsticks was a novel and fun experience for me, and the soba was also quite delicious. It’s a local specialty well worth trying while you’re here.

As you stroll along the old street and look at the traditional buildings that have been preserved to this day, you can also sense the simple, warm way of life of the local residents. This is more than just a tourist attraction—it feels like a chance to slow down and get away from the bustle of the city.

If you enjoy traditional Japanese streetscapes and nostalgic atmospheres, be sure to include Ouchi-juku in your Fukushima itinerary and experience the charm of this old village for yourself.

If you visit Iwaki, I highly recommend stopping by Iwaki Marine Tower! The tower is located in Misaki Park. From the observation deck, you can gaze out over the endless Pacific Ocean, while the other side offers views of central Iwaki. The views are very expansive.

The park is also larger than expected, with a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of greenery. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll while enjoying the coastal scenery. When the weather is nice, the blue sky, ocean, and spacious park create a very pleasant atmosphere. It’s a place where you can slow down and fully enjoy the sea breeze and scenery.

For people in Fukushima, Iizaka Onsen is like a hot spring town right in their backyard, and it is also one of Japan’s “Three Famous Hot Springs of Oshu.” It takes about 20 minutes to get there from JR Fukushima Station on the Iizaka Line, and trains run fairly frequently, so you can easily take a short hot spring trip without much advance planning.

Although it is a well-known hot spring resort town, it still has many charming old buildings. As you stroll along the hillsides and narrow alleys, you’ll occasionally come across traditional inns and historic streetscapes. It isn’t too crowded or noisy, which gives it a more relaxed, nostalgic feel. I don’t think you necessarily need to plan a soak at Iizaka Onsen. Just walking around and exploring the town is enough to experience the charm of a Fukushima hot spring town.

From the top of the mountain, you can look out over the castle town of Aizuwakamatsu. This sacred mountain, steeped in Aizu history, is also a must-visit spot for many travelers coming to Aizu.

This time, I came to Iimoriyama especially early in the morning. The surrounding shops hadn’t opened yet, and there were hardly any tourists on the streets, making the entire mountain especially quiet. Without the bustling crowds, I could better appreciate Iimoriyama’s peaceful and solemn atmosphere.

Standing on the mountain and looking out over the streets of Aizuwakamatsu, the view was very open and expansive. With the fresh morning air, it felt especially pleasant to walk slowly and take everything in. The benefit of getting up early to visit Iimoriyama is that you can enjoy it with almost no other tourists around!

If you’re planning a day trip to Aizuwakamatsu, I highly recommend coming early. You can avoid the crowds and experience this historic mountain at a more leisurely pace.

A samurai residence filled with Aizu history. Stepping inside feels like traveling through time and experiencing what life was like for samurai families in the past. But~ the reason I came here actually wasn’t because it was the former residence of a wealthy feudal lord. It was because Haruka Ayase once filmed a drama here! As someone who loves Japanese dramas, of course I had to make a pilgrimage here and see the locations that appeared in the show~

When I visited on a weekday, almost everyone there was part of a tour group. The overall atmosphere was fairly quiet, so I could take my time exploring and appreciating this historic building. If you happen to be traveling in Aizu and enjoy Japanese history or locations from Japanese dramas, you can easily add the Aizu Bukeyashiki to your itinerary.

For me, the most important reason for this trip was—
If Haruka Ayase filmed here, I had to come see it!

When visiting Fukushima, don't miss Tsurugajo Castle, a place full of history. It is listed as one of the “100 Fine Castles of Japan” and is also one of Fukushima's best-known castles. Its white walls and red-tiled roofs look especially elegant beneath the blue sky. Even seeing it from a distance makes you want to stop and admire it.

Although the current castle tower was reconstructed, the old stone walls and appearance of the castle grounds have been preserved. As you walk around, you can still feel the strong historical atmosphere.

What surprised me most was that the museum isn't just a place to look at exhibits. It also uses interactive multimedia displays, including video, lighting, and sound, to introduce the history of Tsurugajo Castle. This makes the visit lively and interesting, so it doesn't feel boring at all.