蘇自強's Reviews Page 1/3

When autumn comes to Tateyama Kurobe, you have to visit! The comfortable temperatures, mountains covered in red maple leaves, and magnificent mountain ranges.... There’s truly so much to take in, and the scenery stayed with me long after I returned to the city!
Maybe the fall colors were just too captivating, but I saw several young Westerners fall and get hurt along the way. Although the scenery is enchanting, you should wear appropriate clothing and watch out for stairs and changes in elevation along the route. That way, you can fully enjoy the beautiful fall colors and make unforgettable memories!

I'd heard there was a shade of blue called “Shakotan Blue,” and I'd always dreamed of seeing for myself what kind of blue it was.
One summer afternoon, I finally made it to the Shakotan Peninsula (also called a cape). The weather wasn't very good, so I didn't get to see the deep blue sea, but the vastness of the landscape was so breathtaking that spreading my arms made me feel as if I were flying through the sky. Walking along the well-maintained trail and admiring this unique terrain was definitely a very nice experience!

Almost every traveler visiting Kanazawa comes to the Higashi Chaya District. During the day, this teahouse district lined with traditional Japanese buildings is bustling with people.
I came here early one winter morning while a light rain was falling. The steady patter of raindrops and the crisp, cold air made the silence stand out even more. The shops on both sides were still closed, and I felt like someone from ancient times wearing the wrong clothes. When I returned to the main road and saw pedestrians and cars, I was back in the real world again.

Nagano Prefecture is beautiful everywhere in the fall! Of all the places, Happo Pond in Hakuba is the most enchanting.
This is an easy hiking trail because the ski lifts take you halfway up the mountain, so even children can “reach the summit”! The scenery changes constantly along the way. One moment the sun is shining brightly, and the next you're surrounded by clouds and mist. When the mist clears, the view before you is truly moving!
I brought bread and bananas for lunch, but ended up carrying them all the way back down untouched. With views of the Northern Alps along the trail and the colorful fall foliage right in front of me... I'm not kidding—you'll definitely be just like me and “forget all about eating and sleeping”!

Are the pressures of work and life leaving you physically and mentally exhausted? Then take a trip along the Kumano Kodo. I guarantee you'll feel energized again!
Spring. I chose the easiest route, from Daimonzaka to Kumano Nachi Taisha. This stone-paved path is easy to walk and takes hardly any effort.
Along the way, I happened to meet Mrs. Saito and her child, who were dressed in Heian-period clothing. They spoke softly to each other the whole way, warmly and proactively greeted travelers, and often smiled at each other. Their parent-child relationship was truly admirable.
The quiet ancient trail is perfect for walking slowly. Surrounded by the forest, your body, mind, and spirit can find healing. Saying I was “reborn” would be an exaggeration, but saying I found “relief” definitely wouldn't be. You really should give it a try!

The Aomori Nebuta Festival is a huge festival that practically everyone knows. As the Shinkansen was about to arrive at Shin-Aomori Station, the child sitting behind me could hardly wait to get off and even showed me his Nebuta mask!
Although I’ve visited Aomori many times, unfortunately I still haven’t had the chance to see the festival in person. However, the Nebuta Museum WA RASSE next to the station also offers a very immersive experience. The colorful, vibrant Nebuta floats in all kinds of designs are truly impressive!
I sincerely hope that someday I can attend and see this fascinating festival in person!

After traveling across that endless expanse of land, the moment I entered the “Blue Pond,” I was truly amazed! I got up early and arrived at the “Blue Pond” before the crowds appeared. The air was fresh, the water was deep blue, and the dead trees were reflected in the pond... Although it isn't very large, standing here and admiring the unusual scenery made me reluctant to leave for a long time!

No matter what season I visit Hakodate, I always head to Hachimanzaka Slope first and climb straight up the hill. As I walk uphill, I keep looking back at the harbor. Once I reach the top, I slowly make my way along the street, admiring the many distinctive buildings. At dusk, it’s time to head up the mountain for the night view! Looking at the beautiful nightscape makes me feel like I really am a millionaire! Hakodate is a city that never stops drawing me back!

Having walked the Nakasendo in spring, summer, and fall, how could I leave out winter? So I returned on a snowy winter day.
Perhaps because of the cold weather, I hardly saw anyone along the way. The higher I climbed, the deeper the snow became. As I walked through the dreamlike silver landscape, large clumps of snow would occasionally fall from the trees, adding a little thrill to the silent world. Along the route, bamboo poles of various lengths had been placed in several spots, probably a thoughtful gesture by the villagers to keep travelers from slipping!
In just a few short hours, my body, mind, and spirit felt completely cleansed! When spring arrives, I’ll definitely walk it again.

This is Mount Takao!
Fall. To avoid the crowds coming to see the fall foliage, I got up early to hike the mountain. The cable car wasn't running yet, so I had no choice but to walk and enjoy the red maple leaves along the way. With all the colorful "fall foliage" competing for attention, I reached the "summit" before I knew it!
It's conveniently located, and the trailhead is easy to reach from central Tokyo. You can make it a day trip, enjoy the fall foliage, and get some exercise—why not kill two birds with one stone?