王小鈞's Reviews Page 10/31

If you're visiting Arima Onsen and don't want to go from place to place for different baths, I highly recommend heading straight to Taiko no Yu!

Here, you can enjoy Arima's famous Kinsen and Ginsen springs all in one visit. The Kinsen spring is also one of Japan's most highly concentrated natural hot springs. It warms your whole body and feels so good. There are also 26 different types of baths, including open-air baths, rock baths, Goemon baths, carbonated baths, herbal baths, and stone saunas where you can slowly unwind.

My personal favorite was the open-air bath. Soaking while letting my mind go blank was truly soothing. If you have limited time but want to experience the appeal of Arima Onsen all at once, this place is well worth visiting. You really won't want to leave after your soak!

I originally planned to just stop by Arima Onsen for a soak, but I ended up liking it more than I expected.

The entire hot spring town has so much character. Walking along the stone-paved streets, you'll find small shops full of Japanese charm on both sides. Browsing around and snacking along the way never gets boring. No wonder this is one of Japan's three ancient hot springs—even Toyotomi Hideyoshi loved coming here to soak and relax.

I think the most charming thing about Arima Onsen isn't just the hot springs, but its leisurely pace. There's no need to rush anything. You can sit and rest at a shop, soak your feet in a footbath, and then enjoy a proper hot spring soak. The whole day feels so relaxing.

If you're visiting Kobe, I really recommend adding Arima Onsen to your itinerary. Whether you want to soak in the hot springs, take a walk, or simply clear your mind, it's well worth a visit. You'll definitely want to stay a little longer.

I originally wanted to visit every one of the Kobe Kitano Ijinkan houses, but there really wasn't enough time. In the end, I just took a leisurely walk outside and snapped some photos, and surprisingly, the streetscape alone had so much character! The rows of Western-style houses along the sloping streets made it feel like I had stepped into a small European town, and every corner was super photogenic. You need to buy tickets to go inside, so I'll save that for next time. But if you're short on time like I was, I think it's still well worth just walking around outside. It's relaxing and really captures Kobe's unique character.

I originally thought Mt. Rokko was only worth visiting at night, but I became a fan as soon as I went up during the day! As the cable car climbed higher, the view outside got more and more beautiful. At the top, the air felt so refreshing, and there were mountain and city views as far as the eye could see. I couldn't stop taking pictures. Although I didn't get to see the legendary million-dollar night view, Mt. Rokko during the day definitely didn't disappoint. Taking a leisurely stroll and enjoying the breeze was so relaxing. If I get the chance, I'll definitely come back and experience both the daytime and nighttime views!

I thought Kobe Harbor was just a place to take some photos, but at night it completely blew me away!

The bright red Kobe Port Tower is really distinctive, so it’s no wonder everyone calls it the “Beauty of the Iron Tower.” It really stands out during the day, but once it lights up at night, the atmosphere is completely different. Paired with the harbor night view, it’s so romantic, and every photo looks great. I highly recommend coming around sunset so you can catch the sunset, night view, and tower all in one visit. It’s so beautiful you won’t want to leave. Don’t miss this place when you come to Kobe!

Miyama, Kyoto, is a small village that feels like stepping back into ancient Japan.

Located in Nantan City, Kyoto Prefecture, Miyama's northern settlement still preserves many traditional thatched-roof homes. Its 39 thatched-roof houses are scattered throughout the valley, and together with the changing natural scenery of the four seasons, it truly feels like stepping into Japan's original landscape.

It's not as bustling as central Kyoto. There are fewer crowds and more peace and relaxation.

When taking the bus there on a weekday, there weren't many visitors, so I could stroll around at my own pace, admire the roofs of the old houses and the rural scenery, and experience how the local residents live in harmony with nature.

Although it takes some time to get there, once you arrive and see the nostalgic thatched-roof village before you, you'll feel the trip was well worth it.

Higashi Honganji Temple is near Kyoto Station, just a short walk away, making it a convenient stop along the way.

I thought a temple near the station would be crowded with tourists, but it was actually very peaceful on a weekday, without noisy crowds. I could take my time exploring and experience the temple's solemn atmosphere. The enormous wooden buildings are truly impressive up close, especially the vast space of the Founder's Hall, which makes you naturally slow down once you're inside.

After visiting the shopping centers near Kyoto Station or before catching a train, it's worth stopping by. It doesn't take much time, but you can experience the distinctive tranquility of an old Kyoto temple.

This time I visited Daigoji Temple in Kyoto, originally just planning to walk around and have a look, but it was more relaxing than I expected. Unlike Kiyomizudera Temple and Fushimi Inari Shrine, it isn't always packed with people. There weren't many visitors on a weekday, and the whole area was very quiet, so I could take my time exploring and taking photos.

I wasn't in any particular rush, so I slowed down and strolled around, listening to the wind rustling through the leaves. It felt very soothing. Although I didn't visit during the peak cherry blossom season, the lack of crowds made it easier to appreciate the temple's tranquility and historic simplicity.

When visiting Kyoto's Higashiyama area, Yasaka Shrine is almost impossible to miss. After passing through the bustling Gion district, the vivid vermilion gate immediately catches your eye. Even before entering the shrine, you can feel the strong Kyoto atmosphere.

During this visit, besides experiencing the solemnity of the ancient shrine, I also enjoyed the natural mix of tourists and local residents. Whether you're praying, taking photos, or simply sitting down and taking in the rhythm of Kyoto, it all feels very relaxing. It's a place you shouldn't miss when visiting Kyoto.

When arriving in Kyoto, many people are immediately drawn to the tall Kyoto Tower rising before them as soon as they step out of Kyoto Station. It's as if it's greeting travelers, becoming their first impression of a trip to Kyoto.

This time, I didn't go up Kyoto Tower. Instead, I chose to look out from the rooftop of the Kyoto Station Building, and the view was surprisingly great! In the daytime sunlight, Kyoto Tower stood out against the cityscape. With the distant mountains and orderly streets, you can feel Kyoto's unique tranquility and historic capital atmosphere.