王小鈞's Reviews Page 12/25

Kocho Dim Sum Shop Main Store

Home to past champions of the World Chinese Cuisine Competition, Kocho is a renowned restaurant group that brings its award-winning flavors to the heart of Yokohama Chinatown. At its flagship dim sum shop, visitors can casually enjoy a wide variety of freshly made delicacies.

• Yokohama
• Chinese Food

I only meant to take a look, but the aroma pulled me right in.

I didn’t have huge expectations at first, but once I tried it, I was genuinely impressed! The dim sum at Kocho Dim Sum Shop had chewy wrappers and generous fillings. Every bite was really well done, easily on par with famous places people line up for.

Having a world competition champion chef here is clearly no joke. Next time I’m in Yokohama Chinatown, I’d definitely come back!

Marion Crepes - Harajuku Takeshita Street Store

Established in 1976, this leading crepe chain is the pioneer brand in Japan that first tried wrapping crepes in paper as an on-the-go snack. The sweets brand has always stayed ahead of the curve, exploding with sheer popularity since launching in Harajuku, the hub for youth fashion and culture. Today, there are around 80 stores nationwide.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

How can you go shopping in Harajuku without getting a crepe?

This long-standing shop has grown alongside Harajuku and turned the idea of eating a handheld crepe while walking around into a classic everyday treat. It’s also a must-try for many people visiting Takeshita Street.

I thought it might be really sweet, but it was surprisingly light. The cream wasn’t heavy, and the crepe itself was chewy and fragrant. Every bite went down so easily that I finished it in no time. Shopping with a crepe in hand really is the happiest Harajuku classic!

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park

Ikoma Sanjo Amusement Park is located on Mt. Ikoma at an elevation of 642 meters. 27 unique attractions are spread out in this vast site, including the “Cycle Monorail” for an aerial cycling experience with a panda or other animal car, the spinning “Kurukuru Rollercoaster,” the rapid water slide “Gold Rush” taken on a wooden boat. There are also five game areas for more fun.

• Nara
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

I thought it would just be a tiny amusement park, but I ended up loving it way more than expected! Since it was a weekday, there were hardly any visitors, so it felt super relaxed and never crowded.

I definitely recommend taking the cable car. The higher you go, the more the view opens up, and every photo looks scenic. The air up on the mountain was refreshing, and the nostalgic flying tower added to the charm. The whole place had such a laid-back vibe.

If you don’t like the crowds at popular tourist spots, this place is definitely worth adding to your itinerary.

Gero Hot Springs (Gero Onsen)

The historic hot spring “Gero Onsen” is said to have been discovered in the Engi era (901-923) and the Tenryaku era (947-957). During the Edo period, a Confucian scholar who served the Tokugawa family, Hayashi Razan, noted the hot spring as one of "the three famous springs in Japan," alongside Arima Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture and Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture.

• Gifu
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

Even Oda Nobunaga loved coming to soak in this hot spring, so of course I had to try it too!
Gero Onsen isn’t just rich in history—the water feels so soothing that after soaking, all I wanted to do was zone out. Strolling through the onsen town, grabbing a few snacks, then relaxing in a warm bath... this is exactly the kind of happy travel rhythm I love. No wonder it’s firmly ranked as one of Japan’s three famous hot springs. It’s definitely worth experiencing at least once!

Mt. Inasayama Observatory

At 333m above sea level, this observatory stands at the top of Mt. Inasayama at the center of Nagasaki City. The observatory with a cafe and restaurant offers a view over Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa and Goto Islands.

• Nagasaki
• Observatories

If you come to Nagasaki, you definitely shouldn’t miss Mt. Inasayama Observatory! Take the ropeway up to the 333-meter summit, and you’ll be greeted with a stunning 360-degree view.
During the day, you can see Nagasaki Bay, Unzen, Amakusa, and the Goto Islands in the distance. At night, it becomes truly breathtaking, with countless lights spread across the mountains and sea like jewels scattered over the earth.
No wonder Nagasaki’s night view was once chosen as one of the “New Three Great Night Views of the World.” Sitting at the observatory with a gentle breeze, watching the whole city slowly light up, I honestly couldn’t help thinking, “This trip was absolutely worth it!”

Kumamon Square

Kumamon is the mascot of Kumamoto and cutely named as such the Prefecture’s Sales and Happiness Manager. You can find him all across Kumamoto, pointing out some of its best attractions. He’s so popular that Kumamon related merchandise is said to be reaching a cumulative total of 1 trillion yen. At this spot you’ll find the office of this amazing mascot, and if you time it just right, you might even get a chance to meet him.

• Kumamoto
• Tourist Attractions

Kumamon isn’t just cute—he actually has the official title of “Sales and Happiness Manager of Kumamoto Prefecture”!
When you visit Kumamon Square, you have to stop by the manager’s office for a photo, sit at his desk, and check out his trophies and “workday” routine. If you happen to catch Kumamon on duty, you can watch him perform up close and take photos together. The cuteness level is off the charts!
And don’t forget to browse the limited-edition merch at the end. You may say you’re only buying one thing, but you’ll probably walk out with a big bag.

Kasugataisha Shrine

At the beginning of the Nara period, Takemikazuchi-no-mikoto is said to have ridden on sacred deer from Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture to Mt. Mikasa to protect Heijo-kyo and promote national prosperity.

• Nara
• Shrines & Temples

Kasugataisha Shrine really has a magical feel. As soon as you step onto the approach, the stone lanterns and forest scenery create such a relaxing atmosphere.
The most fun part is that after just a short walk, deer will come over like they’re “on patrol.” They’re not afraid of people at all, and they definitely know how to find the camera!
Besides praying at the shrine, don’t forget to take a photo with Nara’s little deer. Just remember, they’ll be checking to see if you have deer crackers in your hand. Put your things away after the photo, or they’ll be even more enthusiastic than you are!

Kinkaku-ji

During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

Kinkaku-ji is so beautiful it looks like it has a filter on, but it’s a real historic landmark!
It was originally the luxurious residence “Kitayama-dono” of Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi shogunate, and was later converted into a temple. Its official name is actually Rokuon-ji. The name most people know, “Kinkaku-ji,” comes from the glittering gold-leaf reliquary hall.
Once you enter the grounds, the sight of the Golden Pavilion reflected on Kyoko-chi Pond is so stunning you can’t help but keep taking photos. No wonder almost everyone visiting Kyoto puts this place on their must-see list!

Tsurugajo Castle

The castle is a cherry blossom viewing spot and the symbol of Aizu Wakamatsu City. Its official name is Wakamatsu Castle, and it is also sometimes called Aizu Castle or Aizu Wakamatsu Castle. The castle tower, the only one in Japan covered with red tiles, preserves the beautiful appearance of the castle in the feudal era.

• Fukushima
• Tourist Attractions

Tsurugajo Castle in winter has a quiet, charming beauty.
The white snow covering Japan’s only red-tiled castle tower creates a completely different scene from summer or cherry blossom season. Walking through the castle grounds feels like traveling back 500 years to the Aizu era, and every angle has so much character.
It may be cold, but the view is absolutely worth it. If you visit Fukushima, this classic castle definitely deserves a place in your memories!

JR Tadami Line

The JR Tadami Line runs for 135,2km between Aizuwakamatsu Station in Fukushima and Koide Station in Niigata. It runs through the Tadami River valley in the deep mountains, providing beautiful seasonal scenery from the train windows, including cherry blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, autumn leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.

• Fukushima
• Niigata
• Trains & Subway

Riding the JR Tadami Line in winter is truly as beautiful as a movie scene. The train passes through snowy valleys, with a silvery white world filling the windows. Every time it turned a corner, I couldn’t help but grab my phone and take tons of photos.
Even though it’s a small local railway, it hides some of Japan’s most stunning scenery. Ride it once and you’ll understand why people say it’s a must-do in your lifetime!