王小鈞's Reviews Page 3/25

Toyosaki Seaside Park Chura SUN Beach

Located just a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport toward Itoman City, Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park is the closest beach to the airport. It’s a popular spot for watching airplanes take off and land, as well as for enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the horizon.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Nature Spots

If you're looking for a beach where you can unwind without dealing with crowds, I highly recommend Chura SUN Beach at Toyosaki Seaside Park.
It's only about a 15-minute drive from Naha Airport, so it's super close. Many people stop by for a walk right after landing or before their return flight. Besides the deep blue ocean views, one of the biggest draws is being able to watch planes take off and land up close. In the evening, it's also a great place to watch the sun slowly sink below the horizon, which is really soothing.
We visited on a weekday, and there were hardly any tourists. The entire beach felt especially laid-back. With the sea breeze and the sound of the waves, it really felt like we had the place to ourselves. Compared with the crowds at popular beaches, I actually prefer this quiet, comfortable atmosphere. It's well worth stopping by for a walk.

Nago City Hall

While performing administrative functions as Nago City Hall, it is a hidden tourist spot known for its famous architecture. Looking like an ancient ruin, you may not recognize it as a city hall at first glance. It is also known as an "energy-saving government building" because of its distinctive design that takes advantage of Okinawa's climate by allowing sea breezes to cool the building.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Tourist Attractions

If you’re like me and enjoy looking for places that not everyone visits, Nago City Hall is definitely worth adding to your itinerary!
I was genuinely stunned when I first saw it. It doesn’t look like a city hall at all, but more like an ancient ruin or temple. The rugged exposed concrete surrounded by lush greenery feels like a scene from The Legend of Zelda, and it looks impressive from every angle. The building also received an Architectural Institute of Japan award and is known for its design that makes use of Okinawa’s climate, allowing sea breezes to naturally cool the building. It’s a popular pilgrimage spot for architecture enthusiasts.
There are hardly any tourists on weekdays, so you can take your time walking around and taking photos without crowds. Every corner offers a different perspective, and the farther you go, the more it feels like an adventure.
If you’re already heading to the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium or Kouri Island, I recommend stopping by along the way. It’s not a popular photo spot, but it’ll quietly make you exclaim, “Who knew Okinawa had such a cool place hidden away!”

Okinawa Outlet Mall Ashibinaa

Built near the Toyosaki Seaside Park Beach, Okinawa's first outlet mall is named "Ashibinaa," which means "playground" in Okinawan language, symbolizing a gathering place for people of all generations.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Commercial Buildings

I originally thought I'd just browse for a bit, but before I knew it, I walked out carrying several bags. Okinawa Outlet Mall ASHIBINAA is super close to the airport, so it's perfect to visit before flying home! There are lots of brands, including Nike, adidas, COACH, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Michael Kors... There’s so much to look at, and the discounts are really noticeable. I often saw the prices and couldn't resist picking up one more item.
When you get tired from shopping, there are cafes and places to eat where you can take a break. The atmosphere is also very comfortable, and it doesn't feel so crowded that you can't browse at your own pace.
If you're like me and always leave a little extra room in your luggage when traveling, you should definitely schedule this for your last day, or you'll really regret not coming! Just remember to leave some room in your luggage weight allowance, or on the way home, it might not be you that's exhausted—it'll be your overweight luggage.

Okinawa Zoo & Museum

This is the southernmost zoo complex in Japan with a Children's Museum on the premises. The zoo exhibits approximately 150 species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Zoos & Aquariums

Okinawa Zoo & Museum is really worth adding to your itinerary. I originally thought it was just a zoo, but after spending half a day there, I still wanted more. This is Japan's southernmost zoo complex, with about 150 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. What makes it especially unique is that you can see rare animals from the “Ryukyu Arc” up close, such as Yakushima macaques and Ryukyu dogs, which you don't get to see just anywhere!
The whole park is comfortably laid out and is great for letting kids burn off some energy. Adults can also enjoy a leisurely walk and take their time looking at the animals. If you have enough time, I recommend setting aside at least half a day, or you really won't have enough time to see everything〜
If you want to add a family-friendly attraction where you can get close to nature to your Okinawa trip, in addition to shopping and trying the local food, Okinawa Zoo & Museum is definitely one to put on your list!

Sumiyoshi Taisha

The head shrine of 2300 Sumiyoshi shrines nationwide, revered as the god of cleansing evil spirits, safe voyage and poetry. It is said that Osaka’s summer festival begins with Aizen Festival, via Tenjin Festival and ends with Sumiyoshi Festival.

• Osaka
• Shrines & Temples

Besides the lively Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori areas, Osaka also has quite a few places steeped in history. Sumiyoshi Taisha is one attraction that's well worth a visit. On my first visit, the red arched bridge immediately caught my eye. The moment I crossed it and entered the shrine, the atmosphere around me became quiet, completely different from the bustle of the city center.

Nankin-machi (Nanjing town)

"Nankin-machi" (Japanese name for Nanjing town) in Kobe is one of the three best Chinatowns in Japan, along with Yokohama Chinatown and Nagasaki Shinchi Chinatown. There are more than 100 Chinese restaurants, Japanese and Western restaurants, grocery stores, general stores, and many other stores lining the streets.

• Kobe
• Shopping Streets

One place you definitely shouldn't miss when visiting Kobe is the exotic Nankin-machi!
It's one of the largest Chinatowns in western Japan, and the streets are lined with lots of tempting foods, like soup dumplings, pork buns, Peking duck, sesame balls, and more. Walking around and eating really gives you that travel feeling. I especially recommend not rushing to find a restaurant and sit down. Just stroll around and snack, buying whatever looks good and slowly taking in the crowds and energy.
Even though you're in Kobe, Japan, Nankin-machi has such a strong Chinese atmosphere that it feels both familiar and new. It's lively during the day and even more atmospheric when the lights come on at night, making it a great stop in Kobe for strolling, taking photos, and finding something to eat.

Setsugetsuka Main Store

A renowned teppanyaki restaurant where highly skilled chefs grill carefully selected Kobe beef right before your eyes. The restaurant primarily sources premium, female Kobe beef that is carefully raised for over 30 months and has never calved. This exquisite beef is distinguished by its rich color and delicate marbling, and is further enhanced through extended aging, removing excess moisture and concentrating its flavor.

• Kobe
• Meat Dishes

If you’re visiting Kobe and want an unforgettable Kobe beef experience, Setsugetsuka is definitely worth considering. It’s near Sannomiya Station, so it’s very convenient. Although it’s not cheap, since you’re already in Kobe, it’s worth treating yourself once in a while!
Sitting at the teppan counter and watching the chef prepare Kobe beef and fresh seafood right in front of you, every step—from slicing and grilling the meat to finally tasting it—feels ceremonial. The beef is incredibly tender, and the aroma of the marbling slowly spreads in your mouth. With just simple seasoning, it’s already unbelievably delicious.
There’s a reason it has a Michelin star. The entire dining experience isn’t just about eating delicious food; it’s more like a feast for the eyes and palate.
Although your wallet may hurt a little afterward, when you think back on the flavor, you’ll still feel, “Since I’m already here, it’s worth it!”

Ikuta Shrine

With a history of about 1,800 years, “Ikuta Shrine” is affectionately called “Ikuta-san, the matchmaker” by locals. As a popular power spot, it’s known for bringing good luck in marriage, love, work and health, and has even seen visits from athletes and artists in recent years.

• Kobe
• Shrines & Temples

If you're visiting Kobe, Ikuta Shrine is a must-see.
It's near the bustling Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, about a 10-minute walk from the station, making it very convenient to stop by and pray while shopping.
Although it's in the city center, it immediately feels much quieter once you enter the shrine grounds. The red torii gates and lush garden create an interesting contrast with the busy streets outside. Many locals regularly come to pray for good fortune, and its convenient location also attracts many overseas visitors.

Taiko no Yu

Treat yourself to a pure recharge at this spot with over 26 different bath types and stone saunas, plus the famed Gold and Silver springs of Arima onsen, known for having the highest concentration of hot spring minerals in Japan. For open-air baths, take your pick from any of six varieties including rock baths, Goemon baths, artificial carbonated baths, and herbal baths. Inside, the main bath floors offer a dip in waters sourced from the Kinsen and Ginsen springs.

• Kobe
• Bathing & Spa Facilities

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!

Arima Onsen

A famous hot spring that represents Kansai, which springs at the northern foot of Mt. Rokko. It is a historical hot spring that appears in "Nihon Shoki" and "Fudoki", and is one of the "Three Ancient Springs of Japan".

• Kobe
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

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.