王小鈞's Reviews Page 5/29

Sengan-en

Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.

• Kagoshima
• Parks & Gardens

When visiting Kagoshima, you shouldn't miss Sengan-en.
This Japanese garden, with more than 300 years of history, makes Sakurajima and Kinko Bay part of the garden itself. I really admire the ingenuity of the people who created it. As you stroll through the grounds, the scenery constantly changes with every step, and every angle looks like a postcard.
There aren't many visitors on weekdays, so you can take a leisurely walk, take photos, and quietly appreciate this garden that blends nature and history through borrowed scenery. If you enjoy slow travel, it's well worth spending a morning here.

Chiran Samurai Residence Garden

During the Edo period, the Satsuma Domain implemented a unique “Gaitō System”, which required samurai to be dispersed across the territory rather than concentrated in a single castle town. This led to the creation of Bukeyashiki (samurai residential districts) called "Fumoto", one of which was Chiran. The Chiran Samurai Residence Garden, believed to have been established around 270 years ago, still preserve their historical atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.

• Kagoshima
• Famous Places

This place is very different from busy tourist attractions. On weekdays, there are hardly any visitors, so you can take your time and stroll around at a leisurely pace.
As you walk along the old stone walls, Japanese gardens come into view one after another. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, making you want to keep taking photos and slow down.
You need to buy a ticket to enter, but I think it's well worth it to see seven gardens designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty all at once.
If you visit Kagoshima, consider making a stop in Chiran to experience the beauty of Japanese gardens without the crowds.

Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium

Located at Kagoshima Port, the Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium offers stunning views of the iconic Sakurajima volcano across Kinko Bay. The aquarium is home to approximately 10,000 creatures from 800 species, primarily those inhabiting the waters of Kagoshima, including the Kuroshio Current and the Nansei Islands. The "Kurosio Great Water Tank" is a major draw, featuring fish like whale sharks, tuna, and bonito that travel with the Kuroshio Current.

• Kagoshima
• Zoos & Aquariums

The Kagoshima City Aquarium was honestly more impressive than I expected!
As soon as you enter, you can see the Kuroshio Great Water Tank through a huge glass window, with whale sharks, tuna, and bonito swimming around. It’s breathtaking, and time just slips away as you watch.
My favorite was the dolphin area. Besides learning about dolphin ecology, you can also enjoy an outdoor dolphin show. Seeing the dolphins leap out of the water against the backdrop of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima was truly soothing and felt very unique to Kagoshima.
Kids would definitely have a great time here, but even as an adult, I couldn’t stop taking pictures and watching. It’s absolutely worth adding to your Kagoshima itinerary.

Kagoshima Jingu Shrine

A historic Shinto shrine said to have been founded in the Age of the Gods, and also associated with the reign of Emperor Jimmu, regarded as Japan’s first emperor. It enshrines Hikohohodemi-no-Mikoto and Toyotamahime-no-Mikoto, central figures in the Umisachi, Yamasachi myth, as its main deities. One of the largest shrines in southern Kyushu, the shrine grounds and surrounding area are designated a National Historic Site as the “Osumi Shohachimangu Shrine Precinct and Former Shinto Priest Residence Site.”

• Kagoshima
• Shrines & Temples

I stopped by Kagoshima Jingu Shrine along the way and unexpectedly really liked it here.
This is the largest shrine in southern Kyushu and is said to have been founded in the Age of the Gods, so it has a very long history. What I liked most was that there were hardly any tourists on a weekday. It wasn't crowded, so I could leisurely stroll around the grounds and slowly take in the shrine's peaceful atmosphere.
Without the noise of a popular tourist spot, it felt more comfortable and relaxing. I didn't have to keep waiting for people to move out of the way for photos, and every corner was photogenic.
If you also like quiet, historic places like this, rather than rushing through your itinerary, I recommend slowing down here and enjoying a moment of leisure.

Shiroyama (Kagoshima)

Shiroyama is located at an elevation of 107 meters, offering an expansive view of the city, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima Mountain. The surrounding area was the site of the last fierce battle of the Seinan War, where various places are related to the prominent local figure, Takamori Saigo.

• Kagoshima
• Observatories

I originally thought the Shiroyama Park Observation Deck was just a place to enjoy the view, but it turned out to be more worth spending time at than I expected.
From the observation deck, you can see Kagoshima City, Kinko Bay, and Sakurajima all at once. The view is incredible when the weather is good, and it's also relaxing to just zone out in the breeze.
This is also a historically significant place in Kagoshima. There are historic sites nearby, including the statue of Saigo Takamori and Saigo Cave, which make you feel a little like you're traveling through time as you walk around.
On a weekday, there were hardly any crowds, so taking photos was easy. I didn't have to keep waiting for people to move out of the way, which was a huge plus!
My only small regret was that I didn't stay until nighttime. I hear the night view here is also famous, so now I have a reason to visit Kagoshima again next time.

Kokusaidori Yataimura

Yataimura (food stall village) was established in 2015 on Kokusai Dori, and you won't want to miss it during your visit to Okinawa. It is a popular spot where restaurants serving Okinawan cuisine and creative dishes made with local ingredients gather and bustle both day and night.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Shopping Streets

We originally added Kokusai Dori Yataimura to our itinerary because we wanted to eat our way through it, but we arrived too early!
The village was very quiet during the day, and most places weren't open yet, so all we could do was walk around, take pictures, and soak up the distinctly Japanese food-stall atmosphere. It was a bit disappointing that we couldn't try any of the food or have the beer and grilled skewers we'd imagined.
It seems the village really comes alive at night. Next time, we'll definitely come in the early evening to fully experience the lively nightlife and make up for all the food we missed this time!

A&W Naha Kanagusuku Store

The first Okinawa restaurant was opened in 1963, before Okinawa was returned to Japan, and today there are more than 20 fast food restaurants in Okinawa Prefecture, all originating from the United States.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Light Meals

A must-try American burger in Okinawa—this is it!
A&W came from the United States and opened its first location in Okinawa in 1963, before Okinawa was returned to Japan. Today, it has more than 20 locations across Okinawa and is the only place in Japan where you can still eat at A&W.
I originally came just to check it out, but one bite made me a fan!
The burger was really good. The bun was soft, the patty was juicy, and the overall flavor was exactly to my taste. It's just the kind of American burger I like.
If you don't know what to eat in Okinawa, consider having a meal at A&W. Besides the burgers, you can also soak up the full retro American atmosphere. No wonder it has become part of the memories of Okinawa locals and a fast-food restaurant that many travelers make a point of visiting.

Yomitan Village

Yomitan Village is located in central Okinawa Island, about an hour’s drive from Naha Airport or downtown Naha. With a population of over 42,000, it is known as the most populous village in Japan.

• Yomitan, Chatan, Okinawa City, Uruma, Kitanakagusuku, Urasoe
• Famous Places

I originally stopped by Yomitan Village because it was on the way, but unexpectedly found an incredibly beautiful beach. It's really relaxing on a weekday, with hardly any tourists around. The water is clear, the beach is clean, and all you can hear is the sound of the waves. I instantly felt completely relaxed.
Yomitan Village is the most populous village in Japan. In addition to its beautiful ocean and sunsets, it also has a laid-back atmosphere. If you like avoiding crowds, it's definitely worth adding to your Okinawa itinerary and spending a quiet afternoon here.

Nakijin Castle Ruins

Located in the northern part of Okinawa Main Island, on the Motobu Peninsula, these ruins were once the residence of the king of Hokuzan during the Sanzan Period, when Ryukyu was divided into three regions: Hokuzan, Chuzan, and Nanzan, each vying for power.

• Yanbaru, Nago, Motobu
• Tourist Attractions

It was my first time visiting the Nakijin Castle Ruins, and they were even more impressive than I expected!
This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Okinawa. Although the castle itself is long gone, the 1.5-kilometer stone wall is still well preserved. Walking along the stone-paved paths really feels like traveling back in time.
What I liked most was that there were hardly any tourists on a weekday, so I could stroll around and take photos without any crowds. From the higher points, you can also look out over Okinawa's mountains and ocean, and the view is really relaxing.
The grounds aren't very large, and you can easily see everything in about an hour, making it a good stop on an itinerary through northern Okinawa. If you like historic sites or just want a quiet place to walk around, it's well worth a visit.

Cape Chinen Park

Located in Nanjo City in southern Okinawa, Cape Chinen Park sits dramatically at the edge of Cape Chinen, jutting out into the Pacific Ocean. This scenic spot offers panoramic, 250-degree ocean views that stretch across vibrant coral reefs. The mesmerizing gradient from emerald green to deep cobalt blue is nothing short of breathtaking. You can also catch sight of nearby uninhabited Komaka Island, known for its white sandy beaches, and Kudaka Island-revered as the “Island of the Gods.” On clear days, you may even see as far as Tsuken Island and the Katsuren Peninsula to the northeast.

• Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
• Parks & Gardens

Cape Chinen Park was one of my favorite ocean-view spots on this trip to Okinawa.
Standing on the cape, the endless Pacific Ocean stretches out before you, with the water gradually changing from emerald green to deep blue. It really looks like a painting, and every photo feels so soothing.
When the weather is nice, you can also see Komaka Island, surrounded by white sandy beaches, and Kudaka Island, known as the “Island of the Gods.” The view is incredibly open, and when the sea breeze blows, all your worries temporarily disappear.
There aren't many commercial facilities here. It's simply a place to enjoy the ocean, feel the breeze, and relax. If you're planning to visit southern Okinawa, I definitely recommend adding Cape Chinen Park to your itinerary. You don't need to stay long, but it will leave a lasting impression.