王小鈞's Reviews Page 5/25

Kyoto Station Building

Kyoto station is attached to an enormous building which provides shops and restaurants, as well as a hotel and cultural center. The Cube Shopping Mall occupies the ground floor and two basement floors. In its spacious confines are shops offering a wide variety of unique souvenirs and specialty desserts from Kyoto, trendy fashion items, and interesting knickknacks.

• Kyoto
• Commercial Buildings

If you come to Kyoto and don't know where to go, Kyoto Station is definitely a great choice.
I originally thought it was just a place to catch a train, but it turns out it's basically a huge department store and food court! You can buy souvenirs, shop, and eat all in one place. It's super convenient not having to keep going from place to place. I especially recommend checking out Kyoto Ramen Koji. It brings together all kinds of popular ramen shops, so you'll really have a hard time choosing. But lines are the norm during mealtimes, so come early if you want to eat there.
When you're tired from shopping, there are places to sit and rest, and you can start sightseeing as soon as you leave the station. No wonder so many people say, “Kyoto Station is an attraction in itself.” I completely agree!

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine

This shrine is dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, known as the god of learning. The shrine has been known as "Tenjin-san of Tenma" by the people of Osaka since ancient times, and since its establishment in 949, people have entrusted it with all kinds of wishes, including those for plague, learning, and entertainment. During the exam season, the shrine is crowded with students preparing for exams.

• Osaka
• Shrines & Temples

Osaka Tenmangu is a famous shrine in Osaka and a place many students visit before taking exams. It enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the “god of learning,” so throughout the year, many people come to pray for success on exams and progress in their studies.
The shrine’s famous Daishogun Shrine is said to be a power spot, adding to the solemn and peaceful atmosphere of the grounds. Unfortunately, some areas were under renovation during this visit, so I couldn’t fully appreciate the shrine’s appearance, which was a little disappointing. Still, walking around, I could feel its rich history. I hope to visit again and see all of Osaka Tenmangu next time.

Nagai Botanical Garden, Osaka City

An urban botanical garden located in a corner of Nagai Park, one of Osaka’s leading comprehensive parks. Opened in 1974, this lush urban oasis spans Approx. 24.2 hectares, where visitors can enjoy seasonal plants throughout the year.

• Osaka
• Zoos & Aquariums

Nagai Botanical Garden is much bigger than I expected. As soon as you walk in, it feels like you've temporarily left central Osaka, and all the greenery is very relaxing. The grounds have different gardens with roses, tree peonies, peonies, and more, offering different scenery in every season. It's great for taking a walk, taking photos, or simply unwinding.
I was most interested in the "Historical Forest," which recreates how Osaka's forests looked from tens of millions of years ago to the present. Walking around and looking at everything feels a bit like an adventure. If you're visiting Osaka and want somewhere you can relax for an hour or two without rushing, I highly recommend adding Nagai Botanical Garden to your itinerary. It's really peaceful!

Osaka Duck Tour

Osaka was once called the city of water, latticed by rivers like the lines of a net. While many have been filled today, waterways still all but hug the city center, setting the stage for picturesque illuminations along the bridges and neighboring buildings. With the Osaka Duck Tour you can enjoy all the sights and more of the former city of water, by riding a bus across land and water.

• Osaka
• Experiences Facilities

I originally thought it would just be a sightseeing bus ride, but the moment I looked forward to most turned out to be when it plunged straight into the river! Watching the bus go from land right onto the water really makes you want to gasp along with everyone else.
Along the way, you pass famous sights like Osaka Castle and Osaka City Hall. Seeing Osaka's streets and riverfront from a different perspective feels very refreshing. Especially once you reach the Okawa River, the scenery on both sides and the bridges slowly glide past, really giving you a sense of Osaka as a "city of water."
If it's your first time in Osaka, I highly recommend this experience. You don't have to walk constantly, and you get to discover Osaka from both land and water. It's fun and a little thrilling, and definitely a tour you'll remember.

Nakanoshima

Nakanoshima is a lush, green and iconic city area known for Aqua Metropolis Osaka that’s tucked between the Dojima and Tosabori Rivers. Home to one of Osaka’s known business districts, the area is lined with a mixture of skyscrapers, modern architecture and office buildings.

• Osaka
• Famous Places

If your feet are sore from shopping, escape to Nakanoshima and unwind for a while! Surrounded by two rivers, it can make you forget you're still in central Osaka. There are historic buildings on one side and skyscrapers on the other, and the two styles go surprisingly well together. Strolling along the river and enjoying the breeze, you'll see people jogging and walking their dogs, as well as sightseeing boats slowly passing by. Everything feels more relaxed. There's no particular attraction you have to visit—just wander around and take pictures wherever you like. Every corner feels pleasant, and it unexpectedly became the most relaxing stop of the trip.

Oasis 21

The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

I had been looking forward to walking around Oasis 21, but it rained that day, so I could only take a quick look while holding an umbrella. That was a bit disappointing.

Even though the weather didn’t cooperate, the glass-roofed Spaceship-Aqua was still distinctive, and the rain gave it a different kind of atmosphere. I’ve heard the nighttime illumination is gorgeous, and you can photograph it together with the nearby Nagoya TV Tower. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay long this time. I’ll have to come back on a sunny day for a leisurely stroll and take the photos I missed.

Menya Itto

Their special thick seafood tsukemen is particularly popular among all of the available options, and it quickly becoming a representative dish for “Itto.”

• Ryogoku, Ningyocho, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, Kinshicho
• Ramen

This isn’t a place you just stop by—it’s worth making a special trip! It’s a little far from central Tokyo, but once you see the line, you’ll know everyone came for this bowl.

The signature rich seafood tsukemen has incredibly chewy noodles, and the thick seafood dipping broth is so addictive you won’t be able to stop eating. Best of all, you can add more noodles to suit your appetite. Medium, large, and extra-large portions only cost a little more, so you’ll definitely leave full.

The wait felt a bit long, but afterward, all I could think was, “I’m so glad I came—I would’ve regretted missing it!”

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Pontocho Main Store

Located along the narrow Pontocho alley, which runs about 500 meters north to south along the Kamo River, this main store of the gyukatsu (beef cutlet) restaurant chain was established in 2014. The interior, reflecting Kyoto's aesthetic, features a calming design reminiscent of a kappo (Japanese-style fine dining) restaurant with a base of white wood, providing a serene dining experience.

• Kyoto
• Japanese Cuisine

While waiting in line, I wondered, “Is it really that good?” After eating, all I can say is: yes, it’s worth it!
The beef at Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu was tender and flavorful. There were so many condiments—wasabi, sansho pepper salt, gyukatsu sauce, and dashi soy sauce. Trying them all felt like a fun tasting challenge.
Dip it in Kyoto-style curry at the end, or mix a soft-cooked egg into your rice for yet another twist. One set meal offers so many flavors that it never gets boring. If you love beef and are visiting Japan, definitely add this place to your list!

APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari

This mega hotel is made up of a 180m-tall Central Tower with east and west wings on either side, housing over 2,000 rooms in all. The Central Tower provides the grand ocean view and romantic city lights at night.

• Chiba
• Hotels

The biggest surprise at APA Hotel & Resort Tokyo Bay Makuhari wasn't the room—it was the view!
The room had APA's usual style. It wasn't very spacious, but it was clean, comfortable, and had everything I needed. I recommend choosing a room on a higher floor. You can see Tokyo Bay during the day, and the sparkling city lights at night are so relaxing that you won't want to close the curtains.
After a full day of sightseeing, I headed straight to the public bath to unwind. It instantly revived my exhausted legs so I could get back to exploring the next day. It's a great value for the price and a convenient place to stay if you're attending an exhibition or concert in Makuhari or visiting Tokyo Disney Resort.

Lake Kussharo

Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, stretching approximately 20 kilometers north to south, and the largest freshwater lake that freezes over on its entire surface. Mt. Mokoto, which created Lake Kussharo, is known for its volcanic eruptions that covered the entire Hokkaido region with its ash in ancient times.

• Kushiro and Nemuro
• Nature Spots

If it’s your first time at Lake Kussharo, you have to check out Sunayu! Just dig into the sand by the lake a few times, and hot spring water actually bubbles up. It felt like magic!

Soaking my feet in a natural foot bath I dug myself while relaxing by the lake was incredibly soothing. It’s such a unique experience—not only great for photos, but also a lot of fun. Highly recommend adding it to your Hokkaido itinerary!