Holly's Reviews Page 7/10

I actually came this time entirely for Gyokusendo Cave. I originally thought I could leave after seeing the limestone cave and checking out some traditional Okinawan buildings, but once I went in, I realized the layout of Okinawa World is incredibly well designed. There's basically no way to pick and choose only what you want to see.
The route through the park starts with Gyokusendo Cave. After exiting the cave, it naturally leads to the tropical fruit garden, traditional craft experiences, the Ryukyu Kingdom Castle Town, shops, performance areas, and other facilities, one after another. You basically follow the route through the entire park. I thought three hours would be enough, but everything flowed so smoothly that I ended up staying for the performance too. I arrived a little after 1 p.m., and by the time I left, it was almost closing time.
That said, Gyokusendo Cave itself is definitely worth making a special trip for. The cave is about 5 kilometers long, with around 890 meters currently open to visitors, and it contains over one million stalactites. Walking through it is truly spectacular. Along the way, you can see the many different forms created by the stalactites, and even small stalagmites slowly forming where water has been dripping near the walkway for years.
I really liked the lighting inside. It illuminates the cave clearly without giving it that cheap tourist-attraction feel from excessive lighting. Instead, it beautifully brings out the layers and shapes of the different stalactites. There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting, though. The cave has plenty of ups and downs, and the ground can get wet. Some stalactites hang so low over the walkway that protective padding has been installed. Taller visitors really need to watch their heads, because if you hit one, people might be more worried about the stalactite than your head.
Also, Gyokusendo Cave is not wheelchair accessible, and the public route is nearly 900 meters long. If you're traveling with seniors or children, or if you have difficulty with stairs and wet, slippery surfaces, it's best to consider your stamina beforehand.
Overall, the admission isn't exactly cheap, but the scale and scenery of Gyokusendo Cave are impressive. Along with the traditional Ryukyu buildings, craft experiences, tropical plants, and live performances afterward, I still recommend setting aside half a day if it's your first time in Okinawa. The overall atmosphere really doesn't feel like Japan.

When I travel on my own, I usually stop by tourist information centers to pick up materials. They’re useful for my current trip, and I often find inspiration for my next one too. The Okinawa Tourist Information Center at Asahibashi is in a great location, right above the Naha Bus Terminal. It’s easy to get to from either Asahibashi Station or the bus terminal. I went by scooter, though, so it was a bit of a walk from the parking lot. Hoshino Coffee is right next door, so you can grab something to eat if you’re hungry.
I was honestly surprised when I arrived. This is one of the largest tourist information centers I’ve visited in Japan, and it has a very comprehensive selection of materials covering not only Naha City but also attractions, transportation, and events throughout Okinawa’s main island. The counter offers multilingual assistance. While I was resting inside, I happened to hear the staff helping travelers directly in Chinese and Japanese.
In addition to travel information, you can purchase some transportation tickets and sightseeing products. Luggage storage is also available, currently for JPY 500 per item per day, with same-day pickup required. They also offer luggage delivery, which is really thoughtful. There are also some Okinawan cultural exhibits inside. The space is roomy and comfortably air-conditioned, making it a good place to rest and look through materials while waiting for a bus or during a break in your itinerary.

This time, a classmate dragged me along to browse Kayanoya. Their family had asked them to stock up all at once on enough dashi packets and seasonings for chawanmushi to last the next six months. Since I usually don’t have much opportunity to cook, I could only look at most of the products and put them back. Then I happened to spot the “だしふりかけ” at the end. It didn’t require cooking and wasn’t too expensive, so I bought the bonito and plum bonito flavors to try back in Taiwan.
After actually trying them, they changed the way I think about furikake. This kind is moister, and the flavor is more deeply absorbed. Comparing the two, the bonito flavor is milder, with the savory taste of dashi and dried bonito as the main notes. The plum bonito has the added tart aroma of plum and red shiso, making it more refreshing and appetizing. I especially like the plum bonito. When it’s hot in the summer and I don’t feel like eating much, something slightly tart really can make me eat another bowl of rice.
I originally thought Kayanoya was mainly suited to people who cook regularly, but even someone like me who rarely cooks can find suitable products there. It’s really nice.

One of the most famous items offered at Samuhara Shrine is the ring-shaped “Goshinkan Mamori.” Before the pandemic, you had to try your luck at the shrine office and could only get one if it was in stock, so they often ran out quickly. After the pandemic, they switched to an application system, with an offering of at least JPY 10,000, and a domestic Japanese address is required. Since they are made to order, there is also a wait before completion. Even so, they remain extremely popular, so as of August 2026, new production applications are temporarily suspended.
I had visited Samuhara Shrine before the pandemic, and the amulet I received then was also the one I kept with me the longest. During the pandemic, many people around me tested positive one after another. I even worked closely with someone who tested positive for two or three days, and everyone took turns taking long periods off, but I stayed safe the whole time. There was a period when I was coughing badly, but all my rapid tests were negative. There were also several moments when it looked like a serious traffic accident was about to happen, but I somehow managed to avoid them each time. I never knew my reaction speed could rival an athlete’s. Looking back now, it still feels incredible.
Of course, these things may not really have been directly related to divine protection, and there may have been some psychological effect, but for me, they definitely left me with the feeling that I had somehow been protected all along.
So when I came to Osaka again after the pandemic, I made a special trip back to give thanks, return the old amulet that had been with me for years, and receive a new one, hoping to continue living safely and smoothly, free from illness and misfortune.

What I most wanted to see was the sunrise between the Meoto Iwa. This view isn't visible year-round, only around May to July each year, with the best time being around the summer solstice. If you're lucky and the weather and visibility are good enough, you may even see the distant Mount Fuji overlapping with the rising sun.
However, the biggest problem with seeing the sunrise is transportation. Sunrise is very early, and it's basically impossible to get there from central Ise by public transportation. The more practical option is to stay near Futamiura the night before, but accommodations in the area are limited. Since my trip was very last-minute, I couldn't find anywhere I liked, so I had to give up on the sunrise for now. Instead, I went to worship in the afternoon and also visited the nearby Hinjitsukan, which was originally a lodging for members of Japan's Imperial Family when they visited Ise Jingu. I have to say, a royal inn really does have a different presence.

Ise Jingu is mainly divided into the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine. The traditional order of worship is “Outer Shrine first, then Inner Shrine,” but if you only have time for a day trip, most travelers usually prioritize the livelier Inner Shrine, since afterward they can go straight to Okage Yokocho. However, the Outer Shrine is closer to Iseshi Station and can be reached on foot. Since there are fewer visitors, walking among the tall trees in the sacred grounds is very relaxing. Compared with the liveliness of the Inner Shrine, the Outer Shrine feels quieter and more serene, allowing you to better sense the gentleness of the deities.
I also highly recommend the Sengukan Museum next to the Outer Shrine. It explains the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which takes place every 20 years. What makes it especially interesting is the full-scale model of the Outer Shrine’s main sanctuary. Since visitors cannot approach the innermost area of the main sanctuary during an actual visit, seeing the model in the museum helped me better understand the true scale and architectural details of the deities’ dwelling. There are also many exhibits on the tools and craftsmanship used during the rebuilding ceremony. If you are not in a hurry, there are videos to watch as well. I really recommend it.
The Inner Shrine is larger and draws more worshippers than the Outer Shrine. After crossing Uji Bridge, you walk along the Isuzu River toward the main sanctuary, and the entire experience feels more ceremonial. The routes going in and coming back are separated, mainly because the worship route at the Inner Shrine is quite long. Getting there is not a problem, but on the way back I was truly grateful for the Sanshuden rest area. When you get tired, you can sit down and rest, and free drinking water is available inside. There are vending machines if you want another drink, and you can also purchase amulets and other shrine items here.
If your schedule allows, I still highly recommend visiting both the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine in the traditional order. The Inner Shrine is more impressive and lively, with Okage Yokocho nearby to explore, while the Outer Shrine is much quieter. I actually preferred its forest atmosphere and feeling of worship. The two have completely different atmospheres and character, and only after visiting both can you get a fuller sense of Ise Jingu.
One reminder: the Inner Shrine has coin-operated luggage lockers, but the Outer Shrine does not, so keep that in mind if you have luggage. When I visited, I saw a traveler who had no way to store their luggage and had to drag it along. Since the sacred grounds are covered with gravel, it looked quite difficult.

If you like antiques, secondhand kimono, vintage household items, or flea markets full of everyday character, the market at Shitennoji Temple in Osaka is worth planning a special trip for. While researching, I found that there are markets on both the 21st and 22nd. I originally thought they would be about the same, but after visiting, I found clear differences in the crowds, number of stalls, and overall atmosphere.
The Daishi-e on the 21st is the largest. It has almost everything, including antiques, vintage items, secondhand kimono, clothing, household goods, and food stalls. The temple grounds are packed with stalls and people, like a large flea market combined with a festival. The atmosphere is lively and energetic, but it's also more crowded, so you may not always be able to stop and look closely at something you like. To see everything, it's best to allow at least half a day, or even plan to spend the entire day there.
The Taishi-e on the 22nd has a completely different feel. The first time I went, I briefly wondered if the event had been canceled because the crowd was so much smaller than on the 21st. You can sense the difference even on the way there. After shopping there twice, I feel this is probably what the Taishi-e is normally like. Although there isn't as much variety as on the 21st, there are still plenty of antiques, vintage items, and secondhand goods. Without the crowds pushing around you, you can take your time and make several rounds. However, there are far fewer food vendors, so I recommend bringing some snacks just in case.
Although the 22nd is less crowded, I actually bought even more things that day than on the 21st. I think it's probably because my view wasn't constantly blocked by people, and I could crouch down and slowly look through the old items laid out on cloth, making it easier to find things I truly liked. I've found reasonably priced Edo Kiriko glassware, vintage tableware, and a maxi dress that suited me here. I had more fun treasure hunting than on the 21st.
If you want a lively market with a full range of stalls and a festival-like atmosphere, I recommend going on the 21st. If you prefer quietly hunting for treasures and don't want to squeeze through crowds, the 22nd is actually more comfortable. Each day's market has its own appeal. For anyone who likes antiques, kimono, and vintage items, Shitennoji Temple is worth a special trip for a leisurely visit, no matter which day you happen to go.

Achi Shrine is located on Mt. Tsurugata next to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter. Getting there from the foot of the mountain requires walking up a slope or stone steps. If you don't want to climb too many steps right away, I recommend taking the gentler slope from the shopping street, then heading down the front stone steps. It's an easier walk, and you'll also pass the wisteria area along the way. The wisteria blooms in early May and is one of Achi Shrine's most famous sights. Unfortunately, I visited twice and missed the full bloom both times. I missed the flowering season the first time, and on my second visit, I also happened to miss the limited-edition goshuin and exhibition, which left me a little disappointed.
The shrine's charms and other items are also very distinctive, such as the delicately crafted Hanamatoi charms in soft colors and the original “Irohaura” fortunes. The paper, illustrations, and color combinations used for the fortunes are very beautiful, making them nice keepsakes even after you've drawn one.
After visiting the shrine, you can look back over the streets of Kurashiki from the higher ground nearby. The view isn't especially expansive, but you can see the white walls, black roof tiles, and streets intersecting below. Although I prefer the view from Kuniyoshi-kan, the scenery from Achi Shrine is also lovely.

I took a ninja-themed high-speed ferry from Chubu Centrair International Airport to Tsu, then caught a taxi from Tsu Port. The shopping streets around Tsukannon Temple were quite quiet, completely unlike the lively areas around Sensoji Temple and Osu Kannon. Once inside the temple grounds, however, the vermilion five-story pagoda, main hall, Kannon statue, and ceiling paintings were all impressive, lending the temple an even more solemn atmosphere.
The decorations and ceiling paintings inside the main hall are also worth examining closely. The colorful celestial maiden paintings on the ceiling add a gentle, sacred feeling to the space. Other details include a dragon-shaped purification fountain, elements related to devotion to Kobo Daishi, and rubbing stones associated with the pilgrimage. They would be easy to miss on a quick visit.
The biggest surprise for me was the intricate paper-cut goshuin featuring patterns from the five-story pagoda’s murals. Its design draws from paintings and decorations inside the pagoda that are normally difficult to see. It is ornate yet dignified. I usually keep paper mementos from my travels in my journal, but this goshuin felt too special for that, so I chose to display it separately on my desk.
Tsukannon Temple may not be the liveliest temple, but it is where I most strongly felt a sense of peace and solemnity. Of the three major Kannon temples, this was the most personal and memorable stop for me.

The KANSAI WIDE AREA PASS is ideal for traveling between cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, Himeji, Okayama, and Kurashiki. However, you should calculate your actual itinerary beforehand to determine whether it will save you money. On this trip, I traveled from Kyoto to Okayama and also visited Himeji and Kurashiki, so the pass did reduce my overall transportation costs.
The most confusing part is the Shinkansen coverage. The pass covers the Sanyo Shinkansen between Shin-Osaka and Okayama. However, the Tokaido Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka is operated by JR Central and is not included. To travel from Kyoto to Okayama, take a Special Rapid train on the JR Kyoto Line to Shin-Osaka, then transfer to the Sanyo Shinkansen.
There is another important point to keep in mind when visiting Kurashiki. Shin-Kurashiki Station is not the closest station to the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, and the pass's Shinkansen coverage ends at Okayama. Traveling to Shin-Kurashiki requires paying the fare difference, followed by another transfer back to Kurashiki, so it is not any more convenient. The easiest option is to take the Shinkansen to Okayama, then transfer to the JR Sanyo Main Line for Kurashiki Station.
Overall, the pass offers an extensive travel area and access to the Sanyo Shinkansen. The downside is that the route restrictions are not as intuitive as they appear on the map. Once you understand that the Shinkansen between Kyoto and Shin-Osaka is excluded, as well as the difference between Shin-Kurashiki and Kurashiki stations, the pass is quite convenient to use.