Ming Yu's Reviews Page 2/17

We visited Hokkaido Shrine in Sapporo, the main guardian shrine of Hokkaido. While strolling through the spacious and tranquil grounds, you can see this commemorative tree, an ichii tree personally planted by Emperor Showa on July 12, 1922! The towering tree stands strong and tall, quietly watching over the shrine through the passage of time, and is filled with a sense of history and sacredness. The shrine is surrounded by dense primeval forest, offering different beautiful scenery in every season. Whether you come to worship and pray for blessings, experience the solemn and peaceful atmosphere, or enjoy the rich natural and cultural scenery, this is a classic must-visit attraction that shouldn't be missed on a self-guided trip to Sapporo!

We visited the famous secluded attraction Sandan Falls in Ashibetsu, Hokkaido. As soon as you arrive, you'll see a simple and elegant wooden landmark sign at the entrance, surrounded by lush green forest. Following the trail, you can admire the unusual sight of the Sorachi River's rushing water cascading over layers of rock like a staircase. The powerful water creates a truly magnificent scene, along with plenty of negative ions and phytoncides. The scenery here is peaceful and natural, far from the crowds and noise. Whether you come in summer to escape the heat and listen to the water or in fall to see the autumn leaves, this is a great little-known photo spot for exploring the natural scenery around Furano and Ashibetsu in Hokkaido!

We visited the famous panoramic flower garden Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei, Hokkaido. Right at the entrance, you'll see the adorable mascot Roll-chan, made from stacked hay bales! Surrounded by a dazzling sea of bright yellow flowers, the cute and endearing Roll-chan stands in front of the flower fields to warmly welcome visitors, attracting lots of tourists eager to take photos and check in. The park has vast, colorful flower-covered hills stretching out like a rainbow, creating picturesque scenery as far as the eye can see. Whether you ride around on a sightseeing vehicle or walk along the paths through the flowers yourself, this is a dreamy view you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Biei!

We visited the famous Ginga-no-Taki Falls in Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido. Seeing the 120-meter waterfall pouring down the steep rock face like a white ribbon with our own eyes was an extremely magnificent and elegant sight! Not only has it been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls, but it is also surrounded by dense green trees and sheer cliffs, with plenty of negative ions and phytoncides. Walking along the trail while listening to the powerful sound of the rushing water is truly refreshing, and you can also visit nearby Ryusei-no-Taki Falls. This is a spectacular natural sight and popular photo spot that absolutely shouldn't be missed on a self-guided trip to Sounkyo, Hokkaido!

Visiting Yufuin Floral Village in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, you’ll find charming yellow cottages and a European fairytale-style countryside atmosphere!

The unique shops lining both sides of the street display all kinds of popular anime and picture-book merchandise, including beautifully made plush toys, bags, and keychains featuring classic Studio Ghibli characters from My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. There’s also a dedicated Moomin shop selling a variety of cute bags, umbrellas, clothing, and accessories. Strolling and shopping through streets that feel like a fairytale world makes this an extremely popular photo and shopping spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Yufuin!

Visiting the famous natural wonder of Takachiho Gorge in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can witness the breathtaking columnar-jointed gorge and spectacular waterfalls in person!

The swift, clear Gokase River runs between towering volcanic lava cliffs, while the famous Manai Falls cascades from above directly into the emerald-green gorge. Walking along the trail beside the gorge, you can look down on the relaxing scene of small rowboats passing between the waterfall and cliffs. Renting a rowboat yourself is also highly recommended, letting you experience the spray from the waterfall up close and take in the grandeur of the V-shaped gorge. Filled with a mythical atmosphere and abundant negative ions, this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki in Kyushu!

Aoshima Shrine, located along Miyazaki Prefecture’s Nichinan Coast, uniquely sits on the small island of Aoshima, surrounded by the natural wonder known as the Devil’s Washboard! Inside the shrine, you can see the chozuya purification pavilion, which has a deeply sacred atmosphere and allows worshippers to wash their hands and purify themselves before entering the sacred grounds. The vivid vermilion main hall looks even more striking against the blue sky and surrounding tropical plants. Aoshima Shrine is famous for prayers for good relationships, matchmaking, and safe travel by land and sea. The grounds are also filled with prayer plaques and a variety of distinctive charms, making it an extremely popular matchmaking shrine and photo spot that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki!

Visiting the Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge in Aya, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can see this magnificent bridge that was once hailed as the world’s No. 1 pedestrian suspension bridge and spans Japan’s largest evergreen broadleaf forest!

Standing at the entrance to the bridge, the monument and magnificent deep mountain gorge make any photo look impressive. As you walk across the suspension bridge, you can gaze out over layers of lush green mountains. The air is fresh and refreshing, leaving you feeling relaxed and invigorated. It’s a highly recommended must-visit spot in Miyazaki for enjoying nature, forest bathing, and spectacular photo opportunities!

Viewed from the Sakurajima Ferry across Kagoshima Bay, this building, with its distinctive sailboat-inspired design and massive roof, is the famous Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium. Inside, it showcases the diverse marine life of southern Kyushu and Kinko Bay. Its best-known attractions are the enormous tank recreating the Kuroshio Current ecosystem and the adorable whale sharks. The aquarium is right next to the harbor, offering excellent views from the ferry or the waterfront promenade. Whether you're planning a family outing or taking a walk along the coast, this is a highly recommended and relaxing must-visit attraction in central Kagoshima!

Take the Sakurajima Ferry to Sakurajima Volcano and enjoy the shimmering waters and magnificent scenery of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay) along the way! This important ferry connecting central Kagoshima with Sakurajima operates 24 hours a day. The vessel is spacious and comfortable, and during the trip, you can enjoy the sea breeze and volcanic views from the deck as well as the ferry’s popular freshly cooked Yabukin udon. It’s a classic experience you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Sakurajima!