Jk's Reviews Page 3/15

If you come to Matsue, Shimane, without seeing the sunset over Lake Shinji, then this trip really feels like it’s missing half its soul! As the sun slowly begins to sink in the evening, the entire sky shifts from a faint grayish blue into warm honey gold and soft orange. The gradient is so clear and luminous that you simply can’t look away—it’s breathtakingly beautiful!
The round sunset looks like a glowing golden egg yolk suspended above the silhouettes of the rolling mountains in the distance, its harsh light softening into the gentlest orange-yellow afterglow. The most incredible part is the reflection on the lake. A light breeze creates layer after layer of incredibly delicate ripples, while the sunset stretches a straight, shimmering shaft of golden light across the water. It looks as though countless flecks of gold have been scattered over the calm lake. Whether you see it with your own eyes or capture it through a camera lens, the scene is as beautiful as a natural watercolor painting!
The waters of Lake Shinji truly have an incredible kind of magic. The surroundings are wide open, with the water meeting the sky, and the lakeside air carries a touch of moisture and a cool breeze that lets you completely relax. Standing on the shore, listening to the waves gently lap against it, you’re surrounded by travelers and local residents also waiting for the sunset. Everyone quietly watches the sun sink little by little, as though the whole world has been switched to slow motion. All your worries and the exhaustion of rushing through your itinerary are instantly washed away by the orange-gold scenery of the lake and mountains.
Lake Shinji is not only renowned as one of Japan’s 100 best sunset views, but its local specialty, the “Seven Delicacies of Lake Shinji,” is also famously excellent. After taking in such a spectacular and soothing sunset, head straight for a steaming bowl of rich, flavorful shijimi clam soup or some fragrant grilled eel. With your mouth full of savory flavor and your eyes full of the sunset’s afterglow, the combined visual and culinary pleasure reaches its absolute peak!
From the magical moment when the sky changes from blue to gold, to the golden sunset casting a gorgeous shaft of light across the lake, and finally to the ultimate tranquility of the distant mountains blending with the water, twilight at Lake Shinji has a romantic charm that stays with you for a lifetime after seeing it just once. Slowing down and casually waiting by the lake in silence for nature to work its magic is definitely one of the most luxurious and deeply restorative pleasures of a leisurely road or rail trip through the San’in region!

Izumo Taisha, the heart of Japanese mythology in Shimane, truly leaves you speechless the moment you stand in front of the Kaguraden and see its unbelievably enormous shimenawa rope! Seeing one of Japan’s thickest and largest shimenawa ropes in person, with the immense weight of layer upon layer of tightly woven straw, is dozens of times more imposing than it looks in photos. The sheer power of it hanging beneath the majestic wooden eaves makes you keep staring upward in awe!
The worship hall is equally magnificent, with thick, dark natural-wood pillars, layers of rustic cypress-bark roofing, white lanterns bearing the shrine crest hanging on both sides, and a solemn shimenawa rope. Under the bright sun and clear sky, it gives off a powerful sense of sacredness and calm. When visiting, don’t forget to follow the local custom. What makes worship at Izumo Taisha especially unique is the ritual of “two bows, four claps, and one bow.” Along with the crisp, resounding claps, you can pray for all kinds of good connections at Japan’s most powerful sacred place for matchmaking—whether in relationships, your career, or finances. It feels like your positive energy is instantly maxed out!
The entire shrine grounds are also incredibly spacious and enjoyable to explore. Strolling along pebble-covered paths, with a cool stream bordered by old stone embankments beside you, sunlight filtering through the lush green maple leaves and casting dappled patterns, and a gentle breeze blowing by, the atmosphere is peaceful and unbelievably comfortable. Around the corners, you’ll also come across stone artworks in various forms, as well as super-cute little rabbit sculptures based on the myth of the “White Rabbit of Inaba.” The sight of them sitting obediently on stone pedestals with their paws together is unbearably adorable and makes you stop to snap a few extra photos!
From the visually stunning giant shimenawa rope at the Kaguraden and the wooden shrine buildings filled with history, to the forest scenery surrounded by greenery and the White Rabbits of Inaba looking cute everywhere, Izumo Taisha has both the sweeping solemnity of a top-tier shrine and a spiritual, soothing quality throughout that completely relaxes you. This fulfilling experience of wandering around at your own pace and personally connecting with the origins of Japanese mythology is definitely an unforgettable, top-tier mythological pilgrimage on any trip to the San’in region!

As soon as I entered Kotoku-in and saw the huge stone monument inscribed with “National Treasure: Great Buddha of Kamakura,” my anticipation went through the roof! After walking a few more steps and looking up, I saw the entire bronze statue of Amida Buddha sitting majestically between heaven and earth. The sight could only be described as “stunning and imposing”! With rolling green mountains behind it and a clear blue sky overhead, the Buddha’s kind, gentle features and slightly lowered eyes, as if deep in contemplation, looked especially solemn and serene in the open natural light.
The grounds were packed with pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Everyone crowded below the steps and around the incense burner to take pictures and gaze up at the statue. Even the incredibly lively atmosphere couldn’t overpower the calming presence radiating from the Buddha. The most distinctive and coolest thing about this statue is that it’s an “open-air” Great Buddha! Apparently, it was originally sheltered by a magnificent hall long ago, but after centuries of storms and tsunamis, the wooden structure was mercilessly destroyed by nature. Only this solid bronze Buddha remained seated securely on its stone pedestal. It has been sitting there for more than 700 years, witnessing all the changes in the world. Simply standing before it and feeling the profound weight of all that accumulated history fills you with awe!
Besides standing in the plaza and looking up at it for photos, the most satisfying hidden experience that you absolutely shouldn’t miss is paying just a few dozen JPY to explore the “inside of the Great Buddha”! You enter through an inconspicuous little door behind the statue, and it feels like being enclosed in a gigantic bronze time capsule. The space inside isn’t very large, but you can clearly see the traces of how Japanese craftsmen skillfully joined and welded the bronze plates together hundreds of years ago. Faint sunlight also filters in through openings in the back. The amazing feeling of touching the warmth of history with your own hands is several times cooler than just taking pictures outside!
Walking around the stone steps with a gentle breeze blowing through the tips of the pine branches, whether you’re admiring the simple, subdued color of the bronze, examining the bronze lanterns on the stone platform, or stopping to take a deep breath and experience the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, all your accumulated travel fatigue instantly melts away. This relaxed pace, where you can experience the impact of ancient history and culture while casually strolling among nature and historic sites, is definitely one of the most classic, memorable, top-tier stops in Kamakura!

At Enoden’s Enoshima Station, the island vacation atmosphere and nostalgic retro charm hit you the moment you arrive! The station itself retains the classic character of an old wooden station. The most eye-catching feature is the group of adorable little bronze sparrows on the railing by the entrance. Every so often, a kind local grandmother hand-knits little sweaters and hats in different colors for them. Their seasonal outfit changes are so cute that you can’t help snapping photo after photo.

Follow the crowds and slowly wander along the lively shopping street, where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked rice crackers and tempting grilled seafood. The street is lined with Showa-era-style shops, Japanese sweet shops, and unique souvenir stores, making the walk both relaxing and full of local character. Enoden’s retro green-and-yellow trains slowly pass behind you from time to time with a ding-ding sound. The laid-back, easygoing pace immediately makes you slow down.

Stroll across the bridge over the sea with the cool ocean breeze on your face, and the lush green hills of Enoshima and the steadfast lighthouse observation deck unfold in the distance. Before you is the deep blue Pacific Ocean stretching all the way to the horizon, and the wide-open view instantly lifts your spirits. This atmosphere combining a retro railway, a leisurely street stroll, and unbeatable ocean views is exactly what makes Enoshima Station so charming.

At the entrance to Hasedera Temple in Kamakura, the first thing that catches your eye is the rustic wooden temple gate, with a striking large red lantern hanging high in the center bearing the three characters for “Hasedera.” The entire gate has a strong sense of history, and the combination of stone steps and wooden pillars creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere as soon as you arrive.
As you stroll through the temple grounds, you can enjoy the carefully maintained Japanese gardens along the way. Hasedera is known not only for its evergreen scenery throughout the seasons, but also for its excellent views overlooking Kamakura’s beautiful coastline. From the elevated observation deck on the grounds, you can take in the blue coastline of Sagami Bay and the surrounding houses, with a wide and refreshing view.
The temple is also known for its solemn standing statue of Kannon and its many small Jizo statues. Each stone Jizo statue has a unique expression and pose, adding a touch of warmth to the quiet temple. Slowing down for a walk here while listening to the breeze and the temple bells makes this a wonderful place for a peaceful stroll and to experience the culture and atmosphere of the historic city.

When I reached the wooden marker at the summit that reads “Meiji no Mori Takao Quasi-National Park, Summit of Mount Takao, 599.15 m,” I saw many hikers lining up to take photos and commemorate their hike. Walking along the forest trail was quite pleasant, with dense trees, old-fashioned red lanterns, and stone steps on both sides.
Visiting Mount Takao in the fall, the most anticipated sight is the mountain covered in red maple leaves. Looking up, the red leaves stood out against the blue sky, while sunlight fell on the red torii gates and temple eaves, creating a beautiful scene. Inside the temple’s main hall, you can see a thick shimenawa rope and intricate wood carvings. Many people were also worshipping there, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and solemn.
Besides hiking, you can also take the cable car or open-air chairlift. Sitting on the chair as it slowly climbs, you can look down over the entire forest and trails, with a very expansive view. When heading back down or after getting tired from exploring, you can enjoy a freshly grilled charcoal-roasted dango skewer. Watching the staff turn the dango over the charcoal fire, the piping-hot dango with sauce is a distinctive local snack.
Mount Takao combines hiking, fall foliage viewing, visits to an old temple, and local snacks, making it a classic destination that is perfect for slowing down and exploring at a leisurely pace.

The moment I reached the summit of Mount Zao, it felt as if I had fallen straight into a gigantic white kingdom of snow and ice several degrees below freezing. Everywhere I looked was a fantastical world completely covered in thick snow and frost. The cold air felt icy as I breathed it into my lungs, but the incredibly spectacular sight before me was exciting enough to make me completely forget the cold.
I struck a cool pose for a photo beside the sign, with a brilliant blue sky and wildly drifting white clouds behind me. In the distance, the rolling mountain ranges were all dressed in thick white coats of snow, making the whole scene look unbelievably cool. The most famous sights here are Zao's juhyo, the strangely shaped snow monsters. The entire mountainside is densely covered with fir trees that have been completely transformed by snow and ice. From a distance, they look like countless gigantic white monsters standing silently in the snow. This extraordinary sight carved by the incredible power of nature is something you have to see with your own eyes to understand just how breathtaking it is.
As I trudged through the deep snow, I also happened upon the Zao Jizo statue, dressed in red, wearing a traditional straw hat, and holding a staff, though it was almost buried in the heavy snow. Seeing only half of its body exposed as it stood in the swirling snow was both sacred and a little amusing. Taking a photo beside it gave me a wonderfully exhilarating feeling of being on an adventure through nature's snowy landscape.
As the sunlight streamed down from high above, the snow and ice-covered trees reflected a dazzling silvery-white glow, making the entire mountaintop sparkle like a dream. Exploring this snowy alpine wilderness and witnessing the spectacular giant juhyo with my own eyes was definitely the most thrilling and unforgettable grand finale to a winter trip!

The most exhausting part of climbing Yamadera definitely isn’t the sore legs—it’s those more than 1,000 stone steps that seem to go on forever! Along the way, both sides are lined with towering cedar trees covered in thick snow and old-fashioned stone lanterns. As you climb and gasp for breath, you also have to watch whether the snow underfoot is slippery. But once you manage to reach the top, the view definitely makes all the effort feel worthwhile.
Looking down from beside the ancient temple next to the massive rocks, you can see endless snow-white mountains stretching to the horizon. The small town and rooftops below are all frosted with a layer of snow, and with the huge sun overhead and a cloudless blue sky, the whole scene is incredibly spectacular. The thrill of exploring an ancient mountain trail in the heavy snow while enjoying unbeatable views from the summit was definitely the most exhilarating and memorable snowy-country experience of the entire trip!
As I climbed the steps one by one, the snow crunched beneath my feet, and it was so quiet all around that I could even hear myself breathing. The surrounding trees had been transformed into strange shapes by the accumulated snow, like natural ice and snow sculptures. When I started getting a little out of breath, I stopped and looked back. The sunlight was falling perfectly across the snow and mountaintops, making them sparkle brilliantly. That feeling of being completely removed from the world really made me forget all my worries.
This experience of putting all your strength and willpower into seeing the beautiful scenery really will leave your legs completely worn out, but when you stand at the highest point overlooking the entire valley, the awe and exhilaration you feel are completely beyond words. If you want to experience Japan’s most authentic and breathtaking winter snowscapes, this is definitely a classic place to visit.

The moment I stepped into the Zuihoden grounds in Sendai, it felt like I had fallen into a hidden forest filled with history and mystery! Right in front of me was a wooden gate with a black lacquer base and incredibly ornate gold-leaf carvings. A striking red plaque bearing the three large characters for “Zuihoden” hung above it, while the gold decorations around it sparkled in the sunlight, perfectly showcasing Date Masamune’s commanding yet refined style of understated luxury.
I slowly wandered along the tranquil path tightly surrounded by towering trees. It was so quiet that all I could hear were my own footsteps, insects, and birds, and the air smelled incredibly fresh. As I walked, I suddenly came across distinctive, finely crafted bronze roof tiles carved with dragon heads. The eyes and scales were so lifelike and detailed that I couldn’t stop snapping photos.
A little farther ahead, an old-fashioned stone sutra tower stood quietly in the lush garden, surrounded by small stone Buddha statues that were both cute and solemn. The whole scene had a strong sense of traditional Japanese Zen. Around a bend, the intricately crafted main hall blended perfectly into the dense forest around it. The contrast of black wood and gold ornamentation looked especially sacred beneath the dappled shadows of the trees.
Being able to stroll at my own pace through a lush historic site without rushing through an itinerary felt so good! Admiring these incredibly well-preserved traditional crafts and ornate buildings along the way was not only a feast for the eyes but also allowed my mind to completely settle. It’s definitely the ultimate way to experience Sendai’s rich history and culture!

When you arrive at the Sendai Castle Ruins, you can see the incredibly imposing equestrian statue of Date Masamune from a distance, standing high atop its stone pedestal. Lord Masamune wears his signature crescent-moon helmet and rides a powerful steed, looking unbelievably cool. Against the intensely blue, cloudless sky with a few white clouds floating by, the scene is incredibly striking. Below the statue are old-fashioned stone lions standing guard. Take a photo in front of it, and some of that commanding presence might rub off on you too.
Looking out from the observation deck at the Honmaru ruins, the view suddenly opens up so wide that you can’t help shouting, “This feels great!” The lively cityscape of Sendai, its high-rise buildings, crisscrossing roads, and layers of mountains in the distance are all spread out before your eyes. The blue sky overhead looks as clean as if it had been washed, with an occasional marshmallow-like white cloud drifting by. Combined with the expansive scenery below, it really makes you feel completely relaxed.
There’s no need to rush here. Just take a leisurely walk along the edge of the plaza, enjoying the cool breeze, the traces left behind by a famous historical warrior, and the unbeatable city views. This refreshing and carefree walking experience is definitely one of the most enjoyable highlights of a visit to Sendai.