mizuiro_lawson's Reviews Page 11/11

    The shrine path is famous for its avenue of cedar trees. When you actually visit, you'll be amazed by the sheer number and size of these giant trees! Just a heads up—if it's raining, the path can get pretty slippery, so it's best to go on a sunny day.

    I visited during the SSTR motorcycle event! So glad I made it in time for the sunset—the scene of the sun going down was really moving.

    Sekizenkan is said to be the inspiration for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film 'Spirited Away.' I was lucky enough to stay in the 'Sansou,' which is usually hard to book! There are three types of accommodations: Honkan, Sansou, and Kashoutei. Honkan is the most affordable with a simple hot spring plan, while Sansou and Kashoutei are more upscale. Even in Sansou, the hospitality was fantastic and I had a wonderful time inside the inn. Dinner was a healthy Japanese kaiseki meal, and you could really tell each dish was carefully prepared. The hot spring water is gentle, and I can see why it's called the 'finishing bath' of Kusatsu. This is a hot spring inn with a high satisfaction rate—I want to come back every few years. Next time, I can't decide whether to stay in Honkan or Kashoutei!

    You can actually go inside and climb up the Kannon statue. It's located in the suburbs of Sendai, on a hill, so you can see it from the city.
    I visited on New Year's Day. Even though it was the morning of January 1st, there were hardly any people, which felt a bit strange. I took the elevator to the top floor and walked down the stairs. I paid a mysterious 500 yen entrance fee. By the way, it was freezing cold inside the statue.

    You can see Mt. Fuji across the lake.
    Since this is the closest lake to Mt. Fuji among the Fuji Five Lakes, I think it's where you get the biggest view of the mountain.
    There are lots of great photo spots, so photography lovers will really enjoy it.

    吹きガラス体験ができます!
    工房の職人さんがマンツーマンで付き添って優しく教えてくれます。
    大人も子供も楽しめるガラス工房。
    ガラス体験で作った花瓶は家の玄関に飾ってあります。
    休日は混雑するので前日に予約した方が良いですよ。
    ガラス体験しなくてもガラス製品を買えるので、ちょっと立ち寄ってみるのも面白いかも。

    If you ride a motorcycle, you have to try this awesome road at least once.
    It's a classic touring spot!
    If you're exploring the Furano and Biei area, don't miss it.
    Honestly, it's even more thrilling and memorable than riding a roller coaster.

    I visited during the May holidays. Walking among the gassho-zukuri houses felt like stepping back in time. There are guesthouses in the village, so staying overnight would be a unique experience.
    This time, I just took a stroll, bought some souvenirs, and tried the local gohei-mochi. The sweet and savory miso with a hint of sansho was a perfect match—highly recommended for a quick snack!
    During holidays, the area gets really crowded and it takes a long time to get into the parking lot, so next time I'll visit on a weekday.

    A city full of history. Around the station it feels modern, but the farther you get from the station, the more it feels like you’re time-traveling back to the Taisho and Edo periods, which is really fun.
    I also recommend the "Poku Poku" sweet potato treat from the long-established Japanese sweets shop Kurazukuri Honpo.