mizuiro_lawson's Reviews Page 13/13

Sekizenkan

It was established in 1691, known as the oldest hot spring inn in Japan. The structures have been designated as important cultural properties of Gunma Prefecture, and are the model for the bathhouse in the Ghibli film “Spirited Away”.

Gunma
Inns

19 Sep 2023 See More

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!

Sendai Daikannon Statue

The largest statue of the Kannon in Japan is located in the precincts of Daikanmitsuji Temple, and its official name is Sendai Tendou Byakue Daikannon. The statue was completed in 1991 at a cost of approximately 4 billion yen by a businessman who was developing the surrounding area. The statue stands 100 meters above the ground.

Sendai
Shrines & Temples

7 Jan 2023 See More

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.

Lake Yamanaka（Yamanaka-ko）

Lake Yamanaka covers an area of about 6.57 square kilometers and is about 980.5 meters above sea level. It is located at the third highest point in Japan. The lake is the closest to Mt. Fuji among the “Fuji Five Lakes " and offers beautiful scenery of the four seasons with the majestic Mt.Fuji.

Yamanashi
Nature Spots

13 Dec 2022 See More

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.

[Closed Down]Tsukiyono Vidro Park

At Tsukiyono Vidro Park you’ll find Japan’s largest glassworks studio for making handmade glass. This same equipment is also available for a wide range of crash courses and tours. Whether you’re an adult or fun-loving kid, this spot is perfect for trying the hands-on thrills of making things!

Gunma
Experiences Facilities

13 Dec 2022 See More

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。

Roller Coaster Road

In Furano, Hokkaido where hardly any houses are seen, there is a rolling road that suddenly falls down and sharply goes up like a roller coaster.

Furano and Biei
Tourist Attractions

13 Dec 2022 See More

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.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

Gifu
Famous Places

12 Dec 2022 See More

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.

The Time Bell Tower (Toki no kane)

Kawagoe is only about an hour away from the center of Tokyo, and it is a city where you can enjoy the quaint streets. One of the most famous tourist landmarks in this city is the Bell of Time. It is a landmark with a striking presence in the street lined with old-fashioned warehouses.

Saitama
Tourist Attractions

5 Oct 2022 See More

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.