KEIKO's Reviews Page 3/8

Sun Messe Nichinan

Located on a small hill overlooking the Nichinan Coast, this popular tourist attraction features the impressive Ahu Akivi. It is the first ever complete replica of the Moai statues, authorized by the Elders of Easter Island. With the blue sea as a backdrop, the seven pairs of Moai statues evoke a sense of historical romance and mystery.

Miyazaki
Tourist Attractions

14 Sep 2026 See More

The Moai statues here are the only replicas in the world authorized by Easter Island. They’re truly spectacular, and photos with the Pacific Ocean in the background look great. The park has a large lawn and swings overlooking the ocean, giving it a real vacation feel. However, the slopes are fairly steep and there isn’t much shade, so if you visit in summer, remember to stay hydrated and use sun protection.

Udo Shrine

This unique shrine sits inside a cave found along the cliffs facing the sea. The shrine is known for safe childbirth, children, marriage as well as property for fishermen and those headed out to sea. Udo Shrine and its surrounding area are designated as a National Scenic Beauty.

Miyazaki
Shrines & Temples

14 Sep 2026 See More

Udo Shrine is truly unique. It’s built inside a rocky cave by the sea. When you come here, you have to try throwing undama lucky stones at the hollow on the back of the turtle-shaped rock by the ocean. Men use their left hand and women use their right. If you get one in, they say your wish will come true. Walking along the path and watching the waves crash against the cliffs is so soothing. Although there are some stairs to climb, it’s definitely worth it and a must-visit.

Obi Castle Town

In Tensho 16 (1588), Toyotomi Hideyoshi granted the castle to Ito Sukebei for his efforts to alleviate Kyushu. It was maintained and flourished as a castle town for the Obi clan, Ito family, with a population of 51,000 koku for 280 years until the abolition of the domain in 1588. The ruins of Obi Castle, samurai residences, old storehouses, and other structures remain. The area was the first in Kyushu to be designated as a Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings.

Miyazaki
Famous Places

14 Sep 2026 See More

It has the feel of a little Kyoto in Kyushu. The historic samurai residences and stone-walled paths are beautiful in photos, and there are even koi swimming in the canals. The best part was buying the “Eat as You Walk Pass,” which can be exchanged for local food and Obi souvenirs. The atmosphere is relaxed, and it’s fun to explore. It’s a great place to slow down and stroll around.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.

Kagoshima
Famous Places

14 Sep 2026 See More

The scenery of Sakurajima is truly spectacular. The ferry ride takes only 15 minutes, which is very convenient, and you can bring your car onboard. We drove to the Arimura Lava Observatory and walked up to the observation deck. You can see the volcano on one side and the blue waters of Kinko Bay in the distance on the other. The views are excellent.

Sengan-en

Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.

Kagoshima
Parks & Gardens

14 Sep 2026 See More

Finally made it to Kagoshima’s famous Sengan-en, the former estate of the feudal lord Shimadzu family. We strolled through the Japanese garden and tried jambo mochi. Besides the garden, the grounds also have restaurants, shops, and a Satsuma kiriko cut-glass experience. It was really quite fun. You can also see Sakurajima in the distance from the garden. It’s a really great place. Nearby, there is also a Starbucks in a white building, which was voted one of the most beautiful Starbucks locations in Japan.

Cape Nagasakibana (Ibusuki City, Kagoshima)

Jutting out from the southernmost tip of the Satsuma Peninsula, Cape Nagasakibana is steeped in legend as the place where Urashima Taro is said to have set off for the Dragon Palace, earning it the nickname "Ryugu-bana." In summer, it becomes a nesting site for sea turtles, and nearby you’ll find Ryugu Shrine, dedicated to Princess Otohime.

Kagoshima
Nature Spots

14 Sep 2026 See More

At Nagasakibana, the southernmost point of Kagoshima, you can stand beside the pure white lighthouse and look out at Mount Kaimon, known as Satsuma Fuji. The scenery is breathtaking. The red Ryugu Shrine is not only very photogenic, but also lets you experience the rich legend of Urashima Taro. The sea breeze is really strong, but the mountain and ocean views are definitely worth the trip.

IBUSUKI NO TAMATEBAKO

This reservation-only sightseeing train makes three daily round trips between Kagoshima-Chuo Station and Ibusuki Station. Its name and concept come from the legendary Japanese tale of Urashima Taro and the Dragon Palace, famously set on the Satsuma Peninsula. The train’s striking exterior-half-black and half-white-represents the story’s transformation: when Urashima Taro opened the magical "Tamatebako" (treasure box), instantly turning his hair from black to white. Mist sprayed when the doors open evokes the white smoke from the box.

Kagoshima
Trains & Subway

14 Sep 2026 See More

It was such a shame. We had reserved and received our tickets, but when we arrived at Kagoshima-Chuo Station that day, we found out that the IBUSUKI NO TAMATEBAKO train had been canceled because of heavy rain. It was really disappointing. We could only take a regular train to Ibusuki Station. After arriving, we took some photos, and there was also a footbath outside the station. I hope I'll have another chance to ride it next time.

Sapporo Odori Park

Odori Park is located in the center of Sapporo City. Surrounded by approximately 4,700 trees of 92 species, including lilacs and harunire (elms), as well as lawns and fountains for relaxation, the park is loved by tourists and citizens as a place to relax in the office district.

Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
Parks & Gardens

27 Aug 2026 See More

When I visited Odori Park, Hokkaido's winter snow season had just begun. The streetscape decorations along the way were truly colorful and dazzling. Unfortunately, I was on a group tour and didn't have time to stop and walk around, so I could only enjoy the view from the bus. If I get another chance, I'll definitely come back.

Tanukikoji Shopping Street

Tanuki Koji Shopping Street, with over 145 years of history is one of Hokkaido’s oldest shopping streets. It’s located in the center of Sapporo, stretching 900 meters from east to west with some 200 different shops. It has an arcade-style covered roofing, meaning you can enjoy shopping, dining, or an easy stroll no matter what the weather.

Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
Shopping Streets

27 Aug 2026 See More

Tanukikoji is a shopping paradise in Sapporo. Whether you're looking for things to buy or restaurants, you'll find them here. I followed the trend and took a photo of the area's famous logo sign. It gets livelier later at night, like a city that never sleeps. There are tons of tourists, including many Taiwanese visitors.

Märchen Hill (Hokkaido)

Located along Route 39, the scenic road from Memanbetsu Airport to Abashiri City, Märchen Hill stretches along a 3-kilometer straight section of road with stunning views. This popular viewpoint was also used as a filming location for Akira Kurosawa’s movie Dreams.

Shiretoko and Abashiri and Kitami and Monbetsu
Nature Spots

27 Aug 2026 See More

I only found out after coming here that this is a famous location for filming commercials. Honestly, I didn't quite understand the appeal of this spot. I guess I just don't know how to appreciate it.
But if you quietly take it in, it's actually quite beautiful. If you're interested, you could visit in different seasons.