Gina C's Reviews Page 2/4

Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

• Kanazawa
• Parks & Gardens

Kenroku-en in winter is as beautiful as an ink-wash landscape painting.
The most striking sight is the huge yukitsuri on the old pine trees throughout the garden. To keep heavy snow from breaking the branches, craftspeople stretch ropes out from the top to support each branch, making them look like geometric pyramid-shaped tents from a distance. When snow settles on the green pine needles and ropes, the elegant garden instantly takes on a vast, dramatic sense of line.
Walking through the light snow beside Kasumigaike Pond, it was so quiet that all I could hear were my own footsteps. Seeing the Kotoji lantern, the thinly frozen surface of the pond, and the old pines still standing tall in the snow, I could truly feel Japan’s incredible attention to detail. This isn’t a loud, colorful kind of scenery. It’s crisp and serene, with a beauty that hits you straight in the heart.

Kamogawa (Kyoto)

Kamogawa has its head in Mt. Sajikigatake, runs through Kyoto north to south, and merges into Katsura River in Toba. Near Shijo, there is downtown such as Gion on the east side and Kawaramachi on the west, the main commercial area representing Kyoto.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

If you come to Kyoto’s Kamogawa River, you have to try the super popular “turtle hopping” experience!
Near the Kamogawa Delta, just a few minutes from Demachiyanagi Station, the stream is crystal clear. Huge stones are lined up neatly across the river. Besides the regular square stepping stones, the cutest ones are carved in the shapes of turtles and plovers.
Spreading your arms out and hopping step by step across the big turtle stones, with the cool river breeze in your face and the sound of flowing water below, is seriously so much fun and a great way to cool off. Lots of locals sit along the riverbank to relax, picnic, and watch people hop across the river. Whether you’re an adult or a kid, the moment you step onto these adorable turtle stones, your mood instantly gets better. It’s one of the most relaxing and local-feeling little experiences you can have in Kyoto!

Itsukushima Shrine

Itsukushima Shrine stands on the island of Itsukushima, which is also known as the island of gods. It is said that the shrine was founded in 593 by Saeki no Kuramoto, and the 3 goddess “Ichikishimahime-no-Mikoto,” “Tagorihime-no-Mikoto,” and “Tagitsuhime-no-Mikoto” are enshrined there. Famous for granting a wide list of benefits, these three goddesses as are worshipped as the goddesses of the sea, transportation, fortune, and art.

• Hiroshima
• Shrines & Temples

The most breathtaking thing about the great torii gate in the sea at Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima is how dramatically the scenery changes with the tides throughout the day.
At high tide, this massive vermilion structure seems to float on the deep blue sea, set against the greenery of Mt. Misen in the distance, creating an incredible sense of elegance and sacredness. When the water recedes and the tide reaches its lowest point, you can walk right up to it.
Up close, you can really feel the powerful presence of this all-wooden torii, which has stood for centuries relying on its own weight. The most fascinating detail is on the thick camphorwood main pillars. At low tide, when you get close, you’ll see that the natural cracks in the wood and gaps around the barnacles are packed with Japanese coins pushed in by visitors making wishes! From a distance, they look almost like metallic scales, faintly glittering in the sunlight. The grandeur of the natural tides and the unusual traces left by people’s wishes come together to create the torii’s most unique and thought-provoking sight.

Himeji Castle

This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.

• Hyogo
• Tourist Attractions

From a distance, Himeji Castle looks like a white heron spreading its wings, standing gracefully beneath the blue sky. This all-white Edo-period castle keep is not only one of Japan’s greatest castles, but also a precious miracle that survived the destruction of war.
Crossing the moat, passing through layer after layer of heavy gates designed like a maze, and climbing the narrow wooden stairs of the main keep, you feel the marks of history beneath your feet. All around are cleverly designed defensive features. When you finally reach the top floor, the breeze and the sweeping view over the entire city of Himeji make the power and elegance of the Edo period feel instantly refreshing and inspiring.

ICHIRAN Souhonten -Headshop & Office-

Located within the headquarters of Ichiran, this is the main store of the renowned ramen chain which is not only present all over Japan, but also overseas, in places like New York, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Among the many famous tonkotsu ramen shops in Fukuoka, Ichiran is particularly popular.

• Fukuoka
• Ramen

If you come to Fukuoka, making a pilgrimage to Ichiran Souhonten is definitely one of the must-do travel experiences.

This entire building in Nakasu has such a powerful presence. It looks impressive during the day, and at night, when the whole wall lights up with red lanterns, it has a lively festival-like atmosphere. Once inside, the classic “flavor concentration booth” lets you focus completely on the bowl of ramen in front of you.

When my customized tonkotsu ramen arrived, the rich, silky broth was amazing from the first sip. The slightly spicy kick from the signature red secret sauce gave it that extra soul. The flavor was familiar, but eating it at the main store added a special sense of ceremony and completion. The thin noodles soaked up the broth beautifully, and with the tender chashu, I finished it in no time. Finally, after drinking every last drop of soup and seeing the message at the bottom of the bowl—“This last drop is the greatest joy”—my pilgrimage to the Nakasu main store felt truly complete.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a historic shrine that is said to have been built around 1500 years ago. The main shrine features elaborate engravings, and it has been designated as a National Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

• Saitama
• Shrines & Temples

Kawagoe in spring is truly as beautiful as a painting!

This time, I visited the Shingashi River behind Hikawa Shrine just as the cherry blossoms were starting to fall. When a gentle breeze blew through, a romantic shower of sakura appeared right in front of me, and I couldn’t help but stop and take it all in. The petals softly drifting onto the river was such a soothing sight.

In a few more days, this spot will probably be full of hanaikada, with the whole river covered in pink petals. I’m sure it will be beautiful in a completely different way.

When you visit Kawagoe, don’t just stroll around the old town. Be sure to take a walk along the Shingashi River and enjoy this spring-only romance.

Ogakiku

Since its establishment in the 4th year of the Bunka era (1807) during the late Edo period, this renowned store has been devoted exclusively to eel. Even after transitioning through six eras - Edo, Meiji, Taisho, Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa - the store continues to be celebrated for its exquisitely grilled eels, each piece cooked with meticulous care, just as in the past.

• Saitama
• Japanese Cuisine

When I visited Kawagoe, I made a special plan to try the eel rice at Ogakiku, and it definitely did not disappoint!

My favorite was the shirayaki eel. Without any sauce, you can really taste the eel’s natural sweetness and aroma. The skin was lightly crisp, and the meat was tender with no muddy taste at all. It was honestly impressive from the first bite. Paired with steaming hot white rice, every bite was so satisfying. If you have a chance to visit Kawagoe, I highly recommend giving it a try. It’s the kind of dish you’ll fall in love with right away.

After arriving in Kawagoe, I’d suggest going to Ogakiku first to get a numbered ticket, then taking your time exploring the old town. Come back for your meal after that, and the whole trip feels much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Chidorigafuchi Green Way (Chidorigafuchi Moat)

A 700-meter promenade along the moat of the Imperial Palace. Surrounded by nature so rich that it is hard to believe it is in the heart of Tokyo, it is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.

• Kudanshita, Tokyo Dome
• Tourist Attractions

Visiting Chidorigafuchi during cherry blossom season was truly moving. The cherry blossoms in full bloom on both sides of the path formed a soft pink sea of flowers. When the breeze blew, the petals slowly drifted down, making it feel as romantic as a movie scene.

We strolled and took photos along the way, and every few steps we couldn’t help but stop to admire the view. The cherry blossoms reflected on the moat were beautiful from every angle. It’s no wonder so many people come here every year to see the sakura. If you have the chance to visit when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, it will definitely leave you with unforgettable memories.

Sensoji Temple

This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.

• Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
• Shrines & Temples

During the day, Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple are always packed with tourists, so I didn’t expect the nighttime atmosphere to feel completely different.

Without the constant crowds, the lighting made everything feel especially quiet and atmospheric. Walking slowly through Kaminarimon and exploring Sensoji Temple without having to rush past crowds made it even easier to appreciate the beauty of this historic temple.

Lake Chuzenji

It has been said that the valley was dammed by lava from the eruption of Mt. Nantai about 20,000 years ago, and the original shape was created. Located at an altitude of 1,269 meters above sea level, it is at one of the highest heights in Japan.

• Tochigi
• Nature Spots

Visiting Lake Chuzenji in autumn was truly stunning. The maple leaves covering the lakeside mountains were dyed in vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, like a gorgeous cloak draped over the entire mountain. Reflected on the calm surface of the lake, the scene looked just like a painting.

When the breeze blew, maple leaves gently fluttered down, adding even more romance to the moment. Walking slowly along the lakeshore, taking in the layers of autumn colors and feeling the cool fall air, every step offered another beautiful view. It made me want to slow down and keep this scenery deep in my memory.