The architecture itself is absolutely stunning. The moment you walk in, you just freeze for a second.
The Buddha statue is so huge it almost doesn’t feel real.
Todaiji Temple | Review by Alvin 陳
Other Reviews by Alvin 陳
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Suntory Tomi no Oka Winery
A winery that has been growing grapes for over 100 years on rolling hills with sweeping views of Mt. Fuji and the Kofu Basin. The winery handles everything in-house, from harvesting grapes to winemaking, bottling, and sales. It offers wines that express the terroir unique to this land. Renovated in September 2022, it has been reborn as an even more enjoyable destination for wine lovers.
As soon as you get there, the huge vineyards really grab your attention. The views are amazing, and on a clear day it’s super relaxing—like you can just zone out on the hillside for a while. Everything is kept really clean, and it doesn’t feel like a noisy tourist factory at all. It’s actually pretty quiet.
If you join a tour or do a tasting, it’s a nice experience. The staff’s explanation isn’t stiff, and even if you don’t know much about wine, you can still follow along. The wines lean smooth and easy to drink—not intimidating—so beginners can comfortably give them a try. -
Mt. Moiwa Ropeway (Observation deck)
Mt. Moiwa is located at the almost center of Sapporo. A Swiss-made mini cable car designed to observe the forest runs to the altitude of 531m, this mountain is easily reached to the peak so loved by Sapporo citizens, there are five mountain trails to go up to the peak.
When I made it up to the observation deck, I was honestly blown away. The Sapporo night view is unreal—just a massive sea of lights.
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Noboribetsu Jigokudani (Hell Valley)
One of Noboribetsu’s most popular tourist destinations, Jigokudani is the remains of a volcanic crater formed by the eruption of Mount Hiyoriyama. The valley, which spans about 450 meters in diameter and covers approximately 11 hectares, is still geothermally active. It serves as the main source for the renowned Noboribetsu Onsen, which boasts an impressive daily output of 10,000 tons of hot spring water.
The second you walk in, the smell hits you hard. That sulfur smell basically tells you, “Yep, this really is Hell.”
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