As soon as you walk in, it feels like you’ve stepped into a tropical rainforest. It’s hot and humid inside, which is very different from the weather outside. There are lots of different animals, like monkeys and reptiles, and you can see them up close, which feels pretty unique.
Kusatsu Tropical Wonderland | Review by 黃天保
Other Reviews by 黃天保
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Uriwari Falls
Deep within the grounds of Tentokuji Temple, a Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded by Taicho Daishi, sits Uriwari Falls. In 1985, its spring water was selected by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment as one of the 100 Exquisite Waters of Japan. With a daily flow of 4,500 tons and a water temperature of 54°F (12°C), the water is so cold that, according to legend, it once split a melon-giving the falls its name.
The water is incredibly clear, and the air there feels cool and refreshing. It’s such a great place to visit in summer.
The waterfall itself isn’t super dramatic, but the overall atmosphere is მშვიდful and healing, with a hidden-forest kind of vibe.
The path next to it isn’t too hard to walk either, so it’s perfect for a slow stroll and taking photos. The famous spring water there is also well known, and a lot of people go out of their way to fill up bottles.
The downside is that transportation isn’t very convenient, so if you’re not driving, you’ll probably need to plan your timing a bit. -
Kanazawa Kirara
A kimono rental shop with two locations, in Higashi Chaya District and near Kanazawa Station. Choose your favorite kimono from a wide lineup ranging from modern designs to rare antique kimono, and leave the dressing and hair styling to the staff. If you have trouble deciding, you can also consult a professional coordinator.
There were so many styles to choose from, from cute modern designs to really elegant antique kimono. Best of all, the staff took care of everything, from dressing to hair styling, so I didn’t have to worry about a thing.
And if you’re not sure what to pick, a professional coordinator will help match everything for you, which is super thoughtful! It’s perfect for first-time kimono rentals or anyone who wants to take beautiful photos. -
Fukuyama City Zoo
Fukuyama City Zoo, located in Hiroshima Prefecture’s Fukuyama City, sits right beside the scenic Tomiya Pond. Admission is affordable-free for junior high school students and younger, and just 520 yen for visitors aged 15 and up-making it an easy place to visit.
It's not a huge zoo, but it's easy to walk around and great for families or couples to take a stroll. There aren't a ton of animals, but they're all well cared for and you can see them up close. The place is pretty clean and doesn't have any strong smells. There are also some play areas for kids. The atmosphere is really laid-back, and the ticket price is cheap, so it's a nice spot for a chill half-day outing.