The second I took my gloves off, I regretted it within 3 seconds. But I still had to get photos—there’s no way you can see scenery like this in Taiwan. You’ve gotta come at least once in your life.
Juhyo (Rime) in Zao (Yamagata Prefecture) | Review by MEFEI WANG
Other Reviews by MEFEI WANG
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San'en-zan Kodo-in Zojoji Temple
Located at the foot of Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple is one of the seven head temples of the Jodo Shu school of Pure Land Buddhism. Tokugawa Ieyasu deeply revered the hidden Black Image of Amida Buddha enshrined in the temple's Ankokuden Hall and went on to win numerous battles. For this reason, the temple is believed to bring good fortune in achieving victory.
Seeing Tokyo Tower paired with a temple is really something, and it’s unexpectedly beautiful.
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Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Founded in 778, Kiyomizu-dera Temple was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Its 130,000-square-meter (about 1.4-million-square-foot) grounds extend across the slopes of Mt. Otowa and contain more than 30 temple buildings and monuments, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The temple is also worth seeing throughout the seasons, framed by cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, colorful leaves in autumn, and snow in winter.
You don’t need to “get it” here—you just need to stay for a while. After you visit, you’ll understand why everyone makes sure to put it on their itinerary.
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Shinobazu Pond
Shinobazu Pond, a natural pond spanning about 2 kilometers in circumference, is situated at the southern end of Ueno Park, Japan's first urban park covering an extensive area of about 530,000 square meters. The name "Shinobazu Pond" is said to originate from the area once known as Shinobazu Hill, located between the Ueno and Hongo plateaus (there are various theories).
I wasn’t expecting much, but it looked way better in person than in the photos. It somehow feels slow and laid-back even though you’re in Tokyo—super relaxing.
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