On the last day of my trip, I visited Niigata’s guardian shrine, Hakusan Shrine. As soon as I stepped inside, I was drawn to the colorful flower water basin.
After praying at the main hall, I was blown away by all the unique omamori charms and goshuin—so many to look at.
Hakusan Shrine is known for blessings like business success, good relationships, and safe childbirth. I walked past the matchmaking wall covered in ema plaques and made my way to a sacred stone called the “Hakusan Kukuri Stone.”
They say if you touch it, you can receive Hakusan’s energy. The moment I did, a gust of wind suddenly blew through, and the pinwheels on both sides started spinning. It felt like I connected with nature for a second—and it was such a magical way to end the trip.
Niigata Soshinju Hakusan Shrine | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Lake Biwa
Lake Biwa, which belongs to the first-grade Yodo River system and is located in the center of Shiga Prefecture, occupies an area of about 670 k㎡, or about one-sixth of the prefecture's land area, and is the largest lake in Japan in terms of both area and water storage capacity, with 27.5 billion tons of water pouring in through rivers from the surrounding mountains of Ibuki, Suzuka, and Hira, all of which are over 1,000 meters high.
Even though Lake Biwa is a lake, it feels as vast as the ocean, so there are many ways to enjoy it. Whether you take a relaxing walk along the shore or look down on it from above, the views from every angle are picturesque. The calm surface of the lake also has a soothing effect and makes you feel at peace.
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Omokagebashi Bridge
Omokagebashi is a bridge spanning the Kanda River, a first-class river in Tokyo, connecting Toshima Ward and Shinjuku Ward. It is also the name of a tram stop on the Toden Arakawa Line, affectionately known as "Tokyo Sakura Tram." In spring, it's a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, attracting numerous visitors.
From Takato Bridge to Edogawabashi, about 2 kilometers of the riverside are lined with cherry trees, and the area around Omokagebashi Bridge has the densest concentration.
I started from Edogawabashi that day. There were some people along the way, but it never felt crowded, so I could freely capture the quiet beauty of the cherry blossoms reflected on the water and the way they cascaded down like a waterfall.
Even though the blossoms were not yet in full bloom when I visited, the feeling of spring was still unforgettable. If you do not enjoy overly crowded tourist spots, the Kanda River is absolutely worth a visit. -
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Milk Stand Akihabara
Milk Stand Akihabara is a specialty shop for bottled milk located in Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo. This long-established stand has been in business for more than 70 years since it opened in 1950. It is on the 3rd floor of JR Akihabara Station, on platform 5 of the JR Sobu Line. Its signature items are bottled milk varieties from regions all across Japan.
Grab a bottle of milk before your train arrives!
This milk specialty shop inside JR Akihabara Station brings together bottled milk from all over Japan. There were so many choices that it was hard to decide, so I started with the winner and runner-up from the milk popularity ranking!
Hokkaido 4.0 milk was rich and flavorful, while the Shinshu Azumino one was light and smooth. According to the lady at the shop, that one was the previous year's No. 1, and I liked it better too.
There’s also a row of vending machines next to the shop where you can buy regional limited-edition milk. I honestly recommend trying Fukushima’s Rakuo, especially the coffee au lait! -
