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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Ueno Park
Ueno Park, officially known as "Ueno Onshi Park," is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, the park spans an impressive area of 530,000 square meters and has a rich history.
Ueno Park is one of Tokyo’s best-known cherry blossom spots, but I didn’t realize until I got there just how lively the hanami atmosphere would be.
Under the fully blooming cherry trees, people were everywhere—sitting on the ground, drinking, and hanging out. Around us were the sounds of food stalls and stage performances, and it honestly felt like a festival. It really showed me how passionate Japanese people are about cherry blossom viewing.
If you’re coming to Tokyo for cherry blossoms with a group of friends and want to drink, celebrate, and experience the energetic hanami culture, this would definitely be my top pick. -
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Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, Akabeko
JR Ban-etsusai Line, JR Tadami Line and Aizu Railway all converge at Aizu-Wakamatsu Station, a center in Aizu Region. Its building looks like a castle and is selected as one of the Top 100 stations of the Tohoku District. At the east entrance of the station, a big Akabeko greets everyone who visits Aizu, which is a popular photo spot.
I’d always known that Fukushima’s mascot is the red cow, but I didn’t expect to walk out of Aizu-Wakamatsu Station and actually be greeted by one right away!
All I can say is that this city feels completely taken over by red cows. You see them everywhere. Even the sightseeing loop bus had a red cow design. I got so influenced by it that when I saw a capsule toy machine in Nanukamachi, I couldn’t resist getting a red cow one as a souvenir. -
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Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower was born in 1958. When it was built, Tokyo Tower proudly stood out as the tallest steel tower in the world. At a height of 33 meters, it was taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris. It is located in Minato Ward in the center of Tokyo. Take in sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. Currently under renovation, it is always changing.
It’s not my first time in Tokyo, but every time I see Tokyo Tower, my heart still skips a beat.
Someone once asked me why I like Tokyo Tower so much. Maybe it’s the way it stands, or maybe it’s its glow. To me, this orange-red tower is more than just a tourist spot—it’s the symbol of Tokyo. -
