I took Kintetsu’s sightseeing train, the "Shimakaze," to Ise. The exterior is painted a deep blue that symbolizes the scenery of Ago Bay, while the seats inside are a fresh pale yellow, almost like the breeze of Ise-Shima.
The ride from Yokkaichi to Toba takes about an hour, so I didn’t have time to stop by the café car for a meal. Even so, that one hour was enough to fully soak in the feeling of traveling. With the spacious, comfortable seats and the large windows looking out on all the greenery, I arrived in Toba before I knew it, in a great mood.
Sightseeing Limited Express "Shimakaze” | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Toji Temple is absolutely one of the most worthwhile temples to visit in Kyoto!
It may not be as famous as Kiyomizu-dera, and it may not have flashy flower water displays, but at Toji you can experience a 3D Buddhist world and see Japan’s tallest five-story pagoda! -
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Shoyeido, Kyoto’s long-established incense maker, created Kunjyukan to promote Japan’s incense culture. The space isn’t very large, but the modern design gives this traditional culture a fresh new look. The three Kaori Boxes especially had an unexpectedly futuristic feel!
If you’re new to incense, I definitely recommend trying the incense capsule machine and seeing what kind of scent you get. It might just make you fall in love with incense. -
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While casually wandering through Kyoto’s side streets, you’ll definitely be drawn to ShinPuhKan. I happened to walk over from the Ace Hotel side, and Kengo Kuma’s distinctive architectural style made me recognize it right away—“This is the place!”
The entrance to ShinPuhKan is also super stylish, and once inside, I was surprised to find a lush green courtyard. There aren’t that many shops, but they all feel thoughtfully curated. The one I highly recommend is BEAMS JAPAN, where you can find lots of affordable yet beautifully made Japanese goods. The staff were also warm and friendly. If your itinerary takes you nearby, I definitely recommend stopping in! -
