I took an early morning walk in Narita just after daybreak. The sunlight was falling across the temple grounds, the air was crisp and clear, and with so few people around, it felt especially peaceful.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple is not far from Narita Airport, so it’s a great first or last stop on a trip. The grounds are fairly large, though, so be sure to allow extra time if you want to explore and pray properly.
Naritasan Shinshoji Temple | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Tenmonkan Mujaki Main Store
Located in the heart of Kagoshima, the Tenmonkan Mujaki Main Store is famed for creating the beloved shaved ice dessert known as "Shirokuma" since 1949. Named after its bear-like appearance when viewed from above, due to the strategically placed fruit toppings resembling a polar bear's face, this dessert has been a staple in Kagoshima's culinary scene.
After dinner, we made a special trip to Tenmonkan Mujaki to try the Shirokuma shaved ice. We were really lucky that day and got seated right away without waiting.
We were worried we wouldn’t be able to finish a large one, so we ordered the small “Baby Shirokuma.” When it arrived, the fruit on top looked a little casually arranged, but that didn’t affect how delicious it was at all. The condensed milk and toppings tasted light and not overly sweet, which made it a perfect dessert after a meal. -
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Chubu Electric Power MIRAI TOWER
The tower is Nagoya’s symbol, built as Nagoya TV Tower for tourism and TV broadcast and completed in 1954. In 2011, TV signals were switched from analog to digital and its function as a consolidated radio tower was ended.
It seems like every part of Japan has a landmark that symbolizes the city, and when visiting Nagoya, you naturally can’t miss this tower.
During the day, you can stand beneath it and admire the beauty of its steel framework. At night, you can go up to the observation deck and look out over the colorful cityscape. But seeing it from the rooftop of the Chunichi Building gives you a completely different feeling, with a full view of both the tower and Hisaya-odori Park. -
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Sawayaka Charcoal-Grilled Restaurant Kosai Hamanako
Located in Kosai City, this is the only branch in the city of Shizuoka’s famous hamburger steak chain, which operates 34 locations exclusively within Shizuoka Prefecture. The signature dish is the “Genkotsu Hamburg,” made from 100% beef formed into a thick block and grilled over charcoal. Served sizzling on a hot iron plate, the hamburger steak is cut in half right in front of you by the staff, after which you finish it to your preferred doneness. The bold, beefy flavor and firm, springy texture are outstanding. Sauces can be chosen from a classic onion sauce made with onions or a rich demi-glace, with a mixed option combining both also proving popular.
If you visit Shizuoka, you absolutely have to try SAWAYAKA!
It’s a Shizuoka-only hamburger steak chain, and there’s always a long line, so getting a seat can be tough. Once the hamburger steak arrives, the staff helps finish it at the table. The sizzling sound from the hot iron plate is seriously mouthwatering.
Even though it was my first visit, I had already researched my own way of eating it. I asked the staff not to pour the sauce while cooking it. That way, I could enjoy the natural flavor of the meat and also get the doneness more to my liking.
The patty itself is already seasoned, so it was still delicious even without any sauce. And when you want to switch up the flavor, the spicy sauce at the table is a perfect match! When the drinks are served, you can even clink glasses with the staff. Before, during, and after the meal, you can really feel how friendly the service is. The whole dining atmosphere is cheerful and fun, and I highly recommend it! -
