I visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu in Kamakura for a year-end shrine visit, and also did a bit of a pilgrimage to a famous filming location. Seeing a place that once appeared in a historical drama right in front of me was really special.
This historic shrine has witnessed the rise and fall of the Kamakura shogunate, and actually walking up the stone steps made me feel the weight of its history.
As one of Kamakura’s signature attractions, I’d highly recommend visiting for worship even if you haven’t seen the TV drama.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Oasis 21
The Oasis 21 is famous for its symbolic glass roof, also known as the “Spaceship-Aqua ”. The facility has a bus terminal and is also connected to the subway and the Meitetsu line .Located within the heart of Nagoya city, the facility is known to be a photogenic location due to the illuminations lighting up the skyline.
When the Spaceship-Aqua and the Nagoya TV Tower appear in the same frame, they create an image that really represents Nagoya. It has a different vibe during the day and at night. By day, it feels like an oasis in the city, and once the lights come on at night, it unexpectedly takes on a surreal feel.
That’s why I especially like coming here at night. It’s not just about enjoying the night view, but also about feeling the everyday rhythm of Nagoya. -
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Hida-Furukawa Station
A station on the JR Takayama Main Line in Hida City, Gifu Prefecture. Opened in 1934, the wooden station building features white walls and a tiled roof that blend beautifully with Furukawa’s townscape. The tourist information center next to the station building provides brochures and other services, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the town. About a 5-minute walk from the station, you’ll find the carp-filled Setogawa Canal and the Shirakabe Dozogai district, where you can enjoy a stroll through the traditional atmosphere of Hida.
If you’re heading to Shirakabe Dozogai, you’ll probably start at Hida-Furukawa Station.
I came here by bus from Takayama, and as soon as I got off, I saw this retro wooden station. It has that peaceful atmosphere that’s so unique to the Japanese countryside, and it blends perfectly with the town. -
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Togetsukyo Bridge
The bridge was built in the first half of the 9th century during the Heian period (794-1185). It has been washed out many times, but each time it has been rebuilt. It is said that the name was given by Emperor Kameyama in the Kamakura period (1185-1333), as the moon moved across the bridge as if it were crossing over it.
Looking out at Togetsukyo Bridge from the banks of the Katsura River felt like stepping into a landscape painting. Even though it was cloudy when I visited, the combination of the pine trees along the shore, the gently flowing river, the rustic Togetsukyo Bridge, and the mountains in the background looked like a scene carefully arranged by nature.
At night, the bridge was lit up. The visual impact wasn’t quite as strong as during the day, but the overall atmosphere had a different kind of charm. It truly deserves to be one of Arashiyama’s iconic landmarks! -
