This time, I visited Lake Shirakaba and the Kurumayama Highlands, driving along the Venus Line, known as one of Japan’s most beautiful highland roads. The route was filled with wide-open grasslands, rolling mountains, blue skies, and white clouds. Every stretch of scenery was stunning, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it.
That night, I stayed at a hotel in the Kurumayama Highlands. The next morning, when I opened the curtains, I could enjoy the morning light over the highlands and the fresh natural scenery. The air was especially crisp, and it made both my body and mind feel completely relaxed.
Whether you’re going for a scenic drive, taking photos, or simply enjoying the highland views at a leisurely pace, I highly recommend it. It was an unforgettable part of my trip to Nagano.
Venus Line | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
-
Comfort Hotel Gifu
Comfort Hotel, a brand operated by Choice Hotels International, is conveniently located about a 2-minute walk from JR "Gifu" Station, making it a highly convenient hotel for both business and leisure travelers.
If you're traveling to Gifu and looking for a convenient, affordable hotel, Comfort Hotel Gifu is definitely worth recommending! The hotel is right near JR Gifu Station, just a few minutes' walk away. There are supermarkets, department stores, and restaurants nearby, so everything is super convenient.
The room was clean and comfortable, making for a relaxing stay. They also offer free breakfast, with plenty of tasty options that give you a nice boost in the morning. Best of all, the room rates are budget-friendly, so the value for money is excellent. It's a great choice for independent travelers or anyone planning a trip around Gifu and the Chubu region. You can enjoy a comfortable stay without spending much, and I'd definitely stay here again next time I visit Gifu. -
-
Hachiman-bori Canal
Omihachiman city is located in the Koto area on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa in the central Shiga Prefecture. It is a scenic castle town where the blessings of Kokoku (Lake Country) and old and new Western and Japanese culture are alive.
This time I visited Hachiman-bori Canal and finally got to check off the boat ride I'd been wanting to try!
I thought it would be a wide canal, but the waterway was much smaller than I expected. The boat moved along slowly—so slowly it felt like time itself had slowed down too. The water wasn't as clear as I had imagined, but the row of white-walled warehouses and the charming old streetscape along the banks still made it feel like I'd slipped back into the Edo period. The nostalgic atmosphere had so much character. Along the way, the boatman also shared some local history, which added a nice storytelling element to the ride. It's not the kind of attraction that will leave you constantly amazed, but relaxing on the boat while taking in the scenery of Hachiman-bori and experiencing the history and culture of the Omi merchants still made it a travel memory worth keeping. -
-
Sennaritei Hachimabori Branch
Operated by Sennaritei Fudo, an Omi beef specialty shop with 80 years of history, Sennaritei Hachimabori Branch is a spot with both a retail shop and a restaurant. With 10 locations across Shiga Prefecture, it is popular with both locals and tourists.
If you’re strolling around Hachiman-bori, you definitely shouldn’t miss trying Shiga’s famous Omi beef! This time, I chose Sennaritei Hachimabori Branch and ordered a freshly grilled Omi beef wagyu skewer.
It takes a few minutes to wait, but every bite is worth it. The meat is tender and juicy, with sweet, rich marbling that isn’t greasy. It practically melts in your mouth and leaves you wanting more.
Enjoying delicious Omi beef while taking in the Edo-style scenery of Hachiman-bori is absolutely a food experience you shouldn’t miss when visiting Omihachiman! -
