If you’re visiting Asahikawa in Hokkaido, you should definitely make time for the Otokoyama Sake Brewing Museum! 🍶
This place doesn’t just introduce the history and brewing process of Japanese sake. It also displays many valuable brewing tools and historical items, giving you a deeper look into Japanese sake culture.
The highlight, of course, is the free sake tasting. You can sample several different styles of Otokoyama sake at once and find the flavor you like best. After tasting, don’t forget to browse the shop. The limited-edition sake and souvenirs are well worth taking home.
It’s an Asahikawa spot that sake lovers shouldn’t miss!
Otokoyama sake brewery museum | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Sengan-en
Sengan-en is a Japanese garden made for the Shimadzu family estate by Mitsuhisa Shimadzu in 1658. The grounds boast a sprawling 50,000 square meters in total. The garden itself uses the “borrowed scenery” technique, incorporating Kagoshima’s coveted spots like the volcano Sakurajima and Kinko Bay as a natural backdrop.
When visiting Kagoshima, you shouldn't miss Sengan-en.
This Japanese garden, with more than 300 years of history, makes Sakurajima and Kinko Bay part of the garden itself. I really admire the ingenuity of the people who created it. As you stroll through the grounds, the scenery constantly changes with every step, and every angle looks like a postcard.
There aren't many visitors on weekdays, so you can take a leisurely walk, take photos, and quietly appreciate this garden that blends nature and history through borrowed scenery. If you enjoy slow travel, it's well worth spending a morning here. -
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Chiran Samurai Residence Garden
During the Edo period, the Satsuma Domain implemented a unique “Gaitō System”, which required samurai to be dispersed across the territory rather than concentrated in a single castle town. This led to the creation of Bukeyashiki (samurai residential districts) called "Fumoto", one of which was Chiran. The Chiran Samurai Residence Garden, believed to have been established around 270 years ago, still preserve their historical atmosphere, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
This place is very different from busy tourist attractions. On weekdays, there are hardly any visitors, so you can take your time and stroll around at a leisurely pace.
As you walk along the old stone walls, Japanese gardens come into view one after another. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxing, making you want to keep taking photos and slow down.
You need to buy a ticket to enter, but I think it's well worth it to see seven gardens designated as National Places of Scenic Beauty all at once.
If you visit Kagoshima, consider making a stop in Chiran to experience the beauty of Japanese gardens without the crowds. -
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Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium
Located at Kagoshima Port, the Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium offers stunning views of the iconic Sakurajima volcano across Kinko Bay. The aquarium is home to approximately 10,000 creatures from 800 species, primarily those inhabiting the waters of Kagoshima, including the Kuroshio Current and the Nansei Islands. The "Kurosio Great Water Tank" is a major draw, featuring fish like whale sharks, tuna, and bonito that travel with the Kuroshio Current.
The Kagoshima City Aquarium was honestly more impressive than I expected!
As soon as you enter, you can see the Kuroshio Great Water Tank through a huge glass window, with whale sharks, tuna, and bonito swimming around. It’s breathtaking, and time just slips away as you watch.
My favorite was the dolphin area. Besides learning about dolphin ecology, you can also enjoy an outdoor dolphin show. Seeing the dolphins leap out of the water against the backdrop of Kinko Bay and Sakurajima was truly soothing and felt very unique to Kagoshima.
Kids would definitely have a great time here, but even as an adult, I couldn’t stop taking pictures and watching. It’s absolutely worth adding to your Kagoshima itinerary. -
