If you're visiting Kobe, Ikuta Shrine is a must-see.
It's near the bustling Sannomiya and Motomachi areas, about a 10-minute walk from the station, making it very convenient to stop by and pray while shopping.
Although it's in the city center, it immediately feels much quieter once you enter the shrine grounds. The red torii gates and lush garden create an interesting contrast with the busy streets outside. Many locals regularly come to pray for good fortune, and its convenient location also attracts many overseas visitors.
Ikuta Shrine | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Kaneiji Temple
This temple was founded in 1625 and is the head temple of the Kanto region of the Tendai sect of Buddhism. It was built by the high priest Tenkai, who was deeply revered by three shoguns, Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu, to pray for the safety of the Tokugawa shogunate and the well-being of the common people. It is a prayer hall and family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns, and six of the fifteen Tokugawa shoguns are still buried there today.
來到上野公園附近，特地安排走訪寬永寺。原本對這裡的印象就是一座充滿歷史的寺院，實際走到現場，才發現這裡的氛圍和上野公園熱鬧的街區很不一樣。
寺院周圍相當清幽，少了觀光景點的喧鬧，多了一份沉靜與莊嚴。走近根本中堂，可以感受到建築散發出的古樸氣息，整體環境讓人自然放慢腳步。
走進殿內，最吸引我目光的就是天花板上的龍神壁畫，真的非常壯觀，抬頭欣賞時很有震撼感。可惜寺院內禁止拍照，只能用眼睛好好欣賞，把當下看到的景象留在記憶裡。
寬永寺是德川幕府的重要寺院，也是德川家歷代將軍的菩提寺。這裡還見證了日本幕末時期的歷史，戊辰戰爭中的上野戰爭曾在這一帶發生，末代將軍德川慶喜也曾在寬永寺相關寺院境內蟄居。
實際走訪後，覺得這裡不只是單純參觀一座寺廟，更像是走進了一段日本江戶時代的歷史。雖然不是熱鬧型的觀光景點，但如果喜歡日本歷史文化，來到上野真的可以順道安排一趟。
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PARCO_ya Ueno
Under the concept of “PARCO for a bit fancier adults,” cosmetics, fashion, general goods and the restaurant floor Kofuku Kairo are all gathered. The spacious hangout for adults makes you want to spend time with your friends. In the same building, there are TOHO Cinemas theater and cafes that are not just for the mature, but also for all generations to enjoy.
When visiting Ueno, besides Ameyoko, I also highly recommend checking out PARCO_ya! It brings together quite a few sophisticated fashion brands, lifestyle goods, restaurants, and long-established local brands, offering a more mature and refined shopping experience.
Compared with the bustling traditional shopping streets, it’s more comfortable to browse here, and there’s a wide variety of stores. Whether you want to shop for clothes, pick out household items, or simply walk around and look, there’s plenty to enjoy. When traveling to Ueno, don’t just focus on Ameyoko. PARCO_ya is also well worth adding to your itinerary—it’s a great place to browse and shop!
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ecute Ueno
Located inside the ticket gates at JR Ueno Station, ecute Ueno is a convenient shopping facility with more than 60 permanent shops ranging from food to fashion and miscellaneous goods. Because Ueno Station is a terminal station served by many lines, it is also ideal when you need to adjust your sightseeing plans on a rainy day or want to stop by in between journeys.
This time when I visited Ueno Station, I discovered that there’s actually a lot to browse inside the station! ecute Ueno is directly connected to JR Ueno Station, so you can shop comfortably without worrying about getting wet on rainy days. It has more than 60 shops, offering everything from Japanese specialties, sweets, and souvenirs to household goods, so there’s plenty to choose from.
Whether you want to buy some Japanese snacks, find something good to eat, or pick out souvenirs, you can get it all done here. If you happen to be transferring at Ueno, I really recommend setting aside some time to browse. It’s convenient and easy to shop, and before you know it, you’ll have spent quite a while here!
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