Hokkaido University really is much bigger than I imagined. Once inside the campus, all I could see were vast stretches of greenery and towering trees. It felt so spacious, as if I could walk forever without reaching the end.
The scenery changes with each season: cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, the much-anticipated golden ginkgo trees in fall, and romantic snow-covered scenery in winter.
Although I didn't visit during the season for the famous ginkgo avenue, I still really enjoyed strolling slowly around the campus, looking at the old, lush trees, feeling the pleasant breeze, and taking in the quiet, relaxed atmosphere.
Hokkaido University | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Tori Den Hakata Main Store
Located in the heart of Hakata, Fukuoka, Tori Den Hakata Main Store is a renowned restaurant where guests can savor Mizutaki, a traditional hot pot dish with deep roots in Hakata’s Gion Yamakasa festival culture.
When visiting Fukuoka, you absolutely can’t miss Hakata’s traditional hot pot dish, mizutaki! This time, I visited Tori Den Hakata Main Store, a well-known mizutaki restaurant famous for its flavorful chicken and rich chicken broth. The overall dining experience was truly excellent!
The broth was rich, and the chicken was tender but still had a nice texture! The broth concentrated all the essence of the chicken, giving it a savory, full-bodied flavor that became even more enjoyable with every sip. The chicken also had a great texture. It wasn’t stewed until overly soft, so you could still taste the chicken’s natural flavor and satisfying firmness. It was really delicious!
Besides the delicious food, the service was also very attentive, making the whole dining experience even more enjoyable. The only minor downside was that the chicken broth rice porridge served at the end was a little salty for me, but that didn’t affect my positive opinion of the restaurant at all!
I sincerely recommend this place to anyone visiting Fukuoka! If you like chicken soup dishes, be sure to add it to your food itinerary. Mizutaki isn’t just about eating chicken—it’s also about savoring the delicious broth concentrated with the essence of chicken. I definitely recommend making a reservation early! It’s safer to reserve ahead at a popular restaurant so you don’t arrive only to find that you can’t get a table.
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Kokura Castle Garden
Kokura Castle Garden is a beautifully landscaped Japanese garden located beside Kokura Castle in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture. Recreated together with an Edo-period samurai residence, it offers a refined glimpse into traditional Japanese aesthetics.
Kokura Castle Garden at Kokura Castle is a garden attraction filled with traditional Japanese beauty. Once you enter, the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, and it isn't too crowded, so you can take your time admiring the garden landscaping and seasonal scenery. After visiting Kokura Castle, I highly recommend stopping by for a walk. There are also places to rest and enjoy the view, where you can sit down for a short break while admiring the Japanese garden in front of you.
Whether it's the garden landscaping, traditional architecture, or views that include Kokura Castle, everything is very photogenic. Anyone who loves traditional Japanese aesthetics will definitely enjoy it! There is also an exhibition hall in the garden, where the displays help you learn about the historical background and daily life of the time. This makes the visit not only about enjoying the beautiful scenery, but also about gaining a deeper understanding of the city of Kokura.
If you're visiting Kokura Castle, remember to include Kokura Castle Garden in your itinerary too〜
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Kokura Castle
Hosokawa Tadaoki helped in the victory of the Battle of Sekigahara, entered the area and started building a castle in 1602. It took seven years to complete. Then, it was occupied by Lord Ogasawara, but all but the stone wall was burned down in 1866. After WWII, upon the citizens’ fervent request, the castle tower was rebuilt.
Kokura Castle is a must-see when visiting Kitakyushu. It’s within walking distance of JR Kokura Station, making it very convenient to get to. The white castle tower, imposing stone walls, and moat offer a different view from every angle and create a strong sense of a traditional Japanese castle.
Kokura Castle is also a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Fukuoka Prefecture. During cherry blossom season, the castle and pale pink blossoms complement each other, making the scenery even more charming. Unfortunately, this visit wasn’t during cherry blossom season, so it was missing that romantic touch of pink. Still, Kokura Castle looked impressive under the clear skies and was well worth a stroll and some photos.
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