My first time at Tojinbo Cliffs, and the sheer scale of the view really took my breath away! The towering columnar-jointed rock walls stretch along the coast, with rough waves constantly crashing against the cliffs. Even from the shore, you can feel the incredible power of nature. You can enjoy beautiful views of the Sea of Japan along the walking path, or take a sightseeing boat for a close-up view of the spectacular cliffs from the water. I heard there's also a legend about a monk behind the name Tojinbo, adding an air of mystery. The sea breeze is strong and the terrain is quite rugged, so be sure to stay safe when taking photos. This breathtaking coastal scenery is truly worth experiencing in person!
Tojinbo Cliffs | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo
Located at the foot of Nihondaira, one of Japan’s leading scenic spots overlooking Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, this zoo keeps around 560 animals from about 130 species. It is known for its behavioral exhibits, where animals living energetically in environments close to their natural habitats are a major attraction. Animals are displayed in a variety of facilities that make it easy to understand the characteristics of each species, including the powerful “Predator House 299,” where you can observe fierce animals such as polar bears, lions, and Amur tigers up close, and the “Flying Mega Dome,” where birds fly freely inside one of the largest flying cages in Japan.
We visited Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo. Although the grounds aren't very large and you can see everything in about two hours, the overall layout flows smoothly, making it very comfortable to explore. The zoo specializes in behavioral exhibits, where you can observe animals behaving naturally up close. It also has some relatively rare animals, such as polar bears, leopards, and black panthers, and the reptile house has several rare snake species that were fascinating to see! There's also an interactive area for families, where kids can have a great time. Although there aren't that many animal species, the JPY 620 admission fee is an incredible deal and offers great value. It's a good place to spend half a day exploring at a leisurely pace.
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Yoroppaken Main Store
The original founder of Yoroppaken Main Store invented their signature katsudon that draws food enthusiasts from all over the country. Unlike typical katsudon, which is usually covered in egg, this version stands out for its flavorful sauce.
When you come to Fukui, don't just focus on the dinosaurs—take care of your stomach too! Yoroppaken Main Store, the birthplace of Fukui's specialty “sauce katsudon,” truly lives up to its reputation! The thin pork cutlets are fried until crispy, then immediately dipped in a special sauce. It's tangy, sweet, and incredibly fragrant, without feeling heavy or greasy at all. I couldn't stop taking bite after bite. What makes it especially unique is that it doesn't have the egg mixture found in typical katsudon, so you can taste the flavors of the pork cutlet and sauce even more. Apparently, this dish has been popular since 1913, and this century-old flavor really is something special! If you come to Fukui, you have to make the pilgrimage yourself. After eating it, all I can say is: no wonder everyone can't stop thinking about it!
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Eiheiji Temple
The head temple of Soto Zen Buddhism in Japan. It was established by Zen Master Dogen in 1244 as a place to practice zazen. The vast site of 330,000 square meters is lined with more than 70 halls and buildings of various sizes, centering on the seven halls of the temple, where more than 100 monks practice asceticism every day.
Walking into Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of Japan's Soto Zen school, the solemn old wooden buildings intertwined with the snow-covered mountains instantly made me feel as if I had traveled through time. Founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, it remains the spiritual center of Soto Zen to this day. Throughout the visit, I wore the slippers thoughtfully provided by the temple and slowly admired the wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and the stunning painted ceiling in Sanshokaku Hall. Once I looked up, I could hardly bring myself to leave! The snow fell silently, and the entire temple was so peaceful that I couldn't help but slow down. No wonder it's called a “sacred place for zazen”--on this trip, it felt like even my heart grew quiet.
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