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.
Eiheiji Temple | Review by 楊雅雯
Other Reviews by 楊雅雯
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Izu Teddy Bear Museum
A museum showcasing teddy bears collected from around the world. Meet rare and adorable bears, including “Teddy Girl,” listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the most expensive teddy bear. Popular highlights include the Teddy Bear Factory, where you can make a one-of-a-kind plush, and the long-running special exhibition “My Neighbor Totoro Plush Exhibition Part 3.”
This place is basically a paradise of cute and soothing attractions! As soon as you enter, you're surrounded by adorable teddy bears. On the first floor, you can experience the history and culture of teddy bears through different themed displays, while the second floor transforms into a dreamy world of My Neighbor Totoro. There are also all kinds of merchandise to browse at your leisure.
The most interesting part is that you can reserve a hands-on workshop and make your own plush toy, which is perfect for families with children. It's also not far from Izu-Kogen Station on foot, and the surroundings are quiet and relaxing. Although the museum isn't large, it's just as cute as you'd expect! Don't miss this place full of childlike wonder when visiting Izu-Kogen. -
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Kiunkaku
Built in 1919 (Taisho 8), Kiunkaku is a modern villa and one of Atami's three great villas, alongside the private villas of the Mitsubishi Iwasaki family and the now-lost Sumitomo villa.
Atami's Kiunkaku was built in 1919 and was once a villa for prominent political and business figures. It later became an upscale inn that welcomed writers and artists, including Osamu Dazai and Naoya Shiga.
As I walked around, what surprised me most was the architecture's clever blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese styles. The elegant Japanese-style rooms, Western-style buildings, and tranquil garden all have plenty of character.
It doesn't feel flashy or touristy, but instead has a sense of tranquility and elegance. Sitting by the window and looking out at the garden, it felt as if time itself had slowed down. I really like places like this, full of stories and traces of the passage of time. -
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Special Historic Site Toro Archaeological Site & Toro Museum
One of Shizuoka’s leading historical attractions, where you can experience life in the Yayoi period with all five senses. At the Toro Museum, located next to the Special Historic Site Toro Archaeological Site, you can learn about daily life centered on rice cultivation through excavated artifacts designated as Important Cultural Properties and hands-on Yayoi exhibits. The museum’s galleries feature authentic materials such as wooden farming tools, pottery, and house components designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan, offering an easy-to-understand introduction to the full picture of a Yayoi village.
While visiting the Toro Archaeological Site, I also stopped by the Toro Museum, and it was definitely worth it! Admission is only JPY 300, and the museum explains life in the Yayoi period in an interesting and easy-to-understand way. From rice farming and living conditions to excavated artifacts, you can learn more about how people lived over 2,000 years ago. What impressed me most was the story of the site's discovery and archaeological excavation, including its history of being excavated again after the war. From the rooftop, you can look down over the entire site. It feels like traveling through time and seeing what an ancient village looked like. Very interesting!
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