You really have to get close to the water at Lake Shikotsu in Hokkaido to appreciate its beauty. I especially recommend taking a boat ride or walking along the stream next to the visitor center. The water is so clear you can almost see straight to the bottom, and its deep blue color inevitably brings Jiuzhaigou to mind. The lake is surrounded by mountains, and the air is fresh and pleasant. As for cycling around the lake, the scenery is fairly ordinary. If you’re short on time, definitely save it for the lake itself—it’s much more worthwhile!
Lake Shikotsu | Review by Queenie
Other Reviews by Queenie
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Ryotanji Temple
This temple has episodes with the historically famous Ii Naotora, a female political leader with a male name. Ryotanji has Ii Family’s graves on the grounds, and Naotora’s confidante, Nankei Zuimon, ran this temple.
If you're visiting Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, consider stopping by the historic Ryotanji Temple. Its most captivating feature is the beautiful garden designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty. Sitting quietly in front of it and taking in the dry landscape garden and seasonal scenery is so relaxing that even spending half an hour doing nothing feels wonderful. The temple also houses many artifacts related to the Ii family and Ii Naotora. Behind the temple is the Ii family cemetery, including the graves of Ii Naochika and Ii Naotora. If you've seen the historical drama “Naotora: The Lady Warlord,” visiting this place really feels like stepping into history. Admission is JPY 700. The atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, making it well worth exploring and experiencing at a leisurely pace.
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Nihondaira Yume Terrace
Located atop Nihondaira-a 307-meter-high hill in Shizuoka City that once ranked No.1 in the “Japan Tourist Destination 100 Contest”-Nihondaira Yume Terrace is a scenic observation and lookout point that opened in 2018. Make your way here for views of Mt. Fuji, Suruga Bay, and Miho no Matsubara that are all worth the travel, plus multiple vantage points across its beautifully designed spaces.
After taking a bus uphill from Shimizu Station and arriving at Nihondaira, what I looked forward to most was going up to the observation deck. The 360-degree view is almost unfair—you can see Suruga Bay and the Izu Peninsula, and on a clear day, even Mount Fuji.
But seeing Mount Fuji really depends on luck. As soon as the clouds roll in, it completely “disappears.” That's also why every moment when Mount Fuji reveals itself is such a delightful surprise!
Compared with the Fujiyoshida area, there are far fewer visitors here. There aren't huge crowds competing for space, so you can stroll around, take photos at your leisure, and enjoy Shizuoka's distinctive mountain and ocean scenery.
If you like seeing Mount Fuji but don't want to deal with crowds, Nihondaira is really worth visiting! -
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Nihondaira Ropeway
Nihondaira, a hilly area at an elevation of 307 meters, was once ranked No. 1 in the Japan Tourist Spot Top 100. This ropeway connects its summit with Kunozan Toshogu Shrine, a historic site associated with Tokugawa Ieyasu. The line is 1,065 m long and the ride takes Approx. 5 minutes. Below, you can look out over the sheer cliffs of Byobudani Valley and the Kuno Coast along Suruga Bay. It’s especially popular during the fresh greenery of spring and the fall foliage season. On clear days, you can also spot Omaezaki Cape and the Izu Peninsula.
When visiting Nihondaira, don't miss this aerial ropeway connecting Nihondaira and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine! A round-trip ticket costs JPY 1,130, saving you the effort of climbing the mountain, and you can enjoy views of the valley and Suruga Bay during the short ride.
Interestingly, the Nihondaira Ropeway and Taiwan's Maokong Gondola are “sister ropeways,” and there's plenty of information about their relationship inside the station. The commentary differs on the outbound and return trips, with stories about Ieyasu and the history of Kunozan along the way. It was surprisingly interesting to listen to.
The station is also fun to browse, with Shizuoka specialties, Ieyasu-themed souvenirs, and even a model of Ieyasu's hand that you can compare yours with. If you're visiting Shizuoka, I highly recommend planning a trip to both the Nihondaira Ropeway and Kunozan Toshogu Shrine! -
