Hakone Sekisho feels like stepping into a page from an Edo-period history textbook! It was once an important checkpoint in Hakone, where the shogunate strictly inspected travelers, especially to prevent weapons and women from entering Edo. The buildings have now been restored to their original appearance, and you can climb up to the lookout post. The stairs take a bit of effort, but from the top you can take in sweeping views of Lake Ashi and the surrounding mountains. On a clear day, you can even spot Mount Fuji's white peak in the distance. Afterward, you can stroll along the lakeshore and visit the museum for a relaxing outing with a touch of history. It's easy to include on your itinerary and highly recommended for anyone who enjoys historic sites!
Hakone Sekisyo | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Kyoto Aquarium
A large-scale inland aquarium that opened in March 2012 in Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station. It is divided into 10 areas and houses approximately 15,000 creatures from 250 different species, including the giant salamander, a national special natural treasure that lives in the Kamo River, Cape penguins, Largha seals, fish, and jellyfish. The “Kyoto Penguin Correlation Chart,” which shows the relationships among the penguins currently on display, has become the talk of the town because the penguins’ complex relationships resemble those of humans.
Kyoto Aquarium is an inland aquarium located in the city. Although it isn't very large, it's a place where you can have fun while learning about marine life.
The aquarium is clean, bright, and colorful, making it quite comfortable to explore. What impressed me most was the wide variety of jellyfish. Watching all kinds of jellyfish slowly drifting under the lights was truly beautiful and soothing. Anyone who likes jellyfish should really enjoy it!
There is also a display area similar to a “jellyfish laboratory,” where you can learn about jellyfish up close. This kind of experience is less common at other aquariums.
Another distinctive feature of Kyoto Aquarium is its salamanders, including the popular star, the “giant salamander.” Seeing it for the first time was truly strange and fascinating!
The aquarium also places a strong emphasis on energy use, with exhibits explaining some interesting design concepts. The shows focus more on information and explanations, so international visitors may find them a little less interactive and relatable.
Overall, although the aquarium isn't very large and the admission price feels slightly high compared with the variety of species on display, it's still a good place to include in your plans if you're visiting Kyoto with children.
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Nijo-jo Castle
After winning the Battle of Sekigahara in 1600 and unifying the country, Tokugawa Ieyasu had Nijo-jo Castle built as his base in Kyoto. It is a historical monument with a history of over 410 years as a castle in the heart of the capital. It was designated a UNESCO world heritage site as a part of the “Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto” in 1994.
Kyoto has many temples and shrines, but Nijo-jo Castle has a completely different atmosphere. It was an important historical stage left behind in Kyoto by Tokugawa Ieyasu. Once inside, the main attraction is Ninomaru Palace, a National Treasure that has been preserved to this day. Its magnificent architecture and gardens are filled with traces of history from the Edo period.
The weather was very nice that day. The blue sky, sunshine, and lush green gardens, combined with the old castle walls and buildings, made the entire scene especially beautiful. Taking my time to walk around and look at everything without rushing made it easier to appreciate the charm of Nijo-jo Castle.
Admission: JPY 1,300. If you like Japanese history and historic architecture, Nijo-jo Castle is definitely worth adding to your Kyoto itinerary. Rather than just rushing through to take photos and check it off your list, I recommend setting aside some time to walk around and take in the historic atmosphere of this old castle.
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Kyoto Gyoen
The premises has the Kyoto Imperial Palace at the center in which Meiji Emperor lived until he moved to Edo, surrounded by the town where the homes of aristocrats lined up. In Meiji Period, the premises were turned into the Kyoto Gyoen Park. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the imperial families.
Centered around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, this was where generations of emperors lived for more than 500 years. Today, it is a vast park in central Kyoto filled with a sense of history.
What I liked most when I first entered Kyoto Gyoen was how open and peaceful it felt. Walking among the tall trees, wide stretches of greenery, and old imperial buildings naturally made me slow down. The weather was so nice on the day I visited, with blue skies, white clouds, and greenery everywhere. The whole park looked especially beautiful and relaxing!
I didn't plan any particular itinerary and just took my time walking around and looking at everything. That actually made it easier to experience Kyoto's more leisurely side. Besides Kyoto's busy attractions, I also recommend setting aside some time to stroll through Kyoto Gyoen and experience Kyoto's history and tranquility.
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