Miyajima Omotesando Shopping Street | Review by WANG

島根的日本神話大本營「出雲大社」，真的只要站在神樂殿前方，整個人就會被那條巨大無比的注連繩震撼到說不出話來！現場看這條日本數一數二粗壯的大注連繩，那種用稻草層層緊實編織出來的厚重分量感，簡直比照片裡看霸氣幾十倍，懸掛在雄偉木造屋簷下的魄力讓人忍不住一直仰頭狂看，心裡滿滿都是敬畏！
拜殿也是同樣氣派非凡，深色厚實的原木立柱、層層交疊的古樸檜皮茸屋頂，再配上掛在兩側的白色神紋提燈與莊嚴的注連繩，在晴空艷陽下散發出一股神聖又安定的強大氣場。來這裡參拜可別忘了入鄉隨俗，出雲大社最特別的就是「二禮、四拍手、一禮」的獨特參拜方式，跟著清脆響亮的拍手聲，在全日本最強的「結緣」聖地好好祈求各種良緣，不管是人際、事業還是財運，感覺整個人正能量直接拉滿！
而且整個神社境內超級寬敞好逛，漫步在鋪滿鵝卵石的小徑上，旁邊是砌著古老石駁坎的清涼小溪流，陽光透過茂密青綠的楓葉灑落斑駁光影，微風徐徐吹過，氣氛幽靜又舒服到極點。轉角處還能遇到形態各異的石雕藝術品，以及根據「因幡之白兔」神話打造的超萌小兔子石雕，雙手合十乖乖坐在石座上的模樣可愛到不行，讓人忍不住停下腳步多按幾下快門！
從神樂殿震撼眼球的超巨大注連繩、歷史感滿點的木造神殿，再到綠蔭環繞的林間水色與隨處賣萌的因幡白兔，出雲大社既有頂級神宮的磅礡莊嚴，又處處透著讓人心情徹底放鬆的靈氣與療癒感。這種隨性散策、親身感受日本神話源頭的充實體驗，絕對是山陰旅行中讓人回味無窮的頂級神話巡禮！

As soon as I entered Kotoku-in and saw the huge stone monument inscribed with “National Treasure: Great Buddha of Kamakura,” my anticipation went through the roof! After walking a few more steps and looking up, I saw the entire bronze statue of Amida Buddha sitting majestically between heaven and earth. The sight could only be described as “stunning and imposing”! With rolling green mountains behind it and a clear blue sky overhead, the Buddha’s kind, gentle features and slightly lowered eyes, as if deep in contemplation, looked especially solemn and serene in the open natural light.
The grounds were packed with pilgrims and tourists from around the world. Everyone crowded below the steps and around the incense burner to take pictures and gaze up at the statue. Even the incredibly lively atmosphere couldn’t overpower the calming presence radiating from the Buddha. The most distinctive and coolest thing about this statue is that it’s an “open-air” Great Buddha! Apparently, it was originally sheltered by a magnificent hall long ago, but after centuries of storms and tsunamis, the wooden structure was mercilessly destroyed by nature. Only this solid bronze Buddha remained seated securely on its stone pedestal. It has been sitting there for more than 700 years, witnessing all the changes in the world. Simply standing before it and feeling the profound weight of all that accumulated history fills you with awe!
Besides standing in the plaza and looking up at it for photos, the most satisfying hidden experience that you absolutely shouldn’t miss is paying just a few dozen JPY to explore the “inside of the Great Buddha”! You enter through an inconspicuous little door behind the statue, and it feels like being enclosed in a gigantic bronze time capsule. The space inside isn’t very large, but you can clearly see the traces of how Japanese craftsmen skillfully joined and welded the bronze plates together hundreds of years ago. Faint sunlight also filters in through openings in the back. The amazing feeling of touching the warmth of history with your own hands is several times cooler than just taking pictures outside!
Walking around the stone steps with a gentle breeze blowing through the tips of the pine branches, whether you’re admiring the simple, subdued color of the bronze, examining the bronze lanterns on the stone platform, or stopping to take a deep breath and experience the peaceful yet vibrant atmosphere, all your accumulated travel fatigue instantly melts away. This relaxed pace, where you can experience the impact of ancient history and culture while casually strolling among nature and historic sites, is definitely one of the most classic, memorable, top-tier stops in Kamakura!

At Enoden’s Enoshima Station, the island vacation atmosphere and nostalgic retro charm hit you the moment you arrive! The station itself retains the classic character of an old wooden station. The most eye-catching feature is the group of adorable little bronze sparrows on the railing by the entrance. Every so often, a kind local grandmother hand-knits little sweaters and hats in different colors for them. Their seasonal outfit changes are so cute that you can’t help snapping photo after photo.

Follow the crowds and slowly wander along the lively shopping street, where the air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked rice crackers and tempting grilled seafood. The street is lined with Showa-era-style shops, Japanese sweet shops, and unique souvenir stores, making the walk both relaxing and full of local character. Enoden’s retro green-and-yellow trains slowly pass behind you from time to time with a ding-ding sound. The laid-back, easygoing pace immediately makes you slow down.

Stroll across the bridge over the sea with the cool ocean breeze on your face, and the lush green hills of Enoshima and the steadfast lighthouse observation deck unfold in the distance. Before you is the deep blue Pacific Ocean stretching all the way to the horizon, and the wide-open view instantly lifts your spirits. This atmosphere combining a retro railway, a leisurely street stroll, and unbeatable ocean views is exactly what makes Enoshima Station so charming.