The Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan houses many precious artifacts from Byodoin, including exquisite Buddhist statues, Worshiping Bodhisattvas on Clouds, a temple bell, and other temple-related objects. Seeing them up close gives you an even greater appreciation for the craftsmanship and history of a thousand years ago. When visiting Byodoin, don't leave right after taking photos outside. Take some time to visit the Hoshokan—it's really worth it!
Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Weathercock House
Famed for the weathercock perched atop its spire, this residence is one of the signature Western-style houses of the area. Built around 1909 by German trader Gottfried Thomas as his personal home, it is the only surviving ijinkan in the Kitano-Yamamoto district featuring a brick exterior. The vivid brickwork, the stone-masonry entrance porch, and the half-timbering on the second floor give the house a stately presence that sets it apart from other ijinkan.
北野異人館中，風見雞之館是最具代表性的建築之一，也是許多遊客必訪的館舍。建於明治時代，過去是德國貿易商的住宅，外觀採紅磚與木造結構，屋頂上的風見雞更成為整棟建築最醒目的標誌。走進館內，可以看到當時外國人居住時留下的家具與生活空間，感受神戶開港後逐漸形成的異國文化，建築細節也值得好好品味。
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Kobe Kitano Ijinkan (Former Foreign Residences)
When the port of Kobe opened in 1868, the "Kobe Kitano Ijin-gai (foreign city)" developed as a land of foreign settlement. Located on a hill overlooking the ocean, the town has a unique mix of Western and Japanese style buildings. About 30 Western-style buildings have been preserved in their original state, and 16 are open to the public.
北野異人館是首訪神戶的熱門景點。神戶開港後，許多外國人來到此地居住，北野一帶因此留下不少具有西洋風格的住宅與建築，成為今天著名的異人館街。走在坡道與街巷間，可以看到不同時代、不同風格的建築，每一棟都有自己的故事與特色。不過館舍數量不少，若想一次全部參觀，至少要預留半天，甚至一天才比較充裕。如果時間有限，可以考慮購買套票，依照自己的興趣挑選幾間喜歡的異人館參觀，行程會輕鬆許多。
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Fujiyama Cookie
Fujiyama Cookie carefully bakes their cookies one by one at the main store at the foot of Mt. Fuji. Due to the auspicious shape of Mt. Fuji, it is also used as a gift for weddings, celebrations and private celebrations.
I happened to come across Fujiyama Cookie by Lake Kawaguchi and fell in love at first sight! The classic Mt. Fuji shape is delicate and cute, with chocolate on top representing snow. They look almost too good to eat. The store offers a variety of tempting flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha, so it’s no wonder it’s always packed with tourists choosing souvenirs. I picked up a few to try, and they’re quite suitable as souvenirs to share with family and friends.
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