Kanamori Bay (Hakodate Bay) is near Hakodate's famous red brick warehouses, and the surrounding area has the atmosphere of a port town. When I visited last winter, the Christmas lights were up, making the evenings especially romantic. Unfortunately, it was the middle of winter, and the sea breeze was bitterly cold, so it wasn't a good time for a cruise and I had to give up on it. Still, enjoying the lights from the shore had its own charm.
Kanamori Bay Cruise | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Moegi House
This Western-style residence was built in 1903 as the home of Hunter Sharp, who served as the American consul general. True to its name, the house stands out with its vivid light-green exterior that immediately catches the eye. The two-story wooden structure features weatherboard siding, and its light, colonial-style design has a storybook-like charm. Asymmetrical bay windows project from either side, with a brick chimney rising at the center.
Moegi House in Kobe's Kitano Ijinkan district is a Western-style wooden residence with a fresh, airy feel. Its pale green exterior and white window frames make it quite eye-catching. Inside, the original layout and Western-style decor have been preserved, and the furniture, wallpaper, and window details offer a glimpse into the lives of the foreign residents who lived there in the early days.
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MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU
This resort-style outlet mall ranks among the largest in Japan, complete with all the perks of a naturally rich area and convenient access via the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line. Over 330 stores await, included coveted domestic and international brands, select shops, and high-end fashion names for a purely unpparalleled shopping experience.
If you're in the Tokyo Bay area, don't miss MITSUI OUTLET PARK KISARAZU in Chiba! It's about 45–50 minutes by direct bus from Tokyo Station, and buses are also available from Shinjuku, Shinagawa, Yokohama, and Haneda Airport, so it's very convenient to get to. The mall has around 300 stores, offering everything from international brands and clothing to household goods, so you can easily spend the whole day browsing. This time, I especially came to visit one of my favorites, BEAMS, and bought a cashmere scarf for half price at the outlet. The quality is good, and it was such a great deal. I'm very satisfied~
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Glover Garden
This outdoor museum preserves the residential area of the merchants who came to Nagasaki from overseas more than 160 years ago. The Garden stands on a hill overlooking Nagasaki Port, dotted with intriguing places to see.
Glover Garden is located on a hill and is a classic attraction that simply shouldn’t be missed when visiting Nagasaki. What surprises many visitors most is that the grounds are much larger than expected, with a wide variety of well-organized exhibits. It’s well worth setting aside 2–3 hours to stroll around and take everything in.
The garden preserves several Western-style residences from the former foreign settlement dating from the end of the Edo period through the Meiji era. The most famous is the Former Glover House, Japan’s oldest wooden Western-style building. These beautiful buildings are not only elegant and historic on the outside, but best of all, most are open for visitors to explore inside. The refined antique furniture, beautiful fireplaces, and nostalgic decor recreate the Western lifestyle of that era. Every corner and garden makes for a stylish, Instagram-worthy photo.
The garden also offers excellent views. From the observation deck or terraces at the top, you can take in the beautiful scenery of Nagasaki Port and the entire cityscape. The blue sky and sea, together with the red roofs and white walls, create a refreshing view. Whether you’re watching the ships anchored in the distance or enjoying the gentle breeze, it’s hard to leave.
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