Lake Abashiri is a distinctive natural attraction in eastern Hokkaido, with a different appearance in every season and many outdoor activities to try. When I visited, it was winter, and the lake was covered in thick ice, with white snow all around and distant mountain scenery quietly stretching into the distance, creating a uniquely peaceful atmosphere. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very good on the day I arrived. The entire sky was gray, so it lacked the clear look it would have under a blue sky. Still, Lake Abashiri in winter has a quiet and unique beauty that is worth experiencing in person.
Lake Abashiri | Review by 黃國棟
Other Reviews by 黃國棟
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Prefectural Natural Park Futakuchi Gorge
A gorge located deep in the mountains of Miyagi Prefecture, beyond Akiu Onsen. Known as a scenic spot where you can experience the changing beauty of nature throughout the year, it is characterized by terrain shaped by a mountain stream and steep rock walls. The fall foliage season, especially from mid to late October each year, is particularly famous.
Visiting Futakuchi Gorge in the summer, the lush greenery of nature fills your view. The mountains, forests, and valley come together to create fresh and captivating scenery. Walking through it and taking in the natural surroundings makes you feel relaxed as well.
Futakuchi Gorge is full of life in the summer, and the scenery is already quite beautiful! It makes me wonder how stunning it must be in the fall, when the mountains are covered in a mix of red, yellow, and orange leaves.
Each season has its own beauty. This time, I captured the fresh greenery of summer, and if I have the chance, I definitely want to come back to admire the romantic fall foliage!
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Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park
A park spread across a hill overlooking the spectacular views of Matsushima, counted among Japan’s Three Scenic Views alongside Amanohashidate in Kyoto Prefecture and Miyajima in Hiroshima Prefecture. Its name is said to come from the poet Saigyo Hoshi, active from the late Heian period to the early Kamakura period, who gave up going to Matsushima after losing a Zen dialogue to a boy he met under a large pine tree during his travels around the country.
Matsushima, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, truly lives up to its reputation! This time I visited Saigyo Modoshi no Matsu Park. Looking out over Matsushima Bay from the hilltop, I saw islands scattered across the deep blue sea, overlapping in layers. The view was so beautiful that I couldn’t help but linger over it.
I also made a special trip to Oshima. After crossing the bridge, I took a leisurely stroll along the island’s paths. I had only planned to wander around casually, but there turned out to be so many great spots along the way for enjoying the ocean views. There was a different surprise around every corner!
Rather than making a quick stop just to take photos and check in, I prefer exploring slowly like this, discovering unexpected scenery and taking in Matsushima’s unique tranquility and grandeur.
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Entsuin Temple
Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 as a family temple for Date Mitsumune, Date Masamune's grandson. Entsuin Temple is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which is at its best from late October to mid-November. The garden, which was created around 350 years ago, is one of the most beautiful in the Tohoku region, centered on Shinji Pond and Mt. Potalaka, where Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Mercy) resided.
In Matsushima, besides enjoying the beautiful bay views, don’t miss Entsuin Temple, a garden filled with a sense of Japanese Zen. It’s a well-known spot in Matsushima for viewing fall foliage. When the maple leaves turn red in autumn, the garden bursts with color and is enchanting. Personally, though, I think the fresh greenery of early summer has its own charm!
As I strolled along the garden paths, lush green maple leaves filled my view. Together with the beautifully designed Japanese landscaping, they created a quiet and elegant atmosphere that made me naturally slow down and enjoy this rare sense of peace and leisure. Although I didn’t visit during the fall foliage season and missed autumn’s brilliant colors, there was instead a refreshing, natural beauty.
It turns out that Entsuin Temple has its own scenery in every season. Whether you come for the autumn leaves or the summer greenery, it’s well worth a stroll to experience the unique elegance and soothing quality of a Japanese garden.
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