Katsuo-ji Temple | Review by Gina C

The Hakone Ropeway is a part of traveling around Hakone that’s well worth experiencing, especially the ride from Sounzan to Owakudani, where the scenery along the way is truly beautiful. As the gondola slowly rises, you can look down over Hakone’s mountain scenery, and when the weather is good, you may even see Mt. Fuji. The views are very expansive.

As you approach Owakudani, the scenery becomes quite distinctive. You can see white smoke constantly rising from the valley and even smell a faint scent of sulfur, making it very different from the scenery on a typical ropeway. The mountains, forests, and volcanic terrain overlap along the way, and it’s also great for taking photos.

I think the Hakone Ropeway is more than just transportation—it’s an interesting travel experience in itself. If you plan it together with Owakudani, Togendai, and Lake Ashi, your whole Hakone itinerary will be even more varied. In particular, slowly crossing the valleys inside the gondola really gives you the feeling of traveling.

While visiting Kyoto’s Higashiyama area, I found Yasaka Koshindo to be a small and very distinctive attraction. The most eye-catching feature is the colorful kukurizaru hanging all around the temple. Clustered together like little ornaments, they’re bright and adorable, and every casual photo captures the atmosphere of Kyoto.

The temple’s official name is Kongoji Yasaka Koshindo. Although it isn’t large, it has a very special atmosphere. The colorful kukurizaru symbolize binding one’s desires and also carry the wish that prayers will come true. Seeing so many of them hanging together really makes you want to stay a little longer.

The surrounding area is part of Higashiyama’s popular walking route, with attractions such as Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera nearby, so they can all be included in the same itinerary. Walking along the traditional streets in a kimono and taking photos with the colorful kukurizaru creates a scene that feels very characteristic of Kyoto.

What I liked most about Yasaka Koshindo was its compact, colorful atmosphere. Although it isn’t a large temple, it leaves a vivid impression. It’s a great place to stop by for photos and experience Kyoto’s traditional culture, and it’s well worth a visit while walking around Higashiyama.

Rinku Premium Outlets in Osaka is a great place to include in your itinerary for shopping. It’s also very convenient to get to from Kansai Airport, making it especially suitable for stocking up before heading home. The outlet complex is huge, and the streets are designed to look like an American town, making it very pleasant to walk around and browse.

There’s a wide variety of brands here, offering everything from sportswear, clothing, and shoes to household goods. When there are sales, it’s really easy to keep shopping nonstop. I personally think it’s a good place to take your time comparing prices. Some items are much cheaper than their original prices after discounts, and when I see something I like, I can’t resist buying it.

Besides shopping, the grounds are also great for taking photos. The buildings and streets have an international feel, and when you get tired, you can take a break at a restaurant or café. When the weather is nice, it’s relaxing to stroll around and look at the stores.

If your itinerary takes you near Kansai Airport, I highly recommend adding Rinku Premium Outlets. Not only can you find discounted items from many brands, but you can also make it the last stop of your trip and browse at your own pace. If you enjoy shopping, it’s really worth setting aside half a day to make the most of your final shopping time in Japan!