Azabudai Hills | Review by BobbyJenny

While visiting Yokohama, I made special plans to take the Marine Rouge restaurant cruise, enjoying a meal while admiring the harbor scenery. As the boat slowly left the pier, the view before me also began to change. Seeing Yokohama from the water felt different from viewing it on land.

During the meal, I could enjoy the coastal scenery through the windows, watching the city buildings, harbor, and ocean stretch into the distance. The atmosphere was very relaxing. As the boat continued along, I could also see Yokohama's cityscape from different angles, giving the entire meal an extra sense of occasion.

Rather than simply taking a boat ride to see the scenery, Marine Rouge combines food with harbor views, making the meal itself part of the itinerary. Feeling the sea breeze and looking out at Yokohama at night left me with a very memorable experience.

The most impressive thing when entering Nijo-jo Castle is the magnificent gold wall paintings inside Ninomaru Palace. Large golden backgrounds are paired with intricate designs of flowers, birds, and pine trees, making them especially dazzling in the light. Each one is so exquisite that you can't help but stop and take a closer look.

The old wooden building is filled with such lavish colors, and the contrast between the gold and dark wood creates an even more dignified and elegant atmosphere. Walking through the palace feels like stepping into a historical scroll painting.

Nijo-jo Castle is not only a place to experience Japanese history; these preserved wall paintings also reveal the splendor of the imperial court and samurai culture of the time. Seeing those golden wall paintings in person feels completely different from seeing them in photos.

Passing by Kifune Ugenta in winter, the forest was completely peaceful. Looking along the stream, the traditional buildings were tucked away among the trees, and the winter scenery had a crisp, tranquil beauty. Without the lush greenery and bustle of summer, it instead had a subtle serenity that made me want to stay a little longer.

I hope I'll have the chance to try the summer kawadoko dining next time. I imagine sitting above the stream, feeling the cool mountain breeze, listening to the flowing water, and enjoying a meal would be a very special experience.