I still remember my first winter trip to Hokkaido, when I happened to catch the first snowfall! When I woke up early the next morning and looked outside my room, the world before me was already covered in silvery white, and I was quite excited. After breakfast, I immediately headed out for a walk in Nakajima Park in central Sapporo, wanting to fully experience the snowy landscape I had dreamed of. Usually lush and green, the park seemed completely transformed under the snow. The bare trees against the white snow had a lonely kind of beauty, and even the air felt especially fresh.
Nakajima Park | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Amakusa Gokyo (Pearl Line)
Opened in 1966, the Amakusa Gokyo is a 12 km-long series of five bridges connecting the mainland to the Amakusa Islands. These bridges include the Tenmon Bridge (connecting Misumi to Oyano Island), the Oyano Bridge (connecting Oyano Island to Nagashima), the Nakano Bridge (connecting Nagashima to Oike Island), the Maejima Bridge (connecting Oike Island to Maejima), and the Matsushima Bridge (connecting Maejima to Kamishima in Amakusa). The route is affectionately known as the "Amakusa Pearl Line," reflecting the region's flourishing pearl cultivation.
To ride the special sightseeing train “A-Train,” I set aside an afternoon to explore Misumi Port in Kumamoto Prefecture. You can see the Amakusa Five Bridges from the harbor. The five bridges connect mainland Kyushu with the Amakusa Islands, and islands of all sizes dot the water, creating a charming bay view. This route is also known as the “Amakusa Pearl Line,” named after the pearl farming that once flourished in the area. The scenery along the route has also earned it a place among Japan’s 100 Best Roads. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t very good that day, so I had to cancel my boat trip at the last minute. Instead, I took a leisurely stroll around the station and found a place for afternoon tea. Travel plans don’t always work out, so you just have to find another way to enjoy the moment~
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Tenmonkan area, Kagoshima
Tenmonkan is Kagoshima's largest downtown area and stretches around the arcade street of Temmonkan Hondori. Even on rainy days or when there is ash fall from Sakurajima volcano, the arcade protects the area, making it a pleasant place to shop and stroll.
If you don't know where to eat or shop at night, the Tenmonkan shopping arcade is definitely the best place to go downtown. This is an important commercial center in Kagoshima, with all kinds of restaurants, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and department stores lining both sides of the street. Even if your daytime itinerary is packed, you can come here at night to continue exploring. If you want something sweet, look for Jokiya's popular custard cakes, but keep in mind that they have a fairly short shelf life, so you may want to buy them just before returning home. Shirokuma shaved ice is also a must-try. The generous toppings and cute presentation are very eye-catching, and every time I visit, I want a bowl to satisfy my craving.
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Kouri Island Station Sorahashi
Located right next to Kouri Bridge, also famous for its spectacular views, Kouri Island Station Sorahashi is built around the theme of creating a place where island residents, village residents, prefectural residents, and tourists can connect. Along with being a great viewpoint, its excellent location also means easy access to the beach.
Okinawa summers are always blazing hot. After finishing our morning activities, a friend traveling with me suggested that we have lunch and take a short break at Kouri Island Station Sorahashi before continuing our trip. It's located right next to Kouri Bridge. In addition to Okinawan cuisine, seafood, and tropical fruit desserts, you can also shop for local specialties and unique souvenirs. Best of all, there is a beautiful beach nearby. Looking out at the deep blue water made the heat disappear, and my mood instantly improved after feeling a little tired from the hot weather.
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