Kumoba Pond, a famous attraction in Karuizawa, is known as the “Little Switzerland of Karuizawa,” and it certainly lives up to its reputation! The pond is very clear and surrounded by dense trees. As you walk along the shore, you can see the trees reflected on the calm water, creating beautiful reflections. When a gentle breeze blows, ripples spread across the water, and the once-perfect reflections of the trees begin to sway softly, making the scene especially poetic. There isn't much noise here, only the rustling of the wind through the treetops and the occasional sound of birds. The whole area is very peaceful. Walking by the pond, enjoying the scenery, and taking photos of the water and trees from different angles, I found myself slowing down without even realizing it.
Kumoba Pond | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
-
Omoshiroi Koibito
The newest, must-try Osaka souvenir is produced by Yoshimoto Kogyo and packed with a humorous spin on the Hokkaido staple cookie that’s sure to make you chuckle.
Omoshiroi Koibito is a distinctive Kansai souvenir. It’s quite different from Hokkaido’s Shiroi Koibito, with thin cookies sandwiching a sweet soy sauce filling unique to Kansai. It has a subtle soy sauce aroma and a distinctive sweet-and-savory flavor, followed by a hint of soy sauce sweetness, so it’s not simply sweet. The cookies are light and crisp, and they go surprisingly well with the sweet soy sauce filling. The more you eat, the more flavorful they become!
-
-
Hokkyokusei Shinsaibashi Honten
Founded in 1922, Hokkyokusei is a venerable Western-style restaurant known as the birthplace of omurice. The main restaurant was built in 1950 in the sukiya-zukuri style of traditional Japanese architecture, offering a unique moment with an iconic dish and picture-perfect view out over a Japanese garden.
What I liked most about the omurice at Hokkyokusei was the egg on top. It was really soft and tender! When the dish arrived, the golden egg looked so appetizing. I gently cut into it with a spoon, and the texture was soft, tender, and slightly moist. It was silky smooth, with a distinct egg flavor. It went well with the fried rice underneath and didn’t taste too heavy. You could enjoy the egg’s delicate texture in every bite. I originally planned on just having a simple meal, but it turned out to be quite tasty. No wonder Hokkyokusei’s omurice is so famous!
-
-
Rainbow Bridge
“Rainbow Bridge,” an approximately 800-meter-long suspension bridge, is an iconic part of Tokyo architecture that connects Odaiba and Shibaura. At night the bridge is beautifully illuminated, and many people visit it to take pictures of one of Tokyo’s most well-known night views. The bridge has a dual structure: the upper section functions as an Metropolitan expressway, while the lower section is used by a general roadway, the Yurikamome Line, and a walking path.
When you visit Odaiba in Tokyo, you definitely shouldn't miss Rainbow Bridge! It looks imposing during the day, and even more romantic when it's lit up at night. The entire bridge sparkles against the night sky over Tokyo Bay and is truly beautiful.
From around Odaiba Seaside Park, you can enjoy views of Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Bay, and the Statue of Liberty all at once. Taking a leisurely stroll in the sea breeze makes for such a relaxing atmosphere. -
