Sensoji Temple | Review by 王小鈞

Kamikochi

Kamikochi offers one of Japan's most spectacular mountain sceneries. Its magnificent landscape is designated as a Special Natural Monuments along with Special Places of Scenic Beauty. Walter Weston, a British Anglican missionary praised Kamikochi in his writing “Mountaineering and Exploration in the Japan Alps” in 1896 which made Kamikochi an internationally well-known mountain area.

• Nagano
• Nature Spots

Kamikochi | A breathtaking hidden gem you have to visit at least once in your life

I once saw the beautiful scenery of Kamikochi in a travel magazine, and quietly made a wish to come here someday. This time, I planned a special one-day trip to Kamikochi and finally checked it off my dream list!

Kamikochi, known as the "home of the gods," truly lives up to its reputation. The crystal-clear Azusa River, the majestic Hotaka mountain range, and the dreamy forest trails make every step feel awe-inspiring. The whole place feels like a living landscape painting, and it was hard to leave.

What made it even better was the amazing weather that day. The blue sky and white clouds reflecting over the mountains and river made every casual photo look like a postcard. Whether it was the famous Kappa Bridge or the forest paths along the way, every corner was worth stopping to admire.

If you love nature, enjoy photography, or just want to get away from the noise of the city and experience pure natural beauty, I sincerely recommend visiting Kamikochi at least once. It’s not just a scenic spot, but a place where you can truly relax and feel the charm of nature.

Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en was founded and developed for about 180 years by the Maeda clan lord in Kaga, which is a strolling-style landscape garden and one of the three most beautiful gardens in Japan.

• Kanazawa
• Parks & Gardens

Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three most beautiful gardens, is truly so beautiful you won’t want to leave!

The weather was amazing when I visited this time. With the blue sky, white clouds, and elegant Japanese garden scenery, every corner looked as beautiful as a postcard. From the delicate ponds and classic garden landscaping to the pine trees and pathways full of Japanese charm, everything made me want to keep taking photos.

Kenroku-en has a different character in every season, and I felt really lucky to visit on such a perfectly clear day. Walking through the garden, I could really feel the rich culture of a traditional Japanese garden and its peaceful atmosphere, which made me forget the busyness of everyday life for a while.

If you’re planning a trip to Hokuriku in Japan, Kenroku-en is absolutely a place you should visit at least once in your life. Highly recommended!

Tateyama-Kurobe Alpine Route

This tour route goes through the Northern Alps, lined with mountains over 3,000m above sea level, stretching 37.2km, and the difference in altitudes from the foot to the top is up to 1.975m.

• Toyama
• Nagano
• Tourist Attractions

Right after the 2026 opening, I planned a long-awaited trip to the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, and now I totally understand why it’s called a once-in-a-lifetime hidden scenic gem!

The most special part of this trip was getting to ride so many different kinds of transportation along the way, including cable cars, mountain trains, buses, and ropeways. Every section of the journey was full of surprises and fun. As the elevation gradually increased, the scenery kept changing too. The magnificent mountains, wide-open highlands, and breathtaking natural views all looked like something out of a postcard.

I was also incredibly lucky to have rare, beautiful weather that day. The blue sky, white clouds, and majestic mountain views made the whole trip even more perfect. Whether I was enjoying the scenery from the window or stopping to take photos, I could really feel the power and beauty of nature.

If you ever have the chance to travel to Japan, I highly recommend adding the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to your itinerary. It’s not just about the scenery. It’s also an amazing journey that combines unique transportation experiences with nature exploration, and it’s absolutely worth experiencing for yourself!