Right next to Himeji Castle, there's a whole park filled with cherry blossom trees. Lots of locals just sit under the trees and have picnics—such a happy vibe!
Himeji Castle | Review by Grace Cheng
Other Reviews by Grace Cheng
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Otaru Canal Cruise
The Otaru Canal, completed in 1923 (Taisho 12) by reclaiming the offshore coast, is lined with historic stone and timber warehouses and remains a popular tourist attraction. A 40-minute tour on a cruise boat around this area is a popular choice among visitors.
During the day, you can clearly see the well-preserved historic buildings. At night, the lights add a special charm to the place.
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Ajidokoro Takeda (Otaru Sankaku Market)
Located in the renowned "Otaru Sankaku Market," just a one-minute walk from JR Otaru Station, this popular dining spot is managed by "Takeda Fish Market," also located within the market. As expected from a seafood specialist, you can enjoy a wide variety of fresh seafood at reasonable prices unique to Otaru. The menu features dishes made with seafood sourced daily from the fish market auction, ranging from hearty rice bowls to set meals and à la carte options.
I highly recommend the assorted seafood rice bowl here. You get to try a variety of fresh seafood, and it's definitely the signature dish of the place.
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Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls
The Ishikari River is a first-class river that flows through the central-western part of Hokkaido and empties into the Sea of Japan. Sounkyo, located along the Ishikari River, has a large gorge with many waterfalls falling from the cliffs over a distance of 24 kilometers. Two of the most beautiful waterfalls are "Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls."
I visited in October and the whole area was covered in autumn leaves—yellow, green, and red all over the mountains. The scenery was absolutely stunning.