This is a really large park. The ginkgo trees, which are the symbolic trees of Tokyo, are lined up neatly and look very impressive.
Showa Kinen Park | Review by 陳豐収
Other Reviews by 陳豐収
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Otaru City Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion)
Perched on a cape with sweeping views of Ishikari Bay near Otaru Aquarium, the Otaru City Nishin Goten is a former “banya” (a fishermen’s lodging and work hut) from the herring-fishing boom of the Meiji to Taisho eras. Originally built in Tomari Village, Furuu District in Nishi-Shakotan, it was relocated and restored here in 1958. Preserving the original form of a valuable Meiji-era wooden structure built over seven years using 540 tons of timber, it is designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido.
The wooden building is really impressive, but it doesn’t feel intimidating or too formal. You can totally picture how booming the herring industry must’ve been back then.
Inside is huge, and as you walk around you really feel how different life was in those days. The ocean view out the windows is a big plus too. It’s kind of a reflective place.
A quieter, more “museum-like” spot in Otaru, but with a lot of character.
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Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum
Sayamaike, Japan’s oldest dam-style reservoir, was built 1,400 years ago. Over the centuries, a range of historical figures took part in its repairs, including Gyoki in the Nara period, Chogen in the Kamakura period, and Katagiri Katsumoto in the Edo period. The Osaka Prefectural Sayamaike Museum preserves and displays materials related to civil engineering techniques used in these repairs and flood control.
This place really surprised me in a good way. The Tadao Ando-designed building has so much style, and it feels cool and super photogenic the moment you walk in.
The exhibits are mainly about the history of Sayamaike and waterworks engineering, but they’re presented in a way that never feels boring. There’s also a huge water wall display that looks really impressive.
The whole space feels open and relaxing, so it’s easy to explore without feeling crowded. If you like architecture or just want a quiet spot with an artsy vibe, this place is definitely worth checking out.
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Himi Seaside Botanical Garden Seaside Park
Located on Matsudae no Nagahama, a scenic stretch of white sand and green pine trees celebrated in the Manyoshu, this botanical garden showcases a wide variety of plants. Explore areas featuring coastal plants from across Japan, a greenhouse with rare foreign cycads and bottle palms, and a glass tube displaying climbing plants and potted plants.
There are lots of tropical and subtropical plants inside, and the greenhouse is bright and super photogenic. It feels like stepping into a little jungle.
It’s right by the sea, so the views are gorgeous on a nice day, and you can even see the coastline. There’s also a café inside where you can sit and take a break, which makes it a great place to wander around slowly and relax.
Overall, the environment is clean and laid-back, and it’s a really nice spot for both a walk and photos〜