Here's a hidden spot where you can get up close to the SL Gunma Minakami: the SL Turntable Plaza at Minakami Station. It's about a five-minute walk to the right after you exit the station. You can watch the steam locomotive turn around on the turntable at the end of its journey—so close you can feel the heat! On days when the SL is running, you need a reserved seat ticket to enter the plaza, but there's also a free viewing spot on a nearby hill where you can see the action from a bit farther away. When I visited, I even got to see the JR East cruise train 'TRAIN SUITE Shiki-shima' at Minakami Station.
SL Gunma Minakami, SL Gunma Yokokawa | Review by Yoidore-Unagi
Other Reviews by Yoidore-Unagi
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Yomiuriland
Yomiuriland is the historic, representative amusement park of Tokyo that is located in the area spanning across Inagi, Tokyo and Kawasaki, Kanagawa.
What I look forward to every season is the 'Jewellumination'—an illumination event produced by lighting designer Motoko Ishii, inspired by jewels. The entire park is lit up with 6.5 million colorful LED lights, and it's absolutely breathtaking. The best way to enjoy it is to view it from different heights and angles. The gondola from Keio Yomiuriland Station gives you a fantastic view as you approach the park—highly recommended to start your visit with the gondola (sit facing the direction of travel!). You can also enjoy unique views from the Ferris wheel, the Bandit roller coaster, and the 360-degree Looping Starship ride. And here's a secret tip: the best spot is at the top of the bungee jump tower, where you can capture the whole illumination in one photo. Be sure to check the bungee jump hours on the official website and go before it closes. Of course, you can even enjoy the view while bungee jumping!
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Tobi Fudo (Flying Deity), Ryukozan Shoboin
A temple of Tendai Sect from the lineage of Shugendo was founded in 1530 by St. Shozan. Fudo-Myoo is the principal image. A long time ago, the chief priest performed an ascetic practice with the image of Fudo in Mt. Omine of Nara prefecture.
This Fudo deity is said to bring good luck for all things related to flying, including air travel safety. The original goshuincho (temple stamp book) here is really unique, so be sure to check out the cover. You can spot satellites, airplanes, golfers, rockets, and helicopters among the clouds. It's the only place in Japan where you can get this one-of-a-kind stamp book. Each one is JPY 1,800 and measures about 12 cm by 18 cm.
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Fukiware no Taki Falls
Usually, when you look at waterfalls in well-known tourist spots, you have to look up to feel their dynamism. However, Fukiware no Taki is different. As a place where you can feel the splendor of nature by looking down a waterfall, it is extremely rare. Also nicknamed the “Niagara Falls of the East”, this waterfall boasts a 7-meter drop and a width of 30 meters.
Since Fukiware no Taki doesn't always have a huge amount of water, it's best not to expect something as massive as Iguazu Falls in South America. That's actually part of the fun. The area around the falls is well maintained and easy to walk, so you can enjoy not just the waterfall but also the unique rocks and the river scenery as you stroll. There's a hiking course around the gorge that takes about an hour, with three observation decks where you can look down at the falls from above. Along the way, there's a souvenir shop selling nostalgic items in a charmingly cluttered way—it's hard not to stop and take a look.
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