周黛西's Reviews Page 6/7

Tamatsukuri Onsen

One of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts among mountains upstream of Tamayu River from southern Lake Shinji. An ancient book, Isumo-no Kuni Fudoki, states “Bathing here once will make you beautiful and bathing here twice will heal any illness.” Sei Shonagon praised the beautifying quality of the hot spring in her classic “Pillow Book”.

Shimane
Famous Places

14 Mar 2026 See More

When you come to the charming old streets of Tamatsukuri Onsen, you’ll find footbaths everywhere. The hot spring town stretches along the Tamayu River, lined on both banks with traditional Japanese inns. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to soak and unwind.

Besides the souvenir items that represent Tamatsukuri, even the public buildings incorporate green agate-inspired gemstone designs, which left a strong impression on me.

Tottori Sand Dunes The Sand Museum

The world’s first museum, curating sand creations. It is produced by Katsuhiko Chaen, who was selected as “100 Most Respected Japanese People.” He invites sand sculptors from all over the world to display sand sculpture at the global top level.

Tottori
Museums

13 Mar 2026 See More

Tottori is said to be the least populated city in Japan, yet it has the country’s largest sand dunes.

I visited in winter, and the icy winds from the Sea of Japan were hitting me head-on. It really gave me the thrilling vibe of the movie Sand Woman. I even wondered if a sandworm might suddenly pop out. 🤣

You can take the chairlift up to the observation deck, pay extra to ride a camel along the sand, and visit The Sand Museum too (though it closes when it rains).

A very unique attraction and definitely worth a visit.

Himeji Castle

This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.

Hyogo
Tourist Attractions

12 Mar 2026 See More

Himeji Castle’s white walls look like a white egret spreading its wings, which is why it’s also called the “White Egret Castle.” It has a long history and is beautifully preserved. The connected cluster of keeps has an elegant style, earning it the reputation of being Japan’s finest castle. The cherry trees were still in bud, but I imagine the spring cherry blossom views here must be absolutely beautiful 🌸.

Matsumoto Alps Park

Located in the northwestern hills of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, this urban park uses the natural rise and fall of rich terrain at this spot, perched at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. The park offers stunning views of the Northern Alps and Azumino to the west, and Utsukushigahara and Matsumoto City to the east.

Nagano
Parks & Gardens

11 Mar 2026 See More

Azumino National Park in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is a famous flower-viewing spot where you can enjoy tulips, lily of the valley, cherry blossoms, and more.
The grounds are विशाल, and the flower fields stretch out in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple... The earth looks like a vibrant rainbow-colored carpet. So beautiful!
Some people were sitting under the cherry trees, with cherry blossom petals falling in the sunlight. It felt so blissful 🥰

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.

Kyoto
Nature Spots

10 Mar 2026 See More

We came to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, because we’d heard so much about it. We ended up arriving during a heavy snowfall, but since we were already there, we decided to make the best of it.

We trudged up to the observatory, and then the snow stopped. The “heavenly dragon,” which had been hidden by clouds and mist, suddenly came into full view. A pure white dragon-like curve stretched out before us...

The silvery white world was so beautiful! We stayed at the observatory for a while, played in the snow, laughed and had such a great time. Then the snow began to fall silently again, so we had to leave reluctantly.

Kinosaki Onsen

This traditional hot spring resort was loved by great writers such as Naoya Shiga and Toson Shimazaki, and has a history of over 1,300 years. There are 6 out-spa baths (communal baths) within a 20-minute walking distance, and visitors can enjoy visiting them while walking along the elegant streets.

Hyogo
Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

9 Mar 2026 See More

Kinosaki Onsen in northern Hyogo is a famous, historic hot spring town with about 1,300 years of history. It’s known for doing the “seven public bath” tour and for strolling along the willow-lined Otani River.

In winter, walking down the old-school onsen streets feels so charming. There are little cafés everywhere, so it’s easy to grab a coffee and a dessert, take a break, and just chat.

The town has kept its traditional Japanese vibe, and the snowy winter scenery is especially beautiful. It’s such a lovely, polished little place. I can’t wait to come back when the willows are lush again—soaking in the baths and wandering around in a yukata has to be super chill.

Kappa Bridge

The Kappa Bridge used to be a wooden drawbridge overhanging both banks of the river. In 1910, it became a suspension bridge. The current bridge is the fifth generation of the suspension type, which was renovated in 1997. This beautiful larch tree bridge, 3.1m wide and 36.6m long, has long been a symbol of Kamikochi.

Nagano
Tourist Attractions

8 Mar 2026 See More

Kamikochi, known as the “Japanese Alps,” is absolutely breathtaking!
There are tons of visitors, but the crystal-clear river and the stunning Hotaka mountain range make it so worth it. Even a short stop here felt really healing.
You can grab a meal at the visitor center and shop for lots of souvenirs too. There are also some unique restaurants by the river.
I recommend the TROIS CINQ apple pie and ice cream.

Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

The thatch roofs of Miyama are characterized by soft rounded curves and a beautiful and even configuration that extends to the edge. It is necessary to do a "fuki-kae" to replace the "kaya" of the roof once every 20 years. Experience the Satoyama lifestyle through the "fuki-kae" process that is filled with the wisdom and sense of beauty of people's lives.

Kyoto
Experiences Facilities

7 Mar 2026 See More

Snow was falling hard when I visited this quiet little village. The distinctive thatched houses—walls, doors, and windows all made of wood—are built without using any nails, held together with thick straw rope. Absolutely amazing!
They’ve endured Japan’s seasons for generations and still preserve Kyoto’s architectural beauty. Definitely worth a visit.

Ine Bay Sightseeing Boat

This activity is located in the northern part of Kyoto on the Tango Peninsula, the boat takes about 25 minutes to cruise around Ine Bay. The bay is lined with funaya houses along the shore, offering a beautiful, quintessential Japanese landscape you can see from water.

Kyoto
Ships

3 Mar 2026 See More

Snow was coming down hard in Ine, and it was gorgeous.
Eating inside a funaya was such a unique experience.
The Sea of Japan’s ever-changing weather brings so many different kinds of scenery to these coastal towns—honestly, isn’t that what travel is all about?
Snowy Ine was just too beautiful.

Kochi Castle

Kochi Castle was built by Yamauchi Kazutoyo, the first feudal lord of the Tosa domain. It was first built in 1601 after ten years of construction, and unfortunately lost to a fire in 1727. The castle you see today was reconstructed in 1753. Kochi Castle is one of 12 since the Edo Period that still has its original castle tower, and is the only one that keeps both its original castle tower and main Honmaru Palace hall. The entire 15 buildings across its grounds are registered as a National Important Cultural Asset.

Kochi
Tourist Attractions

23 Feb 2026 See More

Standing on the castle walls, you can overlook the city. If the weather’s good and you find the right angle, you can really capture what makes the main keep unique.

The cherry blossoms were still just starting to bud—this place must be gorgeous in spring.