周黛西's Reviews Page 9/10

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.

Studio N2 “Naruto Azzurro Japanese Hand Towel Dyed in Traditional Indigo”

Tokushima’s specialty indigo is called Awa Ai, which is used to dye sports underwear and such produced by the fashion maker “STUDIO N2.” They produce hand towels. Awa Ai is known for its quality and is called True Indigo, distinguished from other indigos.

Tokushima
Other Goods

22 Feb 2026 See More

It was in a place kind of like a community center back in Taiwan. Lots of seniors had set up a small market with handmade items and processed farm products, selling things while chatting with each other. It felt so warm and welcoming.

The indigo-dyeing class was split into groups, and everyone used simple techniques to make a one-of-a-kind indigo-dyed hand towel that’s a great keepsake. I really liked it.

Ritsurin Garden

Used as a villa by the Matsudaira clan of Takamatsu, Ritsurin Garden was completed nearly 300 years ago by successive generations of feudal lords who renovated it. While the sprawling strolling garden covers 16 hectares, the total area of this park, including Mount Shiun in the background, extends to an impressive 75 hectares!

Takamatsu
Parks & Gardens

21 Feb 2026 See More

The moment you walk in, you’re greeted by a beautiful garden. No matter where you wander, it’s picturesque, and every view makes you want to stop and take it in for a while. It’s the kind of place you don’t want to leave.

Inuyama Castle

The Inuyama Castle keep is one of five deemed national treasures in Japan. It’s especially famous for remaining today as the oldest watchtower-style keep in Japan. It’s said it was built in 1537 by Oda Nobuyasu, the father of Oda Nobunaga.

Aichi
Tourist Attractions

21 Feb 2026 See More

You can take a leisurely stroll along the Omotesando, try some street snacks, and browse the little shops with unique finds.

We stayed at Hotel Indigo Inuyama Urakuen that day. The area nearby was quiet, and we could view Inuyama Castle from a distance from different angles.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

Gifu
Famous Places

20 Feb 2026 See More

It felt like stepping into a hidden paradise. Wandering through the village was like traveling through time.

The distant mountain peaks were covered in snow, and the gassho-style houses were beautifully scattered around. The scenery was absolutely stunning and so relaxing. ☺️

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

20 Feb 2026 See More

We were lucky to avoid the heavy snow and strong winds right at the start of the 2025 opening. At the same time, that stormy weather helped create the tallest snow wall in years—16 m.

If your schedule isn’t too tight, it’s worth staying overnight in the mountains. Seeing the peaks blanketed in snow, stretching one after another, is absolutely breathtaking.