金己田's Reviews Page 13/14

Oyama Afuri Shrine

Oyama is a hill often covered in clouds. Since ancient times, it has been worshipped as a holy mountain to pray for rain. That's why a Shinto shrine was built here. Divided into a lower shrine and the main shrine on the peak, a cable car brings worshippers to the lower shrine.

• Kamakura
• Shrines & Temples

Getting to Oyama definitely takes some legwork. I got off at Isehara Station on the Odakyu Line, took a bus to the Oyama Cable Car Station, and then still had to walk about 15 minutes to reach the cable car.

After working my way up, I finally arrived at Oyama Afuri Shrine. I visited along with the New Year’s crowds, then took in the view from the shrine—soaking up the deep blue of Sagami Bay and the clear winter sky all at once.

The Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple

As the principal object of worship at Kotoku-in temple (officially known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji), the Buddhist statue of Amida Nyorai enjoys tremendous popularity among the famous spots of Kamakura. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is familiar for the intensity of its presence.

• Kamakura
• Shrines & Temples

As one of Kamakura’s symbols, I missed it last time because my schedule was too tight. This time, on my return trip to Kamakura, I made it my top priority.

I read a bunch of reviews beforehand, so I knew what to expect. The grounds are small and it’s basically centered around the Great Buddha—you can finish in about 15 minutes.

Worth seeing for a first visit, but I wouldn’t really want to go a second time.

Hasedera temple (Kamakura)

Hasedera Temple, often referred to as "Hase Kannon," is known as one of the most scenic spots in Kamakura. The principal deity is the statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy, with 11 faces. Standing at 9.18 meters high, it is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan.

• Kamakura
• Shrines & Temples

Came to Hasedera Temple for the fun of exploring.

Starting with that iconic pine tree by the entrance, there are thoughtful details everywhere. The landscaping and plants change with the seasons, and even the main deity—an 11-faced Kannon—is Japan’s largest wooden carved Buddha statue.

And the view of the ocean in Kamakura from the observation deck is something you can’t miss.

Hasedera is full of surprises—every turn seems to bring a little, unexpected beauty.

Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium

The only aquarium in Yamagata by the coast of Tsuruoka City, which exhibits more than 60 species of jellyfish. It is known for the world’s top care and different kinds of exhibitions.

• Yamagata
• Zoos & Aquariums

Famous for its wide variety of jellyfish, and the “Jellyfish Dream Theater” is a signature symbol of Tsuruoka tourism.

When I visited, I realized the tank itself isn’t very big, but the design is really clever. With the lighting effects and tons of jellyfish drifting around, it feels quiet, pure, and genuinely soothing.

Even if the trip is a bit of a haul, it’s worth coming for this dreamy, almost unreal view.

Nakayama Senmaida

Located in the Nakayama district, known for its Nakayama Rural Kabuki Stage, in the central part of Shodoshima, the Nakayama Senmaida terraced rice fields are a sight to behold, with about 800 large and small terraces overlapping on sloping land at an altitude of 150-250 meters.

• Kagawa

The terraced rice fields and the art pieces complement each other beautifully. Feeling the gentle breeze in nature, it was so quiet I could only hear the bamboo swaying. It really calmed my mind.

Teuchi Jyudan Udon Baka Ichidai

Udon Baka Ichidai is about 7 minutes on foot from Kotoden Kawaramachi Station, and is a famous Udon restaurant that has lines forming outside. The restaurant is covered by the media, such as on TV and in magazines, and is visited by many famous people.

• Takamatsu
• Japanese Cuisine

The signature dish here is the “Kama Butter Udon,” which tastes a lot like carbonara. Even though the location isn’t in a busy area, it still draws tons of food lovers.

I came after peak meal time and the place was still packed. Even so, I didn’t have to wait long to order, thanks to the staff’s smooth, well-organized service.

After mixing the butter and raw egg really well, the noodles turn super silky, and the black pepper is the perfect finishing touch. I cleaned the bowl in no time.

Sightseeing Train KAIRI

The sightseeing train KAIRI, operated by JR East, runs between Niigata Station and Sakata Station in Yamagata Prefecture. The train’s name combines the characters for “sea” and “land,” representing the rich natural scenery and food culture of Niigata and the Shonai region of Yamagata Prefecture. The train consists of four cars: Car 1 has reclining seats, Car 2 has compartment seats, Car 3 has a shop and event space, and Car 4 is a dining car.

• Niigata
• Yamagata
• Trains & Subway

Racing from the snowy country all the way to the Sea of Japan, the name “KAIRI” comes from that very image.
Starting from Niigata, the endless white snowy landscape outside the window is gradually replaced by the magnificent deep blue of the Sea of Japan. That’s a unique charm of riding it in winter.

Tonkatsu Taro

Tonkatsu Taro is the original birthplace of tarekatsudon, a signature dish from Niigata City. Tonkatsu Taro’s special katsudon is a large portion of five thinly sliced pork cutlets dipped in their secret sauce.

• Niigata
• Japanese Cuisine

Tonkatsu Taro, the birthplace of Niigata’s sauce katsudon. Even though I’d just finished breakfast, I still wanted to try it—thankfully they have a mini bowl option.

Two sauce-coated pork cutlets laid right on top of white rice. That’s it, super simple.
It doesn’t look especially pretty, but that’s kind of the point with Niigata sauce katsudon.

The sweetness of the sauce clings to the cutlet with a bit of chew, and with Niigata rice it tastes plain and comforting in the best way. When it started to feel a little rich halfway through, adding a bit of yellow mustard or pickled daikon totally changed the flavor.

No wonder it’s a beloved local spot—by the time I finished, there was already a long line out front!

Bandai Bridge

Spanning Japan's longest river, this beautiful bridge stretches over the Shinano river at a measured 306.9 meters in length and 22.0 meters in width. The bridge survived the Niigata Earthquake in 1964, furthering bolstering its place in the hearts of Niigata peoples as a symbol of resilience.

• Niigata
• Tourist Attractions

In the center of Niigata City, the Shinano River runs through town, and the city’s symbol that connects both sides is Bandai Bridge.

After a good dinner and some drinks at night, I walked over to the river. Bandai Bridge lit up after dark has a completely different vibe than during the day.

Even though it’s right in the middle of the city, it’s surprisingly quiet. Sitting on a bench by the water and just taking in the view—nights like this really hit you.

Minato no Marche at Pier Bandai

At Minato no Marche Pier Bandai, you can find all kinds of delicious foods from Niigata. There is a wide selection of freshly harvested fish from the Sea of Japan, vegetables directly delivered from local farms, seasonal fruits, delicious meats, and Niigata brand rice and famous sake.

• Niigata
• Shopping Streets

Pier Bandai is basically a one-stop spot for all of Niigata’s local eats.

You can enjoy fresh, seasonal seafood and also pick up fruits and veggies delivered straight from the farms. The Echigohime strawberries I got here were way better quality (and priced better) than at the supermarket.

It’s also nice to stroll along the harbor and look out toward Toki Messe. The whole place feels super laid-back, and they’ve got everything from local food to souvenirs.
Highly recommend stopping by.