金己田's Reviews Page 2/15

Yokohama Marine Tower

Built in 1961 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Yokohama's port opening, the Yokohama Marine Tower stands as a beloved symbol of the city. Standing at 106 meters and inspired by a lighthouse, you can spot this landmark from a number of points across the Bay Area. With significant renovations completed in 2022, the spot now glimmers as a fully enhanced, prime destination.

Yokohama
Observatories

16 Jul 2026 See More

Located next to Yamashita Park, Yokohama Marine Tower was originally a lighthouse, and its renovated steel-frame exterior gives it a modern feel.

While it may not be the tallest landmark, its location is actually a great advantage if you want to see the ocean or watch ships coming in and out of Yamashita Pier. If you happen to be taking a walk through Yamashita Park, it’s worth stopping by the observation deck for a different view of Yokohama Port.

Sakurajima

Sakurajima is an active composite volcano located in Kagoshima Bay. It is a symbol of Kagoshima, and part of Kirishima-Yaku National Park. The volcano began to form around 26,000 years ago, and it has had 17 major eruptions.

Kagoshima
Famous Places

16 Jul 2026 See More

When I saw Sakurajima from the train, I knew I had arrived in Kagoshima.

This still-active volcano blends into everyday life in Kagoshima like a backdrop, visible from all around. Even though it can bring inconveniences like volcanic ash, it feels so naturally woven into the cityscape. For visitors, it’s a rare and memorable sight, but for locals, it’s simply part of daily life.

SOU-SOU Isemomen

SOU-SOU is a textile design brand born in Kyoto. Focusing on lifestyle items that fit modern Japanese life, the brand focuses on using traditional materials and methods while upholding the concept of “creating a new kind of Japanese culture”. Inside you’ll find a wide range of items including jikatabi, kimono, Japanese sweets and furniture.

Kyoto
Miscellaneous Goods

15 Jul 2026 See More

If you like SOU・SOU, this is a hard place to skip when you’re in Kyoto. Tucked into the Shinkyogoku alleyways not far from Nishiki Market, there are several SOU・SOU shops clustered together, each with a different theme. You can find everything from clothing and kids’ wear to all kinds of lifestyle goods. If you’re already a SOU・SOU fan, it’s seriously easy to go overboard shopping here!

ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka

ONIBUS COFFEE Jiyugaoka is part of a specialty coffee chain with other locations in Okusawa, Yakumo, and Nakameguro. The café sources beans directly from farmers in regions like Colombia and Ethiopia, roasting them in-house to create the exceptional coffee that has earned it a strong following. Opened in April 2022 along Jiyugaoka Green Road, this location stands out for its warm, natural wooden décor and the calm, sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly suits Jiyugaoka.

Jiyugaoka, Sangenjaya, Setagaya, Futako-Tamagawa
Cafés

14 Jul 2026 See More

ONIBUS COFFEE has solid reviews online, so it’s a café many people add to their Jiyugaoka plans. When I actually visited, it was even more popular than I expected, and finding a seat wasn’t easy. In the end, I got a coffee to go and enjoyed it slowly along the nearby Kuhonbutsu River Green Road, which was a nice way to take in Jiyugaoka’s relaxed atmosphere.

AEON MALL Makuhari New City

This mall consists of 4 sections: Grand, Family, Active, and Pet, with a total floor area of around 402,000 square meters and about 350 specialty stores and an AEON STYLE supermarket. You can enjoy everything from shopping to entertainment.

Chiba
Commercial Buildings

14 Jul 2026 See More

Since I often stay in Chiba Prefecture, AEON MALL Makuhari New City has become one of the shopping spots I plan to visit every time I’m in the Kanto area. You can get there right from JR Makuharitoyosuna Station, and the mall is huge. It has everything from clothing and household goods to dining, so you can take care of most needs in one trip.

That said, because the mall is so spread out, walking through the whole place really tests your stamina. Plus, with Costco right next door, I often end up spending the entire day here without even realizing it.

Kimono Forest

The plaza is located in the corner of "Arashiyama Station Hannari Hokkori Square." Six hundred brightly colored poles decorated with Kyoto-Yuzen designs line the square.

Kyoto
Parks & Gardens

13 Jul 2026 See More

When visiting Arashiyama, besides the classic sights like the bamboo grove and Togetsukyo Bridge, don’t forget to stop by the Kimono Forest at the Randen station on your way back.

Dozens of pillars decorated with kimono fabric are lined up together. When they’re lit up, the light shines through the fabric and creates beautiful shifts in color. You can visit without buying a train ticket. It doesn’t take long to see, but strolling through the glowing forest is the perfect ending to a day trip in Arashiyama.

Gono Line

The JR Gono Line is a 147-km-long local train line running from Higashi-Noshiro Station in Akita Prefecture to Kawabe Station in Aomori Prefecture. The line runs along the coast of the Sea of Japan, and passengers can enjoy the spectacular scenery that the Tohoku region is known for.

Akita
Aomori
Trains & Subway

13 Jul 2026 See More

The Gono Line, which runs along the Sea of Japan, is on the bucket list for many train enthusiasts. I rode it from Akita all the way to Hirosaki. The trip isn’t short, but for much of the ride you can see the Sea of Japan. At times, the train moves slowly right along the coast, with striking rock formations offshore that feel almost within reach. Other times, it passes through small fishing villages and forested mountains.

The scenery keeps changing the whole way, so even after several hours on the train, it never feels long.

Koshu Hoto Kosaku Kofu Ekimae Branch

When visiting Yamanashi, one dish you absolutely must try is Hoto -a local specialty featuring thick, flat noodles simmered with plenty of vegetables in a rich miso-based broth. This beloved dish is said to have been favored by the legendary warlord Takeda Shingen during the Sengoku period.

Yamanashi
Japanese Cuisine

11 Jul 2026 See More

It was my first time trying hoto. Overall, it tasted a bit like pork miso soup, with a broth that had a sweetness from the simmered vegetables.
The noodles were thicker than regular udon, with a firmer, chewy texture, and the portion was bigger than I expected. If you had a pot of hoto on a winter night, it would definitely warm you up fast!

Kawatoyo Honten

Unagi (freshwater eel) has long been a beloved local specialty for Narita pilgrims visiting Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, dating back to the Edo period. Among Narita’s classic eel restaurants, Kawatoyo Honten stands out right on the approach to the temple. Founded in 1910, this long-established shop serves expertly selected eel-chosen by craftsmen with over 50 years of experience-as unaju (eel rice boxes), kabayaki, and shirayaki. Right at the entrance, you’ll spot chefs filleting, skewering, and grilling eel in front of you.

Narita Airport Neighborhood
Japanese Cuisine

11 Jul 2026 See More

As soon as you arrive at Naritasan Omotesando, you can smell the aroma of grilled eel. Kawatoyo Honten always seems to draw the biggest crowd. At the entrance, you can watch the chefs prepare the eel right in front of you. There may be a wait during meal times, but watching their skilled, efficient technique makes the time fly by.

Once the fragrant grilled eel is served, adding a sprinkle of sansho pepper makes the eel rice even more delicious. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, and it’s so good you won’t want to stop eating!

Kyoto Tower (Nidec The Kyoto Tower)

It is located right in front of Kyoto Station. It was designed in the shape of a lighthouse to illuminate Kyoto, and is the tallest building in Kyoto at 131 meters. It has been visited by over 32 million people since it opened in 1964.

Kyoto
Observatories

9 Jul 2026 See More

Kyoto Tower is right across from Kyoto Station. Travelers arriving in Kyoto will see it first. Its modern look may not seem to match the ancient capital, but its convenient location and striking appearance make it impossible to ignore.