楊雅雯's Reviews Page 5/17

Visiting Miho no Matsubara really felt like stepping into a natural ukiyo-e print! The expansive coastline lined with lush green Japanese black pines is stunning, and when the weather is clear, you can see Mount Fuji too. It almost doesn't look real. Unfortunately, we arrived near sunset, and part of Mount Fuji was already hidden by the clouds, so we could only play “peekaboo with Mount Fuji.” Still, strolling along the coast in the sea breeze was so relaxing that we didn't want to rush at all. There's also the romantic legend of Hagoromo, so be sure to look for the legendary “Hagoromo Pine.” Even without a full view of Mount Fuji, the sea breeze and pine grove alone make it well worth a visit!

This place is basically a paradise of cute and soothing attractions! As soon as you enter, you're surrounded by adorable teddy bears. On the first floor, you can experience the history and culture of teddy bears through different themed displays, while the second floor transforms into a dreamy world of My Neighbor Totoro. There are also all kinds of merchandise to browse at your leisure.

The most interesting part is that you can reserve a hands-on workshop and make your own plush toy, which is perfect for families with children. It's also not far from Izu-Kogen Station on foot, and the surroundings are quiet and relaxing. Although the museum isn't large, it's just as cute as you'd expect! Don't miss this place full of childlike wonder when visiting Izu-Kogen.

Atami's Kiunkaku was built in 1919 and was once a villa for prominent political and business figures. It later became an upscale inn that welcomed writers and artists, including Osamu Dazai and Naoya Shiga.

As I walked around, what surprised me most was the architecture's clever blend of Japanese, Western, and Chinese styles. The elegant Japanese-style rooms, Western-style buildings, and tranquil garden all have plenty of character.

It doesn't feel flashy or touristy, but instead has a sense of tranquility and elegance. Sitting by the window and looking out at the garden, it felt as if time itself had slowed down. I really like places like this, full of stories and traces of the passage of time.

While visiting the Toro Archaeological Site, I also stopped by the Toro Museum, and it was definitely worth it! Admission is only JPY 300, and the museum explains life in the Yayoi period in an interesting and easy-to-understand way. From rice farming and living conditions to excavated artifacts, you can learn more about how people lived over 2,000 years ago. What impressed me most was the story of the site's discovery and archaeological excavation, including its history of being excavated again after the war. From the rooftop, you can look down over the entire site. It feels like traveling through time and seeing what an ancient village looked like. Very interesting!

Nihondaira Yume Terrace, located at the top of Nihondaira, is a well-known scenic spot in Shizuoka. From the observation deck, you can enjoy 360-degree views of Shizuoka City, and on clear days, you may even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. Although Mt. Fuji is quite far away and usually only appears as a faint outline, the sweeping mountain and ocean scenery is still captivating.

Take bus No. 42 from bus stop No. 11 at the north exit of JR Shizuoka Station, and you'll arrive in about 40 minutes. Getting there is actually easier than expected! The Nihondaira Ropeway station is right next door, and you can take the ropeway to Kunozan Toshogu Shrine. A round-trip ticket is the most convenient option. It can be quite windy at the top, so remember to prepare for the sun, wind, and rain.

We visited Shizuoka Municipal Nihondaira Zoo. Although the grounds aren't very large and you can see everything in about two hours, the overall layout flows smoothly, making it very comfortable to explore. The zoo specializes in behavioral exhibits, where you can observe animals behaving naturally up close. It also has some relatively rare animals, such as polar bears, leopards, and black panthers, and the reptile house has several rare snake species that were fascinating to see! There's also an interactive area for families, where kids can have a great time. Although there aren't that many animal species, the JPY 620 admission fee is an incredible deal and offers great value. It's a good place to spend half a day exploring at a leisurely pace.

When you come to Fukui, don't just focus on the dinosaurs—take care of your stomach too! Yoroppaken Main Store, the birthplace of Fukui's specialty “sauce katsudon,” truly lives up to its reputation! The thin pork cutlets are fried until crispy, then immediately dipped in a special sauce. It's tangy, sweet, and incredibly fragrant, without feeling heavy or greasy at all. I couldn't stop taking bite after bite. What makes it especially unique is that it doesn't have the egg mixture found in typical katsudon, so you can taste the flavors of the pork cutlet and sauce even more. Apparently, this dish has been popular since 1913, and this century-old flavor really is something special! If you come to Fukui, you have to make the pilgrimage yourself. After eating it, all I can say is: no wonder everyone can't stop thinking about it!

Walking into Eiheiji Temple, the head temple of Japan's Soto Zen school, the solemn old wooden buildings intertwined with the snow-covered mountains instantly made me feel as if I had traveled through time. Founded by Zen Master Dogen in 1244, it remains the spiritual center of Soto Zen to this day. Throughout the visit, I wore the slippers thoughtfully provided by the temple and slowly admired the wooden architecture, intricate carvings, and the stunning painted ceiling in Sanshokaku Hall. Once I looked up, I could hardly bring myself to leave! The snow fell silently, and the entire temple was so peaceful that I couldn't help but slow down. No wonder it's called a “sacred place for zazen”--on this trip, it felt like even my heart grew quiet.

I really loved the Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins! It's about a 30-minute ride from the west exit of Fukui Station. This castle town once flourished for a hundred years during the Warring States period, but now only peace and greenery remain, making it feel like a secluded paradise untouched by the world. I strolled through the ruins, admired the restored Karamon Gate and samurai residences, and imagined the prosperity of Echizen under five generations of the Asakura clan. The castle town was burned down by Oda's forces in 1573, and archaeological excavations have now brought its former appearance back to life. This was the place on my Fukui trip that surprised me and that I really liked!

When you come to Fukui, you definitely shouldn't miss Dinosaur Plaza at the west exit of Fukui Station! As soon as you walk out of the station, you're greeted by giant dinosaurs and striking dinosaur murals, as if you've suddenly traveled back to the Jurassic period. The most interesting part is that the dinosaurs in the plaza aren't just models—they move and roar with sound and light effects. They're so lifelike that you'll really jump when they suddenly make a sound! Look up and you'll also see spectacular dinosaur murals that look impressive in every photo. No wonder Fukui is called the "Land of Dinosaurs." Dinosaur fans can take so many photos just outside the station that they won't want to leave, without even having to visit a separate attraction!