BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 5/67

When I passed the Kyoto Shijō Minamiza Theatre, I was immediately drawn to this theater filled with traditional Japanese charm. Minamiza is one of Kyoto's most iconic kabuki theaters. Its exterior has a strong traditional Japanese feel and blends in with the surrounding Kyoto streetscape in a very distinctive way.

This time I only passed by and didn't plan to go inside for a performance, but after reading about the theater, I thought the kabuki viewing experience sounded quite special. I don't usually have many opportunities to experience traditional Japanese performing arts, so I think it would be interesting to see a performance in the theater in person.

When you come to Osaka, of course you have to eat some piping-hot okonomiyaki. Cabbage, pork, and other ingredients are added to the batter, then it's cooked until lightly browned on both sides, topped with rich sauce and mayonnaise, and finished with bonito flakes. The aroma comes out right away.

The most interesting part of okonomiyaki is watching it slowly cook on the griddle as the steam and aroma keep drifting over,

When you come to Miyajima, you can't miss the famous local oysters. You can find oyster dishes everywhere along the street, but the thing I wanted to try most was freshly grilled oysters. Large oysters are placed over charcoal, and as the steam rises, their aroma spreads through the air.

The grilled oyster shells are lightly charred, and when you open them, the oysters inside are plump and juicy. They taste fresh and sweet with a hint of the sea, and they're delicious simply grilled. Holding them piping hot while strolling around Miyajima and eating local food feels especially satisfying.

Miyajima has deer, ocean views, and streets full of oysters that make you want to stop and try them. This fresh taste also became part of this

I was really looking forward to driving the Yamanami Highway on a road trip through Kyushu. This time I came specifically to Chojabaru. I originally thought the entrance and parking lot would be easy to find, but once I arrived, I realized the directions were a little confusing. I drove around for a bit before finally finding a place to park.

After parking and walking over to the Yamanami Highway, the view immediately made the search feel worthwhile. The wide-open grasslands, the mountain ranges in the distance, and Kyushu's fresh air made the whole view very pleasant.

There's also a Montbell nearby where you can stock up!

When you don't feel like applying a lot of different skincare products, it's convenient to keep moisturizing simple. The large size is also great for everyday use, and it's a pretty good value.

After washing my face, I can just apply some and I'm done moisturizing. It's refreshing and convenient, and it's one product I'll want to keep in my daily skincare routine!

When visiting Takachiho, Manai Falls is a sight you can't miss. The waterfall pours down between tall columnar cliffs into an emerald-green gorge surrounded by dense forest, giving the entire landscape a tranquil and mysterious atmosphere.

Manai Falls is also one of the most iconic sights in Takachiho Gorge. Legend says the source of the waterfall is connected to Japanese mythology, adding another layer of myth to the natural scenery.

Standing beside the gorge and watching the waterfall, mist drifts through the air as the cliffs, green trees, and clear stream come together to create a richly layered view. More than the waterfall itself, what left the deepest impression was the unique tranquility and mystery of Takachiho Gorge.

Before reaching Amano Yasukawara, you first pass Amanoiwato Shrine. This is a very important mythological site in Takachiho. According to legend, the sun goddess Amaterasu hid in Amanoiwato Cave because of her younger brother Susanoo's mischief, plunging heaven and earth into darkness. The site of Amanoiwato Shrine has deep ties to this ancient myth.

It happened to be raining when I passed by, so I didn't stop specifically to take photos and could only take in the tranquility of the mountain forest in the rain. This is also said to be a place many people visit specifically to feel its energy. Surrounded by cliffs, streams, and forest, the atmosphere is especially peaceful.

Although I didn't take any photos, I ended up remembering Amanoiwato Shrine on that rainy day. Walking across land where myths have been passed down for thousands of years also added a sense of mystery to the path leading to Amano Yasukawara.

While shopping along Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu in Kyoto, I stopped by the famous Yojiya Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Store. The store has plenty of Kyoto-style beauty products and lifestyle items, and this time I bought some oil blotting paper to try.

The oil blotting paper is very convenient and absorbs oil well. Just press it lightly against your face to remove the shine, and it doesn't leave your skin feeling very dry afterward.

Shichimiya Honpo's shichimi togarashi has a very appealing aroma. I was worried it might be too spicy, but the heat is actually quite mild and doesn't overpower the flavor of the food itself.

What I like most is its subtle spice aroma. Sprinkle a little on udon, ramen, or a rice bowl, and it immediately adds more depth to the overall flavor. It's really suitable for people who enjoy aromatic spices but don't want anything too spicy!

At Amanoyasukawara in Miyazaki, I followed the Iwato River into the valley, surrounded by forest and rock walls. The farther in I went, the quieter and more secluded it felt.

The most distinctive sight is the cave filled with stacks of stones, which are said to have been placed by worshippers making wishes. Stone piles of all sizes cover the rock walls and riverbanks, and together with the dim lighting, the whole scene has an indescribably mysterious feeling.

Standing in Amanoyasukawara and looking at the countless stone piles and natural rock walls, it's hard to imagine that the scene before you was created through the accumulation of nature and faith over many years. There are no ornate buildings here, yet it has a power that naturally makes people lower their voices and take it all in quietly.