一個漸漸喜歡上慢旅的人's Reviews Page 2/23

After visiting the thousand-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can stroll down the approach and stop by Kiyomizu Junsei Okabeya, a very famous tofu restaurant.

The most impressive signature experience here is making your own yuba right at your table. As the soy milk slowly heats up and a thin layer of yuba forms on the surface, you carefully lift it with a bamboo skewer and enjoy it with a little of the special vinegar sauce. Its smooth texture and delicate sweetness make the experience both fun and delicious. In addition to the signature homemade yuba, the set meal includes a variety of refined Kyoto-style side dishes and plenty of tofu products. Every dish has the rich aroma of soybeans and the delicacy of Kyoto cuisine. After exploring Kiyomizu-dera, coming here for a warm, comforting yudofu meal is definitely a perfect and satisfying choice.

This time, I visited the thousand-year-old Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto with my older family members in early spring. Although there were quite a few steps along the way and we had to slow down a little for them, the scenery was captivating. We even spotted a few cherry trees blooming early, so we could enjoy the views as we walked and never found the walk boring.

When we reached the magnificent main hall and looked out from the famous Kiyomizu Stage, the vermilion three-story pagoda in the distance blended with the surrounding natural mountain scenery to create an incredibly beautiful view. It was truly breathtaking. This ancient temple is not only filled with a deep sense of history but also gives off a powerful energy that brings peace to the mind. The only downside was that it was extremely crowded. If you could visit at a time with fewer tourists, walking around would definitely be much more comfortable and relaxing. Overall, though, being able to bring my older family members to this classic spiritual power spot and experience the spring atmosphere of the ancient capital was still a very precious and wonderful memory.

The Tokyo Bay Shiomi Prince Hotel, where I stayed on this trip to Tokyo, was impressive. It’s in an excellent location, with a quick train ride from Tokyo Station and an easy walk of about five minutes from Shiomi Station.

As soon as I entered the lobby, I was greeted by a light, relaxing essential oil fragrance, along with plenty of artwork and stylish decor that created a wonderful atmosphere. The guest room was warm and comfortable, making it easy to unwind after a long day. Best of all, the hotel has a spacious and comfortable public bath where you can soak and enjoy a relaxing time. Breakfast the next morning was also varied and delicious, with everything from main dishes to delicate small bites leaving me satisfied. Overall, it was a wonderful, perfect stay that made me want to come back again.

During the Symphony Cruise, we were also able to get an up-close view of Rainbow Bridge, one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks.

I remember always seeing its romantic appearance in Japanese dramas, brilliantly illuminated and sparkling after dark, and it had long been a dream destination for me. Although the flight and cruise schedules meant that I didn’t get the chance to see it lit up at night and witness its dazzling transformation, seeing its elegant white structure and simple beauty in the evening was also a rare experience.

Looking at this familiar bridge from the water, there was less of the bustle of neon lights and more of a calm, refreshing feeling. This unexpected glimpse of its understated side also left me with a special and heartwarming memory of this cruise.

This time, I specifically planned to see Tokyo from the water and experience its unique character from a completely different perspective. The clouds were a little thick and the weather was overcast on the day of the cruise, but as the ship slowly approached the unusually shaped Tokyo Gate Bridge, I still couldn’t help taking a closer look.

From a distance, the bridge’s distinctive streamlined appearance really looks like two enormous dinosaurs facing each other across the water, both impressive and slightly cute. Enjoying a delicious meal onboard while looking up from the water at this modern landmark, which resembles a giant beast, offered a very fresh perspective. Although there were no blue skies or white clouds, this rare experience of seeing Tokyo from the water and getting a close look at its distinctive bridge was still full of fun and surprises.

For this trip to Tokyo, I specifically arranged a special dinner cruise aboard the Symphony in Tokyo Bay so I could enjoy Tokyo’s captivating scenery from a different perspective on the water. Unfortunately, it happened to be cloudy that day, so I didn’t get to see a beautiful sunset, but after experiencing it, I still felt it was very worthwhile.

Sitting in the comfortable, elegant cabin and enjoying a refined dinner while watching Tokyo’s glittering waterfront cityscape and famous landmarks slowly recede through the large windows created an especially warm and relaxing atmosphere. After dinner, I went out on deck and felt the slightly cool sea breeze while taking in the illuminated city skyline in the distance, which had its own distinctive sense of romance. This dining experience on the water offered a temporary escape from the noise and bustle of the city. Even without the sunset, it was still a thoroughly enjoyable and beautiful memory worth treasuring.

While traveling along the Ariake Sea on a sightseeing train, the best surprise was the train making an extended stop at Hizen-Hama Station. I took the opportunity to get off and walk around, and unexpectedly came across a temporary stall inside the station run by Ideshoten, a famous shop on the approach to Yutoku Inari Shrine.

The stall was filled with the well-known local specialty, traditional Yutoku Senbei, and even had limited-edition souvenir cookies featuring the sightseeing train. Being able to easily buy a local souvenir right on the station platform without having to travel all the way to the shrine was both special and surprising. With one bite, the crisp senbei released a simple, mellow sweetness in my mouth. It paired perfectly with the local sake I had just bought, adding plenty of local warmth and wonderful memories to this train journey.

Traveling along the Ariake Sea aboard the Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train, the best part was being able to stop along the way at charming small towns. The train made a special stop at Hizen-Hama Station, known for sake brewing. As soon as I stepped off the train, I could feel the strong local atmosphere. This is not only the famous Sakagura-dori, but also home to excellent sake brands such as Nabeshima and Mitsutake.

I immediately picked out four small cups of sake with different flavors to take back on the train, ready to enjoy them with the Two Stars 4047's refined and delicious wagyu bento. The slightly sweet, smooth sake paired perfectly with the fragrant wagyu, and the combination was surprisingly delicious. This brief stop unexpectedly revealed the charm of this sake-brewing town. I've quietly added it to my wish list, and next time I'll definitely set aside enough time to explore it in depth.

While taking the Two Stars 4047 sightseeing train along the Ariake Sea, the train made a brief special stop at a nearby station. As soon as I got off, I saw a sign for Ouo Shrine and the romantic Bell of Happiness.

Gazing through the train window at the calm, endless beauty of the Ariake Sea was truly soothing. Because of the schedule, I didn't get the chance to walk out onto the beach by the torii gates in the sea and take photos up close this time. I could only take a commemorative photo with the sign at the station, but the view of the sea has already left a deep impression on me. The next time I visit Kyushu, I'll definitely add this place to my itinerary and walk around the torii gates in the sea myself, making up for this small regret.

Of all the airports I've traveled through in Japan so far, Fukuoka Airport is my favorite. Its biggest advantage is that it's extremely close to the city center. There's no need to rush out early in the morning for your return flight, since you can get there quickly by subway or bus, saving a lot of travel time and hassle.

The best hidden highlight here is the domestic terminal, which is great for shopping. On your way home, you can first check your luggage at the international terminal, then take the free shuttle bus to the domestic terminal and start an exciting food tour. The domestic terminal not only brings together all kinds of well-known local specialty restaurants, but also has a dazzling selection of souvenir shops, with everything looking hard to resist. You can buy all the souvenirs you want in one place and leisurely enjoy one last feast. It completely satisfies travelers who still want to do more shopping. It's an incredibly convenient, comfortable, and perfect airport.