王小鈞's Reviews Page 10/11

Kotohiragu Shrine

The head shrine of Kotohira Shrine stands on Mt. Zozu. It is visited by about 4 million worshippers a year. The main deity, Oomononushinokami, has been known since before the Middle Ages as a guardian deity of maritime traffic and a deity that brings a bountiful harvest and prosperity of industry and culture.

• Kagawa
• Shrines & Temples

Kotohiragu Shrine is a must-visit when you come to Kagawa. The stone steps along the approach keep stretching upward, earning it the nickname “the shrine path that challenges your stamina and faith.”

This time, we climbed all the way to the 977th step and reached the quiet, solemn Shiramine Shrine. The scenery along the way was beautiful, and the fresh air in the forest made every step feel like a conversation with nature.

We didn’t make it all the way to the final inner shrine, but getting this far already felt like a real achievement. Leaving a little unfinished gives us a reason to come back next time. Next time, we’ll definitely take on the rest of the stairs! ⛩️🌿

JR Clement Inn Kochi

An ideal hotel for sightseeing, with excellent access just a 2-minute walk from JR Kochi Station. In front of the station, you’ll find highway bus, airport limousine bus, and sightseeing bus terminals, as well as a streetcar stop, making it easy to get to your destination.

• Kochi
• Hotels

This stay at JR Clement Inn Kochi was really convenient. The location is great, just a few minutes on foot from JR Kochi Station, so getting around and planning the day was easy.

Breakfast was served at the restaurant on the 1st floor, with a nice variety of tasty dishes. It was a great way to start the day feeling energized. The lobby also thoughtfully provides various amenities for guests to take as needed.

Both the room and public areas were very clean, and the overall space was spacious and comfortable. I was very satisfied with the stay. It’s a place I’d recommend for a trip to Kochi.

Takeshita Street

This shopping street stretches nearly 350m from Harajuku Station to Meiji Street. Many shops carry one-of-a-kind fashion items, and the world pays attention to them as a source of the latest fashion. Everyday, the youth and many shoppers are milling here.

• Aoyama, Omotesando, Harajuku
• Shopping Streets

Takeshita Street is a must-visit spot in Tokyo and a favorite shopping paradise for young people. The whole street is packed with trendy clothing stores, unique little shops, anime merchandise, and all kinds of the latest popular items. There’s always something fresh and exciting to discover as you walk around.

Of course, the popular snacks are a big part of the fun too, like crepes, cotton candy, and ice cream. Eating while strolling around is such a great experience. Whether you’re shopping, taking photos, or soaking in Japanese pop culture, it’s definitely worth spending a whole day here.

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, is a comprehensive marine leisure facility featuring an aquarium, attractions, restaurants, shopping stores, and hotels.

• Yokohama
• Zoos & Aquariums

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a must-visit spot for families traveling to Yokohama, and it’s one of Japan’s largest marine theme parks.

The park combines an aquarium, rides, shows, and food, so whether you’re into relaxing marine animals or exciting attractions, you can choose tickets based on what you want to enjoy.

This time, I explored the ocean world with my kids, watched an amazing dolphin show, and then took on the rides. We played from morning to night and never got bored. Whether you’re visiting with family or friends, it’s absolutely worth setting aside a full day to enjoy it at a relaxed pace!

Yokohama Chinatown

Yokohama Chinatown, one of Japan’s three major Chinatowns, is a district lined with countless Chinese restaurants. From affordable dishes you can enjoy as takeout or all-you-can-eat meals to authentic Chinese cuisine, there are options to suit your budget.

• Yokohama
• Famous Places

How could you visit Yokohama and miss Yokohama Chinatown?

As soon as you step through the gate, the rich Chinese atmosphere hits you right away. The streets are lined with all kinds of Chinese food, from soup dumplings, shumai, and Peking duck to desserts and drinks, making it super satisfying to snack as you walk.

It’s lively during the day, and after the lights come on at night, it has a totally different charm, almost like you’ve been transported to another city. Whether you’re a foodie or someone who loves taking photos, it’s definitely worth adding to your itinerary!

CUPNOODLES MUSEUM YOKOHAMA

Through the museum’s many exhibits you can learn about the creative thinking of Momofuku Ando, the founder of Nissin Food products, and inventor of Chicken Ramen, the world’s first instant noodles.

• Yokohama
• Museums

Visiting the Cup Noodles Museum Yokohama isn’t just about seeing a ramen museum. It’s a fun, hands-on experience for the whole family.

The museum introduces the history and development of instant noodles, so both adults and kids can learn while having fun. The thing I was most excited about this time was the DIY cup noodles. You get to design your own cup, choose your favorite toppings, and take home a one-of-a-kind cup noodle.

The whole process was full of laughs and a real sense of accomplishment. Highly recommended for family trips. It’s a fun and memorable stop!

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse

This red brick warehouse was a world-renowned state-of-the-art Japanese warehouse from the Meiji era into the Taisho era. Presently, its appearance has been maintained, and the 2-building warehouse contains shops, restaurants, and a multipurpose hall, making it a culture and shopping spot.

• Yokohama
• Museums

Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse is a popular spot you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Yokohama. It has a great mix of retro historic architecture and harborfront atmosphere.

Inside, there are lots of unique restaurants, creative little shops, and souvenirs to browse, so it’s easy to end up spending hours there. During this visit, we happened to catch a lively beer festival. The area was packed with visitors and had such a fun vibe.

Enjoying good food while taking in the beautiful harbor views was a highlight. It’s relaxing during the day and romantic at night, and it’s absolutely worth adding to a Yokohama free-time itinerary.

Minato Mirai 21

JR Sakuragicho Station, Japan’s first train station, is the gate to Minato Mirai. Coming out of the station, you will see a futuristic cityscape such as the 296m-tall Yokohama Landmark Tower and the ferris wheel Cosmo Clock 21. In 2021, the urban 630m-long ropeway, YOKOHAMA AIR CABIN, was opened, connecting the former railway and the Unga-Park Station.

• Yokohama
• Famous Places

If you’re visiting Minato Mirai 21 in Yokohama, I highly recommend setting aside a full day to take it all in! It’s a great mix of shopping, food, and beautiful harbor views—relaxed during the day and romantic at night.

This time, I tried the aerial cable car and the Ferris wheel. Buying the discount combo ticket was a better deal than purchasing them separately, and it let me enjoy Yokohama’s stunning scenery from different angles. The harbor is especially charming at night, with the lights reflecting on the water.

Whether you’re on a date, traveling with kids, or going with friends, it’s absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Definitely one of Yokohama’s must-visit spots.

Omihachiman Canal Boat Tour

Omihachiman traces its origins back to when Toyotomi Hideyoshi ordered his nephew Hidetsugu to build Hachimanyama Castle as the center of Omi Province, replacing Azuchi Castle. By diverting boats traveling on Lake Biwa into Hachiman-bori Canal-originally the castle's moat-the area flourished economically, eventually becoming the birthplace of the prosperous Omi merchants.

• Shiga
• Tourist Attractions

I visited Hachiman-bori in May and boarded a boat that moved slowly along the quiet canal. As I took in the charming old-fashioned streets on both sides, it felt like stepping into Japan’s Edo period.

With a gentle breeze, lush greenery, old stone bridges, and white-walled warehouses, every scene was captivating. Slowing down and soaking in the rich Japanese atmosphere, this relaxing waterside trip became one of the most unforgettable memories of my journey.

Shirakawa-go (Historic Village)

Shirakawa-go, a beautiful area where traditional Japanese scenery still exists, is home to the largest number of still-standing traditional “gassho-zukuri” Japanese homes. As of 2016, there are around 100 buildings still standing, both large and small. It is the largest remaining historic settlement in Japan, and it is preserved as a Group of Traditional Buildings in the register of Cultural Properties of Japan.

• Gifu
• Famous Places

Shirakawa-go is truly the kind of place you’ll want to visit again and again. I’ve been there in spring, summer, and winter, and each season offers completely different scenery and its own special feeling. In spring, everything is fresh and green; in summer, the lush greenery is so soothing; and in winter, it’s covered in snow like a fairy-tale world.

Every corner is as beautiful as a painting. Each visit leaves me with so many wonderful memories and makes me look forward even more to coming back to this mesmerizing place. 🇯🇵