王小鈞's Reviews Page 6/38

Senso-ji is one of the oldest temples in Tokyo. Its most iconic features are the striking Kaminarimon Gate and its enormous red lantern. Once you enter the temple grounds, you are immediately surrounded by a strong sense of traditional Japanese culture and faith.

This is more than just a tourist attraction; it feels like a part of Tokyo's history. From Kaminarimon all the way down Nakamise-dori, the shops, traditional snacks, and visitors from around the world make the entire street very lively. Although it is crowded, that liveliness is exactly what makes Senso-ji's unique charm even more apparent.

When visiting Tokyo, besides shopping and sightseeing, I also highly recommend taking a walk along the Sumida River. The Sumida River Terrace is a relaxing waterfront promenade where you can walk or jog while enjoying views of the riverbanks and the Tokyo cityscape.

The weather was beautiful that day, with sunlight shining on the river and a gentle breeze that felt especially pleasant. The scenery along the way was also great for photos. As the afternoon went on, more people gradually arrived, and the entire Sumida River Terrace became livelier. Enjoying the river breeze, looking at Tokyo Skytree, and spending some rare relaxing time in Tokyo felt really nice.

I visited Taito Ward Sumida Park along the Sumida River. It’s a well-known cherry blossom viewing spot in Tokyo and also a popular place to admire and photograph Tokyo Skytree.

Although this visit wasn’t during cherry blossom season, so it lacked the romance of the trees in full bloom, there was plenty of greenery and a refreshing summer atmosphere instead. The weather was wonderful that day, and the blue sky, Sumida River, and Tokyo Skytree in the distance looked beautiful no matter how I photographed them.

Strolling slowly along the river, feeling the breeze, and taking in Tokyo’s cityscape was very relaxing, even without the cherry blossoms.

In addition to its lively, bustling streets, Tokyo also has quite a few small gardens full of Japanese charm. This time I visited Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens, where different flowers bloom in every season. Walking through the grounds, you can enjoy the leisurely and elegant atmosphere of a Japanese garden.

The garden isn’t very large, but it has a rich variety of flowers and trees, creating different scenery as the seasons change. It’s a great place to slow down, take a walk, and snap some photos. It’s also not far from Tokyo Skytree, Sensoji Temple, and the Sumida River, so it’s easy to visit them all on the same day.

The biggest surprise was that admission was only JPY 150! In a city as expensive as Tokyo, being able to enjoy seasonal flowers at such an affordable price makes it truly worth a visit.

Located next to Tokyo Skytree, Oyokogawa Water Park is divided into five zones. There’s a fishing pond, a splash pond, large playground equipment, and more, with each zone offering something different.

In summer, all the greenery makes it feel especially pleasant. You can hear children laughing and having fun in the splash pond, filling the entire park with energy and a summery atmosphere.

What I like most is that it’s not only a great place for families with children to play in the water. As you stroll through the park, you can also enjoy beautiful views of the lush greenery with Tokyo Skytree in the background.

There’s no need to plan an elaborate itinerary. Just come for a walk, enjoy the breeze, and take some photos to experience the relaxed and pleasant side of Tokyo’s old downtown neighborhoods.

When visiting the Asakusa area of Tokyo, besides seeing Kaminarimon and Tokyo Skytree, I also highly recommend taking a walk along this lively waterfront street!

Stroll along the Sumida River and enjoy the pleasant river breeze. There are plenty of photogenic views along the way, as well as cafés, unique shops, and restaurants tucked beneath the elevated railway tracks, cleverly blending the atmosphere of Tokyo’s old downtown neighborhoods with a modern feel.

It’s especially pleasant to take a walk here early in the morning, when there are relatively few people. Take your time walking and taking photos, then find a café, sit down with a cup of coffee, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.

Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the West Yard at Tokyo Skytree Town, Sumida Aquarium is a stylish indoor aquarium. It uses an artificial seawater system to maintain a comfortable environment for the animals, and its open, up-close exhibits let visitors get closer to marine life and experience a different kind of aquarium charm.

Although it isn’t very large, there weren’t many visitors that day, so it was quite relaxing to walk around〜 But I actually came here with one very clear purpose: to see the penguins! Watching them swim back and forth and waddle around was almost too cute. It turned into a little trip where I came for the penguins but ended up feeling soothed by the entire aquarium.

Right at the foot of Tokyo Skytree, this large shopping complex has more than 300 stores, offering everything from food, desserts, and souvenirs to all kinds of household goods. There are so many choices that you could spend the whole day here without getting bored!

The complex blends Japanese tradition, old downtown charm, and international elements. Browsing and eating along the way feels like taking a little trip around Japan, or even around the world.

This is a great place to spend an entire day. Eat whenever you want, shop whenever you want, and when you get tired, find a café, sit down, and leisurely enjoy a cup of coffee while taking in a Tokyo afternoon.

With Tokyo Skytree, food, and shopping all in one place, TOKYO Solamachi is definitely worth adding to a self-guided Tokyo itinerary.

When visiting Tokyo, TOKYO SKYTREE is definitely one of the landmarks you shouldn’t miss. Standing 634 meters tall, it’s not only a broadcasting tower but also a major tourist attraction combining observation decks, shopping, dining, and entertainment. The tower has the Tembo Deck at 350 meters and the Tembo Galleria at 450 meters, offering sweeping views of the Tokyo cityscape from above.

It’s also very easy to get to by subway. If you have enough time, I also recommend walking there from Asakusa. You can enjoy Tokyo’s streets along the way and slowly make your way toward TOKYO SKYTREE, which is a unique experience in itself. There’s plenty to eat, drink, see, and do inside, so spending half a day or even a full day there won’t feel like too much. The weather was clear and sunny during this visit, and with the tall tower against the blue sky, it looked great no matter how I photographed it.

If you can't go to Greece, come experience Hotel Limani instead! This resort hotel on the Seto Inland Sea coast is filled with Greek charm. With its white buildings and deep blue water, the view really makes you wonder, “Wait, am I in the Mediterranean?” (laughs).

The most captivating thing about the hotel is the endless expanse of the Seto Inland Sea. The blue sky, white buildings, and deep blue water come together in a scene as beautiful as a postcard. Especially on a clear day, sitting by the pool with the sea breeze and watching the water sparkle in the distance naturally makes you slow down. At sunset, it becomes incredibly romantic as the setting sun gradually colors the sky and sea red. Combined with the hotel's laid-back, relaxing atmosphere, it's perfect for doing nothing and simply enjoying the beautiful view in front of you.

Calling it Greek-style might be a bit of an exaggeration? Haha. But after seeing this scenery in person, you really feel—this trip isn't about staying at a hotel, but about enjoying a vacation on the Seto Inland Sea.