王小鈞's Reviews Page 7/38

As you approach the shrine entrance, a huge vermilion torii gate comes into view. The stone lanterns neatly lined up on both sides look even more solemn amid the sunlight and greenery. Once you pass through the gate, it feels as though you’ve left the noise of the city behind.

Many people consider this a spiritual power spot. Visiting is not only about worshiping, but also about taking some time to settle your mind and reorganize your thoughts.

Standing in front of the torii gate, looking at the lush greenery as sunlight falls across the approach, feels truly pleasant and peaceful.

When visiting Okayama, don’t miss the mysteriously captivating Saijo Inari. Saijo Inari-san Myokyoji Temple in western Japan is known as a place to pray for ending bad relationships and forming good ones. The most striking feature is the enormous torii gate, which can be seen from far away. Standing beneath it, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by its majestic presence!

Saijo Inari has a unique atmosphere unlike that of a typical Shinto shrine. Behind the main hall, there is also a special place to pray for good relationships and marriage, as well as for ending bad relationships. If you feel that some of the “connections” in your life need to be reorganized, this seems like a fitting place to take a walk and make a new wish for yourself.

There are also relationship amulets inspired by the 5 JPY coin, called “go-en.” In Japanese, “go-en” sounds the same as the word for “connection,” symbolizing positive relationships. Whether you’re praying for love, friendship, professional connections, or hoping to say goodbye to a relationship that isn’t right for you, you can visit Saijo Inari and make a heartfelt wish for yourself.

Bitchu Matsuyama Castle, located in Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture, is a mountain castle that truly feels “difficult to capture.” It is also one of Japan’s remaining original castle keeps and is listed among Japan’s 100 Famous Castles. In fall and winter, a sea of clouds often forms, creating a dreamlike “castle in the sky” view.

This time, I took on the challenge of walking from Bitchu-Takahashi Station all the way to the castle ruins. Starting at the trailhead, most of the route after that was an unpaved mountain trail covered with dirt and rocks. It really wasn’t as easy as I had imagined. I kept climbing and panting while watching my step, and when I finally reached the top, I truly felt a sense of accomplishment:
“I finally made it up here!” Looking down from the castle ruins, the mountainside really is quite steep. Just imagining people in the past trying to attack this place makes you realize how impressive the castle’s defenses must have been.

Of course, if you don’t want to take on the full hiking challenge, you can take a bus from the station and then walk a shorter distance up the mountain, skipping the difficult sections and making the trip much easier! The climb was a little tiring, but when I saw the castle keep and the layers of mountains in front of me, I still felt—this difficult journey was worth it.

Standing on the observation deck, you can see the endless expanse of the Mizushima industrial zone right before your eyes.

During the day, you can clearly see the industrial area, smokestacks, and the entire cityscape. Although it lacks the dazzling lights of nighttime, it has a different kind of expansive beauty.

I heard that this place is truly breathtaking after dark. As the sun slowly sets and the factory lights come on one by one, the entire Mizushima industrial zone seems to light up. Its captivating “industrial night view” is said to be so beautiful that it is unforgettable once you see it.

Unfortunately, I visited during the day this time and didn't get to see the famous night view in person, but that gave me even more reason to say, “Next time, I definitely have to come back at night.”

If you think an art museum is a place where you quietly appreciate paintings one by one, the Nagi Museum of Contemporary Art may offer a completely different experience.

Known as a pioneer of Japan's “immersive art museums,” it feels less like a traditional museum and more like a series of independent art spaces, each with a completely different style.

Each exhibition area has its own distinctive features, with architecture, light and shadow, space, and artwork blending together. Much of the time, rather than “standing outside and looking at art,” you actually step inside the work itself.

I really like this way of visiting an art museum. It doesn't feel too distant, and you don't need to know much about art theory. Even if you simply take in the atmosphere created by the space and the artwork, you can still find your own way to enjoy it.

If you come to Tsuyama, Okayama, and love trains, you really shouldn’t miss this place! The Tsuyama Railroad Educational Museum is a railway-themed museum that houses and displays many vintage railway vehicles. The outdoor roundhouse is especially impressive, with rows of diesel railcars and diesel locomotives. Just standing beside them makes you want to keep taking pictures.

I originally thought I would just take a quick look, but I ended up staying for 90 minutes and still felt like I hadn’t taken enough pictures! Each vehicle comes from a different era and has its own story. The vintage train bodies, railway equipment, and atmosphere of the entire roundhouse really make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. In addition to the outdoor exhibits, there are railway-related displays indoors where you can learn more about the history and development of Tsuyama’s railways.

The most interesting thing is that this isn’t just a static exhibit. During your visit, you can also see trains that are still in service enter the adjacent area, stop, and even prepare to depart. Watching the trains move slowly suddenly brings the whole railway museum to life.

Rail fans will have a hard time leaving this place. Even if you’re not a rail fan, I highly recommend coming to experience the nostalgic charm of Japan’s old railways.

When visiting the home of Bizen ware, besides exploring the old streets and kilns, there’s also a very special shrine worth visiting—Amatsu Shrine.

The shrine’s greatest charm is how it incorporates “Bizen ware” into its everyday scenery. As you walk around, you can see creative touches of ceramic art everywhere, especially the Bizen ware pieces featuring various animals. They’re cute and detailed, and each one has its own character.

There’s no flashy or bustling tourist atmosphere. Instead, it feels quiet and down-to-earth. As you stroll through the shrine and look at the pieces made from fired clay, you realize that ceramics, which can seem cold, can become so lively in the hands of an artist.

If you like Japanese shrines, pottery, and distinctive small towns, Amatsu Shrine is definitely worth stopping by.

When visiting Mt. Washuzan, besides enjoying the beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea and the Seto Ohashi Bridge, there’s also a very special place called Toki no Kairo. It’s relatively difficult to get to, but that’s exactly what makes it feel like you’ve made a special trip to come here.

The café has an outdoor seating area, but if you visit, I really recommend sitting inside! The moment you open the door, it feels like a completely different world. The interior has a very distinctive design, with classical music playing gently in the background. The entire space has a vintage, mysterious, and peaceful atmosphere that makes you naturally slow down and take in everything around you.

At the entrance, there’s a notice saying that talking is not allowed inside. I thought it was unusual when I first saw it, but after sitting down, I came to appreciate the thought behind it. Sitting quietly with a drink while listening to classical music and doing nothing at all is enjoyable in its own way. If you like unique travel destinations with character and a story, I highly recommend visiting Toki no Kairo and experiencing it for yourself.

When visiting Washuzan, besides admiring the magnificent Seto Inland Sea and Seto Ohashi Bridge, don’t miss this scenic restaurant on the mountain—Washuzan Rest House.

This is the only restaurant on Washuzan, and its biggest attraction is the endless view of the Seto Inland Sea from the window seats. The shimmering water, scattered islands, and spectacular Seto Ohashi Bridge make it hard to look away.

That day, I ordered the pork cutlet curry. I was originally just looking for a simple lunch, but it tasted even better than I expected! The pork cutlet was tender and flavorful, the curry was rich, and the meal was very satisfying. The best part was probably enjoying a piping-hot meal while taking in the beautiful view of the Seto Inland Sea and the bridge outside the window.

Walking into the nostalgic Machiya Café Miyake Shouten feels like opening a door to the past, where you can enjoy a leisurely meal in a traditional Japanese house filled with traces of history.

The café is located along the river in a renovated old house. It retains the simple charm of a traditional home, with a wooden interior and warm atmosphere that makes you want to slow down as soon as you sit down.

The daily menu here isn't very extensive, and the portions aren't large, but you can feel the care put into every dish.
The curry rice I ordered this time was actually a pleasant surprise. The portion was generous, and the rich, aromatic curry sauce went very well with the rice. Finishing the whole plate was very satisfying.

I ended with a slice of cake and coffee, the perfect finish to this lunch in an old house. The cake was also better than I expected, with just the right amount of sweetness. Slowly enjoying it in the peaceful atmosphere of the traditional house was truly relaxing.