謝佩妤's Reviews

The Historical Remains of Takamatsu Castle (Tamamo Park)

Takamatsu-jo was the resident castle for 4 generations of the Ikoma and 11 successive generations of the Matsudaira feudal clans. It is also known by its nickname, Tamamo-jo. Built facing the Seto Inland Sea, it is counted as one of the three largest seaside castles in Japan.

• Takamatsu
• Tourist Attractions

Overall, I thought it was pretty boring. You can’t go into the castle, but you still have to pay. Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know, but I walked around anyway and there really wasn’t much to see. It felt a bit like a waste of money, so I didn’t really like it. It was just okay, though I wouldn’t say it was ugly.

Kojima Jeans Street

In the empty store space on Ajino Shopping Street, which used to be the most popular in Kojima, more than 40 jean shops, cafes and galleries opened.

• Okayama
• Shopping Streets

There were a lot of jeans, but when I went, most of the shops were closed. I also felt the prices were kind of high. As a student, it was a bit too expensive for me, though maybe I just didn’t find the cheaper stores.
There are lots of side streets too~
The manhole covers were seriously so unique!
I really love these kinds of little details in Japan.

Okayama Castle

This castle was created by Warlord Hideie Ukita in 1597. The main castle was built on top of a hill named Okayama, and the Tensyu (castle tower), was built in front of the Asahikawa River. The adjacent castle town was created with merchants and craftsmen.

• Okayama
• Tourist Attractions

Okayama Castle. It was cloudy that day. I’ve been there twice, but only went inside once.
I think I used the Okayama pass?
But the sundae inside had gotten worse and looked nothing like the photos other people posted. It wasn’t that impressive. I did like the artwork inside, though, and there was also some kind of gold-trimmed fish? I’m not sure what it was, but it just wasn’t really for me.
There were two pieces of artwork I especially liked, so I hope you’ll check them out.
Oh, and there was also some equipment you could try for the experience.
Maybe armor? I don’t really remember.
I’ll correct this if I got anything wrong.

Yufuin Floral Village

A compact theme park that recreates the streetscapes of the Cotswolds region in the UK, known as a filming location for the movie “Harry Potter,” with a magical, fairytale-like atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a storybook. Inside the park, beautiful plants bloom throughout the seasons, and paths lined with stone cottages continue on, with plenty of photo spots scattered throughout.

• Oita
• Amusement Parks & Theme parks

I absolutely, totally loved this place. I spent my 22nd birthday here!
It really feels like a little fairy-tale village. I spent so much money here. They sell a lot of Studio Ghibli merch inside, but I personally like Miffy and Snoopy more!
I really loved the atmosphere here! The only downside is that it’s a bit of a walk from the station, but honestly, for a place this pretty, I think it’s totally worth it.

Tottori Sand Dunes

Located on the Sea of Japan side of Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch 16 km from east to west and 2.4 km from north to south, making them one of the largest dune systems in Japan. These dunes, designated as a special protected area and a Natural Monument of Japan, are a major tourist attraction representing Tottori Prefecture.

• Tottori
• Nature Spots

Super, super beautiful. I’m taking off one star because it was so tiring and insanely hot. Climbing up got really rough.
But the scenery was gorgeous. I hope I’ll get the chance to see the white sand dunes someday. I’d also love to see this place in the snow. I wonder if it feels freezing.
Making it to the top was totally worth it!
Haha, a little funny story:
That day I was heading back to my hotel, and I saw there were only five minutes left before the bus came, so I started sprinting like crazy. Luckily the light was red, and the driver was really nice. The bus moved slowly along that stretch of road, probably to see if anyone else needed to get on! (At least that’s my guess.)

Angel Road

Located in the southwest part of Shodoshima, "Angel Road" is a sandy path that appears twice a day at low tide, connecting four islands. It's a popular spot bustling with tourists, thanks to rumors that any two people walking hand-in-hand along the path will be blessed with happiness in the future. It's also frequently used as a filming location for movies and dramas.

• Kagawa
• Tourist Attractions

I went to Shodoshima by myself and only came here. I got there pretty late, around 2 or 3 p.m., and was worried about missing the ferry back.
The weather was amazing that day. I stood there by myself for three hours because I didn’t want to go anywhere else, and I really wanted to see that path appear. I didn’t walk down on it, but I absolutely loved the view from there.
In the end, I really did get to see it appear!
A lot of couples were taking pictures there, but I think older visitors should be careful because the stairs are a bit steep.

Okayama Station

JR Okayama Station is a major terminal in the Chugoku and Shikoku area, served by the Sanyo Shinkansen and several JR lines. The Sanyo Line, Hakubi Line, Tsuyama Line, Ako Line, and Uno Minato Line all run through the station, making it a convenient transportation hub for destinations in and beyond Okayama Prefecture, including Kurashiki, Korakuen Garden, Okayama Castle, Uno Port, and Naoshima.

• Okayama
• Stations & Roadside Stations & Tourist Information Centers

I picked Okayama for my first solo trip for a very practical reason.
Just because I could get there with the JR Pass.

But I ended up unexpectedly falling in love with this city. Okayama Station is so big, though, and I got lost a lot, so I’m taking off one star.

I loved Okayama so much that I came back for a second solo trip less than three months later lol.

Ohori Park

Ohori Park is located in downtown Fukuoka City, only two stations away from Tenjin Station, but is a favorite place for citizens to relax and enjoy the abundant nature centered around a large pond.

• Fukuoka
• Parks & Gardens

At the end of my first solo trip, I came to Ohori Park, and for some reason I just sat there spacing out for the longest time.

The water was very clean, and there were lots of nice little details. It’s also really huge, with turtles, ducks, and fish.

I loved it. Even though it was बेहद hot that day, I was surprised by how calm and peaceful I felt.