Ming Yu's Reviews Page 5/20

Shikisai-no-Oka

Shikisai-no-Oka is a cherished flower park destination seated in the scenic hills of Biei, Hokkaido. From spring to autumn, dozens of flower varieties blossom vividly, blanketing the hillsides with a brocade of hues. Peak season between June and September brings a natural stripe of colors, with blooming lavender, salvia, marigold, and cockscomb lined up as if almost painted in by a brush.

Furano and Biei
Nature Spots

9 Oct 2026 See More

We visited the famous panoramic flower garden Shikisai-no-Oka in Biei, Hokkaido. Right at the entrance, you'll see the adorable mascot Roll-chan, made from stacked hay bales! Surrounded by a dazzling sea of bright yellow flowers, the cute and endearing Roll-chan stands in front of the flower fields to warmly welcome visitors, attracting lots of tourists eager to take photos and check in. The park has vast, colorful flower-covered hills stretching out like a rainbow, creating picturesque scenery as far as the eye can see. Whether you ride around on a sightseeing vehicle or walk along the paths through the flowers yourself, this is a dreamy view you absolutely shouldn't miss when visiting Biei!

Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls

The Ishikari River is a first-class river that flows through the central-western part of Hokkaido and empties into the Sea of Japan. Sounkyo, located along the Ishikari River, has a large gorge with many waterfalls falling from the cliffs over a distance of 24 kilometers.　Two of the most beautiful waterfalls are "Ryusei-no-Taki Falls・Ginga-no-Taki Falls."

Asahikawa and Sounkyo
Nature Spots

9 Oct 2026 See More

We visited the famous Ginga-no-Taki Falls in Sounkyo, Daisetsuzan National Park, Hokkaido. Seeing the 120-meter waterfall pouring down the steep rock face like a white ribbon with our own eyes was an extremely magnificent and elegant sight! Not only has it been selected as one of Japan's 100 best waterfalls, but it is also surrounded by dense green trees and sheer cliffs, with plenty of negative ions and phytoncides. Walking along the trail while listening to the powerful sound of the rushing water is truly refreshing, and you can also visit nearby Ryusei-no-Taki Falls. This is a spectacular natural sight and popular photo spot that absolutely shouldn't be missed on a self-guided trip to Sounkyo, Hokkaido!

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

4 Oct 2026 See More

Visiting Yufuin Floral Village in Yufuin, Oita Prefecture, you’ll find charming yellow cottages and a European fairytale-style countryside atmosphere!

The unique shops lining both sides of the street display all kinds of popular anime and picture-book merchandise, including beautifully made plush toys, bags, and keychains featuring classic Studio Ghibli characters from My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service. There’s also a dedicated Moomin shop selling a variety of cute bags, umbrellas, clothing, and accessories. Strolling and shopping through streets that feel like a fairytale world makes this an extremely popular photo and shopping spot that you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Yufuin!

Takachiho Gorge

Takachiho Gorge is a narrow v-shaped chasm made over thousands of years by the Gokase River’s erosion of Mt. Aso’s volcanic rock. This spectacular place is surrounded by cliffs that average 80 meters in height (reaching up to 100 meters) and extend along for 7 kilometers. Takachiho Gorge has been designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Miyazaki
Nature Spots

4 Oct 2026 See More

Visiting the famous natural wonder of Takachiho Gorge in Takachiho, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can witness the breathtaking columnar-jointed gorge and spectacular waterfalls in person!

The swift, clear Gokase River runs between towering volcanic lava cliffs, while the famous Manai Falls cascades from above directly into the emerald-green gorge. Walking along the trail beside the gorge, you can look down on the relaxing scene of small rowboats passing between the waterfall and cliffs. Renting a rowboat yourself is also highly recommended, letting you experience the spray from the waterfall up close and take in the grandeur of the V-shaped gorge. Filled with a mythical atmosphere and abundant negative ions, this nationally designated Place of Scenic Beauty and Natural Monument is something you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki in Kyushu!

Aoshima Shrine

Aoshima is a small island of 1.5km in circumference, which is connected with a 150m-long bridge to the main island. The whole island is Aoshima Shrine’s ground. As a holy island, no one was allowed to visit here. The whole premises are covered with areca trees and other sub-tropical plants in a very Miyazaki-like tropical scenery.

Miyazaki
Shrines & Temples

4 Oct 2026 See More

Aoshima Shrine, located along Miyazaki Prefecture’s Nichinan Coast, uniquely sits on the small island of Aoshima, surrounded by the natural wonder known as the Devil’s Washboard! Inside the shrine, you can see the chozuya purification pavilion, which has a deeply sacred atmosphere and allows worshippers to wash their hands and purify themselves before entering the sacred grounds. The vivid vermilion main hall looks even more striking against the blue sky and surrounding tropical plants. Aoshima Shrine is famous for prayers for good relationships, matchmaking, and safe travel by land and sea. The grounds are also filled with prayer plaques and a variety of distinctive charms, making it an extremely popular matchmaking shrine and photo spot that you shouldn’t miss when visiting Miyazaki!

Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge

Aya Town was registered as a UNESCO Ecopark in 2012 for the large-scale preservation of laurel forest, many Japan’s native species, and for the nature-friendly regional development. Teruha Suspension Bridge, also included in the Kyushu Chuo Sanchi Quasi-National Park, is the longest pedestrian bridge in the world, where you can experience the nature of Aya River Gorge.

Miyazaki
Tourist Attractions

4 Oct 2026 See More

Visiting the Aya Teruha Suspension Bridge in Aya, Miyazaki Prefecture, you can see this magnificent bridge that was once hailed as the world’s No. 1 pedestrian suspension bridge and spans Japan’s largest evergreen broadleaf forest!

Standing at the entrance to the bridge, the monument and magnificent deep mountain gorge make any photo look impressive. As you walk across the suspension bridge, you can gaze out over layers of lush green mountains. The air is fresh and refreshing, leaving you feeling relaxed and invigorated. It’s a highly recommended must-visit spot in Miyazaki for enjoying nature, forest bathing, and spectacular photo opportunities!

Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium

Located at Kagoshima Port, the Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium offers stunning views of the iconic Sakurajima volcano across Kinko Bay. The aquarium is home to approximately 10,000 creatures from 800 species, primarily those inhabiting the waters of Kagoshima, including the Kuroshio Current and the Nansei Islands. The "Kurosio Great Water Tank" is a major draw, featuring fish like whale sharks, tuna, and bonito that travel with the Kuroshio Current.

Kagoshima
Zoos & Aquariums

4 Oct 2026 See More

Viewed from the Sakurajima Ferry across Kagoshima Bay, this building, with its distinctive sailboat-inspired design and massive roof, is the famous Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium. Inside, it showcases the diverse marine life of southern Kyushu and Kinko Bay. Its best-known attractions are the enormous tank recreating the Kuroshio Current ecosystem and the adorable whale sharks. The aquarium is right next to the harbor, offering excellent views from the ferry or the waterfront promenade. Whether you're planning a family outing or taking a walk along the coast, this is a highly recommended and relaxing must-visit attraction in central Kagoshima!

Sakurajima Ferry

A public ferry operated by Kagoshima City, connecting Kagoshima Port and Sakurajima Port. The ride takes Approx. 15 minutes, making it an easy, enjoyable trip on the water. There are four ferry types, each carrying around 500 passengers and about 60 cars. Each vessel has different facilities and a cute nickname such as “Sakura Fairy” or “Princess Marine.” The biggest feature is 24-hour service.

Kagoshima
Ships

4 Oct 2026 See More

Take the Sakurajima Ferry to Sakurajima Volcano and enjoy the shimmering waters and magnificent scenery of Kinko Bay (Kagoshima Bay) along the way! This important ferry connecting central Kagoshima with Sakurajima operates 24 hours a day. The vessel is spacious and comfortable, and during the trip, you can enjoy the sea breeze and volcanic views from the deck as well as the ferry’s popular freshly cooked Yabukin udon. It’s a classic experience you definitely shouldn’t miss when visiting Sakurajima!

Sakamoto Kurozu Tsubobatake Information Center & Restaurant

A great number of porcelain pots arranged in lines on the southern slope overlooking Kinko Bay in Fukuyama-cho, south of Kirishima City. The black vinegar making industry has developed in Fukuyama-cho because of its mild climate, moderate seasonal temperature changes, groundwater quality, accessibility of Satsuma porcelain pots for fermentation and quality rice which is the raw material for black vinegar.

Kagoshima
Experiences Facilities

4 Oct 2026 See More

A visit to Kagoshima’s famous Sakamoto Kurozu Tsubobatake, where thousands of black ceramic pots fill the valley and black vinegar is brewed using a century-old traditional method, surrounded by sunshine and nature. The sight is truly spectacular! You can enjoy distant views of Satsuma Fuji and the natural scenery, as well as a friendly guided tour by knowledgeable staff and a tasting of naturally fermented black vinegar. Its mildly tart, mellow flavor was surprisingly delicious. This is a must-visit spot for experiencing Kagoshima’s local food culture and magnificent scenery!

Hinokuni Festival

A summer festival representing Kumamoto, rich in local flavor, that began in 1978 and draws large crowds every year.

Kumamoto
Summer festivals & Events

4 Oct 2026 See More

We were lucky enough to catch Kumamoto’s liveliest annual summer event, the Hinokuni Festival! The entire Torichosuji shopping street was filled with a joyful, exciting festival atmosphere. Everyone wore distinctive costumes and danced the traditional “Sanba Ohafuka” to lively, energetic music. A huge blue mascot balloon also appeared to join the festivities, and the vibrant performances made it impossible not to clap along and have fun. It was definitely the most unforgettable cultural experience of a summer trip to Kumamoto!