Jk's Reviews Page 3/15

Right beside Osaka’s Dotonbori Canal, there’s absolutely no way to miss the Don Quijote Dotonbori Store, with its giant yellow Ferris wheel and penguin mascot. This place is truly a late-night shopping paradise for all night owls and shopaholics! Every floor is packed with all kinds of extremely popular products, from the overwhelming selection of snacks, instant noodles, and matcha sweets at the first-floor entrance to beauty and skin care products, medicine, electronics, household goods, and even funny cosplay costumes upstairs. There are so many products stacked to the ceiling that it feels like a maze. Pushing a shopping basket through the narrow, bustling aisles while hunting for treasures, with the catchy signature theme song and lively checkout calls ringing in your ears, sends the thrill of shopping and your adrenaline straight through the roof!

Along Osaka’s Dotonbori Canal, it’s absolutely impossible to miss the massive yellow Ferris wheel built right into the exterior of the Don Quijote building—the Dotonbori Giant Ferris Wheel, “Ebisu Tower”! In the center is a huge statue of Ebisu, the god of fortune, holding a fishing rod and grinning from ear to ear. Together with the eye-catching yellow-and-black track, it perfectly captures Osaka’s over-the-top, humorous, and energetic character. Even just taking photos from across the canal makes for an impressive sight!
The wildest thing about this Ferris wheel is that it’s one of the world’s rare “oval-track Ferris wheels”! As the gondola slowly rises, your view gradually gets higher along the track, putting the entire Dotonbori Canal, sightseeing boats cruising back and forth, the famous Glico Running Man sign, and the dense sea of neon lights below you. Especially when it lights up at night, the dazzling cityscape and reflections on the river blend together. Looking down over the entire sleepless city from high above inside the gondola, with such a wide-open view, is an absolute thrill!

The entire hot spring town immediately surrounds you with a strong sense of old-world charm and relaxation! This is an ancient hot spring with over 1,300 years of history. Since ancient times, it has been highly praised as the “Bath of the Gods” in the Izumo no Kuni Fudoki. After just one soak, your skin feels as smooth and delicate as if you had just used a top-of-the-line skincare treatment, and after two, even all kinds of ailments are said to disappear. It’s renowned throughout Japan as the premier destination for beautiful-skin hot springs!
Stroll slowly along both sides of the Tamayu River, and you’ll see rows of traditional Japanese hot spring inns arranged harmoniously. In spring, both banks are covered in delicate pink cherry blossoms, making the area look like a secluded paradise. One of the best little pleasures while walking around town is the free natural footbaths found everywhere. Take off your shoes and socks and dip your feet into the steaming hot spring water, and the warmth instantly melts away the aches and fatigue in your feet. There’s even a “Hot Spring Water Jizo” along the street where you can fill a bottle directly. Many travelers bring small spray bottles and take home the freshest hot spring facial mist to keep their skin hydrated anytime, anywhere!
Continue up through the hot spring town, and at the end you’ll find Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine, which is associated with beautiful skin and matchmaking. Pick up your own special “wish stone” (kanai-ishi) at the shrine office, carry it to the sacred stone within the grounds, carefully wash it with the spring water, hold it close as you make a wish, and then place it in an amulet pouch to carry with you. It’s said to be extremely effective for finding love and making wishes come true. The whole ritual leaves you feeling both calm and full of anticipation.

Walking into Kobe Meriken Park, I looked up and was instantly captivated by the striking red tower with its incredibly graceful lines. This is Kobe Port Tower, Kobe’s most iconic landmark and symbol! The entire tower features an extremely rare structure inspired by the shape of a traditional Japanese wadaiko drum. Its vivid vermilion steel latticework intertwines in the air to create an elegant, slender waistline. Set against a blue sky with wispy white clouds overhead, it has both the refined elegance of a traditional instrument and the beauty of a modern skyscraper. It looks impressive no matter which upward angle you photograph it from!
Strolling slowly along the spacious, level, wood-patterned brick plaza by the harbor, I could feel the sea breeze on my face, carrying a slight chill and the scent of the ocean. The wide-open view immediately lifted my mood. Turning toward the calm blue bay, I could see the MOSAIC shopping complex across the water, the red-and-white Ferris wheel, and the large sightseeing boats docked along the harbor. Watching the boats glide slowly across the mirror-like harbor and cut through the water, while small groups of travelers occasionally passed by enjoying a walk and the breeze, gave the place such a relaxed, carefree port-city vacation rhythm that I just wanted to stop and zone out for a little longer.
The best experience at Kobe Port Tower is taking the elevator straight up to the observation deck. Standing inside the high-ceilinged observation room, you get a 360-degree view. On one side are downtown Kobe and the magnificent Rokko mountain range stretching into the distance, while on the other are the endless blue waters of the Seto Inland Sea and huge ships passing back and forth. The panoramic view of the entire port city, where mountains and sea come together, unfolds beneath your feet and is incredibly breathtaking.
At dusk and after dark, the entire harbor becomes unbelievably romantic! As the sun sets, the sea turns golden. Once darkness falls, Kobe Port Tower lights up with a warm, brilliant red glow, shining alongside the colorful neon lights of the Ferris wheel at MOSAIC across the water. Reflected in the shimmering black sea, the lights make Kobe’s night sky feel dreamlike.

Turn a corner from the lively, bustling shopping streets of Kobe Sannomiya, and an enormous, brilliant vermilion torii gate immediately appears before you, impressive and eye-catching. This is Ikuta Shrine, standing in the very heart of central Kobe! The shrine is so sacred that even the name “Kobe” originally came from the kanbe (神戸), households granted by the imperial court to support and protect Ikuta Shrine. You could say this sacred site is the very birthplace of the entire city of Kobe!
After passing through the towering torii gate and ornate two-story gate, you’ll see the worship hall, completely painted a vivid vermilion and especially striking against the blue sky, white clouds, and lush green trees. Ikuta Shrine enshrines Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, the goddess of weaving and matchmaking, so since ancient times it has been famous throughout the Kansai region as an incredibly powerful sacred place for love and relationships! The approach is lined with countless heart-shaped ema plaques, and many couples and travelers seeking a good match come here specifically to put their hands together in sincere prayer, wishing for lasting love and happiness.
Besides praying to the deity, the most delightful hidden experience on the grounds is the extremely popular “water fortune,” which you absolutely have to try! After getting a seemingly blank fortune slip from the shrine office, follow the signs into the peaceful Ikuta Forest behind the worship hall. Surrounded by towering ancient trees, this small forest feels like a secluded paradise amid the noise and bustle of downtown. At the clear pond in the woods, gently lay the fortune slip flat on the water. After a few seconds, black writing and a prediction of your fortune slowly emerge as if by magic. The mysterious and romantic process makes everyone hold their breath and rush to record it!
Strolling along the shaded wooden paths through Ikuta Forest, you’ll hear clear, pleasant birdsong and the gentle sound of flowing water. A soft breeze brushes your face, carrying refreshing phytoncides and a soothing atmosphere. The restlessness and exhaustion from shopping in Sannomiya moments earlier instantly melt away in this sacred forest of ancient trees, filled with a thousand years of spiritual energy.
In a single moment, you can go from a lively shopping district to a tranquil ancient shrine, where you can admire the bold classical beauty of brilliant vermilion architecture, experience the mysterious and fun water fortune, and enjoy a forest-bathing walk. Ikuta Shrine perfectly blends urban convenience with the spiritual atmosphere of an ancient shrine. It’s definitely a top walking spot in Kobe that’s worth making a special detour to visit and soak up plenty of happiness and good luck!

Tennoji Station, the major transportation hub of southern Osaka, instantly gives the whole city an exciting, energetic rhythm! Looking out from the modern, futuristic pedestrian overpass in front of the station, the JR Tennoji Station building and Tennoji MIO shopping complex shine brightly beneath the deep blue night sky. The station sign, lit up with eye-catching blue and white lettering, looks like a beacon guiding travelers, while the steady stream of cars and people below is full of the distinctive energy and bustle of southern Osaka!
The white steel framework of the overpass has especially striking lines against the night sky. Standing on the bridge in the slightly cool night breeze, watching trains head in every direction and taxis weave through the streets, you naturally feel the exhilaration of being in the heart of a bustling city. This is not only a major transfer hub with direct connections to Kansai Airport, Nara, and Wakayama, but it is also surrounded by enormous shopping centers such as the Abeno Harukas skyscraper and Q's Mall. Once you step inside, the trendy clothing, anime merchandise, and all kinds of local souvenirs will have you shopping until your legs give out!
And if you look down at the sidewalk in front of the station, you'll immediately discover an exciting hidden surprise—a colorful manhole cover featuring MYAKU-MYAKU, the official mascot of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai! Its round red ring of cells is covered with lively eyes and paired with a small blue droplet-shaped body. It really stands out against the sidewalk tiles, looking amusingly strange and full of Osaka humor. If you pass by, you absolutely have to stick out your shoe and take a photo with it!
When you're tired from shopping, head into the underground mall or the surrounding alleys, where the aromas of freshly grilled takoyaki, crispy kushikatsu, and steaming hot broth drift through the air. Pick any long-established izakaya, sit down, and enjoy a feast. With your mouth full of rich flavors and the enthusiastic, booming calls of the Osaka dialect all around you, the satisfaction is off the charts.
From the sparkling city nightscape that looks like a sea of stars from the pedestrian overpass to the strangely mesmerizing and adorable Expo manhole cover found on a street corner, Tennoji Station perfectly combines an extremely convenient transportation hub, endless modern shopping, and the authentic warmth of Osaka's downtown neighborhoods. It's definitely an extremely popular photo spot where the excitement only grows as the night goes on during an Osaka trip!

The moment you step into Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan on the first floor of JR Hakodate Station, you’re instantly overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of Hokkaido souvenirs! This is basically the ultimate last stop for shopping before leaving Hakodate, and the location couldn’t be more convenient. Whether you’ve just gotten off the train to start your trip or you’re dragging your luggage along to catch a train out of town, once you pass by, you’ll inevitably find yourself drawn inside!
The shelves are packed and the store is incredibly lively, with Hokkaido’s biggest souvenir stars everywhere you look! Shiroi Koibito, Rokkatei rum raisin sandwich cookies, ROYCE' nama chocolate, Jaga Pokkuru, and all kinds of limited-edition potato chips are neatly arranged into an impressive wall of souvenirs. There’s no need to run all over the place—you can pick up all the classics you want in one stop.
Besides the popular sweets found throughout Hokkaido, the best part is the huge selection of local items exclusive to Hakodate! There are classic curry pouches from the long-established Hakodate restaurant Gotoken, melt-in-your-mouth Snaffle's cheesecakes, and plenty of seafood treats like shredded grilled squid, dried scallops, and dried salmon. Every item has the uniquely tempting, savory aroma of this port city. Just one lap around the refrigerated cases and snack section, and before you know it, your shopping basket is piled into a small mountain.
They also often have freshly baked snacks and rich Hokkaido milk desserts. Before boarding the train, grab a creamy, velvety soft-serve cone to eat as you walk. The moment that milky flavor melts in your mouth, the happiness is off the charts. The aisles are spacious and clean, and even the checkout counters move incredibly quickly, making this place a total lifesaver for travelers rushing to catch a train.
Whether you’re looking for presentable, sought-after gift boxes for friends and family or want to open a bag of local snacks to enjoy with the scenery on the train, Hokkaido Shiki-Saikan JR Hakodate Store is absolutely the kind of treasure trove you won’t want to leave empty-handed!

Leaving the bustling streets outside Harajuku Station and turning into Meiji Jingu, it feels like the entire world is instantly put on mute! The heavy traffic and noisy commotion of the city are suddenly shut out, replaced by dense greenery that blocks out the sky and the crunch of footsteps on the gravel path. The air is filled with the scent of grass and wood, making you want to take a deep breath as your whole body completely relaxes.
The first thing that makes a powerful impression is the huge torii gate towering over the approach! The entire gate is made from massive, solid logs. Standing beneath it and looking up, its monumental presence is incredibly overwhelming. Above the pillars is a gleaming gold 16-petal chrysanthemum crest of the Japanese Imperial Family, which looks even more solemn and mysterious against the lush green forest. Just taking a photo underneath makes you look incredibly tiny, and you can immediately feel the extraordinary atmosphere of the entrance to sacred ground.
As you slowly wander along the wide gravel approach, the most eye-catching sight—and the one where everyone is sure to stop and snap away—is definitely the spectacular wall of donated sake barrels! Hundreds of Japanese sake barrels wrapped in braided straw rope and decorated with beautiful calligraphy and designs bearing names like “Sakura Masamune,” “Ozeki,” and “Umenoyado” are neatly stacked into a towering wall several levels high. It has so much traditional Japanese festival character and is incredibly photogenic. Capture the perspective from an angle, and practically every shot becomes a fantastic classic check-in photo!
After following the approach to the shrine’s main entrance, the Minami-shinmon Gate, the magnificent wooden two-story hip-and-gable gate is truly breathtaking! Its dark natural-wood structure, stately sweeping eaves, and bracket work look exceptionally imposing against the blue sky and white clouds. Step over the threshold into the open, pristine inner courtyard, walk across the spotless stone paving, and directly ahead is the main sanctuary dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Beside it stand the enormous, lush “married camphor trees,” symbolizing happy relationships. In the cool breeze, you can put your hands together in worship, clap and pray, then draw one of Meiji Jingu’s special “Ō-mikokoro” fortunes, which contain wisdom about life rather than good or bad luck. It feels as though your spirit has been gently cleansed.
Hidden in the heart of Tokyo’s trendiest area, this man-made forest is not only vast and filled with shady trees, but also perfectly blends the solemnity of traditional Japanese Shinto with the healing power of nature. Whether you want to escape the city’s concrete jungle for some forest bathing or see the enormous wooden torii and impressive wall of sake barrels for yourself, Meiji Jingu is definitely a top sacred destination that remains breathtaking no matter how many times you visit Tokyo!

As soon as night falls, the red-brick Marunouchi side of Tokyo Station transforms into the most dazzling and dreamlike century-old landmark in all of Tokyo! Just head up to the observation terrace of a nearby building and look down, and the grand, classical Marunouchi Station Building displays an unparalleled sense of splendor, outlined by warm orange-yellow lighting. Beneath the deep blue night sky, its historic octagonal domes and arched red-brick windows are tightly surrounded by clusters of modern skyscrapers towering behind it and sparkling with silvery-white lights. The striking visual contrast between the classical romance of the Meiji and Taisho eras on one side and the sleek skyline of a top modern metropolis on the other feels like a jewelry box of time has been spilled open. It’s so beautiful that you won’t want to blink!
Walk down to the plaza and look up, and the details of the station building are even more astonishing! Carefully restored, the red-brick walls take on a rich, warm dark-red glow beneath the streetlights and spotlights. The symmetrical white stone cornices, classically carved columns, and tall lightning-rod spires rising above the domes give every corner a composed, commanding presence. The vintage wooden window frames glow warmly, as if a gentleman in an old-fashioned suit might step through the doors at any moment. At night, the entire building feels like a living century-old museum. Stand in the plaza’s slightly cool night breeze and find an angle for a photo—practically every press of the shutter produces a polished, postcard-worthy image.
After admiring the powerful nighttime exterior, step into the Marunouchi North or South Entrance hall, and be sure to tilt your head back as far as it will go! The soaring octagonal domed ceiling is a true temple of art. The pale-yellow dome is elegantly divided by dark wooden ribs radiating outward, while every section is decorated with pure-white eagle sculptures that look ready to take flight and exquisitely detailed geometric reliefs. Fluorescent and indirect lighting softly illuminates the entire dome, giving it an almost sacred glow. Standing in the middle of the endless flow of commuters and gazing up at this beautiful dome, miraculously restored after being devastated by war, is every bit as moving as visiting a grand cathedral in Europe!
And Tokyo Station isn’t just a place for taking photos and checking in. It’s also an underground maze-like castle filled with endless delicious food and surprises! The underground Tokyo Station First Avenue and GRANSTA shopping areas are as lively as a city that never sleeps, bringing together popular ramen shops from regions across Japan with long lines, freshly baked crispy treats, famous souvenirs, and all kinds of stores selling limited-edition anime character merchandise. Whether you’re carrying bags full of hugely popular sweets you just bought or slurping down a steaming, fragrant bowl of ramen, every moment feels incredibly comforting and satisfying.
From viewing the glittering, galaxy-like red-brick nightscape from a high terrace, to strolling through the plaza and admiring the elegant vintage architectural lines up close, to stepping inside the station and gazing at the breathtaking octagonal dome with its soaring eagles, Tokyo Station seamlessly blends the weight of a century of history with the pulse of an ultra-modern city. It’s not only the starting and ending point of countless journeys, but also a top must-visit destination that will make you fall deeply in love with the charm of Tokyo at night the moment you arrive!

In Kameari, Katsushika, Tokyo, the moment you spot the imposing giant stone monument marked “Katori Shrine” and the stone torii gate at the intersection, your anime spirit and pilgrimage radar instantly light up! This is the very neighborhood where Kankichi Ryotsu loves to hang out in the classic anime KochiKame, and stepping inside feels as real as being transported into a manga scene in an instant!
Passing through the towering white torii gate, ancient trees rise on both sides of the approach, and the stone-paved path stretches toward the green-roofed main hall, creating the peaceful atmosphere of a traditional Japanese downtown neighborhood amid the bustle. What will really drive fans wild is the limited-edition merchandise displayed in the shrine office’s glass case! Look up and you’ll find three bold ema designs made especially for Kankichi Ryotsu. His signature thick black unibrow and hearty, wide-mouthed grin are paired with phrases like “Good Fortune and Happiness” and “Certain Victory.” His energetic, comical expression makes you burst out laughing the moment you see it!
Buy a Ryotsu ema, write down your wish, and hang it on the prayer rack, then stop by the worship hall to pray for good luck and healthy legs. Combining an anime pilgrimage with a traditional shrine visit like this feels incredibly fulfilling. Everywhere in the shrine grounds brings back memories of Ryotsu, and the atmosphere is both peaceful and full of joy. It’s definitely a god-tier photo spot you can’t miss when visiting Kameari!