Gina C's Reviews Page 22/23

Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store

Opened in February 2025 in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi district-one of the city’s top shopping and sightseeing areas-this new-concept store brings together the beloved Yojiya skincare brand, best known for its iconic oil blotting papers, and a relaxing café space, following in the footsteps of its Sagano Arashiyama and Kiyomizu locations.

Kyoto Station, Shijo Kawaramachi, Kyoto Imperial Palace
Cafés

13 Sep 2026 See More

The most famous product is the oil-blotting paper. The small packet takes up hardly any space in your bag, so when your face gets oily while you're out shopping or traveling, you can easily pull it out and use it. It absorbs oil naturally without feeling like it's wiping off all your makeup, making it very convenient to carry around.

Silo Observatory

Located on a hill on the western shore of Lake Toya, this scenic spot offers breathtaking panoramic views. From the observatory in the central courtyard, visitors can gaze upon Lake Toya and Nakajima Island floating on its blue surface, as well as the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa-Shinzan, features shaped by volcanic activity that create a dynamic landscape. It is a popular photo spot, especially renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets.

Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
Observatories

6 Sep 2026 See More

What I was looking forward to most at the Silo Observatory was taking in the view from above! Looking down from the observatory, you can see the entire Otaru cityscape, the port, and the mountains in the distance, with a very wide-open view. Feeling the pleasant sea breeze while slowly taking in the scenery was incredibly relaxing. It's especially beautiful for photos when the weather is good—a place where you can quietly enjoy the view and your time traveling.

Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlet

Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlet is the largest outlet shopping mall in West Japan. The outlet mall is designed as a “open sophisticated town for adults” modeled after Pasadena, a high-class residential suburb of Los Angeles.

Kobe
Commercial Buildings

3 Sep 2026 See More

There's a wide selection of brands here, including clothing, shoes, bags, and sports brands, with plenty of discounted items as well. It's a great place to take your time hunting for finds. When you get tired from shopping, you can stop at a cafe to rest and grab a bite, making for a relaxing half day.

The best part this time was browsing for things I liked while enjoying the beautiful streetscape. Finding something to take home felt so rewarding!

Homangu Kamado Jinja

Kamado Jinja is a shrine with over 1350 years of history. It enshrines Tamayori-hime, who has been worshipped as a kami (Shinto god) of marriage since ancient times.

Aburayama, Dazaifu, Chikushino
Shrines & Temples

3 Sep 2026 See More

At Homangu Kamado Jinja in Dazaifu, Fukuoka, I was immediately drawn to the atmosphere of the shrine surrounded by greenery. Walking slowly uphill along the approach, the whole setting felt peaceful and pleasant.

The shrine is famous for prayers for love and good relationships, which added a touch of romance to this trip. Entering the shrine and praying in person felt especially serene, very different from the lively atmosphere of Dazaifu Tenmangu.

Shibuya Center Street

A few steps from the Hachiko exit of JR Shibuya Station, known for “Hachiko”, the iconic bronze Akita dog statue, and a quick walk across the Scramble intersection will bring you to the shopping area known as "Shibuya Center Shopping District".

Shibuya
Shopping Streets

3 Sep 2026 See More

The Hachiko statue in Shibuya Center Street may be small, but it’s definitely worth stopping by for a photo when visiting Shibuya! Seeing Hachiko in person and thinking about how he waited at the station for his owner every day was truly moving. The constant crowds around it create the lively, bustling atmosphere of Tokyo.

Santa Maria, a sightseeing sailing boat of the Osaka Port

The "Santa Maria," which was used by Columbus when he discovered the American continent, was built on about twice the scale. The ship departs from Kaiyukan West Wharf in Tempozan Harbor Village, which houses Kaiyukan, one of the world's largest aquariums, a Ferris wheel, and Tempozan Marketplace, a large-scale commercial facility, and cruises leisurely around the Osaka Bay area for about 45 minutes.

Osaka Port, Bay Area
Ships

3 Sep 2026 See More

Hop aboard Osaka's sightseeing sailing ship, the Santa Maria, and enjoy the city from a different perspective!

As the ship slowly leaves Osaka Port, a pleasant sea breeze blows in. Looking out over the vast ocean, you can't help but relax. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the cityscape around Osaka Port, harbor buildings, and passing ships. Seeing Osaka from the water gives you a completely different impression.

Universal Citywalk Osaka

This mixed-use commercial complex is located along the street connecting the large theme park "Universal Studios Japan" and JR Universal-City Station. The streets are filled with an American flavor, creating an extraordinary atmosphere fitting for the entrance to the park.

Osaka Port, Bay Area
Commercial Buildings

3 Sep 2026 See More

At Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, besides the thrilling attractions inside the park, the shopping street outside is also not to be missed! It's lined with colorful shops, restaurants, and all kinds of Universal Studios-themed decorations, so you can already feel the cheerful atmosphere before even entering the park!

Kinkaku-ji

During the Muromachi Period, the 3rd Ashikaga shogun, Yoshimitsu, made an abode in this temple called Kitayamadono. It was named as Rokuon-ji after the posthumous name of Yoshimitsu. He had also built Shokoku-ji Temple, and Rokuon-ji, his retirement home, was turned into a branch temple of Shokoku-ji.

Kinkakuji, Kamigamo
Shrines & Temples

3 Sep 2026 See More

It was my first time visiting Kinkaku-ji, and I was truly amazed by the view! The golden Shariden reflected in Kyoko-chi Pond glistened in the sunlight, and together with the surrounding green trees and garden, the whole scene looked just like a postcard of Japan!

I took a leisurely walk through the garden, admiring Kinkaku-ji's beauty from different angles while soaking in Kyoto's distinctive classical atmosphere.

Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya

Make your way through the bustling Enoshima Benzaiten Nakamise Street, lined with inns, eateries, and souvenir shops before reaching the vermillion torii gate and the Zuishinmon gate. Behind these gates is the climb up the stone steps that leads to Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya, also known as the Shimono-miya Shrine due to its location at the base of Enoshima.

Kanagawa
Shrines & Temples

2 Sep 2026 See More

When visiting Enoshima, Enoshima Shrine Hetsumiya (へつのみや) is well worth a stop! Hetsumiya is one of the three shrines of Enoshima Shrine and is also the easiest of the three to reach. You can visit it after walking up the approach to Enoshima.

What attracted me most was the shrine's historic atmosphere, unique to Enoshima. The vermilion torii gate and buildings look especially beautiful against the blue sky. There are also several places within the grounds to pray for blessings, and many people come to pray for a good relationship, happiness, financial luck, and for their wishes to come true.

Ichiran Dazaifu Sando

Located on the path to Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, Ichiran Dazaifu Sando is famous for its "Ramen Focus Booth," where you can enjoy your tonkotsu ramen without distractions. This popular tonkotsu ramen chain has expanded both domestically and internationally, and the Dazaifu Sando branch is known for its unique "Success Ramen," which prays for the success of students.

Aburayama, Dazaifu, Chikushino
Ramen

2 Sep 2026 See More

My personal favorite is Ichiran's rich tonkotsu broth with thin noodles. You can customize it to your taste by choosing the richness of the broth, spice level, amount of garlic, and more. The piping-hot ramen is rich, flavorful, and goes down smoothly. Especially after a full day of sightseeing, a bowl of this is incredibly satisfying!