For a trip to northern Kyoto, I recommend visiting Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, and the nearby Chion-ji Temple on the same day. Chion-ji enshrines Monju Bosatsu, a symbol of wisdom, and is a famous temple where many students pray for academic success. The most unique part is the cute little fan-shaped omikuji fortunes. Seeing them hung all over the pine trees is really distinctive and makes for great photos.
I visited on a weekday, so there weren’t many tourists. Without the crowds, strolling around the temple grounds felt especially relaxing, and I could quietly enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic temple. After worshipping, I walked over to Amanohashidate to take in the magnificent scenery. It was a wonderful way to experience both natural beauty and history in one trip, making my Kyoto visit even more fulfilling and leaving me with many great memories.
Chion-ji Temple | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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SNOOPY Chaya Yufuin
Located in some of Japan’s most popular tourist destinations, SNOOPY Chaya offers a unique chance to step into the world of the globally beloved beagle Snoopy and his PEANUTS friends while also experiencing the charm of the local area.
While strolling around Yufuin, I saw SNOOPY Chaya and just had to stop.
The whole place is filled with Snoopy details. From the decor to the desserts, everything is almost unfairly cute. It’s a total paradise for photos!
I ordered a few Snoopy-shaped desserts and pudding. They weren’t just adorable to look at—the flavors were great too. Sweet but not too heavy.
Eating cute desserts while looking out at the streets of Yufuin made for such a simple little travel joy.
If you love Snoopy or anything super cute, you definitely need to add this stop to your Yufuin itinerary! -
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Yufuin Onsen
Yufuin Onsen is a hot spring resort at the foot of Mt. Yufu at the heart of Oita Prefecture. There is no big hotel and many inns are tranquil Japanese style, which are popular among women visitors.
Yufuin Onsen is a spot you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Kyushu.
Strolling through the streets, you’ll find unique little shops, the sweet scent of desserts, and a relaxed atmosphere on both sides. You can also enjoy beautiful views of Mt. Yufu in the distance.
Take your time walking and browsing, and soak in the quiet warmth of the town. This kind of easygoing travel pace makes it so hard to leave. -
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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.
Visiting Yufuin Floral Village in Kyushu felt like stepping right into a little town from a fairy tale! The cute European-style buildings, colorful flowers, plants, and unique little shops make every corner full of surprises. Anywhere you stand is a great photo spot.
It’s perfect for taking a slow stroll, snapping pictures, and soaking up that relaxed travel vibe. It totally brought out my inner girly side! No wonder it’s such a popular must-visit spot in Yufuin. Even my camera didn’t want to take a break. -
