This was once a sacred site where the Ryukyu Kingdom held important rituals, and it was also an important place for the inauguration ceremony of the highest priestess, the Kikoe Ogimi. In 2000, it was added to the World Heritage Site “Gusuku Sites and Related Properties of the Kingdom of Ryukyu,” standing as a testament to Ryukyu’s unique spiritual culture.
What left the biggest impression was the huge Ryukyu limestone formation called Sangui deep in the forest. The naturally formed rock space feels full of mysterious energy. Standing there with the gentle breeze passing through, I found myself feeling calm without even realizing it.
Sefa Utaki | Review by 王小鈞
Other Reviews by 王小鈞
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Lake Kussharo
Lake Kussharo is Japan's largest caldera lake, stretching approximately 20 kilometers north to south, and the largest freshwater lake that freezes over on its entire surface. Mt. Mokoto, which created Lake Kussharo, is known for its volcanic eruptions that covered the entire Hokkaido region with its ash in ancient times.
If it’s your first time at Lake Kussharo, you have to check out Sunayu! Just dig into the sand by the lake a few times, and hot spring water actually bubbles up. It felt like magic!
Soaking my feet in a natural foot bath I dug myself while relaxing by the lake was incredibly soothing. It’s such a unique experience—not only great for photos, but also a lot of fun. Highly recommend adding it to your Hokkaido itinerary! -
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Sapporo Clock Tower
The Sapporo Agricultural College Demonstration Hall was once built to train leaders for the development of Hokkaido. The Sapporo Clock Tower, now a beloved landmark of Sapporo, was completed under the Chief Hokkaido Development Commissioner Kiyotaka Kuroda, who visited the city during its completion ceremony.
How can you visit Sapporo and miss the Sapporo Clock Tower? It’s a little smaller than I expected, but seeing it in person was still charming. The wooden architecture and century-old history really capture the spirit of Hokkaido.
Take a look inside, browse the historical exhibits, and listen to the clock chime on the hour as you soak in the city’s story. You don’t need to spend long here, but it’s definitely worth stopping by for a few photos. -
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Atsuta Houraiken Main Store
Founded in 1873 in front of Atsuta Jingu Shrine, this restaurant is the birthplace of "Hitsumabushi", Nagoya's famous eel dish. Hitsumabushi, which is a registered trademark of Atsuta Horaiiken, is a dish of broiled eel chopped into small pieces and served on a bed of rice in a container called an "o-hitsu".
You can’t visit Nagoya without trying hitsumabushi!
Atsuta Houraiken Main Store truly lives up to its reputation, and it’s worth the wait. The eel is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Paired with the special sauce, it has the perfect sweet-savory balance and is packed with flavor.
First, enjoy the eel and rice as is. Next, add nori, green onions, and wasabi. Finally, pour dashi over it to make eel ochazuke. Each way offers a different flavor.
It’s easy to see why this place has stayed so popular for so many years. I’m still craving that amazing taste!
If you’re traveling to Nagoya, be sure to add this classic eel dish to your itinerary! -
