Narita Airport is one of Japan's major international airports. International and domestic flights use different terminals, and the airport covers a large area, so first-time visitors may need some time to get familiar with it. These days, I usually fly in and out of Haneda Airport when traveling to Tokyo, but when heading overseas to places like Hawaii, I still sometimes depart from or transfer at Narita Airport.
Narita International Airport | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
-
Kusasenri
Mount Eboshi is one of the 5 peaks found in the center of Mount Aso. Here you’ll find Kusasenri, the breathtakingly vast, emerald green grasslands that expand northwards. Many textbook writings, as well as classical poets and song writers have immortalized its beauty in their works, making Kusasenri one of the most iconic images that people know when thinking of Mount Aso.
Kusasenri in Aso is one of my favorite attractions. Besides the beautiful scenery, it's also not difficult to get to. Even without a car, you can take public transportation, which is very convenient for travelers.
As soon as you arrive at Kusasenri, you see a vast, lush green grassland, with the magnificent Mount Aso in the distance. It feels like you're being embraced by the mountains, grassland, sky, and breeze. After seeing the volcano, I chose a restaurant where I could enjoy the view. Sitting by the window, I enjoyed my meal while looking at the scenery outside. The window frame was like a natural picture frame, turning the entire view into a painting. The volcano in the distance quietly kept us company, and whenever I saw smoke rising from the crater, I couldn't bring myself to look away.
There are also horses freely grazing and strolling across the grassland, and horseback riding is available if you'd like to try it.
On a trip to Aso, even the worries that are usually so hard to let go of seem to rise with the smoke from Mount Aso's crater and drift little by little into the distance on the wind.
-
-
Kushida Shrine
This head shrine is said to have been built in the 8th century. Residents in Hakata call it “Okushida san.” Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival declares the arrival of summer to the City of Hakata in July, and is dedicated to this shrine.
Kushida Shrine is located downtown and is easy to get to. You can walk there directly from Hakata Station while exploring the area. The most eye-catching feature on the grounds is the tall, ornate kazariyama float, which is quite striking at first sight. When you look at it up close, you can see how exquisitely detailed the figures, clothing, and other elements are. The colors are vivid, and it has a strong artistic quality. Kushida Shrine is also an important venue for the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, and the entire shrine has a strong sense of local culture.
-
-
Starbucks Coffee Shinjuku Gyoen Store
Opened in March 2020 within Shinjuku Gyoen, originally constructed as an imperial garden during the Meiji era and later opened to the public as a national park after the war, this establishment marks the first presence of a private enterprise within the park.
I came to Shinjuku Gyoen in the spring to see the cherry blossoms. After getting tired from walking around, I wanted to find a comfortable place to rest, so I stopped by the Starbucks in the garden. The biggest feature of this location is its large floor-to-ceiling windows. Find a seat by the window, order a cup of coffee, and you can relax while enjoying the view of Shinjuku Gyoen outside. It gets quite crowded during cherry blossom season, and the store also carries seasonal cherry blossom merchandise with slightly different designs each year. If you like collecting Starbucks cups, keep an eye out~
-
