Kinrin Lake | Review by Eddie

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Kinrin Lake

A lake known for its scenic charm and mystical, morning mist.

14 Sep 2026 See More

Looking at this photo taken at Kinrin Lake in December, I still remember just how cold it was. In the morning, the surface of the lake was covered in thick mist, making the mountains and woods in the distance look a little blurry. It made the whole scene feel very peaceful.

The small Western-style building across the lake was also hidden in the mist, with only a faint outline visible, giving the entire scene a very distinctive feel. Although it was very cold, seeing the morning mist made getting up early well worth it.

Seeing the photo now actually makes me miss winter in Japan a little. If I have another chance to visit Yufuin, I think I'll still want to come back to Kinrin Lake and see what it looks like early in the morning.

Other Reviews by Eddie

Naminoue Shrine

As the name implies, this ancient shrine stands on a quay overhanging the blue sea, and is affectionately known as "Nanmin-san" by the local people.
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If you have plenty of time in Okinawa, I really recommend walking straight from Kokusai Street to Naminoue Shrine.

It only takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and as soon as you turn into the side streets, it gets so much quieter. The streets are lined with ordinary little Japanese houses, with lots of potted plants by the doors, and every now and then you’ll see a few small shisa ornaments sunning themselves on the rooftops. Get a drink you like from a vending machine and slowly wander around while sipping it, listening to the bird sounds from the traffic lights at the intersections. It really gives you the illusion that you’re temporarily living nearby.

Once you reach Naminoue Shrine, say a prayer and buy a little schoolbag-shaped omamori. Then follow the path down beside it to Naminoue Beach, take off your shoes, and step into the water. It feels so good, and the breeze in September is just right.

Compared with constantly taking transportation and rushing from one attraction to another, aimlessly walking through the local side streets is actually the most relaxing.
Sensoji Temple

This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
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14 Sep 2026 See More

📸 Asakusa in May, Kaminarimon in the sunlight

On this trip to Tokyo, I was looking forward to the scenery in Asakusa the most. The May sunlight was just right—warm but not harsh, illuminating this historic corner of the city.

Standing beneath the famous giant Kaminarimon lantern and looking at its red body and gold lettering, I felt as though I could sense the long history and sacredness of this place. Although it was crowded, everyone had a smile on their face. This place truly is full of energy and joy.

In Asakusa, you can not only pray and worship, but also try all kinds of traditional Japanese snacks. Walking along Nakamise Shopping Street, the aromas from the shops and the wide variety of souvenirs were almost overwhelming.

It’s a great place for the whole family to visit. If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo, remember to add Asakusa’s Kaminarimon to your itinerary! ✨
Yufudake

Located northeast of one of Japan's premier hot spring resorts, Yufuin Onsen, Yufudake stands at an elevation of 1,583 meters. This twin-peaked active volcano is known for its sheer majestic grandeur and often referred to as the "Mt. Fuji of Bungo”. Legeng here traces back to ancient times when the peak was revered as sacred mountain, appearing in texts as early as the "Bungo Fudoki" and Japan's oldest poetry collection, the "Manyoshu”.
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- Nature Spots
9 Sep 2026 See More

Aso and the Yamanami Highway in December shed their lush summer green and turn into an endless expanse of dazzling gold.

The winter air is especially crisp and cold, but whenever sunlight breaks through the clouds, the entire mountainside seems to light up with a warm, gentle glow. The distant peaks are partly hidden by thick clouds and mist, while the wind rustles through the silver grass. The view is so vast that you lose track of time.

Away from the busy peak season, the roads in winter are less noisy, with more of nature's stillness and vastness. I really love December scenery like this—clean, pure, and wide open.