When visiting Kyoto, Pontocho is a street well worth taking your time to explore. It has been a bustling downtown district in Kyoto since the Edo period, and the street still retains a strong sense of old Kyoto. This time, I visited during the day. Without the lively nighttime crowds and noise, the street felt especially quiet and peaceful. Traditional machiya townhouses and narrow alleys line both sides, giving it a uniquely Kyoto charm. Strolling leisurely through the area and experiencing the atmosphere of daily life in the ancient capital has a charm of its own. It's also a great place to take beautiful photos.
Pontocho | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Himeji Castle
This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.
I finally got to see Himeji Castle, one of Japan's famous World Heritage Sites, with my own eyes! Even from a distance, I was captivated by its magnificent white exterior. Against the clear blue sky, the whole scene was truly beautiful.
Himeji Castle is also known as “White Heron Castle” because of its white outer walls and its overall shape, which resembles an elegant white heron spreading its wings. Up close, you can better appreciate the overlapping layers of eaves, the intricate architectural details, and the towering main keep, all of which fully showcase the distinctive features of an ancient Japanese castle.
I originally thought I would just come see the castle and take some photos, but it wasn't until I stood below it that I truly felt its grandeur and sense of history. The white castle walls looked especially dazzling in the sunlight, and it looked great in every photo!
It truly deserves its reputation as one of Japan's most iconic castles. If you come to Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture, this is one attraction you really shouldn't miss!
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Akashi Kaikyo Bridge
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge connects Honshu and Awaji Island. It is known as the world's longest suspension bridge, with a total length of 3,911 meters and a distance of 1,991 meters between the two main towers. Together with the Onaruto Bridge, it connects the Kansai area to Shikoku, and is a popular tourist route.
What I looked forward to most on this visit to Maiko Park was seeing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge up close! Before I even reached the area beneath the bridge, I could see this enormous suspension bridge stretching across the sea in the distance. Standing in front of it, I found it even more magnificent than I had imagined. I couldn't stop picking up my camera to take pictures—it looked great from every angle!
The Akashi Kaikyo Bridge also has the beautiful nickname “Pearl Bridge.” Connecting Honshu and Awaji Island, it is a world-famous long-span suspension bridge.
The towering bridge pylons and cables stretching into the distance, set against the endless ocean view, create a truly imposing scene. Looking up from beneath the bridge makes its astonishing scale even more apparent.
That day, I enjoyed looking at the bridge while feeling the sea breeze, which was especially pleasant. Watching boats pass beneath the bridge, with the sea and the bridge coming together to create beautiful scenery, made me want to stay a little longer without even realizing it.
This bridge is not only an important transportation link between Honshu and Awaji Island, but also one of Kobe's most iconic landmarks. If you visit Maiko Park, I really recommend setting aside time to admire it and experience the appeal of this world-class suspension bridge in person!
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Maiko Park
Maiko Park opened in 1900 as the first prefectural park in Hyogo Prefecture. This park also serves as a gate for Akashi Kaikyo Bridge or “Pearl Bridge,” the world’s longest suspension bridge, attracting many tourists from Japan and abroad.
On this visit to Maiko Park in Kobe, what I was looking forward to most was seeing the world-famous Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in person! After getting off at JR Maiko Station, you can reach the park by walking across the pedestrian bridge, so it’s really convenient.
It wasn’t until I actually walked up to the bridge that I realized it was even more spectacular than I had imagined! The enormous bridge stretches across the sea, with the long suspension bridge extending far into the distance. Looking up at it from underneath, you can’t help but marvel at what humans are capable of building.
That day, I took a leisurely walk along the coast, admiring the bridge and feeling the sea breeze. With the vast ocean view in front of me and the sound of the waves in my ears, the whole setting felt very relaxing. It didn’t have the noise and bustle of the city, giving it a much more laid-back and carefree atmosphere.
If you have time, I highly recommend walking along the Marine Promenade. You can enjoy views of the Akashi Strait from different angles and experience the unique feeling of walking on the bridge.
This is truly a great place to slow down and appreciate the beautiful scenery. Rather than rushing to take photos and check in, I preferred feeling the sea breeze, looking out at the ocean, and enjoying the relaxed pace unique to Kobe’s waterfront.
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