Okayama Korakuen | Review by Eddie

Eddie’s Profile Page

Okayama Korakuen

One of the three best gardens of Japan, unchanged from the Edo period.

15 Sep 2026 See More

When I walked into Okayama Korakuen in the morning, the sky was a little overcast and there wasn't much sunlight, but that actually made the whole garden feel very peaceful.

I slowly followed the paths, surrounded by wide stretches of greenery, with occasional views of ponds and traditional Japanese buildings. It was very pleasant to walk around. My favorite part was the pond in front of Renchiken. The thatched-roof building was reflected in the water, with pine trees and a stone bridge nearby. It really had the feel of a Japanese garden.

Later, I stood by the pond with the breeze blowing and listened to the birds nearby. I didn't have any particular itinerary planned; I just walked slowly and took my time looking around, which actually felt very relaxing. Korakuen has also preserved many features from the Edo period, and once you actually walk through it, it feels different from a typical tourist attraction.

Although the weather wasn't very good that day, I actually thought Korakuen had a special charm under the cloudy sky. Taking a quiet walk around the garden was quite pleasant.

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.
- Naha, Shuri, Itoman, Nanjo
- Shrines & Temples
14 Sep 2026 See More

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.
- Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree
- Shrines & Temples
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! ✨
Kinrin Lake

Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.
- Oita
- Nature Spots
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.