Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine | Review by WANG

In the plaza at Kokura Castle, the imposing main castle building with its white walls and black roof tiles immediately catches your eye. Large pine branches stretch out beside it, and with a perfectly clear, sunny sky, it felt great. The whole plaza is flat and open, so it doesn't feel cramped at all. Just standing there and looking at the castle's exterior was really nice.

Walking over to the moat gives you a completely different feeling. The old stone walls are covered with green plants, and the water in the moat is so calm that it reflects all the surrounding scenery, blue sky, and white clouds. Slowly wandering and walking along the moat, with everything quiet around you, was such a comfortable and carefree stroll with no need to rush.

After climbing up high and looking down, the view suddenly becomes incredibly expansive. The traditional Japanese garden below, the modern high-rise buildings in the distance, the river, and the distant mountains all blend together. The contrast between the historic site and the modern concrete buildings is really interesting, and you can take in the entire Kokura cityscape at a glance.

Looking out from the observation area, the blue sky is filled with clusters of white clouds, while the green park and city buildings below are all within view. The whole visit can be summed up in one word: refreshing. There was no pressure to rush through an itinerary at all. You can take photos and look around however you like. It's truly a great place to clear your mind and wander around.

When you arrive at Noboribetsu Jigokudani, the first thing you see at the entrance is the large sign that says “Shikotsu-Toya National Park, Noboribetsu Jigokudani.” With the wooden railing beside it and the blue sky and white clouds overhead, seeing it in person feels really satisfying.

Following the wooden boardwalk straight ahead takes you right into this incredibly spectacular volcanic landscape. Looking to the side, the huge valley is covered in bare grayish-white and reddish-brown rocks. There are cracks everywhere, thick white steam keeps billowing out, and the air is filled with a strong sulfur smell. The feeling of actually being there is incredibly intense.

The most impressive part is the scenery on the distant hills, completely surrounded by forests that have turned red in the fall. It creates an extremely striking contrast with the barren yet dramatic volcanic terrain right in front of you. Looking up at the blue sky and then at the white steam drifting around the bare branches, you can take your time strolling along the entire path without feeling rushed at all. It really is the kind of place that makes you want to keep stopping to take photos.

The trails here are also very well maintained and easy to walk, so you can comfortably view the details of the volcanic crater from all kinds of angles. Watching everyone wander around and take in the scenery at their own pace, while listening to the wind and the sounds around you, really helps you relax. This feeling of not having to rush through an itinerary and just wandering around freely is exactly right. You can fully enjoy this natural wonder, and it really is a stop you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Noboribetsu.

Throughout Noboribetsu Onsen and the surrounding area, you can really feel the atmosphere of a hot spring town. First, you'll see a rustic wooden sign that reads “Hokkaido Heritage: Noboribetsu Onsen Jigokudani.” With the surrounding woods accented by fall foliage, it has a distinctive local character.

Next, you'll pass the solemn Yuzawa Shrine, where a red torii gate, stone lanterns, and steps are surrounded by yellowing leaves. Walking along the path is quiet and peaceful. Along the way, you can also see a huge red demon statue holding a metal club and standing wide-eyed beside the woods. It is very striking and eye-catching.

The entire Noboribetsu Onsen area perfectly combines natural scenery, shrine culture, and fun demon-themed elements. Exploring it on foot is not only enjoyable, but also completely free of the pressure of rushing from place to place, making for a very relaxing stroll through the hot spring town.