As soon as you enter Kasugataisha Shrine, the tall, stately old trees on both sides immediately shut out the noise from outside. Deep in the shade of the forest, there is also a coolness unique to spring, making it feel as though you are gradually entering the realm of the gods. Founded in 768 AD, Kasugataisha is one of Nara's most prominent shrines and enshrines the ancestral deities of the Fujiwara clan. The grounds are surrounded by a primeval forest, and ancient stone lanterns line the approach, adding a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. The most distinctive sight is the sika deer found everywhere. People in Nara believe that deer are messengers of the deities enshrined at Kasugataisha, so they have been especially revered since ancient times. Walking among the old trees, stone lanterns, and herds of deer, with sunlight filtering through the treetops, the surroundings are so quiet that you naturally slow your pace and feel the sacred atmosphere.
Kasugataisha Shrine | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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AFURI Ebisu
Located just a 3-minute walk from Ebisu Station, this stylish ramen shop specializes in tanrei-kei (light and refined) ramen, crafted with pure natural spring water from Mount Afuri in Kanagawa and a carefully simmered blend of chicken and seafood. AFURI has expanded from Tokyo to Kanagawa, Hokkaido, and even overseas in the U.S. and Hong Kong. The Ebisu branch is open until 5 a.m. and operates as a completely cashless restaurant.
AFURI's yuzu shio ramen is a classic and very popular. The broth has a light, salty base that isn't too heavy, with a subtle yuzu aroma that adds a refreshing touch to the whole bowl. It's highly recommended for people who like lighter ramen. They also offer a cup noodle version now, so you can buy a few to keep at home.
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Kaichu Road (Okinawa)
Connecting the Katsuren Peninsula on Okinawa’s main island to Henza Island, Kaichu Road is a roughly 5-kilometer toll-free roadway that offers one of the most exhilarating drives in Okinawa. Despite its name, which means “undersea road,” the route is actually built atop a causeway through shallow coastal waters. With stunning views of the cobalt-blue sea stretching out on either side, the drive is a refreshing and unforgettable experience. From Henza Island, bridges extend further to other nearby islands such as Miyagi Island, Hamahiga Island, and Ikei Island-making it a popular scenic driving route.
When our tour bus traveled along Kaichu Road, the view outside the window really made us gasp! The straight road stretched across the deep blue sea, and everyone on the bus pulled out their phones and started snapping away, afraid they might miss any angle. With wide-open ocean views on both sides, it felt as if the bus were driving right through the middle of the sea. It was such an interesting experience.
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Meguro River Cherry Blossom Cruise
The Meguro River is one of Tokyo’s best cherry blossom spots. Every spring, rows of sakura bloom along both banks, turning the riverside a vivid pink. Cherry blossom cruises that let you relax and enjoy the peak blooms from the water are especially popular.
The Meguro River cherry blossom cruise is a seasonal, limited-time flower-viewing activity. Once aboard, you don't have to squeeze through the crowds along the riverbanks and can instead enjoy the cherry blossoms in full bloom on both sides from a different perspective on the water. As the boat slowly moves along, the trees full of blossoms stretch out from the banks toward the water, with their branches intertwining and hanging down like a pink waterfall pouring overhead. The scenery keeps changing along the way. If you choose an evening cruise, the illuminated cherry blossoms are reflected on the water, adding to the romantic atmosphere. It's a very special cherry blossom viewing experience.
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