On a hot summer day, I boarded the Kurobe Gorge trolley train alone, thinking, “It’s just an adventure, right?”
As soon as the train departed, a cool breeze began to blow, and the farther up the mountain we went, the cooler it became! Along the way, the leaves were lush and green, and the river was deep blue, making the summer heat disappear. Someone pointed across the stream and said, “See that? That’s snow that has been there for a thousand years!” The “winter walkway” beside the tracks is used by railway maintenance workers during the snowy season. Their dedication to maintaining the railway even in the bitter cold is truly admirable! This was not only an adventure, but also a moving journey!
Kurobe Gorge | Review by 蘇自強
Other Reviews by 蘇自強
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Ueno Park
Ueno Park, officially known as "Ueno Onshi Park," is located in Taito Ward, Tokyo. Managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Construction Bureau, the park spans an impressive area of 530,000 square meters and has a rich history.
Anyone who has been to Japan has probably visited Ueno Park. Come for the cherry blossoms in spring and the fall foliage in autumn—it’s very relaxing and carefree! It’s easy to get to, and there are all kinds of food nearby!
Sitting by the pond in autumn, with a cool breeze blowing gently and watching people come and go, I realized: “Life comes in all forms—just smile and take it in stride!” -
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Hijiori Onsen
A historic hot spring resort area said to have opened in 807 during the Heian period. At the foot of Mt. Gassan, the highest peak of the Dewa Sanzan mountains, which are revered as sacred mountains of worship, this charming onsen town lines the Dozangawa River with Approx. 19 traditional inns, creating a setting full of travel charm. Its old-fashioned, nostalgic atmosphere feels calm and gentle, soothing the hearts of all who visit.
Before my trip, I searched online for the place in Japan with the deepest snow. Then I chose the coldest month, February, and traveled alone to Hijiori Onsen.
Having grown up in a tropical or subtropical country, white snow has always seemed dreamy, beautiful, and picturesque to me!
Once I arrived, I didn't want to soak in the hot springs. I just kept walking through the snow. Even though I can't ski at all, I walked alongside the skiers, imagining: I'm on my way to ski! The crisp, cold air, the pure white landscape, and the soft yet firm snow made me, a visitor from a southern country, completely lose myself in the moment. Everything about this snowy region was unforgettable! -
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Tottori Sand Dunes
Located on the Sea of Japan side of Tottori City in Tottori Prefecture, the Tottori Sand Dunes stretch 16 km from east to west and 2.4 km from north to south, making them one of the largest dune systems in Japan. These dunes, designated as a special protected area and a Natural Monument of Japan, are a major tourist attraction representing Tottori Prefecture.
It was already early September, but the weather was still hot, and the temperature at the Tottori Sand Dunes had even reached dangerous levels! But this is what a desert should be like. It was my first time visiting Tottori Prefecture. Besides the scorching-hot desert, the “yokai” along Mizuki Shigeru Road ranged from cute and amusing to fierce and frightening. If it hadn’t been so hot, I really would have liked to stay until nightfall and see what kinds of tricks the yokai might pull.
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