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!”
Ueno Park | Review by 蘇自強
Other Reviews by 蘇自強
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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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Ouchi-juku
More than 30 thatched-roof homes stand in Ouchi-juku, where the townscape still reflects the Edo-Period. It used to prosper as a post station along the former Aizu West Highway 400 years ago.
In early summer, I finally visited Ouchi-juku, a place I had long dreamed of seeing, on my own. There weren't many people early in the morning, so I climbed the hillside to look out over the street. These well-preserved gassho-style buildings were truly breathtaking!
Back on the “main street,” I strolled around at a leisurely pace. An elderly woman selling wild vegetables shyly smiled as she introduced me to her fresh produce. She also calmly told me that she had encountered a black bear while gathering wild vegetables in the mountains early that morning! I asked if I could sell vegetables with her, and she laughed and said yes! I fell in love with Ouchi-juku and with this optimistic, cheerful, and healthy woman! -
