Lake Shikotsu | Review by Gina C

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Lake Shikotsu

A stunning northern lake hugged by nature, majestic air and crystal-clear waters.

27 Oct 2026 See More

The lake water here is crystal clear, and the area is surrounded by nature. Standing by the lake, you can take in the expansive view and see the mountain ranges stretching into the distance. The whole scene is so beautiful that you can’t help but stop and admire the scenery in front of you.

Lake Shikotsu has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere. The lake reflects the colors of the sky, while layers of mountains rise in the distance. Together with the fresh air, it feels especially relaxing. Even just walking along the lakeshore and enjoying the scenery is a wonderful travel experience.

Other Reviews by Gina C

Hakata Motsunabe Oyama Main Store

It is the headquarter of a popular motsunabe restaurant that has expanded to Tokyo, Osaka, and Aichi, with 21 branches nationwide. Many customers visit the restaurant every day for "Oyama-style Hakata Motsu-nabe," which is made with carefully selected ingredients and perfected through a process of trial and error.
- Hakata, Tenjin, Ohori
- Hotpot Restaurants
27 Oct 2026 See More

“Motsunabe”! This time I had it at Hakata Motsunabe Oyama, and it’s also one of the foods well worth trying when visiting Fukuoka.

What satisfied me most was how thoroughly the beef intestines had been cleaned. There was no strange smell at all, and they were very easy to eat. The beef intestines were simmered with garlic chives and soaked up the rich flavor of the broth, giving the entire pot a deep aroma and making every bite flavorful. The garlic chives were especially good once they became soft and tender. Eaten together with the beef intestines, the flavors of the two ingredients blended perfectly, which was a real plus!
The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace

The East Gardens of the Imperial Palace are located within the Imperial Palace, where Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress reside, and are managed by the Imperial Household Agency. Developed from parts of the former Honmaru, Ninomaru, and Sannomaru areas of Edo Castle, the gardens are open to the public as an Imperial Palace garden. The grounds feature many valuable historic sites that preserve traces of the Edo period, including the Tenshudai, the stone base built to support Edo Castle’s main keep, as well as three guardhouses and Fujimi-yagura.
- Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
- Parks & Gardens
26 Oct 2026 See More

At the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, I originally thought I would just be looking at historic sites, but I didn’t expect there to be so many flowers and plants around the grounds. The lush greenery felt especially relaxing.

Walking around the Imperial Palace, you can see wide paths, neatly arranged trees, and all kinds of plants. It’s far from the noise of the city, with a more peaceful and laid-back atmosphere. You can take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the scenery, and stop occasionally to take photos. There’s no need to plan anything special to enjoy one of the little pleasures of traveling.

I really like this kind of green space tucked away in bustling Tokyo. It lets you slow down for a while and take in the surrounding scenery. If you happen to be tired from sightseeing or just want somewhere to take a walk, the area around the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace is a great choice!
Maneki Neko Museum

Japan’s first museum dedicated to maneki-neko, displaying Approx. 800 lucky cats collected from across the country. From cats raising their right paw, left paw, or both paws to those in unique poses like lying down or dancing, visitors can enjoy comparing differences in materials and expressions.
- Okayama
- Museums
26 Oct 2026 See More

The Maneki Neko Museum is truly soothing with all the lucky cats everywhere! There are so many maneki-neko of all shapes and sizes, and each one has a different pose, expression, and special features. You can’t help but take your time admiring them one by one.

I originally thought maneki-neko all looked pretty much the same, but once I actually stepped inside, I realized that every one really is different! Some are cute and charming, some have unusual designs, and they come in all kinds of colors and styles. There’s so much to see. Each maneki-neko has its own charm, and whether you’re hoping to attract wealth, blessings, or good luck, it feels like you can find one you like.

The museum has quite an extensive collection, and anyone who likes cats or Japanese culture will have a great time here. I spent quite a while looking around and taking photos without even realizing it. It’s definitely a place maneki-neko fans shouldn’t miss!