After returning to Sapporo Station, I still had some time before dinner, so I decided to go up to the JR Tower Observatory T38 to see the Sapporo cityscape. After taking the elevator to the 38th floor, 160 meters above ground, I was amazed by the 360-degree panoramic view. From the windows, I could see the grid-like streets of central Sapporo, high-rise buildings, and distant mountains all at once, as well as Hokkaido University and Mt. Teine. You could easily spend half an hour here taking in the view. The observatory is open until 10 p.m. Next time I visit Sapporo, I'd like to come back at night and fully enjoy the city's sparkling night view!
JR Tower Observatory T38 | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Senkoji Mountain Ropeway (Senkoji Park)
Mount Senkoji, one of Onomichi's three mountains, rises 144.2 meters above sea level. Senkoji Park extends from the summit to the mountainside. A ropeway connects downtown Onomichi with the park in about three minutes, offering easy access. Along the way, passengers can admire views of the Onomichi cityscape, which is recognized as a Japan Heritage site.
I've visited many well-known attractions in Japan, but Onomichi is a place I can never forget and have always loved. This unpretentious seaside town lies between the mountains and the sea, with homes, small shops, and temples tucked among its rolling hills. Wandering through them feels like entering a maze, never knowing what surprise awaits around the next corner. To experience Onomichi's charming scenery, start at Senkoji Park and take the Senkoji Mountain Ropeway slowly up to the summit. As the ropeway climbs higher, the city of Onomichi, the Seto Inland Sea, and the islands scattered across the water gradually come into view. The scenery where the mountains meet the sea is refreshing and uplifting. After reaching the summit, you can also stroll through the park, admire the distinctive sight of Senkoji Temple built into the mountainside, and take in the tranquil atmosphere of this ancient temple.
As I made my way down the hillside, what I looked forward to most was visiting Neko no Hosomichi, or Cat Alley! Cat lovers should definitely take a walk here and enjoy the fun of looking for cats. Along both sides of the winding path are many adorable cat-shaped stones, painted stone slabs, and other creations hidden throughout the alleys and corners. Every discovery brings an involuntary smile. You may also unexpectedly encounter real cats along the way. Some are friendly and outgoing, while others are aloof and proud, as if welcoming travelers at their own pace.
Along the way, you can also visit the Onomichi City Museum of Art, an art space tucked away in Senkoji Park and designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando. The clean, minimalist architecture complements the surrounding natural scenery, and simply admiring the building is satisfying. The museum is also known for the adorable, years-long back-and-forth between Ken-chan, a black cat, and a security guard, which adds a heartwarming and amusing charm to the place. During this visit, I happened to catch an exhibition of Utagawa Hiroshige's complete series The Fifty-three Stations of the Tokaido, which was another unexpected surprise.
From the magnificent mountain and sea views from the ropeway and the charming atmosphere of the hillside alleys to the leisurely moments filled with cats and art, Onomichi always moves me in unexpected ways. I'm sure I'll return to this captivating town again soon to search once more for the surprises hidden around each corner!
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Hibiya Park
Hibiya Park is Japan’s oldest Western-style park, and it opened in 1903. Its large area covers 16 hectares, and since it’s filled with trees, grassy areas, and colorful blooming flowers, it’s a popular place to relax in the business district.
Ginza is a shopping paradise where many visitors love to browse and shop. After you've finished shopping and your feet are tired, consider taking a walk in nearby Hibiya Park. It's within walking distance of Ginza, so you can easily find yourself in this urban oasis while exploring the area. Each season has its own charm. In spring, you can enjoy soft pink cherry blossoms, while in fall, golden ginkgo leaves and colorful maple leaves decorate the park, creating different scenery as the seasons change. Sometimes it's nice to do nothing at all and simply sit quietly on a park bench, watching people pass by and children play while enjoying the afternoon sun.
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Kinrin Lake
Kinrin Lake is one of many popular tourist spots in the hot springs town of Yufuin. The lake sits under Mt. Yufu and as such was called takemoto-no-ike (lit. “lake under the mountain”) for years. However, it was renamed to Kinrin, or “golden scales”, by Mori Kuso in 1884 when he saw the golden glimmering scales of fish as they swam at sunset.
In the early morning, the lake was covered in a thin mist, and the chilly air made me instinctively tuck my neck into my collar, as if the lake were veiled in mystery. After waiting for quite a while, the sun finally began to peek out. The morning mist slowly lifted with the light, and the lake and mountains gradually came into view. Ducks swam leisurely across the water, creating an exceptionally peaceful and soothing scene. Kinrin Lake is said to have gotten its name from the way fish scales shimmer gold when the setting sun shines on the water. Also, hot spring water and fresh water flow into the lake from below, so the water stays relatively warm in fall and winter, making it easy for dreamy morning mist to form—one of the lake's special features. There is also Cafe La Ruche by the lake, where you can sit down with a cup of coffee and enjoy the view outside. Set aside one or two hours for a leisurely walk and some photos, and enjoy the relaxing time without rushing to your next stop~
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