Higashi Honganji Temple, Kyoto | Review by Gina C

Toyosaki Seaside Park Chura SUN Beach is a very popular beach attraction in Okinawa. I specifically planned a visit here this time, and it definitely didn’t disappoint! As soon as I arrived, I saw a vast stretch of white sand paired with clear, deep-blue water. The whole scene was beautiful and had a strong tropical vacation atmosphere. Walking along the shore, I could feel the pleasant sea breeze and hear the waves hitting the sand, which made me feel much more relaxed. The ocean scenery here is great for photos. Whether you’re standing on the beach or using the ocean as a backdrop, you can take photos that really feel like Okinawa.

I visited Cape Chinen Park as part of a day tour this time! You can enjoy beautiful ocean views here. Standing on the observation deck, an endless expanse of deep-blue ocean stretches out before you. The water takes on different shades of blue in the sunlight, and together with the islands in the distance, the whole scene is truly soothing. The sea breeze is also very pleasant, making you want to stay a little longer and take in the beautiful scenery.

Mt. Otowa Kiyomizu-dera Temple is one of the classic must-visit attractions in Kyoto! This time, I made a point of coming early in the morning. I didn't expect getting up early to make such a difference—the crowds were still small, so I didn't have to squeeze through people or keep waiting for others to move out of the way when taking photos. I could leisurely enjoy the beautiful scenery of Kiyomizu-dera, making the overall visit much more comfortable.

Looking out from the Kiyomizu Stage, I had an unobstructed view of Kyoto, and together with the temple's historic architecture, it really felt like Kyoto. However, there was one small downside to coming early: almost all the nearby shops were still closed. I had planned to browse Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka for souvenirs, but I could only take some photos and enjoy the scenery first.