Travelers who love nature and flower viewing definitely shouldn’t miss Saitama’s “Poppies in the Sky”! Every year from May to June, vast fields of vibrant poppies bloom across the hillside, stretching far into the distance. With the expansive blue sky and mountains as a backdrop, it feels like stepping into a beautiful landscape painting. When the breeze blows, the flowers sway in the wind, making it hard to resist pulling out your camera to capture the romantic scenery. It’s not yet midsummer at this time of year, so the weather is pleasant and strolling through the flower fields is especially relaxing. However, public transportation here isn’t very convenient, so I recommend driving so you can take your time enjoying this refreshing sea of flowers!
Poppies in the Sky | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
-
Sada Chinkabashi
The bridge is over the Shimanto River, which is called “Japan’s last clean stream” with ample clear water.
At the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture, Sada Chinkabashi is a very distinctive attraction~ This bridge has no tall guardrails, and its concrete surface runs low across the river, a design known as a “chinkabashi,” which is commonly seen throughout the Shimanto River basin. To reduce resistance when the river rises, there are almost no unnecessary structures on the bridge. The narrow road only allows one car to pass at a time, so vehicles traveling in opposite directions have to carefully yield to each other. Unfortunately, it was raining when I visited, but since I had already come all this way, I decided to rent a bicycle, put on a raincoat, and explore the area. On the way back, as I rode onto the bridge and watched the rain make the river flow even more rapidly, I honestly felt a little nervous. All I could do was slow down and carefully ride forward. After finally reaching the other side, I saw a small car slowly driving across, which made me admire the driver’s skill! Although the weather wasn’t good, this slightly thrilling cycling experience ended up becoming an unforgettable memory from the trip.
-
-
YouMe Town Hiroshima
YouMe Town Hiroshima opened in Minami ward, Hiroshima City in 2008. Their three floors contain about 170 different shops, featuring popular fashion items, daily goods, knick-knacks, groceries etc. You can find anything essential for your daily life here.
YouMe Town Hiroshima is a large shopping complex located on the outskirts of Hiroshima City. It’s not difficult to reach from JR Hiroshima Station, and you can also get off at Yaga Station and walk there. The mall is quite large, so you could easily spend half a day or even a full day browsing around. It has many familiar brands, such as UNIQLO and Daiso. Daiso alone was enough to keep me browsing for ages! Lately, I’ve especially enjoyed hunting for interesting little things at Daiso that adults can have fun with, such as puzzles and craft kits. Many items cost only JPY 100, making them affordable and fun, and I can never resist picking up a few extra things. They’re great for taking out and enjoying during your free time on the weekend.
-
-
Yakatabune Mikawaya
A historic boat house in Shinagawa with over 170 years of history. Enjoy traditional yakatabune boat cruises all year round.
Standing by the Rainbow Bridge and watching the boats come and go across Tokyo Bay, the lively scene made me want to stop and take it all in. Among them, Yakatabune Mikawaya especially caught my eye~ Yakatabune are traditional Japanese sightseeing boats with spacious interiors where passengers can enjoy Japanese cuisine while taking in the waterfront scenery. Mikawaya is a long-established boat operator with more than a century of history. The boat also has an observation deck on the roof, offering close-up views of the Rainbow Bridge, Tokyo Tower, and other beautiful sights from the water. It's also a different way to experience the beauty of the bay.
-
