Akagi Shrine | Review by 孫佳玲

THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch

THE YUKAWA Ichijoh Branch is a resort hotel and retreat set deep in the river-traced forests of Kamasaki Onsen in Shiroishi City, Miyagi Prefecture. With doors open in September 2025, THE YUKAWA takes up a new legacy as the progeny of the six-centuries-old Yunushi Ichijoh, Tokine-no-Yado the Inn of the Sound of Time. Step inside this newest luxury property to find 11 exclusive rooms, each furnished with ensuite open-air bath and a seasonally framed terrace that welcomes in the winks and whispers of the babbling river brooks outside.

• Miyagi
• Hotels

I stayed here with my best friend this time, and it felt incredibly relaxing and comfortable. Once we got to the room, we honestly didn’t want to leave. The terrace opens out to nature, with birdsong, insects chirping, and the sound of the stream all around us, plus nothing but lush greenery in front of us. After soaking in the hot spring, we sat on the terrace together, chatting, drinking tea, and just zoning out. Doing absolutely nothing turned out to be the most relaxing luxury.

Dinner was a carefully prepared kaiseki meal by the hotel, and they thoughtfully checked our dietary restrictions before our stay. As my friend and I enjoyed the food and shared stories from our trip, each course arrived one by one. Not only was everything delicious, but even the plating and tableware were beautifully chosen. You could really see the care that went into it.

The meal featured lots of seasonal ingredients, so we got to enjoy their freshest and most natural flavors. Even though dinner lasted nearly two hours, it didn’t feel long at all. If anything, it gave us more time to slowly enjoy both the food and the view outside. There was no pressure to rush to the next thing, just a happy, meaningful time together that left me feeling completely satisfied.

What impressed me most during the stay was how much the hotel valued privacy. The staff never hovered or interrupted too much, but whenever we needed anything, they were quick to help. That made the whole stay feel both comfortable and reassuring, and it let us fully enjoy our relaxing time together without any worries.

When it was time to pack and leave, I really didn’t want to go. This little trip with my best friend didn’t involve a packed itinerary. We simply slowed down and enjoyed the scenery, the food, and each other’s company, and that made it feel especially healing.

If you love nature, care about the quality of where you stay, and want a place to relax and recharge with a close friend, I’d absolutely recommend this place.

Some hotels are easy to forget after you stay there, but this one is different. The setting, the food, and the service all left a lasting impression. It’s also a wonderful place to unwind with your best friend, have heartfelt conversations, and enjoy a stress-free trip.

Okinawa Ao no Dokutsu “Blue Cave” (Cape Maeda)

Cape Maeda is located in Onna, a village on the northern part of Okinawa’s main island. The cave beneath the cliff that faces the sea is known as “Ao no Dokutsu”, or “Blue Cave”, because the sunlight shining through it lights it up in shades of blue. Whether diving or snorkeling this is one of the hottest spots to visit on Okinawa’s main island. Glittering sapphire-blue waters await at this stunning escape.

• Onna
• Nature Spots

This is the most popular snorkeling spot on Okinawa Island. Even beginners can feel safe here. The blue bay is calm, and there’s an amazing variety of sea life to see.

Hama-Rikyu Gardens

The Hama-Rikyu Gardens, also called “Hama Goten” during the Edo period, were originally the location of a villa owned by the Tokugawa Shogunate, but later on it was converted into the imperial villa. In 1945, it was bequeathed to the city of Tokyo and then opened to the public.

• Shimbashi, Toranomon, Tokyo Tower, Hamamatsucho
• Parks & Gardens

One of Tokyo's four famous gardens. The trees are beautifully trimmed, and it used to be Tokugawa Ieyasu's villa. It's a great place to relax.