Vicky Liu's Reviews

Okonomiyaki Mitchan Sohonten Orizuru Tower Shop

Step through the first floor of Orizuru Tower to find the famed branch of long-established Mitchan Sohonten and the impeccable taste of Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki. Inside you won’t be able to miss the impressive 8-meter teppan flat-top and the wide-eyed view of mid-sizzle magic in plain sight.

Hiroshima
Japanese Cuisine

18 Nov 2025 See More

It doesn't get heavy at all. The aroma from the teppan grill is super tempting, and the portions are generous. The vibe inside is lively but not chaotic. The staff are friendly, and you can really feel the steady professionalism of a long-established place.

Tateyama Kurobe Snow Valley Festival

Located near Murodo, known for its heavy snowfall, the "Otani" area boasts abundant snow accumulation, with depths approaching 20 meters. This area is part of the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route, a world-renowned mountain sightseeing route featuring peaks exceeding 3,000 meters in elevation. Every year from April to June, the Tateyama Kurobe Snow Valley Festival takes place, centered around the Otani area.

Toyama
Spring festivals & Events

28 May 2024 See More

Walking through the Snow Valley, the snow walls on both sides looked kind of gray and dirty. It was pretty different from what I imagined snow walls would be like.

Mt. Hakodate Observatory

The Mt. Hakodate Observatory is the final stop of Mt. Hakodate Ropeway. The first floor features an inside lounge, the Ryoubi Park popular among locals as a less-crowded area to enjoy the night sceneries. The second floor features a summit shop, and restaurant selling Mt. Hakodate original goods. The third floor features a tea lounge, and the fourth floor features an observatory lounge.

Hakodate and Matsumae
Observatories

27 May 2024 See More

Whether it's daytime or night, you'll get a totally different visual experience and sense of awe. The night view, in particular, is absolutely unforgettable.

Todaiji Temple

In the Nara period (710-794), Emperor Shomu had the Rushana Daibutsu (Great Buddha) built at his request, and a memorial service was held in 752. This temple is one of the representative temples of Nara. It took nearly 40 years to build the temple complex.

Nara
Shrines & Temples

23 May 2022 See More

The main hall, built entirely of wood, has been damaged many times by fires and earthquakes. There's a big wooden pillar in the back with a hole at the base—people line up to crawl through it. It's said that if you make it through, you'll get rid of bad luck and receive good fortune! 👍

Tofukuji Temple

This is the head temple of Rinzai School. Kujo Michiie wished to have a temple for his family burial under Reverend Shoichi Kokusi’s ministry, and built seven halls during 19 years beginning in 1236.

Kyoto
Shrines & Temples

23 May 2022 See More

This is one of Kyoto's five great temples. Every autumn, it gets super crowded with visitors.

Sanzen-in Temple

When Dengyo Daishi established Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, he set up his hut in Toto Minamidani, which is believed to be the beginning of Sanzen-in, one of the three Monzeki temples in Tendai Sect. In Monzeki temple, a member of the imperial family was the priest.

Kyoto
Shrines & Temples

23 May 2022 See More

There aren't many tourists here, so it's really peaceful. Maybe that's because it's a bit hard to get to. But if you want to escape the hustle and bustle, Sanzen-in in Ohara is a great choice.

Sagano Romantic train

The Sagano Kanko Railway's trolley trains operate on a revived part of the former San'in Main Line, which was closed down. Classical Art Deco style coaches coupled to a diesel locomotive travel 7.3 km one way from Torokko Saga Station, adjacent to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, to Torokko Kameoka Station, taking about 25 minutes.

Kyoto
Experiences Facilities

23 May 2022 See More

The whole route is 7.3 km with four stations, and it takes about 30 minutes one way. You can enjoy different scenery in every season if you visit at different times of the year.

Hakone Ropeway

From Sounzan to Togendai Station, a ropeway runs about 4km. You can ride in a gondola and look over the lush nature of Hakone mountains, Lake Ashinoko, Mt. Fuji and Sagami Bay. Enjoy a skywalk for about 24 minutes.

Hakone
Ropeway

22 May 2022 See More

I bought the Odakyu 2-day pass, which includes the ropeway ride. Passing through Ubako, Owakudani, and Sounzan, the scenery is absolutely stunning. You can see both Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi on the round trip.