When visiting Matsuyama in Ehime, I highly recommend setting aside time to explore Ozu.
The hometown of the male lead in "Tokyo Love Story" is in Ozu.
I rented a bike and first went up to Ozu Castle, then visited Garyu Sanso to enjoy the beautiful views of the Hijikawa River, and later followed the map to the Red Brick Hall. In one day, I got to experience a historic castle, a Japanese garden, and English-style brick architecture.
I really liked the quiet, relaxed atmosphere around Ozu Castle. It’s perfect for a slower pace of life.
周黛西's Reviews Page 1/3
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Stepping into the Adachi Museum of Art, you can admire the exquisite Japanese garden through the large, bright windows. As time passes, the scenery changes beautifully with the light.
The museum also has a wonderful collection of valuable modern Japanese paintings, and the garden art complements the exhibits perfectly. My favorite was the children's paintings, and I ended up buying quite a few museum shop items.
If you're visiting Shimane, it's a good idea to check the official website for opening hours and directions in advance and plan for a truly art-filled experience. -
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Izumo Taisha enshrines Okuninushi no Okami, the Shinto deity of relationships, and is built in Japan’s ancient Taisha-zukuri architectural style. The giant shimenawa hanging at the Kaguraden is one of the largest sacred ropes in Japan and is truly impressive.
There are nearly 50 stone rabbits of all kinds around the shrine grounds. Some are playing, some are praying, and they all look vivid and adorable. According to legend, rabbits repaid a kindness by bringing together Okuninushi and Princess Yagami, so at Izumo Taisha, rabbits are seen as symbols of good matches and messengers of connection.
In front of the shrine, there’s a Starbucks, Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten, and more. You can also find wooden rice paddles, many of them decorated with matchmaking symbols from Izumo Taisha or delicate wood carvings. They represent connection and good luck, making them a nice gift for friends and family. -
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Even though I couldn’t capture the reflection of Byodoin on the pond’s surface, the temple’s solemn and majestic atmosphere left a deep impression on me. When you visit Byodoin, don’t forget to look up at the roof and see the two gilt bronze phoenix statues, a symbol of nobility.
The Omotesando shopping street in front of Byodoin is filled with all kinds of goods, and the many matcha specialties and treats are not to be missed. Famous shops like Nakamura Tokichi and Itoh Kyuemon are definitely worth trying. -
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When you come to the charming old streets of Tamatsukuri Onsen, you’ll find footbaths everywhere. The hot spring town stretches along the Tamayu River, lined on both banks with traditional Japanese inns. The peaceful atmosphere makes it a great place to soak and unwind.
Besides the souvenir items that represent Tamatsukuri, even the public buildings incorporate green agate-inspired gemstone designs, which left a strong impression on me. -
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Tottori is said to be the least populated city in Japan, yet it has the country’s largest sand dunes.
I visited in winter, and the icy winds from the Sea of Japan were hitting me head-on. It really gave me the thrilling vibe of the movie Sand Woman. I even wondered if a sandworm might suddenly pop out. 🤣
You can take the chairlift up to the observation deck, pay extra to ride a camel along the sand, and visit The Sand Museum too (though it closes when it rains).
A very unique attraction and definitely worth a visit. -
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Himeji Castle’s white walls look like a white egret spreading its wings, which is why it’s also called the “White Egret Castle.” It has a long history and is beautifully preserved. The connected cluster of keeps has an elegant style, earning it the reputation of being Japan’s finest castle. The cherry trees were still in bud, but I imagine the spring cherry blossom views here must be absolutely beautiful 🌸.
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Azumino National Park in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, is a famous flower-viewing spot where you can enjoy tulips, lily of the valley, cherry blossoms, and more.
The grounds are विशाल, and the flower fields stretch out in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and purple... The earth looks like a vibrant rainbow-colored carpet. So beautiful!
Some people were sitting under the cherry trees, with cherry blossom petals falling in the sunlight. It felt so blissful 🥰 -
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We came to Amanohashidate, one of Japan’s Three Scenic Views, because we’d heard so much about it. We ended up arriving during a heavy snowfall, but since we were already there, we decided to make the best of it.
We trudged up to the observatory, and then the snow stopped. The “heavenly dragon,” which had been hidden by clouds and mist, suddenly came into full view. A pure white dragon-like curve stretched out before us...
The silvery white world was so beautiful! We stayed at the observatory for a while, played in the snow, laughed and had such a great time. Then the snow began to fall silently again, so we had to leave reluctantly. -
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Kinosaki Onsen in northern Hyogo is a famous, historic hot spring town with about 1,300 years of history. It’s known for doing the “seven public bath” tour and for strolling along the willow-lined Otani River.
In winter, walking down the old-school onsen streets feels so charming. There are little cafés everywhere, so it’s easy to grab a coffee and a dessert, take a break, and just chat.
The town has kept its traditional Japanese vibe, and the snowy winter scenery is especially beautiful. It’s such a lovely, polished little place. I can’t wait to come back when the willows are lush again—soaking in the baths and wandering around in a yukata has to be super chill. -
