周黛西's Reviews Page 5/7

Izumo Taisha

Izumo Taisha is one of the most revered, ancient shrines in Japan, along with Ise jingu Shrine. Its records go as far back as writings from the Kojiki, Japan’ oldest historical account compiled in 712. The deity enshrined here is Okuninushi no Okami, who is known as the deity of love and marriage.。

• Shimane
• Shrines & Temples

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.

Byodoin

An imperial authority in the Heian Period, Fujiwara Michinaga used this place as a vacation home. His son Yorimichi inherited, converted and opened it as a temple in 1052. It was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1994. The remodeling in 2014 brought it back closer to its original state. The main Amida Buddha statue in Amida Hall is worth a look. You will be amazed by the symmetrical beauty of the building.

• Kyoto
• Shrines & Temples

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.

Tamatsukuri Onsen

One of Japan’s oldest hot spring resorts among mountains upstream of Tamayu River from southern Lake Shinji. An ancient book, Isumo-no Kuni Fudoki, states “Bathing here once will make you beautiful and bathing here twice will heal any illness.” Sei Shonagon praised the beautifying quality of the hot spring in her classic “Pillow Book”.

• Shimane
• Famous Places

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.

Tottori Sand Dunes The Sand Museum

The world’s first museum, curating sand creations. It is produced by Katsuhiko Chaen, who was selected as “100 Most Respected Japanese People.” He invites sand sculptors from all over the world to display sand sculpture at the global top level.

• Tottori
• Museums

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.

Himeji Castle

This castle is a World Heritage Site and a Japanese castle masterpiece. The main keep, built by Ikeda Terumasa in the early Edo period, has a five-story exterior, one basement level, and six stories above ground on the inside, making it the largest Edo period castle tower still standing.

• Hyogo
• Tourist Attractions

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 🌸.

Matsumoto Alps Park

Located in the northwestern hills of Matsumoto City, Nagano Prefecture, this urban park uses the natural rise and fall of rich terrain at this spot, perched at an altitude of approximately 800 meters. The park offers stunning views of the Northern Alps and Azumino to the west, and Utsukushigahara and Matsumoto City to the east.

• Nagano
• Parks & Gardens

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 🥰

Amanohashidate

Amanohashidate is one of Japan’s Top 3 Scenic Spots, along with the bay of Matsushima in Miyagi Prefecture and Miyajima in Aki, Hiroshima Prefecture. Across the length of this 3.6km landbridge you’ll find 5000 pine trees planted across its 20m-170m wide shores.

• Kyoto
• Nature Spots

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.

Kinosaki Onsen

This traditional hot spring resort was loved by great writers such as Naoya Shiga and Toson Shimazaki, and has a history of over 1,300 years. There are 6 out-spa baths (communal baths) within a 20-minute walking distance, and visitors can enjoy visiting them while walking along the elegant streets.

• Hyogo
• Hot Springs & Hot Spring Resorts

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.

Kappa Bridge

The Kappa Bridge used to be a wooden drawbridge overhanging both banks of the river. In 1910, it became a suspension bridge. The current bridge is the fifth generation of the suspension type, which was renovated in 1997. This beautiful larch tree bridge, 3.1m wide and 36.6m long, has long been a symbol of Kamikochi.

• Nagano
• Tourist Attractions

Kamikochi, known as the “Japanese Alps,” is absolutely breathtaking!
There are tons of visitors, but the crystal-clear river and the stunning Hotaka mountain range make it so worth it. Even a short stop here felt really healing.
You can grab a meal at the visitor center and shop for lots of souvenirs too. There are also some unique restaurants by the river.
I recommend the TROIS CINQ apple pie and ice cream.

Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

The thatch roofs of Miyama are characterized by soft rounded curves and a beautiful and even configuration that extends to the edge. It is necessary to do a "fuki-kae" to replace the "kaya" of the roof once every 20 years. Experience the Satoyama lifestyle through the "fuki-kae" process that is filled with the wisdom and sense of beauty of people's lives.

• Kyoto
• Experiences Facilities

Snow was falling hard when I visited this quiet little village. The distinctive thatched houses—walls, doors, and windows all made of wood—are built without using any nails, held together with thick straw rope. Absolutely amazing!
They’ve endured Japan’s seasons for generations and still preserve Kyoto’s architectural beauty. Definitely worth a visit.