As soon as we got in, we headed straight to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Seeing Hogsmeade from the books and movies brought to life right in front of us was honestly so moving.
Of course we had lunch at the Three Broomsticks too. Eating by the lake with Hogwarts in view, plus a cup of Butterbeer, was such a treat!
The parade is also something you absolutely shouldn’t miss. As soon as the music starts, you just want to dance along. The energetic dancers lead the floats forward, and everyone is so into it, putting on an amazing show for the crowd. Halfway through, guests are allowed to get up close to the floats and dance with the Minions, and it really feels like you’re part of the world yourself!
Universal Studios Japan | Review by 金己田
Other Reviews by 金己田
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Hida Takayama Old Townscape
Hida Takayama Old Townscape is said to be a town where the original landscape of Japan remains, as the streets from the Edo period still remain, and the charming town houses and noren (curtains) of old stores continue to be seen.
If you visit Takayama, you should definitely stay overnight.
At night, the old town has a completely different charm from the daytime. Without the daytime crowds, it becomes so quiet that all you can hear is the flowing water of the Miyagawa River. The dark old houses look even more atmospheric under the lights.
During the day, the streets are full of energy, with lots of unique little shops worth exploring. Stop into one for a simple but delicious bowl of Takayama ramen, then finish with a Takayama pudding before heading back to Nagoya! -
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Mishima Taisha
The exact founding date of Mishima Taisha is unclear, but it is believed to have a history of over 1,300 years, as evidenced by records in ancient Nara and Heian period documents. Known as the Ichinomiya of Izu, the shrine is famous for where Minamoto no Yoritomo, exiled to Izu, prayed for the revival of the Genji clan with his wife, Hojo Masako.
I visited Mishima Taisha in January. Although the winter scenery felt a little subdued, the shape of the branches made it easy to imagine how spectacular it must be when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.
As an important center of faith in the Izu area, the shrine was steadily busy on Saturday morning, but it didn't have the noisiness of a typical tourist attraction. Most of the visitors seemed to be locals coming with their families for Hatsumode, and there was still a strong New Year's atmosphere in the air. -
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Byodoin Omotesando
This historic Omotesando (main approach) leads to the main gate of the World Heritage Site, Byodoin Temple. Located just a 10-minute walk from JR Uji Station and immediately across the Uji Bridge from Keihan Uji Station, it is easily accessible from both stations.
Both sides of the approach to Byodoin are lined with many long-established matcha shops with a lot of history. If you visit closer to the evening, after the crowds have thinned out, you can better appreciate the street’s original quiet charm.
On the day of my visit, I chose a shop near the Uji River. Sitting in its elegant second-floor seating area, I enjoyed matcha while taking in the view of the river. The peaceful atmosphere made me fall in love with Uji instantly. -
