Nine Days Eight Nights Japan Tour

I went to Japan before the New Year, traveling from Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka all the way to Sapporo in Hokkaido. Although big cities like Tokyo are bustling and modern, compared to present-day Shanghai, their urban appearance seems not much different, so I didn't find them particularly novel. I also visited Tokyo Disneyland, which now has a counterpart in Shanghai's Pudong that I haven't been to yet; I guess Disneylands around the world are all similar. Of course, kids will love it, but as an adult, I wasn't greatly excited. On the other hand, Japan's ancient castles and garden architecture have a unique charm that left a deep impression on me. The entire trip lasted 9 days. Day 1: Fly from Shanghai to Tokyo, afternoon visit Shinjuku, evening visit Ginza, stay in Tokyo. Day 2: Visit Sensoji Temple, Imperial Palace, Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observation deck, stay in Tokyo. Day 3: Visit Tokyo Disneyland, stay in Tokyo. Day 4: Go to Yokohama, visit Yokohama, afternoon go to Hakone, visit Owakudani, stay in Hakone. Day 5: Visit Hakone Peace Park, Lake Ashi, afternoon go to Nagoya, visit Nagoya, stay in Nagoya. Day 6: Go to Kyoto, visit Kinkaku-ji, Heian Shrine, Arashiyama, etc., stay in Kyoto. Day 7: Fly to Sapporo, Hokkaido, visit attractions in Sapporo city, visit Otaru, stay in Sapporo. Day 8: Visit Hokkaido port attractions, evening fly to Osaka, stay in Osaka. Day 9: Visit Osaka Castle, etc., evening return to Shanghai. Tokyo: Tokyo, located at the southern end of the Kanto Plain on Honshu Island, Japan, is the capital and largest city of Japan, as well as the political, economic, cultural, and transportation center. Tokyo was formerly known as Edo, one of Japan's major cities since the Tokugawa shogunate era. After the Meiji Restoration, the capital was moved to Edo and renamed Tokyo, becoming the capital of Japan. It gradually developed into a hub for politics, economy, culture, transportation, and many other fields, and is also one of the most economically developed and affluent cities in the world. Sensoji Temple: Sensoji is a popular temple in Japan that combines Buddhism and Shinto, originating from Buddhism and called a temple. It houses Japan's second tallest five-story pagoda. Due to the prevalence of Shinto, the adjacent Asakusa Shrine stands nearby. As a landmark of the Asakusa area, this historic temple is free to visit, with Buddhist festivals held regularly. Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest and most popular temple, also the center of Asakusa, enshrining the main object of worship, the Sho Kannon. It was first built in the 7th century and has been rebuilt after many fires. Legend has it that three fishermen caught a small gold Kannon statue about 5.5 cm high while fishing at sea, leading to the temple's construction. To the southwest of the main hall is the five-story pagoda, whose top floor houses relics of Shakyamuni Buddha. The symbol of Sensoji is the Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate) at the entrance, flanked by the gods of wind and thunder guarding the temple. The large red lantern hanging on the gate with the characters "Kaminarimon" is very imposing. Behind the gate hang two giant straw sandals. Sensoji is the oldest temple in Tokyo, with a history of about 1,400 years, and is an iconic tourist attraction. Among all shrines and temples in Tokyo, Sensoji has the most vibrant incense offerings. It is a popular recreational area retaining the "Edo style" of Japan. Sensoji is not only the oldest temple in Tokyo but also the one with the strongest incense fire. On Nakamise Street of Sensoji, after entering through Kaminarimon, there is a slowly moving procession of worshippers. Before entering the main hall, one draws a fortune slip. Then they enter the main hall, clap, toss coins, and make wishes. Everyone completes this ritual, bidding farewell to the past year and hoping for the new one. Before leaving, they buy a demon-expelling arrow. Japanese people's New Year's "Hatsumode" is almost a mass outing. Japanese elementary and junior high school students are also on summer vacation. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck: The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is the government office of Tokyo, located in the bustling Shinjuku district. This twin-tower building is a major landmark in Shinjuku. The 45th floor houses two observation decks, free and open to the public, offering a bird's-eye view of Tokyo. As Japan's highest administrative division, the Metropolitan Government Building was built during Japan's most prosperous period in the 1990s. Its site selection and architecture are grand, with a subway station "Tochomae" and Shinjuku Central Park at its base. The twin towers have observation decks in both the north and south, offering a 360-degree panorama. On clear days, you can overlook the entire Tokyo scenery. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building itself is a skyscraper worth admiring; from the plaza at its base, you can capture a full view. It is not far from Shinjuku Station, so if you are visiting Shinjuku, you can combine it into your itinerary. The 45th-floor observation deck is free and offers a full view of Tokyo, especially beautiful at night. This is the office of the Tokyo government, called "Tochō" because Tokyo is the capital. It is located in Shinjuku and consists of two tall buildings (the first and second main buildings, along with ancillary structures), well-known in Tokyo and throughout Japan. From the first floor of the twin towers, a dedicated elevator takes 55 seconds to reach the observation deck over 200 meters above ground. As a popular free attraction, it often requires queuing, especially at night, when many people come to overlook Tokyo's nightscape. From the observatory, you can see not only nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, the Imperial Palace, Meiji Jingu, Yoyogi Park, and Tokyo Tower but also many other sights. There are detailed guide panels at the windows, and a café in the observatory room where visitors can enjoy coffee while admiring the view. Imperial Palace: The sixth major attraction in Tokyo. The Tokyo Imperial Palace is located in Chiyoda, Tokyo. After the Meiji Restoration ended the Edo shogunate and Emperor Meiji regained control, Japan had two capitals—Kyoto and Edo, which was renamed Tokyo. The former Edo Castle was converted into the emperor's residence. From 1888 to 1948, the official name of the Imperial Palace was Kyūjō. Most of the palace is not open to the public; only the East Gardens are open for visitors. The Imperial Palace is where the Emperor of Japan resides and is a large green area in central Tokyo, built in 1590. It is located near Tokyo Station. Tokyo became an imperial city from the Meiji Restoration, mainly due to its coastal location. The palace sits in the heart of Tokyo, featuring the architecture and color scheme of Japanese castles. The outer area is freely walkable, but the core is not open for daily visits. The area is surrounded by many trees. The paths are paved with gravel, which rustles underfoot, reportedly designed in ancient times to prevent ninja night raids. Outside the palace, you can see the iconic bronze statue of a mounted samurai and the ancient, solemn castle walls. From the outer garden, you can see the Nijubashi Bridge spanning the moat. The East Gardens are the imperial family's large garden, where you can stroll and admire many historical buildings and garden scenery. Nijubashi has political significance; the Japanese Emperor announced the surrender here. Visitors usually tour the outer grounds, including the Outer Garden, East Gardens, and Kita-no-maru Park, separated by the moat. The inner palace opens to the public twice a year, on the Emperor's Birthday and New Year (January 2). The buildings feature green roofs, white walls, and brown copper pillars, with trees everywhere. Shinjuku: Shinjuku is one of Tokyo's most famous bustling commercial districts, with countless shopping malls and buildings, as well as well-known attractions like Shinjuku Gyoen for cherry blossoms, the artistic Golden Gai, and Kabukicho. Both above and underground, there are dense commercial facilities, including brand-name stores, department stores, electronics districts, drugstores, 100-yen shops, discount stores, and trendy clothing stores, covering all price ranges. Ginza is Tokyo's most famous commercial area and Japan's most representative bustling shopping district, known for high-end stores, top flagship boutiques, luxury department stores, and various long-established shops. It is on par with the Champs-Élysées in Paris and Fifth Avenue in New York, often seen in various film and TV scenes. Ginza is divided into Ginza 1-chome to 8-chome, with Ginza 4-chome and 5-chome separated by Harumi Street. All eight chome are connected by Chuo Dori. Ginza has eight streets, with the intersection at 4-chome being the busiest. On Saturdays and Sundays, from noon to evening, the main roads in Ginza are closed to vehicles, becoming a "pedestrian paradise." The sidewalks are wide, and on weekends, traffic is banned, turning into crowded pedestrian streets. Ginza is also easily accessible via multiple subway lines. Tokyo Disneyland: Tokyo Disneyland is one of the most successful Disneyland operations currently. Enter the amusement park from the main building "Cinderella Castle" and begin an unforgettable fairy-tale journey! Disneyland is divided into seven areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. Among these, Tomorrowland is highly playable, with Star Tours based on Star Wars, featuring impressive 3D effects that immerse you, and over 50 randomly provided storylines. Tokyo's third major attraction. Tokyo Disneyland, built in 1982, is located in Maihama, Urayasu City, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo. It was jointly constructed by The Walt Disney Company and the Japanese design company Azusa Sekkei. Known as Asia's top amusement park, Tokyo Disneyland is modeled after Disneyland in the United States, covering an area of 46 hectares. It is mainly divided into seven areas: World Bazaar, Adventureland, Westernland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Toontown, and Tomorrowland. There are various parades held regularly on stages and plazas within the park. The park maintains the authentic style of American Disneyland, allowing visitors to experience its "extraordinary" performances. Large-scale parades are also held at Tokyo Disneyland. The crowd volume is comparable to that of Los Angeles and Shanghai, but despite the large number of visitors, each parade and ride is orderly. The rides are suitable for all ages. Space Mountain is an indoor roller coaster that lets you fly through the universe, a classic Disney attraction with huge popularity. Big Thunder Mountain in Westernland is not extremely thrilling but is still fun. You can also return to childhood in Fantasyland. Riding the Peter Pan's Flight cable car feels like flying. The popular "Pooh's Hunny Hunt" ride, though also available in Hong Kong, is superior here. Yokohama: Yokohama is an important city in the Tokyo metropolitan area, one of Japan's three major metropolitan areas, located in the southern part of Kanto, east of Tokyo Bay, south of Yokosuka, and north of Kawasaki. Yokohama opened its port very early, being the earliest among Tokyo Bay ports and the easiest to dock, gradually forming a unique advantage. It is 30 km from Tokyo, a famous port city in Japan, with a population second only to Tokyo. Along the Pacific coastline, you can enjoy the blue sky and sea, with dining facilities. Yokohama is a city with a strong European atmosphere. Yokohama is an international port city in eastern Kanagawa Prefecture and the seat of the prefectural government. It has Yokohama Port on the west coast of Tokyo Bay, often regarded as Tokyo's outer port, with extensive port facilities and associated industrial and storage industries. The mail ship Hikawa Maru is permanently docked at Yokohama Port, between the Osanbashi Pier and Yamashita Park. This vintage steamship is an important cultural property of Japan, beautiful and impressive. Hikawa Maru was built in 1930 at the Mitsubishi Yokohama Shipyard as a luxury passenger ship with a gross tonnage of 12,000 tons and a length of 163.3 meters. For 30 consecutive years, it crossed the Pacific 254 times, carrying a total of 25,000 passengers, earning the nickname "Queen of the Pacific." Since 1961, the ship has been preserved in Yamashita Park, with its refurbished dining room, social room, and the quarters once used by Charlie Chaplin open for tours, and it is designated as a Tangible Cultural Property of Yokohama City. In the morning, the environment is quiet and comfortable, walking along the seaside, not as busy as downtown Tokyo. Nearby, large shopping malls, amusement rides, a giant Ferris wheel, a seaside park, and red brick warehouses each have their own character. Minato Mirai 21: Its name represents the future dream of the port city Yokohama facing the 21st century. Originally a coastal shipbuilding base, it now boasts first-class hotels and amusement parks, as well as cultural venues such as convention centers, art museums, and concert halls. It is beautiful and tranquil. Visiting the seaside in Yokohama is indeed pleasant; walking around, the modern architecture is quite attractive. Elderly people sit leisurely by the sea with large flocks of pigeons. The first thing that catches your eye is the huge Ferris wheel by the sea and the skyscrapers surrounding it, the most prominent being Japan's tallest building, "Landmark Tower." Japan's famous hot spring resort Hakone and the world-famous Mount Fuji are near Minato Mirai. In addition to port and dock facilities, the entire port area is built grandly, neatly, and beautifully, making it a vibrant and modern scenic area. Yokohama Landmark Tower is a super-tall building in Japan, primarily composed of business facilities, multi-purpose halls, a grand hotel, and a shopping center. The shopping center is a five-story hall housing many long-established, quality brand stores from Yokohama. Adjacent are the Yokohama Museum of Art and Yokohama Queen's Square, often bustling with people as a landmark. At dusk, the beautiful night view of the Cosmo World giant observation wheel, skyscrapers, and Yokohama Bay Bridge complement each other, making it unforgettable. Worth visiting. The Pacifico Yokohama convention center is a distinctive building complex shaped like a wind-filled sail, very imposing. Inside, it is stylish and high-end, with a café and large glass windows offering sea views, grand and fashionable. Connected to it are the InterContinental Yokohama Grand and Tokyu Hotels, Queen's Square, Ferris wheel, and sailing ships. This is also Japan's tallest building, equipped with one of the world's fastest elevators, taking about 40 seconds from the second-floor lobby. With a 360-degree glass curtain wall, you can overlook the Minato Mirai area from 273 meters above ground. There is a sky garden inside, and the observation deck is on the 69th floor; on clear days, you can see Tokyo, Izu Peninsula, and Mount Fuji, with a very wide view. An amateur official band was playing world-famous tunes. Hakone: The hot spring town, located in southwestern Kanagawa Prefecture, about 90 km from Tokyo. Long ago, it was a volcanic crater. Hakone has beautiful scenery with surrounding peaks, babbling streams, and a constant flow of tourists, earning it the nickname "National Park." Although Japan is not large, its scenery is beautiful. Besides the famous bustling Tokyo and historic Kyoto, Hakone's natural scenery is particularly charming. Along the way, trees are lush, and in the distance, you can see the world-famous Mount Fuji. About 400,000 years ago, this was a volcanic crater spewing smoke and lava. Hakone is surrounded by green peaks, flowing streams, and hot springs, with very attractive scenery. Due to the year-round influx of tourists, it is also known as "National Park." Hakone is Japan's famous hot spring resort and health retreat, located in southwestern Kanagawa Prefecture, 90 km from Tokyo. 400,000 years ago, the Hakone area was a volcanic crater with molten lava; now it features green peaks, flowing streams, and beautiful scenery. Hakone's hot springs have long been renowned, with the famous "Hakone Seven Hot Springs" (seven therapeutic hot springs). There are also "Hakone Hachiri" (eight-mile stretch), Sounji Temple, Senjō Falls, Sengokuhara, and Kuchagami Shrine. Hakone Yumoto Onsen is the largest hot spring street in Hakone, located at the entrance to Hakone's scenic area, and is the oldest among the 17 hot springs of Hakone. Its history dates back to the Nara period, and it flourished as a famous hot spring resort and post station during the Edo period. Legend has it that the Sengoku warlord Hojo Soun soaked his tired feet in the present-day "Yuwaizumi." The hot spring street offers various day-trip baths where you can easily enjoy hot springs. The water quality is simple and saline, 30-80°C, effective for neuralgia, arthritis, and cold constitutions. Ōwakudani: Ōwakudani is another important attraction in Hakone National Park, besides Lake Ashi. Ōwakudani, also called "Great Hell," is a volcanic crater formed by a major eruption over 3,000 years ago and is a major source of hot springs in Hakone. Here, you can see sulfurous steam and hot springs, and on clear days, Mount Fuji can be seen in the distance. You can also taste "Kurotamago" (black eggs) boiled in the hot spring water. Due to high sulfur content, the hot springs here are not suitable for bathing. Ōwakudani is a representative attraction in the Hakone area. It feels like a natural hot spring, with sulfur steam along the path. You can hike the mountain trail or take a cable car. At the top, you can taste the special black eggs. The last volcanic eruption at Ōwakudani was 3,000 years ago; still, white smoke rises everywhere in the valley, indicating the volcano is not dormant and could erupt anytime. You can see the overall mountain landscape of Ōwakudani. After getting off the cable car, you can walk along the trail in the valley. At the smoking area (Enmadai), you can closely observe the hot steam issuing from the rocks and crevices, and see the process of boiling eggs in the hot spring. Because of high sulfur content, the hot springs here cannot be used directly. It is also a viewing point for Mount Fuji. At the souvenir shops near Kurotamago-kan, you can buy Kurotamago and Ōwakudani specialty snacks, black egg crafts, Hakone Yosegi Zaiku (wooden mosaic), and Ōwakudani original cosmetics. The famous black eggs are boiled in underground hot spring water, turning the shells black. At the end, don't forget to eat a black egg. Peace Park: Hakone's Peace Park is called "Heiwa Kōen" in Japanese, with the same meaning. The park, along with Mount Fuji, Lake Ashi, and the ancient volcanic site Ōwakudani, belongs to the "Fuji-Izu National Park." Hakone is one of the most beautiful places in Japan for tourism, with cherry blossoms in spring, water in summer, warm sun in autumn, and snow in winter. At the entrance archway, there is a couplet in Chinese characters: "祈世界平和, 祈国土安稳" (Pray for world peace, pray for national stability), expressing the Japanese people's desire to condemn war and pray for world peace. Due to the harm caused by war, Japanese people have built Peace Parks in Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Okinawa, Hakone, and other places. Hakone Peace Park is one of many peace parks in Japan. The iconic white pagoda of Peace Park is visible from afar. The park resembles a temple and houses Japan's only stūpa, enshrining one of Shakyamuni's relics. Along the path in front of the white pagoda, stone lions donated by various countries are arranged, including majestic Thai bronze lions, pure white Indian lions, and gifts from Nepal, South Korea, and Taiwan. The core of the park is the pagoda from India. The white pagoda stands upright on the grand square of Peace Park. The pagoda has a Thai-style appearance, with mountains in the background and pine and cypress trees surrounding it, creating rich colors. The large white Indian stūpa houses a golden Buddha statue, and its imposing size conveys the profound meaning of opposing war. The snow-white pagoda symbolizes tranquility and peace, standing like a giant Buddhist crown among the green mountains. On the east, south, west, and north sides of the pagoda are large niches containing four sets of golden Buddha reliefs. Going down the steps, you approach the "Reikōtō." On its outer side are eight sets of Buddha reliefs, including one modeled after the Dunhuang flying apsaras. Returning to the base of the white pagoda, there are bronze statues of two eminent monks, with a stone tablet inscribed with many words. A large bell pavilion on the mountainside, a wooden four-cornered structure, houses the "Peace Bell." Visitors can take photos under the bell or strike a small bell, listening to the solemn sound echoing in nature. On the other side of the path is "Okunoin," with a downhill path leading to "33 Kannon Hall." Entering the clean and tidy courtyard of the 33 Kannon Hall, it is shady with trees, winding paths, and beautiful scenery. At the exit where the golden Kannon statue is placed, there is a stone monument with the "Ten-Phrase Kannon Sutra for Prolonging Life." The text reads: "Kanzeon, Namu Butsu, with Buddha there is cause, with Buddha there is connection, with the Dharma and Sangha connection, constant joy, self-purity. Morning recites Kanzeon, evening recites Kanzeon, each recitation arises from the mind, each recitation does not leave the mind." From these ten phrases, it is clear that Japanese monks pray for peace, hoping that this wish is truly from the heart. Peace Park is large, a typical Japanese garden-style architecture with a clean and tidy natural environment and fresh air. Its serene and elegant scenery is its charm. The park is planted with various trees and flowers, with well-shaped, neatly trimmed trees in harmonious colors, making the park clean and elegant. Walking along the long, gently sloping uphill path, the serene and elegant scenery is particularly captivating. Lake Ashi: The sparkling Lake Ashi is a crater lake covering 7 square kilometers, with a maximum depth of 45 meters, clear and blue. On a sunny day, you can row on the lake and see the snow-capped Mount Fuji in the distance. The reflection of Mount Fuji in the light blue lake is known as "a white fan hanging upside down over the Eastern Sea," looking like white clouds emerging from a cave, one of Hakone's wonders. It combines volcanoes, lakes, Japanese atmosphere, food, and hot springs. Taking a pleasure boat on Lake Ashi, you can enjoy the serene lake, gaze at Mount Fuji, and enjoy the lakes and mountains. The clear blue lake surface contrasts with the beautiful scenery of Hakone. The still lake is traversed by pirate ships and swan boats, creating a harmonious scene of ships, sky, and lake. Flocks of wild ducks and waterfowl occasionally land on the water, splashing water. The entire area becomes misty and surreal, with water droplets drifting on your face with the breeze. The sightseeing ferry, designed to resemble a pirate ship, is very popular, with distinctive shapes and themed interior décor. The pirate ship is specially built for the scenic area, from appearance to interior, all pirate style. The design elements seen in movies are reflected on this colorful, large ship, accommodating over a hundred people. The ship has three decks; many enjoy the breeze and take photos on each deck. The scenery along the way is beautiful. Take a boat trip to enjoy the scenery on both sides of Lake Ashi. The retro cruise ship sails on the magnificent lake, with a gentle breeze refreshing your mind and making you feel at ease. Nagoya: Nagoya Castle is a castle in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, also known as Kinshachi Castle. Built in the time of Tokugawa Ieyasu, it is one of Japan's three great castles along with Osaka Castle and Kumamoto Castle. Nagoya Castle was the birthplace of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu; the donjon (Tenshukaku) was the residence of the shogun. Although it was destroyed by fire during World War II, the rebuilt donjon still retains its grandeur. It was also the ancestral home of the Tokugawa clan. After the death of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu unified Japan, and Nagoya Castle's donjon was his most secure stronghold. Around the New Year, the donjon holds a countdown event and a New Year's fair. Nagoya has wide streets, typical of Japanese urban planning. The city center is a commercial area, the southwest and north are industrial areas, residential areas are on the higher ground of Higashiyama, hills, and surrounding terraces, while new residential areas are on the east bank of the Shonai River in the west and in the Moriyama district in the northeast. The old castle town is the administrative district. Street-side outdoor performances: The Nagoya TV Tower is a television tower in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, located in Hisaya Odori Park. It was the first integrated radio wave tower completed in Japan, standing 180 meters tall, and is one of Nagoya's landmarks. In October 2008, it was selected as a Lovers' Sanctuary, with a monument established. From the 90-meter-high revolving observation room, you can enjoy a 360-degree night view of Nagoya. Nagoya Castle is a castle in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, ranking fourth in Japan's Top 100 Castles. Nagoya Castle consists of multiple layers, with the central area being Honmaru. The main building, the donjon, is located on the west side of Honmaru, with the Honmaru Palace ruins to its southeast. The two corners of Honmaru have the southwest turret and southeast turret. Kyoto: Kyoto is Japan's traditional cultural capital, becoming the capital of Japan in 794, named "Heian-kyo." Kyoto is a world-famous cultural ancient capital, with numerous historical sites, simple and elegant architecture, and fresh and beautiful gardens. Its long historical background has allowed Kyoto to inherit rich cultural heritage such as architecture, painting, sculpture, gardening, historical ruins, folk arts, and architecture. Nearly 15% of Japan's important cultural properties can be found in Kyoto. Its cultural heritage ranks first in Japan both in quality and quantity. Smooth cobblestone gardens, poet's huts hidden in bamboo groves, vermilion shrine gate archways, geishas slowly entering the entrance of traditional Japanese inns, and the golden temple floating on water. Kinkaku-ji: When visiting Kyoto, you must go to Kinkaku-ji. A historic temple, a World Cultural Heritage site. Its official name is Rokuon-ji, but it is nicknamed "Kinkaku-ji" (Golden Pavilion) because the main hall, the Shariden, is entirely covered in gold leaf. The temple was first built in 1397 as a villa for the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu (the prototype of the general in the anime "Ikkyu-san") and later converted into the Zen temple "Bodhisattva-sho." It is said that the garden centered on the Golden Pavilion is the "Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss," which contrasts beautifully with the Kyoko-chi pond in front, especially on sunny days, and has become a symbol of Kyoto. This three-story pavilion features different architectural styles on each floor. Although you cannot enter, the front windows on the first floor are usually open, and through the pond, you can faintly see statues of Shakyamuni and Yoshimitsu. After viewing the Golden Pavilion from across the pond, you can walk past the former residence of the chief priest, "Hōjō," but it is not open for tours. Walking around to the back of the Golden Pavilion, you can see the golden wall up close. The garden behind the temple retains its original appearance from the "Ryōkō" era, with other scenic spots such as the "Anzawa" (never-drying pond) and a group of small stone statues where visitors toss coins for good luck. Spring and autumn are peak tourist seasons, but the scenery is beautiful year-round, whether it be fiery autumn leaves or snowy winter landscapes, reflecting the charm of the Golden Pavilion. Heian Shrine: Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of the relocation of the capital to Kyoto, Heian Shrine is relatively young among Kyoto's famous shrines. The shrine enshrines the first emperor to rule from Kyoto, Emperor Kanmu, and the last emperor, Emperor Kōmei. The shrine's main gate, "Ōtenmon," is painted vermilion. After purifying hands at the "temizuya" (water basin), you pass through the gate and see the corridor of the "Daigokuden" (Great Hall). The pavilions on the left and right of the worship hall are called "Seiryōrō" (East Pavilion) and "Byakkorō" (West Pavilion), both reconstructed based on careful examination of Heian-kyo architecture and designated as Kyoto important cultural properties. Heian Shrine is a pond-circling style building, with intricate pavilions. The most distinctive are the Byakkorō and Seiryōrō. Heian Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyoto, Japan, dedicated to Emperor Kanmu (50th emperor) and Emperor Kōmei (121st emperor). It was founded on March 15, 1895 (Meiji 28) to commemorate the 1,100th anniversary of Emperor Kanmu's relocation to Heian-kyo. In 1940 (Showa 15), Emperor Kōmei, the last emperor of Heian-kyo, was enshrined together with him. The architecture of Heian Shrine is modeled after part of the Heian period imperial palace, but only two-thirds the scale of the original. The entire shrine complex includes the Ōtorii, Shinto road, Ōtenmon, Daigokuden, and garden, exhibiting clear Tang Chinese architectural style. Festivals and events are often held in the spacious precincts, including the famous "Jidai Matsuri" (Festival of the Ages) on October 22, one of Kyoto's three major festivals, where a procession of people in ancient costumes and horse-drawn carriages reproduce the ancient capital's style, an important part of Kyoto tourism. In the courtyard, cherry blossoms bloom in front of the main hall and side halls, with petals falling in the rain. Small shrines under cherry trees hold prayer plaques hung by Japanese visitors, similar to Chinese temples; they write wishes and family members' names on the plaques, or hang inauspicious things on trees, asking for divine protection. In the shrine, you can draw a fortune slip for 100 yen; if you get "daikichi" (great blessing), you must return to the shrine the following year to fulfill your wish. Once inside the garden, the lush green contrasts with the swaying pink blossoms and wet pink in the rain, creating a picturesque scene of green and pink. The sight captivates me—patches of green like watercolor on paper, without elaborate decoration, accompanied by faint floral fragrance, moist air, and earthy scent. Arashiyama: Arashiyama is a scenic area in the western suburbs of Kyoto, including the area around Togetsukyo Bridge and Sagano. It is famous for its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves, and the beautiful Sagano Bamboo Grove exudes Kyoto's unique charm. Additionally, many well-known temples and shrines are scattered around Arashiyama. It is the best place for mountain and water recreation. Upstream, the Hozugawa River has deep gorges and swift currents with unique scenery; downstream, the 154-meter-long Togetsukyo Bridge connects both banks. Standing on the bridge, you can see the misty, dark green Arashiyama with pines and cherry trees, while the river below ripples and flows. I learned about Arashiyama from Zhou Enlai's poem: "Rain again, second visit to Arashiyama, on both banks green pines, interspersed with a few cherry trees. At the end, suddenly a high mountain appears, spring water flows out as green as jade, shining on stones and people. Drizzle, thick mist; a ray of sunlight breaks through clouds, becoming more beautiful. The myriad truths of the human world, the more you seek, the fuzzier they become; in the haze, you occasionally see a glimmer of light, truly more beautiful." The mountain temples and shrines are quaint, and the bamboo path is shaded by towering wild palace bamboo. Arashiyama has many sights spread over a large area, with fresh, pleasant air that relaxes the body and mind. Since the Heian period, Arashiyama, west of Kyoto city, has been the site of many aristocrats' villas, often appearing in historical tales and classical literature. The Katsura River banks have large areas of wild cherry blossoms and maple forests in spring and autumn, making it a popular tourist spot for a long time. The entire Arashiyama area centers on the Togetsukyo Bridge crossing the Katsura River. The bridge's name originates from Emperor Kameyama's poem comparing it to a full moon across the bridge. Although the bridge looks like a wooden bridge, today Togetsukyo is actually a reinforced concrete structure allowing vehicle traffic, but it retains a retro wooden railing to match the scenery. The Katsura River near the bridge is sometimes called the Oi River. The Togetsukyo Bridge over the Katsura River is an iconic landscape of Arashiyama, with its wooden bridge structure and the lush mountains behind forming a beautiful landscape painting. Along the Katsura River bank, Arashiyama Park (divided into Kameyama, Naka no Shima, and Rinsenji sections) has extensive cherry and maple forests. During cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons, the view is especially spectacular. Temples and Shrines: During the Heian period (roughly China's Tang and Song dynasties), Arashiyama was a gathering place for aristocratic residences. Many remnants remain today, such as the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, said to have been built in the early Heian period. Hokkaido: Hokkaido is located in northern Japan, covering one-fifth of Japan's area. Its population is only half that of Tokyo, with a very low density, mostly concentrated between Sapporo and the Otaru-Asahikawa area. Thus, visitors often feel spacious and relaxed in Hokkaido, completely different from the crowded prosperity of other Japanese cities. Hokkaido is famous worldwide for its charming snowy scenery, making winter the best season to visit. Sapporo: Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido and its largest city, but compared to other big cities in Japan, it has a leisurely atmosphere. Sapporo has beautiful scenery in all seasons: cherry blossoms in spring, beer and rock music in summer, a market gathering Hokkaido food in autumn, and the White Illumination and Snow Festival at Odori Park in winter, like a fairy tale. Of course, it is also a hub for food and shopping! Susukino is the most bustling commercial district in central Sapporo and a famous entertainment district in Japan, known as "Susukino Joyful Street." This area is lined with thousands of bars, clubs, karaoke, ramen shops, izakaya, and other dining and leisure venues, lively at night. During the day, Susukino is relatively quiet, with subway stations, underground shopping streets, and department stores nearby. The Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, located in central Sapporo, was originally the highest administrative building of Hokkaido, built in 1888. This red-brick, green-roofed Baroque-style building symbolizes the pioneering era of Hokkaido and is locally called "Red Brick Building," a major landmark. In front of the red brick building, there are flower beds, ponds, and old trees. In summer, flowers bloom, trees provide shade, and the red brick wall shines brightly under the sun. On the front top of the building, a red five-pointed star decoration symbolizes the development of Hokkaido. On the roof, a green octagonal tower stands, reflecting the Western style popular at the time. Looking up from the front, the tall building behind on the right is the current Hokkaido Government Office. Inside the former building, there are Hokkaido Prefectural Archives and Hokkaido Historical Gallery, open to the public free of charge. The interior largely retains its original appearance, displaying many artifacts and materials about Hokkaido's development history. Entering the building, the preserved vintage facilities and decorations evoke imagination. The desks and chairs used by government officials, old pendulum clocks, gifts from friendly countries, and Hokkaido specialty items are worth browsing. Some exhibits explain the history of Hokkaido's development, from a vast agricultural society through the Meiji Restoration to its current prosperous region. Showa Shinzan: Showa Shinzan is a volcano that erupted during the Showa era (early 20th century) and is Japan's youngest active volcano. This reddish-brown volcano constantly emits geothermal white smoke from its summit, which cannot be climbed; visitors can only view it from the foot. Originally only 270 meters high, Showa Shinzan gradually increased due to crustal movements and now stands at 402 meters. The foothills are covered with large green lawns, with only the exposed reddish rocks and soil at the peak. The cable car at Mount Usu also offers views of Showa Shinzan, but climbing is not allowed; you can only gaze at the summit from the base. The top is covered with erupted volcanic lava, revealing reddish-brown rocks. It is close to the base, allowing visitors a close-up view. Although not very high, the mountain is very beautiful, with clear waters, lush greenery, birdsong, fresh air. When the volcano erupted, it coincided with the Pacific War, and the Japanese government did not pay attention; however, a local postmaster named Matsumoto Masafumi witnessed the entire process of the eruption and the rise of the new mountain. He recorded the volcanic activity and the uplift of the new mountain in his spare time, and in 1946, he bought the land including the new mountain with his own money for research, dedicating his life to studying volcanoes. Later, he donated the new mountain to the local government. To honor Matsumoto's outstanding contributions to volcanic research, the "Matsumoto Masafumi Memorial Hall" was built near Showa Shinzan, and a bronze statue of him was erected. Mount Usu: Mount Usu is a world-famous frequently active volcano that erupted four times in the 20th century. Remarkably, each eruption resulted in a new mountain nearby: Meiji Shinzan in 1910, Showa Shinzan in 1943, Usu Shinzan in 1977, and the most recent Nishiyama crater in 2000. Mount Usu is a double volcano. In the 20th century alone, it erupted four times, making it a famous frequent eruption volcano worldwide. When you reach the mountainside of Mount Usu, you see two observation decks. Walk to the right to the Lake Toya observation deck, where Showa Shinzan appears again. From here, you can enjoy the scenery of Lake Toya and the surrounding area. Walking in the opposite direction up the mountain path leads to the Mount Usu crater rim observation deck, offering superb views of the Silver Swamp crater and Uchiura Bay. Climbing Mount Usu requires some effort. After a few minutes on the cable car, you reach the top, where a long trail extends over the mountain, passing craters emitting white smoke. The trail takes you directly into the crater, providing a rare close-up opportunity. Lake Toya: Lake Toya is a non-freezing lake in northern Japan, which does not freeze even in winter. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the lake; in summer, fireworks are set off in the evening; in autumn, the forests turn colors. You can take a boat tour, see deer on the island, and enjoy the hot spring inns on the southern shore. Soaking in an open-air hot spring with a beautiful view is very pleasant. The area around the lake is dotted with many scenic spots. White clouds and blue sky paired with clear lake water create an inner peace. Lake Toya is in southwestern Hokkaido, Japan's ninth-largest lake. In 2008, it was selected as one of Japan's top 100 landscapes. Lake Toya was formed by frequent volcanic eruptions in the early 20th century. Because the lake is located in a hot spring area, its surface does not freeze in winter. Lake Toya has different scenery year-round. On the mountain, there is an observation deck with the best view of the lake and mountains. The lake is wide, the water clear and beautiful. Jigokudani (Hell Valley): As the name suggests, Jigokudani is a volcanic crater remnant, constantly emitting volcanic gases from the grayish-yellow rock surface. The surrounding air is filled with a strong sulfur smell, resembling a scene from hell. About two hours' drive from Sapporo, you reach this valley with smoke and fire like hell, with sulfur odor pervading the streets. A short wooden boardwalk of a few hundred meters leads through the valley, which feels eerie. Close up, you can smell strong sulfur. The entire valley is beside the road, with a boardwalk extending deep inside. Walking on the boardwalk, you see valleys eroded by lava on both sides, white smoke rising everywhere, and black rocks burned by magma. The hillsides on both sides are barren; only at the top do you see green. A stream resembling lime water flows along, emitting smoke. "Iron Spring Pond" is an intermittent spring with a water temperature of 80°C and periodic changes. Several springs and flowing water sometimes even show boiling magma and sulfur solution, which is very impressive. Bear Park: Near Noboribetsu Onsen street, there is a bear park. Hokkaido's famous slogan "Bears Beware" originates from the Noboribetsu Bear Park. Visitors can observe brown bears up close through "Bear Kindergarten," "Scholar Bear Shows," and the "Human Enclosure" surrounded by many brown bears, which is both thrilling and educational. The park is built on a mountain, accessible by a cable car. The famous phrase "Bears Beware" comes from here. The park is divided into First Pasture, Second Pasture, and Bear Cub Pasture, with a museum and souvenir shop inside. You can buy bear feed from vending machines or the shop. Entering the bear park, you can purchase feed to toss to the bears. The charming bears will strike various amusing poses to attract your food. There are also brown bear shows. Cape Chikyu: Cape Chikyu is a cliff on the Pacific coast with a lighthouse and a globe-shaped sculpture. From here, you can gaze out over the endless Pacific; the horizon of the sea appears curved, making you truly feel that "the earth is round." Cape Chikyu is a promontory in Muroran City, Hokkaido, an excellent spot for observing the sea. Muroran City lies on the route from Noboribetsu to Lake Toya. Looking at the boundless ocean view, feeling the sea breeze in your hair, the iconic lighthouse stands quietly. The sea at the rocks below the lighthouse is very blue, and you can faintly hear the sound of waves crashing against the rocks. The vast blue sea, beautiful Cape Chikyu, presents itself to me with a 280-degree view, spectacular and stunning. Cape Chikyu was ranked first in the "Hokkaido Natural Top 100." Facing the Pacific coastline, endless blue, clear skies, the white lighthouse and distinctive architecture, with the sea breeze blowing, make people feel very relaxed and comfortable. Every New Year's Day, many Japanese come here to wait for the sunrise of the new year, believing it brings good luck. From Cape Chikyu, you can see the vast sea surface to the southeast. Even without going out to sea, you can see the curvature of the earth. It is also an excellent place to watch the sunrise. When I visited, it was a fine day, the weather was great, and the scenery was beautiful. On Cape Chikyu, there is also a Bell of Happiness. Hokkaido residents climb the cape early on New Year's Day, expecting the first ray of sunlight, and ring the bell for peace and good luck. Osaka: Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, is located in Kansai. It is said that the first Japanese emperor, Emperor Jimmu, when he came to the Osaka area, found the water current swift and named it Naniwa, which is homophonous with "Namba." Gradually, "Namba" is still used today. Japan built many capitals, but only the "Three Ancient Capitals" truly flourished: Osaka (Naniwa-kyo), Kyoto (Heian-kyo), and Nara (Heijo-kyo). The name "Osaka" was also determined by geography and topography, with the character "坂" changed to "阪" to avoid taboos during the Meiji Restoration, resulting in today's important Kansai city of Osaka. In the eyes of the Japanese, Osaka is an ancient capital, the former Naniwa-kyo. Although not as deep in cultural connotation as Kyoto, it still evokes the glory of the Sengoku period. During cherry blossom season, the pink hues cover the ruins, intoxicating the years. Osaka Castle: Osaka Castle, also called "Kinshachi Castle" or "Gold Castle," is Osaka's most famous tourist attraction and its symbol. It is located in Osaka Castle Park in Chuo-ku, Osaka. Along with Nagoya Castle and Kumamoto Castle, it is one of Japan's three great castles. After Toyotomi Hideyoshi unified Japan, he began building Osaka Castle in 1583 to demonstrate his power. It was destroyed several times; the current structure was rebuilt in 1931. The entire castle consists of inner, middle, and outer citadels (Honmaru, Ni-no-maru, San-no-maru), with grand gates, steep walls, and two wide moats, very imposing, unmatched by any other ancient Japanese castle. Osaka Castle Park includes two parts: the 600-year-old castle with high walls and deep moats, topped by the majestic Tenshukaku (donjon), and the surrounding park, particularly beautiful in April when cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The central Tenshukaku is the core building of Osaka Castle, with white walls and green roof tiles, each flying eave tip decorated with gold leaf figures of tigers and shachihoko (mythical fish with dragon head), making it resplendent. The Tenshukaku was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi during the Sengoku period. The walls are made of huge stones brought from various parts of Japan. The Tenshukaku was destroyed by fire several times; the current one was rebuilt with funds raised by Osaka citizens after World War II. As Osaka's landmark, it is steeped in history. Nishinomaru Garden was once the residence of Toyotomi Hideyoshi's wife, surrounded by trees, offering views of the donjon and moat walls. To the south of Osaka Castle is Toyokuni Shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi; to the west is Nishinomaru Garden, a famous cherry blossom spot; to the east is one of the largest plum groves in Osaka. Thirteen structures within the castle, including the Otemon Gate and Sen goku yagura, are designated as important cultural properties of Japan. The Osaka Museum of Natural History, located in Osaka Castle Park, is free to visit. The Western-style building has a strong cultural atmosphere. Dotonbori: Dotonbori is a canal in Osaka, Japan, famous for its neighboring theaters, commercial and entertainment venues. Dotonbori connects with the Kizu River and the Higashi-Yokobori River, about 2.5 km long. Its name has become the name of a town in Chuo-ku, Osaka. Dotonbori is a bustling area along the south bank of the Dotonbori River. Japanese often say, "Eat in Osaka," indicating the abundance of restaurants here, along with a host of entertainment facilities, making it a favorite spot for Osaka citizens. It is the birthplace of the "kuidaore" (eat until you drop) food culture. There are many restaurants, the most famous being Kani Doraku with its giant crab sign, a landmark of the Dotonbori food street. Shinsaibashi is one of Osaka's most bustling commercial districts, gathering many world-class brand flagship stores and luxury department stores, as well as many unique shops and restaurants. The names Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are familiar to every traveler to Japan—a paradise for food and shopping. Every tourist to Osaka must visit Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi. Shinsaibashi is the most famous shopping area in southern Osaka, said to have a history of over 380 years. It gathers various shops, department stores, clothing, shoes, jewelry, fashion boutiques, and restaurants. Notable ones include Daimaru, Uniqlo, Disney, and Hello Kitty specialty stores. In addition to department stores, many drugstores are also favorite shopping destinations for women. Don Quijote tax-free shop is called "Keihan no Kyoten" in Japan, a famous "variety store." This Don Quijote covers electronics, drugs, food, daily necessities, etc. Seaside: There are many seaside places like this in Japan. Walking on the coastal green space, the seaside green area is indeed a beautiful coastline. Sitting here for a while and enjoying the view is nice. The coastal green space features a harmonious blend of sky and sea, blue clouds and white clouds. An extremely pleasant resting place where you can lazily watch the sea, listen to the wind, with beautiful scenery. The sea is blue, and the green grass complements each other beautifully. Listening to the waves and feeling the sea breeze is very relaxing and leisurely.