千光寺 (Senko-ji Temple) is a beautiful temple in Onomichi, Japan, known for its stunning views of the city and the Seto Inland Sea. It's famous for its red Akado hall and the unique rock formations around the temple grounds. Many people find it a peaceful and spiritual place to visit.

If you’re ever in Onomichi, definitely check out Senkoji Park. It’s up on a hill, and you can either take a quick cable car or walk up. The views of the sea and town are awesome—especially at sunset. In spring, it’s packed with cherry blossoms, and there’s this cool “Path of Literature” with quotes from famous writers. There’s also a sleek art museum up there designed by Tadao Ando. Super chill spot to relax, take photos, or just enjoy the vibe.

My heart will forever live on here. It's one of the best places to see cherry blossoms during the season. It's hilly, hot, and exposed so make sure to bring water and good walking shoes for your quad workout. And bring cash for the ice cream at the top here. There's also a museum. It's truly so beautiful at this park.

The design of the observation deck was quite a sight. The view is picturesque during sunset. A couple of ice cream store nearby; one near the observation deck and the other near the museum. The park is spacious and you could spend many hours here. The ropeway takes up 3-4 mins at most. Walking takes 25-40mins depending on the pace and entry points.

Great views of onimichi below. Plenty of picturesque streets and the museum of art was designed by Ando with a huge art library.

Enjoy a gorgeous panorama of the townscape and Onomichi Channel from high atop the city; chosen as one of the 100 Best Cherry Blossom Viewing Spots and as a Lover's Sanctuary. Inside the park, you'll find the Path of Literature that contains poems by Onomichi writers and poets engraved into stones, as well as museums, shops, and more.

A wonderful little park that is on the top of the hill with a gorgeous view, and when you walk down the hill, you get to see a number of wonderful temples, museums, and really cute cafés. There’s a walk that is famous for its cats, and also a walk that is famous for its poetry. This place in general has a lot to offer, and I would highly recommend that you only get the rope way up, and then walk down.

A Park Where Stillness Speaks Tucked away from the city’s rhythm, this park doesn’t ask for attention—it offers quiet instead. Shaded paths, gentle water, and the hush of wind through leaves create a space where your thoughts can slow down and settle. It’s not grand, not crowded—just calm. A place where time stretches, and silence feels like a companion. If you’re looking for peace, not spectacle, this is where you’ll find it.

Lovely relaxing spot to visit. There were very few people there when we visited mid-week. Took a bus to and from Fukuyama station, which took about 40mins. There are plenty of places to eat and drink nearby and lots of other interesting places to visit within walking distance.

Calm and secluded area. Very quiet fishing port, bus ride is definitely long enough for you to catch a short nap from hiroshima station. Shops was mostly closed when I went not sure if there was any special occasion and most shops were closed during the day. But a few restaurants are opened, definitely do try them out!

Highly recommending Tomonoura for anyone who loves sunsets, sea, and slow moments. I found peace in this little port town. 💙🏝️

A good weekend visits or even a night stay at this beautiful town by the bay.

A very pleasant, small fishing town on the Seto Inland Sea

Fall in love with this small yet important and charming city!

Awesome castle with the best cat! The cat chills and patrols the area, lets you take pictures, and accepts pets! The hike to get up to the castle is not to be underestimated, but it's nothing ridiculous. You can take a taxi up, but you may have to call a taxi to get back down.

First tip: If you don't like walking or taking stairs up and downhill, either prepare to take a long time or just skip this castle. Even from the closest parking lot, it's a pretty intense hike up, and strain on the knees down. Second tip: Check the website to see if the shuttle bus is running or if you can drive up to the small lot. Prepare your timing accordingly. I visited today, a weekday, and was able to drive to the top parking lot where I managed to snag the last available spot. The staff are super friendly. They coordinate with walkie-talkies up and down, so you don't have to cross anyone on the narrow, windy road. They also welcomed me, gave me a flyer and showed me to the trailhead. There are toilets at the parking lot and at the top of the staircase, before the castle. The parking lot has vending machines in case you need to stock up on some drinks before heading off on an intense hike up. Once you've made it up and have recovered your breath, take your time exploring the castle grounds and the inside of the castle itself, along with the views. Dont forget to pet the neko-chan (cat) mascot before starting the walk back down. The entrance fee was only 500yen. Considering the parking was free, this has got to be one of the cheaper castles I have visited. I had a wonderful experience and would love to come back maybe in colder months to try to see the castle surrounded by the clouds.

The Bicchū-Matsuyama castle is the last remaining mountain castle built in Japan's mediaeval period, and worthy of its name, I have to climb almost four hundred metres if you come without a car. The stone bulwarks of the castle, covered with ivy and resting in the shade of massive pines, make you feel like an explorer of lost civilisations. The main keep, black and white, looks out over the green mountains. An obvious highlight is the presence of Sanjuro, the castle lord, officially so. However, even though he is the only daimyo still alive in Japan, he does not say much. He manages to draw all the attention for another, entirely different reason. Sanjuro is a cat.

Small castle but one of the best I've visited so far. The views on top was great and Sanjyuro was so cute. Really liked how they kept the original state of the inside of the castle. Do take note that the last visitors are allowed to enter 30mins before the castle closes. There's a shuttle bus but it'll only drop you halfway at the carpark and not at the train station (if you didn't drive)

Visited in May 2023. Absolutely stunning place. We walked to the castle from the town of Bitchu-Takahashi. Matsuyama Castle, rises high above the town of Takahachi and is the only one preserved out of 12 castles built in this way and is unique in that it is 430m high. Almost all Japanese castles are in towns with beautiful gardens around them and served as the residences of monarchs or rulers of individual prefectures. Bitchu-Takahashi is hidden in the forest on top of Mount Gagyu. At the foot of the mountain lies the well-preserved old town of Takahashi, which is home to samurai mansions and merchant houses dating back to feudal times. Several museums and temples are also scattered in Takahashi, including the Raikyuji Temple, with its Zen garden. The climb through the forest is uphill, about 2km long, but really quite steep, so it will take you about 2 hours. If you are in the Okayama area, definitely don't miss this experience!

Take the original path from edo period, this is only one of 2 original wooden castles in existence in japan today (and Matsumoto). It's in the top 24 castle stamp rally (note there is no stamp book for sale in the castle so BYO), also come for the cat - Sanjuro

It can be a bit tricky to get here, because either you take a taxi to the starting point or you take a combination of bus, walking, and shuttle car. The castle itself is one of the original castles and also the highest elevation wise. There is very limited English material and it cost 500 yen to enter. Personally I found Sanjuro sama to be the star of the show. He's the cat celebrity that lives up in the castle. When I saw him he was out in front lounging in the sun. He has a leash and harness, but it's not tied to anything, so he can go wherever he feels like. Fair warning, you do have to hike up a bit, so not recommended if you have limited mobility

Impressive shrine, I only visited the main shrine at about 700+ steps which is about half of the 1368 steps. Majority of the stairs are surrounded by trees, it gives a mystical feeling. At the main shrine, there are Omikuji (fortune telling paper) and charms available for sale. There's also a pot where people try to make their coin float. I think it means good luck for those who manage to successfully float their coin. I did not go to the inner shrine as there was not enough time and I was getting really hungry. Lucky for me, there's a cafe on the way down. I think the cafe is called Kamitsubaki. On the way up at about the 100 steps range there are many shops selling snacks and souvenir. I got a Ramune that I saw in Japanese anime but I was unable to open it. A kind local helped me out and taught me the way. At 金刀比羅宮 大門, about 300 steps in, there is an area where local people setup portable stalls to sell stuff. There was a kind lady that gave me yuzu hard candy (ame) every time I passed by😊, even though I did not buy anything. There is an area for feeding birds, some people brought seeds and the birds seem to really like it. They will fly back and forth between the hand and the tree to eat the seeds. Visited on 31 Mar 2025

🎉 Congrats! You’ve made it to the main shrine after conquering 785 stairs (around 30–45 minutes of climbing). The shrine itself is impressive, and the view from the observatory deck is absolutely worth the effort. Here you’ll find a limited selection of omamori, but there’s something unique—a dog omamori 🐶, perfect for blessing your furry friend. But wait… looking for the special black Tengu omamori? 👺 NOT HERE! To get that, you’ll need to push on and climb another 538 stairs (about 20–30 minutes) to reach Izutama Shrine. Good luck on the next leg of your journey! 💪⛩️

"A historic power spot in Japan, located in Kagawa Prefecture, the shrine is known for its significance. Climbing the stairs can be tough, but at the top, you will find a sacred shrine that grants various blessings, and it is a mystical place where the deities beloved by the Japanese reside. I highly recommend it."

Love the climb up to konpirasan. The view was nice and air is nice. I feel very relax when i climb up. Must go once in a lifetime.

The shrine was built in Edo era, climb up 785 stone steps to the shrine. Nonstop climbing takes about at least 1 hour and 30 mins for round trip. (A little bit stop for praying) Not recommend for small children and elderly.

If you’re over 30 and not used to regular exercise, I highly recommend taking a taxi up to around the 300th step before starting your climb. If you plan to reach Oku-sha (the Inner Shrine), which few people manage to visit, be sure to allocate plenty of time. At first, I thought the hike was manageable, but toward the end, it became a true test of endurance and willpower. No wonder it’s called the most challenging shrine to visit. Personally, I didn’t find the scenery particularly breathtaking compared to other places, but the sense of achievement from obtaining the goshuin (seal stamp) made it all worthwhile. I couldn’t help but wonder—do the people working here really climb up every day? Also, I saw an elderly couple holding hands and supporting each other as they made their way up, which was incredibly touching. Don’t push yourself too hard. Bring some water. Allow enough time. It’s absolutely worth it.

Need to be strong and have enough strength, both body and spirit, in order to climb up more than 1,300 ladders to see the main shrine on the hill. I had only 1 hour and was able to pay respect to the mid-way shrine only.

The castle is small but the location is good in the middle of the city. The view is beautiful when you are at the top, you can also see the long bridge going to Okayama. It's nice to relax at the top, just accompany it with a cold beer, that's ok.

The park itself is free, including the steep walkway up to the castle (somehow it makes me miss staircases). You only pay to go into the castle, which is also where all the stamps are. The castle itself is small, but the park, the surrounding walls and the gates make for a great experience. Be mindful of the closing time though, as it is fairly early. There's a free parking lot where the museum is (but it was closed today, sadly). Although the parking lot was almost full when I arrived, there was no sign of any tour buses. So I still got an overall quiet experience, which was much appreciated. Don't forget to visit the little gift shop at the bottom of the uphill walkway, as they have a cute little fan shop, as well as some Yadon/Slowpoke merch (mascot of the prefecture).

Visiting Marugame Castle is truly a remarkable experience! Steeped in history, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the past that's unlike any other. I can’t wait to share more about the captivating stories and breathtaking views that make this place so special!

This is a small castle, open from 9 AM to 4:30 PM. Even after hours, you can still enter the park (though not the castle tower) to enjoy amazing sunset views

The walkway is absolutely delightful! The walk-up is a little tiring, but the view is perfect! If you walk up just before sunset, you'll have the perfect picture of marugame City!

Castle on a mountain! There is a steep climb up, but the view is amazing! Small tower on top, but it was closed when I arrived (Monday).

One of the 12 original remaining castles in Japan. The castle itself is very small with steep stairs to get up and it's a steep hike to get up to the castle itself, but the view of Marugame and the stone walls are impressive.

🌟 "A charming blend of history, culture, and canals — Bikan Historical Quarter" Bikan Historical Quarter in Kurashiki is a true step back in time, where beautiful Japanese wooden buildings meet elegant touches of European architecture. Strolling along the scenic canal, with its willow trees and peaceful atmosphere, feels like walking through a living postcard. The streets are lined with unique souvenir shops, perfect for finding special gifts, as well as cozy cafés and restaurants to relax and enjoy a coffee or a meal. The area is also impressively wheelchair-friendly, making it easy for everyone to explore at their own pace. Tip: Take your time here — the magic is in the slow walk, soaking in the details, and letting the blend of history and nature work its charm. A must-visit when you visit Japan!

Delightful quaint historical center full of unique shops & cafes. It’s a place where beautiful Japanese wooden architecture meets European touch. One can explore a breathtaking vista through walking in its tranquil landscape. Recommendations: set aside enough time to visit here. Boat ride: until 15:00 Parking: plenty of paid parking available yet hardly can found. In front of KURASHIKI CITY ART MUSEUM parking offers Budget parking.

Incredibly beautiful old town, quaint shops, cafes and cool boutiques with fashion, pottery, glassware and local produce. Amazing Ohara Art Museum and romantic canal with traditional boats, as well as rickshaws taking you around the old town. A must visit destination!!!

Love this beautiful place! Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is a beautifully preserved Edo-period merchant district, once a major rice distribution hub under the Tokugawa shogunate. Its white-walled storehouses and willow-lined canal reflect Japan’s prosperity from the 17th to 19th centuries, blending samurai-era charm with early modern industry.

A very nice place to spend an afternoon. I highly recommend the short boat ride down the canal. We also stopped at the denim street. It was not very busy when we visited compared to the rest of Japan tourist areas.

Quaint little village. Souvenirs of a higher quality than most, including some nice clothing, pottery and art. Can get very hot, with less shade than some tourist spots. Highly recommended for a visit.

This place really is as beautiful as the photos suggest. The old architecture is lovely and with the red autumn leaves it was something truly special to see. Would highly recommend if you want to see a glimpse into an older Japan or if you're on the hunt for Kojima denim.

The Black Castle is a must-visit when you are in town. The interior of the castle has been refurbished into a modern museum. All displays come with QR codes for translation into English or Chinese. The castle and surroundings may not be comparable to other bigger, famous castles elsewhere, but you certainly can find interesting history here. There's a cafe and souvenir store within.

We went on a Sunday and I also think it was a holiday, September 12th, because there were vendors everywhere which made it even more fun. We got some great street food while we were there. This was the fourth castle we've been too and the inside was the most modern of all of them. Very good displays. Each floor has different themes. There's even an elevator, which is rare for these castles. Unfortunately at the top you can't go outside like some of the others so the cute isn't quite as nice as others. We also took a pottery class at a building just outside the temple and that was a lot of fun.

Aka The "Crow Castle" is a total standout! Its striking black exterior gives it a mysterious, unique look that's fantastic for photos. Inside, it's a modern, accessible museum with fun hands-on activities. The biggest highlight is the amazing panoramic view of the beautifully contrasting Koraku-en Garden right across the river. It's an easy, rewarding, and cool castle visit.

It is great Japanese castle. The exterior color is mainly black in color, made it very special among other traditional Japanese castles. There is a small small museum inside the castles, air conditioning which makes you feel comfortable especially during summer. You may take the photos of the castle on the bridge or right in front of the entrance.

Nicknamed the Crow castle because it’s painted black. Cute little castle with a museum inside. Often Japanese castles are more enjoyed from the outside views then inside museums as there’s little English. But a quick walk across the bridge to take a little boat ride and eat at the restaurant before going into the park grounds makes for a nice afternoon.

The castle is beautiful inside front view and its looks great from afar.This is the 8th castle I've visited.They had an art festival event going on when I went. There were a lot of people.inside and scattered around.

Many others seem to be very happy with their visit, and I guess i just didn’t do my research. But I would never have imagined the actual inside of a castle to look like this, and was very disappointed. There’s a nice view from the top, but that’s about it.

I think this has to be my favourite Japanese garden. Many water features, fun wooden and rock stepping-stone bridges, a beautiful viewpoint to Okayama castle, and many resting places along the way. Accessible for all walking levels. I didn’t see any wheelchairs, but I think mostly wheelchair accessible. Can happily spend 90 minutes here

Absolutely loved it. We were at the train station & had just two hours before our train but got a taxi there & back (1200 yen going, 800 coming back (!?!)) & we're so glad we did. We were too late for flowers & too early for autumn colors but it was still beautiful. Waterfall, koi, sculptural cedar trees, a small turning wheel on a stream, lovely little buildings.... Rather small -- you can cover it in a hour -- but a seriously peaceful garden sanctuary.

This garden was just lovely. It was a very warm day but there was enough shady spots to rest. We particularly enjoyed seeing the cranes - and there was a guide there who was practicing his English and asked if we could help. It was so very charming!!!

You can pay for the entrance of the Okayama castle and the garden and to be honest not to expensive❤️. On this trip, one of my favorite gardens! Also, so many Koi fishes and you can buy for 100yen food to give them, its so much fun, many places around for beautiful photos! The staff is so friendly! Okayama became a good place to stay a few days of any Japan trip. Very quiet and relax vibe.

Beautiful garden. With seeing the traditional Japanese garden and this is a great representation of one. There's also a small ship to get some food inside. Might as well visit this garden and the castle across the street.

Absolutely beautiful park and a must visit if you're in Okayama. The park has lots of beautiful spaces and wildlife, like cranes and koi. I recommend spending at least an hour here to soak in all the sights and the beautiful surroundings. Oh, you can even feed the koi! There are stamps, for the stamp lovers, as well as a gift shop with items, postcards and more.

A very extensive and beautiful garden. Love the bridge and river that surround the garden. It's very well maintain too. You can spend couple of hours to enjoy the scenery. There are many koi fish in the ponds too. It's really worth of visit. Come here in autumn 2023 and the views is amazing and not too crowded of visitor

I visited Naoshima last March 26 2025. The Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadao Ando was one of my priority destinations. It can be accessed by the Benesse shuttle bus, by bicycle or thru walking. It is located along side a hill. The atructure is embedded perfectly into the surrounding nature. They have a very strict no photographs and videos inside the art spaces. It is by far one of the most beautiful museum experiences ive ever had. The Monet Waterlilies with the perfectly cut white mosaic tiles around together with the daylight is very beautiful. Walter Di Maria's Granite garden and the Granite Sphere was a very mysterious experience. Finally the James Turrel Sky window space along with the purple rectangle was very fun. If you love art, i highly recommend visiting this in very good sunny weather.

Wow – an extraordinary place. The museum is a masterpiece of architecture, with a perfect play of space, natural and artificial light, and materiality. Every corner feels carefully crafted to create a unique spatial and emotional experience. The attention to detail is incredible – the precision of the surfaces and the subtle design elements are executed at the highest level. Even the restrooms are designed as an architectural experience, showing how much thought went into every part of the museum. A must-visit for anyone coming to Naoshima, and an absolute highlight for architecture and art lovers alike.

Don't skip this one! We were quite moved by some of the rooms. Incredible. Photos are only permitted in the beginning few rooms/spaces, so you will not see the best of it until you visit :)

What an incredible place! One of the best art galleries I've ever been to, and I've seen quite a few! It felt so refreshing that you can’t take photos inside (except in a small area near the entrance). Without cameras, you’re free to just wander, take it all in, and really feel the space. That sense of wonder stays with you long after you leave. I booked my ticket online about a month in advance and chose the first morning slot, just to be sure I had enough time to get there — with the ferry and art bus, it takes a bit of coordination. It’s also nice that there aren’t any official photos of the interior online. A few people have shared some anyway, breaking the rules, but mostly what you see stays in your memory — and that makes the experience even more personal and powerful. In some rooms, you have to take off your shoes, but they provide foot covers, so it’s handy to bring socks with you. There’s a lovely little restaurant too, with great food. You find a seat first, then order — and if you can, grab a table with a view of the Seto Inland Sea. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your visit. And the museum shop is nice too.

Without a doubt one of the best art museums I have ever visited - and I’ve seen a lot. Amazing architecture, amazing collection. Very minimalistic curated and in perfect balance with Tadao Ando’s design. DeMaria and Turrell as absolute highlights

Tadao Ando’s concrete masterpiece is literally carved into the hillside overlooking the Seto Inland Sea, so from the outside you barely notice it’s there – everything is designed to make the art and the natural light the absolute stars. You walk through unassuming corridors and suddenly step into massive, perfectly proportioned spaces that feel almost sacred. The permanent collection is small but insanely powerful: Monet’s Water Lilies in a room designed specifically for them (natural light only, white marble pebbles underfoot, and the paintings look like they’re glowing), James Turrell’s mind-bending light installations that make you question what “seeing” even means (HIGHLY RECOMMEND), and Walter De Maria’s giant sphere and polished stones that play with scale in a way photos could never capture (which is good, because photography is strictly forbidden inside, you can only take the photo outside the exhibition hall). No phone signal, no photos allowed, long queue inside– at first I thought “ugh,” but ten minutes in I realized it’s genius. You’re deeply focus to actually appreciate the art instead of looking at it through a screen. Also get to grab a bite before leaving this beautiful architecture, great food indeed! PRO TIP: • Book tickets online weeks ahead (they sell out). Total disconnection turned into total immersion.

Spectacular and our favorite art experience on Naoshima! The architecture alone is worth the visit. Every path, every transition between spaces feels intentionally designed. You sense that Ando thought carefully about what you should see from each step and angle — and it’s spectacular. I also appreciated that the museum wasn’t overloaded. They chose to focus on just three artists and created spaces specifically for them, rather than forcing art into rooms that weren’t meant for it. It gives everything room to breathe. I’m totally not an "art-guy", but I do enjoy nice experiences. I didn’t even know James Turrell before coming to Chichu. His installations blew my mind. I won’t spoil anything, but Open Field was one of the most fascinating experiences I’ve had in a museum. Open Sky was also powerful - simply sitting there for a while, watching the light shift and the clouds pass by - and not even being sure in the beginning if it was screen or the real sky. Which brings me to one thing I found surprising: how quickly people rush through these works. We spent about 20 minutes in Open Sky (which is still shorter than the artist intends, I believe). In that time, nobody else (of 20+ people) sat down, even though that’s literally the point of the installation. People stepped in, glanced up for 3-5 seconds, and left and then perhaps even complain in reviews that “there isn’t much to see.” Perhaps for "art people" it really is boring, but for me personally, I enjoyed it a lot. That is why I honestly have a hard time understanding the negative reviews. Yes, you need to book in advance, the ticket is ¥2,500, and some installations have limitations. But without these restrictions, the experience would be completely diluted. Overall, the combination of architecture and art was outstanding. For both me and my partner, this was our favourite art experience on Naoshima. She loved the Monet presentation, and I left as a new James Turrell fan.

Discover a stunning park that's breathtaking any time of the year. Spend a whole day exploring its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Inside, you'll find charming eateries and a delightful tea house, perfect for a quick refresh or a leisurely sip. Don't forget, for just 100 yen, you can buy food to feed the cheerful fish, adding a fun touch to your visit.

It’s a beautiful park with many things to see and many rest areas for guests to get a snack and experience the zen-ness of Japanese gardens. I think that this one is better than korakuen at nearby okayama ;) a round trip within the garden takes about 1hour so pace yourself!

One of my favourite gardens in Japan! Not crowded at all but so well maintained and it was absolutely beautiful! I was not expecting it to be so big and they had a stamp rally that made it fun to go around and collect them! The teahouses were also lovely. Even the staff and volunteers were incredibly nice, met a wonderful volunteer named Toyota-san who spoke wonderful Englush and had amazing stories to tell!

It was better than I expected. The Kikugetsu Stay, which borders the largest pond inside the park, made me want to be there for a long time. The staff wearing kimonos guided me inside an old wooden house, drank tea, and it was an experience that made me realize that I had come to Japan. I went around every corner of the building, felt the atmosphere, and explored the space. I would like to visit again next time. 🌳

A very nice Japanese park, good for strolling and bird watching. A lot of people were bringing their long lense camera. There's also stamp rally going on inside the park, you don't have to collect all of them (there are 8 spots), you can get a sticker! The routes are very pebble-ly , might be challenging for wheelchair users. There's quite a few steps as well. There's also a tea house where they serve you green tea in ceremony style... and lots of koi fishes! They sells the koi treats for 100円 there's stick version (like ice cream cone) and the normal pellet too. Wedding ice cream is fun to eat too.

I decided on a morning run from my hotel to Ritsurin Garden, hoping for a quiet solo stroll. Upon arrival, a guide kindly offered me a tour. I was hesitant at first due to my limited Japanese, but the guide was incredibly patient and welcoming. We managed to communicate using a mix of basic phrases, gestures, and a little help from Google Translate. The result was a fantastic, personalized tour that taught me so much about the garden's deep history and exquisite beauty. It was a highlight of my trip—highly recommend accepting the offer if you get the chance!

We made a reservation online weeks earlier for the boat tour at 9:30am. I originally thought the boat tour would take us around the whole garden, especially since it was summer and I wanted to avoid walking too much under the hot sun. But I was wrong, the boat only goes around one corner of the garden (though it is the most beautiful part), and it is not shaded. A hat was provided to each customer, which helped a little. The boat rower kindly explained the garden’s history and even sang an Italian song for us towards the end 😁 Still, I found the garden itself rather boring, and summer is probably not the best season to visit.

Soooooo beautiful with Sakura blooming! Just be prepared to have tough walking

Really nice castle garden. The parking was a bit confusing. But lots of cherry trees. There were just starting to bloom when I got there.

3/26 now!

Late March, early April is the best time to visit this place for to see the beautiful Sakura blooms. You will enjoy it

The atmosphere of a sakura matsuri is back in full swing!

Winter Hours adjusted to 5pm closing

Really wonderful

If you like studio ghibli then it’s a must go. The windmill is the highlight of the place. So many people taking photo there. After parking you need to go to the museum, they have a wall where they hang the famous Kiki broom. But sometime you need to wait since many took it for photo. After taking the break you can then head to the windmill. The olive oil ice cream was good also specially after all the jumping 😆😆😆.

tbh it’s frustrating to walk uphill under scorching sun, from the bus stop. it’s a nice olive park tho, big square with art installations and the windmill that everyone is crazy about. big souvenir shop, resto and stuff, even a shrine!! also a tiny museum and noodles place along the road. i spent 3hrs there, but i think most people left faster than i did. once is enough for me; i won’t go again if no one drives me uphill.

An olive garden with a lot of photogenic spots. There are the oldest olive tree in Japan, a windmill, a lovely house and a statue of Athena. There is a large souvenir shop with various olive products from snack, food to cosmetics.

You can borrow the broom for free to pretend to be Kiki in Ghibli Kiki's Delivery Service~ Please also go to lookout~

Though I am not a big fan of theme park, this scenic olive-theme park was definitely worth a visit. Its herb garden, museum, and olive farm were both beautiful and educational. Potential visitors need to budget their time accordingly as the buses run infrequently (especially in the late afternoon)!

The Olive Garden consists of multiple Greek style structures, like the iconic windmill and the herb garden. It was fun to look for heart shaped olive leaves

Not only famous for the olive, but also with a fabulous scenery!

If you enjoyed watching Shōgun, visit this place to learn about the 47 Rōnin. And to buy good saķé from the local shops.

This is the castle of the ASANO family, who were the lords of Ako. Some buildings and gardens are recently restored to its original appearance.

It’s beautiful in the summer time. Very quiet and peaceful!

Lovely local historical place. You can walk around the castle ruins and see the foundation of where the rooms were located and what purpose did they have. On the outskirt of the ruins you can enjoy walking a long the path. Good times to visit is during cherry blossom season and fall/autumn season.

This was a very interesting setting. With the outer walls still present and some of the internal structures, you could well imagine as your walk around the structures that must have existed in times gone by. A little different but worth a visit. The nearby temple is a monument to the 47 Ronin.

Nice historical place of 47 Ronin. I rent a bicycle nearby Ako station to get there. It was spring so I could see beautiful Sakura inside the castle.

There is a lot more to do and restore.

Much more pleasant and peaceful than inside the castle. Don’t miss it. There’s a tea house inside but it’s currently closed. Maybe bring or apply before coming some bug repellent, otherwise you’ll probably get bitten. Our tickets to the castle included the entrance to the gardens, and I believe most do.

We visited the garden on a saturday in autumn right after we went to himeji castle. Just like the castle, the garden felt extremely crowded. Most of the flowers and ponds in the garden are nicely arranged and well maintained. However, due to it not being one open garden but it being separated into multiple smaller "compartments", we didn't get the calm, serene feeling we usually got at other gardens and parks in japan.

Very beautiful garden that is easy to navigate and even has a recommend route to finish efficiently. Lots of wonderful fall foliage at this time and lots of ponds and small streams. There is the option for a combo ticket with himeji castle, so I recommend that option so you can hit both on the same trip

Marvelous gardens near Himeji-jo castle. Several separate Gardens linked together with great landscapes, glimpses of Hinegi castle on the distance and lovely water features with a vast variety of koo fish connected by walkway stones. Theybalso had an impressive ichibana exhibit when we visited.

While Himeji Castle is of course impressive and worth seeing, for me the real highlight was Kōko-en Garden right next to it. It’s beautifully designed, with different sections that each have their own character — ponds, small waterfalls, and perfectly kept greenery everywhere. Peaceful, scenic, and a perfect place to slow down after visiting the castle.

I have been to Himeji Castle 4 times, and I had never been to Koko-en. This time I made the effort to explore the gardens and I was impressed. I took one of my favourite photos here, with a golden Koi causing the water to glisten in the sun.

Very pretty Japanese garden, which looks amazing during our November visit due to the autumnal colours. It's much bigger than I expected, with several sections to walk around. There was a tea room where you enjoy green tea and sweets, but we didn't have time for this so not sure what it was like. If you get a combined ticket for this garden with the Castle ticket, it's only ¥50 extra than the castle alone!!

Himeji Castle is one of those places that really lives up to the photos. The white castle looks absolutely striking as you walk up to it, and the grounds are peaceful and easy to enjoy. The inside involves a bit of climbing with steep staircases, but it’s worth it to see the wooden interior and the views from the top. It’s a genuinely pleasant place to visit, beautiful, well-kept, and full of history. Tips: 1. We entered around 9 AM, and that turned out to be a great decision. The crowds were still light, so it was easy to walk around and take photos. 2. Spending about 1.5 hour feels just right without rushing.

Amazing historic castle. Do not miss this one- very beautiful and the grounds are just as pretty. I went right at opening and there were no crowds but as I was leaving it was starting to get busier so go earlier to avoid them. Spend the extra 50 yen when buying your ticket online to get access to the gardens as it’s well maintained and beautiful, with koi fish in many of the ponds! One of the highlights of my Japan trip.

Are you looking to get you steps in? This castle has you covered. Go back in time and imagine the sights and sounds, the views the people before you must have seen from each different level and window. The timber work was amazing. If you are in the area it's worth a look. We got the pass to the garden as well. Great afternoon.

Himeji castle is well preserved. Its easily accessible from Himeji station by a walk of 20 mins. Entry fee for the castle is 1000 yen but since I had JR west pass, i got a discount of 20%. I visited during September month, the weather was bit hot. Post entry gate, I was lucky to find a free english tour guide Hideyo, she explained the history of Himeji castle and should all around the castle with minute details. I really enjoyed visiting this castle

Please Read below if you are wanting to learn about this castle and what it meant to japan. This castle is amazing and is one of the BEST places I had seen in 2 weeks. My experience is 2 part, the first part was the castle which is awesome. The second part was you NEED is a guide to take you through the gardens and castle. It was very inexpensive for the history lesson I got about the castle. This was the most important part. Our guide Nobu, was amazing and was by far the thing that made the tour so amazing. Please use Nobu who has a ge eral passion and love for Meiji castle.

A must see in the Osaka / Kobe region. Impressive Castle ! Nice: You can climb up (steep staircases) the whole casle tower (need to take off shoes). When buying tickets: Do buy the combination ticket with Koko-en garden. Several themed Japanese gardens, some of them are a revelation in the art of gardening. Garden is some 200 m left of the main entrance (street)

Himeji Castle was amazing. It is best to visit in the morning getting as much natural light as possible. It is possible to do a trip to Himeji as well as going further to Hiroshima on the same day using the Shinkansen. Be warn it will be an early morning to do both trips in a day. From Himeji Train Station it is an easy 10-15 minute walk to the castle grounds. There are many shops and places to grab a quick breakfast or lunch depending what time of the day you arrive. Wear comfortable shoes since it's a gradual incline to the main castle keep. Be very aware you will have to climb steep staircases once inside the castle. We recommend bringing portable rechargeable fans, because you will sweat climbing the stairs. The views are very beautiful from the top. This excursion can be done in under 4 hours from the train station, up to the castle, and back to go to the next destination.

Lovely views from this ancient ruin. You can take the cheap shuttle bus between the station and the ruins. It only runs each hour. Be prepared for lots of steep walking. Allow a couple of hours minimum.

I left at 08:00 and arrived around 10:00. Beautiful sights, but didn’t get the sea of clouds. If you want to see them, get there at 06:00 to 06:30!

I’d recommend going to observation deck 1 on the opposite side of the castle instead. From there you can see a panoramic view of the castle surrounded by clouds. If you hike all the way to the top you can also see the sea of clouds over town in the early morning. You don’t need to come before sunrise to see this effect! Photos in this review are from observation deck 1.

Take a bus from Takeda station to the Takeda ruin stop and you have to take a 20mins hike up to the entrance of the ruins where you can purchase your ticket with a machines. Recommended that you bring 1000yen or coins for the bus rides, bigger notes are okay for the ticket but not the bus. Be prepared to walk alot up and also inside the ruins, to exit the ruins it’s using stairs but they are pretty steep. We came abit too early for the cherry blossom and too late timing for the clouds, so you can plan your trip for it but expected a crowd at those peak periods too.

Absolutely fantastic spot that reminds me of Machu Picchu on its ruins layout and perched atop a mountain. The bus from the visitor centre departs with quite a wide gap in timing so do time it well if you are visiting, else walking or taxi is the only option. The bus takes you near, but still an uphill walk for 900m is still required. As you walk uphill, there's a turn left where the signboard says not to enter from, and that is actually the exit point. Technically if you go through there, then it's free entry? As there is no ticket checks within the ruins itself. However, the ticket price is not at all hefty and I will recommend that we all do our part to preserve this fantastic monument. At the end of the monument, you can see a sweeping view of the Takeda town below.

A few days ago, I travelled with my family to visit the "Takeda Castle Ruins" in Asago-shi, Hyōgo-Prefecture-Japan. It's a bit of a drive from Kyoto, about 21/2 hours to be precise. There are a few options available on maps, and we opted for driving most of it through the countryside. Time-wise, it hardly made a difference. About halfway in, we stopped at an udon restaurant for lunch. Our first stop was high up on NR 163; it's a winding road to the top and easily accessible by car. On the top, there is a spot from where you can see Takeda Castle Ruins. The distance to the castle is just under 3.00 kilometres or 1.8 miles. I used a 70-200 telelens with a 2X extender. The weather was not at its best, with slight rain and dark clouds; still, it was a fun experience. Of course, the prime time to shoot a legendary picture is in late autumn when there is fog in the morning. There is a second spot that is very popular with photographers. Located on the opposite side of the castle, you'll need to hike up between 10 and 30 minutes. There are three observation spots, with number one the hot place and the highest. Because it was getting dark, I opted for the third observation spot. The shooting distance to the castle is just under 2.00 kilometres or 1.2 miles. There is a path, but it is steep and rugged. This area is famous for its clusters of cherry trees during the sakura season. I definitely would like to go back in autumn to see the castle in a sea of clouds.

Took the train from Osaka station, it was quite a long train journey but the views from Takeda castle ruins made me forget about it. A special memory, lots of green and beautiful views of the landscape. Very powerful spot for the spiritually aware. For the fit like me, you can run up it in 20mins. Great exercise & the beauty at the top will rewarding. Best time to visit I was told was really early morning spring, when the whole mountain is covered in mist.

The view here is beautiful, with flower fields spread across a hill overlooking the sea and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge in the distance. It is not a full sea of blooms and not large in scale, but it has its own charm. I visited in late July and literally melted walking under the scorching sun, even with an umbrella. Parking costs 200 yen, and admission is free. There is also a restaurant and a souvenir shop selling Awaji produce and local specialties.

After a quick stop at the Aikashi-Kaikyo Bridge, we decided to visit this flower park. The park was well-maintained and wonderfully peaceful. The flowers were beautiful. We spent an hour in the park. Parking was cheap (200 yen) and the restrooms were very clean. The park itself wasn't expensive, but the bridge toll made it a short and expensive visit (2,410 yen times 2).

I love the view of this place. Beautiful scenery and they have a restaurant and museum located in this place! The park is huge and the view is spectacular! I have seen lots of tourists coming by bus. And you need a car to get here but the entrance is free!

Lovely place to visit. Beautifully kept flower gardens, easy to park and relaxing place to walk around and just enjoy the view and the wonderful atmsphere. The cafe has some nice choices of food and the omiyage shop can tempt you with some of my favourite onion soup packs and other nice offerings.

Such a beautiful spot. You only need to pay for parking as the gardens are free. The views are amazing and the flowers seasonal. We always go during the himawari (sunflowers) blossoming.

Not really alot of flower but maybe I come on the wrong timing.

1st time to this page. Nice scenery and also had super fresh seafood & sake

Big mall near Kobe harbor with lots of shops and restaurants. We went there to eat. I ate my food with a beautiful sea view.

A smaller mall compared to the bigger cities in Japan but it had all the essentials. Designed nicely and it had a very contemporary feel. Love the glass ceilings as well!

Very cozy and safe area to visit

Very nice mall close to the Harbor. They have a good selection of stores for those interested in shopping. There's also a cinema on 5F. Love the glass roof as it gives a lot of natural lighting.

20250324 Lots of shops. A big book store, huge sports shop and more. Just never have enough time for this area

Great place for a relaxing day with many activities for the kids.

I ate this disgusting sushi restaurant in umie today. Corrupt sea urchin refused to admit that I had to pay the bill in the end. The chef appeared at our repeated request and reluctantly ate the stinky sea urchin, but they claimed it was still fresh.

Arrived in the evening—most shops were already closed, but the Chinese-style architecture and the soft glow of red lanterns still wrapped the street in a rich, exotic charm 🎐✨ I can only imagine how vibrant it must feel during the day. Next time, I’m definitely coming earlier—how about a steaming bowl of beef noodle soup and a classic milk tea? 🥡🧋

Historical and scenic but I tried some food and was not too impressed. It's a great place to take some photos and enjoy the ambiance. It's a pity that most of the shops sell the same thing probably from the same factory. I found one shop that seemed to make their things from scratch. The dumplings were not bad in taste but the skin was under needed so there was a lack of gluten development. I make them some and dumplings at home so I know what I'm talking about.

We visited during the day and it was a bit busy, but not overwhelming. We just walked around and didn’t buy anything, but the area itself is really cute. There are so many food stalls, restaurants, and little shops, so it’s definitely a place to explore if you like street food or souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively and colorful, with traditional decorations and lanterns everywhere. Even if you don’t eat, it’s fun to stroll through and soak up the vibe. Overall, it was okay — nice for a short visit, especially if you’re already in Kobe city. Tips for visitors: - Easy to reach on foot from Motomachi Station - Can get busy during peak lunch hours, but manageable - Great for photos and just soaking up the Chinatown atmosphere

Was here in July recently. Chinatown itself is nothing much. But the walk through the Motomachi shopping street from one end near Motomachi station to the other end near Nishi-motomachi station is worth visiting, buying some stuff and trying some snacks Also stopped for lunch in a restaurant within.

I enjoyed this more than the Yokohama Chinatown. The location is also perfect as it's just in front of the Motomachi station, but a leisurely walk to Sannomiya station is a great option if you want to visit the numerous stores along the way.

Lots of street food and gets busier once it gets dark. Not just popular with tourists but local Japanese as well. Short walk from Kobe Harbourland and Kobe Ropeway. Not as big as Yokohama Chinatown but worth a visit if you are in Kobe.

It's my first time visiting a Chinatown in Japan and the experience is like visiting a sanitized version of Binondo, the eldest Chinatown in the world, located in the Philippines. There seems to be an ongoing activity since the Chinatown is packed with tourists. I found the food just okay. Perhaps, I was spoiled by the food in Binondo, but the food here is very mid. Not authentic based on my tastebuds . An okay experience.

You MUST come here if you want some nice shots for your profile pictures. The gardens were beautiful, and thank God we came at the right timing where the sun was setting. A good time to be here will be a sunny day 3:30pm - 5pm JP Time, because their last cable car ride is at 5:15pm to head back down. They have a Bottom Garden, Middle Garden, and Top Garden. The cable-car roundtrip ride costs 2000¥ very worth it. The ride had an amazing view too!

This was a true highlight of our trip to Japan. The place is beautiful! Starting with the cable car up, the views are fantastic, you can see clear across and they even slow the cable car to get photo of the hidden waterfall. Once you get to the top there is another gorgeous view but you also have an opportunity to stop and take a break and have a little something to eat and drink. The best part of visiting is that you have time to take your perfect photo (not me I am a walk n shoot type of girl) the hustle and bustle you get in other places doesn’t happen here. Everyone waited patiently. This is the perfect place to get your zen, oh and they have hammocks throughout the gardens so you can truly enjoy your surrounds.

We went a bit later in the day. Be prepared to do lots of walking. We bought a round trip ticket for the rope line. We took the rope line up around 4. I don't suggest it if you're scared of heights, but the views are beautiful. You could just walk the entire way if you don't want to ride the rope line. There was an event going on while we were there and it was so much fun! There were fictional characters, riddles, and a story you follow throughout the garden as you collect stamps. It was mostly in Japanese and we didn't get a chance to solve the riddle. In the end, anyone who at least got 1 stamp got a prize. We had the food at the middle rest stop and it was delicious. I wanted to do the footbath but it was under renovation. They have wheelchair access throughout and many things to do like classes to make your own sent with herbs from the garden. But we didn't get to participate in any of the classes since we got there pretty late. The last ride back down the rope line is at 5:15pm. We went back down at 5:10.

This was my favorite part of Kobe. Beautiful ropeway ride up the mountain, only took a few minutes. Beautiful stroll from the top to midway down the mountain, then we took the ropeway back. They had a fun stamp activity booklet for my kids to do. They also liked taking photos. Many places to sit and lots of hammocks to rest in. Lovely way to spend an afternoon

This place was wonderful. The scenic ropeway is right next to Shin-Kobe station. So if you are in Osaka. Pay $15 for a non reserved seat on the Shinkansen and 12 minutes later you are in Kobe, it's a short ride. You can book tickets or buy them there. Great views. I wish I went at night. Wonderful. There is a glasshouse with a forest and water features. Some cafe's are there too. There is also a walking trail for the fit people and hammocks to rest and enjoy the view for us ordinary folk.

We enjoyed our brief visit here. We didn't have to wait long for the cable car to the top, I think weekends would be busy. It's a great view to see the huge bay. Plenty of eating places at the top and a nice gift shop at the lower station when you get off the cable car. There's a lovely waterfall you can see from the cable car. If you want you can just buy a 1 way ticket to the top and walk down past it but it's about 45 minutes to walk and our feet were already aching after walking round Kobe!

We spent the afternoon here. It was relaxing. The variety of plants and attention the hard work of the gardeners is clearly evident. Beautifully arranged. There is a sample table where you can smell the essential oils. Excellent variety. I only wish I had more time to experience each one. I enjoyed how different sections were categorised. It gave me some ideas from my home garden in Australia. There is a hiking trail that you can explore as well. Unfortunately, we were not able to see anything when we got to the top. We were hoping it would be a lookout and we could take some good photos from that vantage point. However, there were other locations where we could take photos of the city views and gardens below. If you enjoy being in nature. This will not disappoint. This would be a place that would be great to see in each season.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Amazing Shopping Experience at Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets! If you love shopping for great deals in a beautiful and relaxing setting, this is the place to go! Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets offers a wide selection of both international and Japanese brands at discounted prices. The layout of the outlet is spacious, clean, and feels like a mini resort, making it enjoyable to walk around even if you're not planning to buy much. There are plenty of well-known brands like Nike, Adidas, Coach, Kate Spade, Onitsuka Tiger, and even luxury options like Prada and Gucci. I was especially happy to find great deals at Uniqlo and The North Face. The atmosphere is calm and not too crowded, even on weekends. The food court has many delicious options, and there are clean restrooms, helpful staff, and lockers for storage if needed. The views of the surrounding mountains also add to the relaxing vibe. Access from Kobe or Osaka is easy via bus or train, and there’s even a shuttle from Sanda Station. Highly recommended for tourists and locals alike! Be sure to come early and wear comfortable shoes — you'll want to spend hours here!

Easy access car parking, many shops. not much people & the food court is quite good. There is a park for kids

​I had a great time at this outlet! It's huge and has an awesome mix of well-known international brands and popular Japanese shops. The layout is really beautiful and relaxed. Pro-tip: head to the information center for a special coupon code to get an extra 5% off (bring your passport for tax free)

This is a large, outdoor outlet with a huge variety of goods and brands. The weekend can get a little crowded. Parking is free. If you like shopping, this is a great place for you, but be prepared for a lot of walking. There is also a very big Aeon mall right across the street, so you can easily spend the whole day in this area.

I decided to take a taxi from my hotel to Kobe Sanda Premium Outlets, which took about an hour. The outlets were spacious with no waiting lines and a great variety of stores to browse. I especially appreciated the lack of crowds, which made for a relaxed shopping experience. In terms of pricing, I wasn’t sure if there were significant savings compared to premium outlets in California, even with the tax credit. Language barriers were a slight challenge as many shop staff couldn’t assist in English, but Google Translate was helpful. The Moncler store stood out with its wide variety of items, clearly designed for Japan’s colder weather—much more diverse than what you’d find in California. Dining options were excellent. I had ramen with fried rice, and both were absolutely delicious. For the taxi ride back to the hotel, I learned you need to call for one at stop #4, and it usually arrives within 15 minutes. Overall, it’s a great outlet for stress-free shopping and tasty food, though some additional savings would have made it perfect!

🚶‍♀️ Step-by-Step Directions: 1. Inside JR Shin-Osaka Station, go through the Central Gate (中央改札口). This is the 3rd floor. 2. Take escalator to 2nd floor. Head toward Exit 4 3. After going out Exit 4, you’ll walk across a short pedestrian bridge. 4. At the end of the bridge, go down the stairs. Once you reach the bottom, make a slight right turn and continue walking straight. 5. In a minute or two, you’ll see a covered bus stop on your left with signs that say: 神戸三田プレミアム・アウトレット行き (Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets)

There were definitely plenty of shops and the place looked very clean. The prices are not super low unless there is a sale, but it can be worth it if you find something you really like. All of the food spots and the outlets were packed, so expect a lot of people around.

Visited during off-peak so d shopping is leisure n comfy. Many big brands around n there r different bargains to attract. Visit for d bargains n not a specific brand/model, it beats shopping at d malls. There r 2 food courts which offer affordable food options JPY 1000-2000, including 7-11. Walkway between station n buildings aren't covered. Will need brolly during rainy season.

Parking is 3 hours free for 2000 yen spending. Lots of shops. International brands. Discount is around 30 percent. There is sea side strip to see the view. Pretty nice before heading to the airport l.

It is a very nice outlet with lots of shopping opportunities. I was able to shop nicely at furla, cosmetics company store, versace and swarowski. They had good deals on top of the sale prices. Would highly recommend.

20251031 - premium outlet mall that can be accessed by train or shuttle bus from the airport. Besides both local and discounted brands, there are also other normal stores nearby. Most shops offer good discount, and more with the discount voucher you can scan at the information counter. Managed to get some exclusive design bags that are only available in Rinku at good prices.

Rinku Town Premium Outlet is much bigger than I expected and such an easy place to shop. They have a good mix of popular labels and smaller niche brands, and the prices are quite reasonable — you can easily spend the whole day here without getting bored. The food court is also worth a stop. A simple rule works perfectly here: if you see a long line, the food is almost guaranteed to be good. I happened to visit during the Osaka Art Fireworks, and it made the experience even more memorable. The weather by the seaside was cool and refreshing, and the fireworks were stunning. If you’re lucky enough to catch the show while you’re here, don’t hesitate — it’s absolutely worth watching.

Rinku Preium outlet is a fantastic shopping destination near the Kansai International Airport. The outlet mall is huge and offers an impressive variety of stores from high end luxury brands to popular sports labels, along with shops selling kitchenware, household appliances, cosmetics. It’s an excellent place for shopping and casual browsing as well. The dinning options are varied and the view of Osaka Bay add a beautiful scenic touch to the shopping experience.

Premium Outlet shpping centre in Rinku town. 5 minute bus ride from Kansai (KIX) airport. There is a bus that leaves either way every hour and can be caught for 300 yen. About a 8 min walk from closest train station, passing through another outlet centre. Mall is spread over 2 levels and 2 buildings. Has alot of local and foreign branded stores. Has free wifi, small food court and another area containing several restaurants. Various discount vouchers can be obtained from their website. QR codes on posters throughout the centre can be scanned to access the website.

This is easily one of the best aquariums we’ve visited. It took us about 3 hours to walk through and explore, and we got to see a wide variety of aquatic species. They also offer a stamp rally, which was a fun bonus. Be sure to bring a blank passport book or some paper so you can collect all the stamps. It's a nice little keepsake to remember your trip.

We loved our visit here! Lots of animals who seem very well cared for. There is a huuuge central tank with sharks and other fish in which you can see from various angles - it is great to see these big fish have so much space to move and swim. We enjoyed the kids stamp rally here too which was a nice extra. The gift shop was also lovely and very well priced.

As we go on the weekend, we have to buy the ticket at the counter as it was unavailable on klook apps. we got here around 2 hours earlier than opening time and start queing at 9am before they opened on 9.30am. We are the first in line so the wait time are not that long. however, coming later than this might make you wait even longer. the attraction was super good. every window were super cleaned except for penguin area, not sure why tho.. nonetheless, we can see all animal super clear and nice. we started the visit with sea otter, however the otter was lazy as they are still sleeping despite the opening hour 🤣🤣 the seal were super cute and interactive, the dolphin weee also very playful hahaha. the shark looks very mesmerizing and wow, super elegant! oh ya! please dont forget to check out the sunfish as well, so cuteeeee! all area outdoor and indoor was super clean including the toilet, love that very much! all in all, love the visit so much and please dont forget to end your visit with riding the ferris wheel! very much recommended! <3

The Osaka Aquarium is HUGE! I was told to visit it if I was ever in Osaka & I'm glad I did. It was very busy during the day, so we opted to get tickets later in the evening. On one hand, glad we went later on, because it was still busy with people & families. On the other hand, we saw later when the feeding times were & gathered that was one of the reasons why it had peak times. The animals were still relatively active when we went in the evening. There is a wide variety of nautical life & it was beautifully laid out in terms of walking. Seeing the lively animals, regardless of it not being feeding time, they seemed happy in their environments. Osaka Aquarium really cares about the environment of the creatures & continuously works on providng the best possible. It certainly shows in the animals lively behaviour. I left feeling positive about this place. It also had a great gift shop with many of the sea creatures in cute plushy form, so you can take home a little creature of your favorite! There's also themed plates, cups, Keychains & snacks. I highly reccomend visiting Osaka Aquarium. A+++

ABSOLUTELY A MUST. I’ve been to a few Aquariums. This one exhibits sea life along the “ring of fire” of the world, meaning along the coasts of land that line the Pacific Ocean. They had animals from fresh water to artic waters (5 degrees Celsius). Pro tip 1: get your tickets in advance as each time-slot does have limited entries. My family of 4 went on November 14th at 2pm, we thought it is low tourist season but there was still quite a line for same-day tickets. Waiting in like might have taken ~30 minutes and there was a sign that was updated that they just sold out thru 3pm. By luck, I tried to buy same-day tickets via online and was able to grab enough for 3:15pm slot. There is also a small mall so visitors can walk around, shop, eat. There are also other activities such as boat ride, Ferris wheel (maybe 8–10 stories high), so come and hangout more in the area. There are storage lockers at the entrance. Bring $400-1000yen, depending on size. Paying with coins worked best for us. Pro tip 2: Visitors enter in droves every 15 minutes, so the first few exhibits are VERY crowded. The building is built around the main tank in the center of the building which holds giant sharks, stingrays, and whales. The exhibits begin at the top of the tank and spiral downwards so I I suggest you immediately walk past the first 3-5 stations (or floors). Don’t worry you won’t miss too much as there’s still plenty more to enjoy along the little nooks towards the lower floors. There are even benches to sit and watch up against the tank. We planned to spend 1 hour here but ended up enjoying it for 2 hours at a very leisurely pace.

Best aquarium ever. Prebook tickets if possible, or get timed entry tickets at the venue. If you have a waiting time, enjoy delicious food at the Tempozan Market area and maybe do shopping too. Coming to the aquarium, though there is high crowd, it tends to clear very soon and youll get a glimpse of every tank.All tanks are neatly maintained for crystal clear view of the aquatic lifeforms. The central tank is huge and houses multiple types of sharks and the whalesharks (star of the show). We spent 3 hours at the aquarium and 2 hours at the tempozan marketplace. Also, there is a giant ferriswheel nearby for breathtaking view of Osaka port area.

Fascinating! Great collection of various species. Very interesting! We didn't have a reservation, so we had to wait around 1,5h to enter. Good point that you don't have to wait all this time in the queue (they sell tickets for specific time slot and the queue for that is very fast, I think we spent less than 10 minutes to buy the tickets). There is a market nearby(~3 mins by feet) where you can have lunch while waiting. Sometimes it gets a bit crowded inside, especially in front of the aquariums with some interesting kind of fish but if you wait just a bit, you can fully enjoy the view :)

Universal Studios Japan is a wonderful park for both kids and parents. The atmosphere is vibrant and full of energy—the entertainers and staff may look exhausted, but they continuously smile, dance, and greet guests, pouring their energy into the experience. However, the park can get quite crowded. Unless you opt for a VIP pass, expect to wait around 40 minutes for most attractions. As an American theme park located in Japan, the entry fee is about $90, and while many experiences inside are free, you'll need to budget an additional $90 if you want to access the Mario section (which is really aimed at die-hard fans—not necessarily for everyone). Additionally, if you plan to eat, budget around $50 on average for food (one meal). One thing I found disappointing was the lack of affordable costumes or hats. Offering items around $5-$8 for costumes or Mario hats would enhance the park's atmosphere and foster a greater sense of community among visitors. It would also be a nice touch for guests to choose their favorite movie or franchise and receive a corresponding badge. This could create a sense of unity, similar to the houses at Hogwarts, and enrich the overall experience. A highlight of my visit was the mobile app, which conveniently shows wait times for attractions. It's user-friendly and features two mini-games in PWA format—very fun! I believe the park could benefit from even more interactive quests for visitors to enjoy. (For example, searching for objects while traveling in a park to fill out a badge) Overall, I give Universal Studios Japan a 4 out of 5. It would be great to see more affordable souvenirs available to help visitors feel like a part of the studio, as the audience and fans are just as much a part of the movie success as the actors and characters themselves.

WOW. Exceeded expectations!! Tips for a smooth day at USJ: 1. Bring at least one 100 Yen coin for lockers (you’ll get it back). Change machines are available if needed. 2. Arrive early—about 45 minutes before opening—for the rope drop. 3. Hit Flying Dinosaur and the Hollywood rides first before crowds build. 4. Small snacks seem fine to bring in. Pack an empty water bottle to refill throughout the day. NOTE: There are a coiple convenience stores right off the train. 5. Must-do: Nintendo World! Even if just browsing, splurge on the Light-Up Star popcorn purse and a souvenir drink bottle. 6. If budget allows, buy an Express Pass—it makes a huge difference. 7. There's more variety to eat outside of the park, even a Shake Shack! The rest of the park: - Food is fun but mixed—the turkey leg was my standout favorite. - Plenty of characters to meet and endless photo ops. - Transit is simple: just follow the crowds. - The park and all bathrooms are clean spotless, well-organized, and the staff are incredibly warm. They even clap when you return from rides, which adds a joyful touch. Final thought: USJ is a place to enjoy to the fullest—lean into the atmosphere, savor the details, and let the day feel cinematic.

We visited USJ on November 6th (Thursday, weekday) and enjoyed our time there. We purchased express passes for 4 attractions (Flying Dinosaur/Hollywood Dream, Jaws/Jurassic Park, Forbidden Journey, and Mario Kart) and it really saved us time. However, it’s worth mentioning that if you have evening slots for designated zones/attractions, you don’t need to come early like we did. We had a slot for Forbidden Journey at 18:30 and Nintendo World at 20:00, and arrived at the park at 11:00. There was almost no waiting time to enter the park, up to 10 minutes maximum. Honestly, we visited all the interesting attractions with our pass within several hours and were just wandering around waiting for our time slots, even though we stood in a 40-minutes standard queue for Hollywood dream. In our opinion, only these attractions are worth visiting and waiting in queue: Flying Dinosaur, Hollywood Dream, Forbidden Journey (this attraction surprised us a lot!). Mario Kart and Jaws didn’t meet our expectations and honestly can be easily skipped. Also, if you don’t want to pay extra for express passes, you may want to visit popular zones like Nintendo World, Harry Potter and Kong in the evening. At 8pm there were almost no crowds in the Nintendo and Kong zones, and waiting time for attractions without passes was about 20-30 minutes. Though we generally enjoyed our experience, I deducted one star for overpriced food and merch. If you visit the Harry Potter Studio in Tokyo as well, consider purchasing your merch there — it’s way less expensive. Also, I brought my wand purchased at Warner Bros. Studio in Tokyo to the Harry Potter zone to try out some wand interactions, but it only worked with wands purchased at USJ, which felt like a money drain. On the positive side, the park staff were amazing, they were extremely encouraging and created a cheerful mood for our day.

One of the best themeparks in the world, probably better than disneyland too. Would recommend prebooking your tickets a month prior for a weekday.Also, would highly recommend getting the express pass 7 to cover all the high-thrill rides. The park itself is very convinient to travel through and from anywhere in Osaka, thanks to public transport (JR and Subway). Tip - if youre not buying the express pass, head to the park enterance 1 hour before the official opening time so you can access the supernintendo world/donkey kong land for free (else you need a timed ticket which is hard to get)

I had never been to a Universal park before, and I confess I even cried with emotion when I entered. I loved the experience and the immersion in this very whimsical and cool universe. In Super Nintendo World, you truly feel like you are inside the games, and all the staff pays special attention to ensure the experience. We would find an attendant, and because it was Halloween month, we would say 'trick or treat' and receive candy or a sticker. At the end, we went to the customer service center and asked for the stamp, and the lady brought it to us on top of a beautiful red velvet cushion and even gave us a '1st time visiting' sticker. Incredible! The park was not on its busiest day, but even so, the lines were super long (up to 2 hours), but every ride was worth it. Next time, I will definitely buy the Express Pass to be able to enjoy all the attractions calmly. I loved the experience

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Universal Studios Japan is an incredible theme park with amazing attractions, immersive worlds, and some of the best entertainment you’ll find anywhere. The attention to detail in areas like Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is outstanding, and the rides are a perfect mix of fun, thrills, and nostalgia. Crowds can be intense, and waiting times get long—especially for the most popular rides—so buying Express Passes is almost essential if you want to make the most of your day. Food options are fun and thematic, though prices are on the higher side, which is normal for major theme parks. Overall, USJ delivers a fantastic experience full of energy, creativity, and unforgettable moments. Just plan ahead and prepare for long lines.

Beyond the famous rides, what I loved most about USJ were the small details people rarely mention. The staff are incredibly friendly and really stay in character, which adds so much fun to the day. The park is very clean and well-organised, and even the queues are beautifully themed with lots of little details and props to enjoy while waiting. It’s also very family-friendly, with clear signs, helpful crew members, and easy navigation. Even the food stands are well run and thoughtfully themed. Overall, USJ’s attention to detail and amazing staff make the whole experience feel magical from start to finish. Would definitely visit again!

Awesome tourist trap with excellent views and lots of shopping. Bare in mind each block is mostly just the same couple of retailers over and over again The views of the water way is stunning and is a really great place for photo ops. Just beware of the random "characters" hanging around the bridge, the moment you take pics of/with them they will ask for money Try to head there earlier or later in the day as it gets very very busy Memorable experience and definitely somewhere to experience while in Osaka

Dotonbori is a great place to visit, the buildings, the lights, the food, the shops. It’s an attraction you’d want to visit at least once. But, it’s very very busy. You are bombarded with people trying to take photos, and can’t really stand there peacefully just to enjoy the view without trying to not be in other peoples photos. With all the shops, lights and people, it’s pretty overwhelming. And after you do see everything, you’re kind of like, “what now?” With all those cons, I still would recommend visiting. It’s fun, it’s great to visit to say you have been there, and it’s great for photos.

A huge shopping area packed with local restaurants and snack shops. International brands are easily found too. The evening lights are bright and stunning, creating a lively atmosphere. The only downside - it gets super crowded in the evening! Shops closed early at 8pm.

The heart of Osaka’s food and nightlife! Dotonbori is full of life, color, and amazing food! The bright neon lights, giant signboards, and lively atmosphere make it one of the most exciting places to visit in Osaka. You can try all the local specialties like takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and ramen while walking along the canal. Perfect for photos, food trips, and experiencing Osaka’s fun spirit. A must-visit spot both day and night!

Tourist trap.. but there is a ton to see. You don't even really need to spend money. Just soak up the scenery. Lots of shopping here as well as food. Being around the water is the cherry on top. Very crowded, obviously. It's one of those places where you have to visit, but you'll never go back again unless you're a local.

Beautiful at day and I bet it gets even better at night! Lots of 3D and 2D signage to view, many shops to go into and lots of restaurants and cafes. There is also a small riverboat service you can use (for a price, of course)! I loved seeing the Glico running man in person (he's huge) and seeing all the different signs, like for takoyaki and crab legs.

Loved every moment in Dotonbori! The neon lights, bustling streets, and endless food options create an unforgettable experience. From takoyaki to ramen, everything was delicious. It’s busy, lively, and full of character. A perfect place to soak in Osaka’s vibrant energy!

Visited Osaka Castle in autumn and really enjoyed wandering the grounds and crossing the Gokurakubashi Bridge. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful, which made the walk even nicer. From the top, the views of the cityscape were lovely and worth the climb. A nice spot to spend a few hours, though it felt more about the scenery than the exhibits inside.

Osaka Castle is absolutely stunning! The architecture, history, and views from the top are incredible. The surrounding Osaka Castle Park is beautifully maintained, spacious, and perfect for a relaxing walk. The combination of the serene park and the majestic castle makes this one of the most memorable places in Osaka. A must-visit! Also book tickets in advance or right there from Klook and avoid the queues!

Beautiful, but so crowded! Do expect a lot of people during your visit. You can also walk up and enter the castle, but expect a long wait. The grounds are clean and expansive, featuring water, like ponds, and lots of greenery. I really loved looking at this beautiful and historic area! Swing past if you have the time, I reckon dedicate at least an hour to really soak everything in.

Visiting Osaka Castle on a Sunday is definitely worth it, but it gets very crowded. The busiest hours tend to be between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, so the flow of people is constant. If you can buy your tickets in advance, it’s much better (not sure if it’s possible), the line for same-day tickets can take around 30 to 40 minutes, and that’s before starting the walk through the museum up to the top floor. The interior is interesting, with several exhibits on each level, and the view from the top is great, although you’ll be moving along with a lot of visitors. Outside, the castle grounds offer plenty of food options and several souvenir shops. Just note that only one of them is tax-free if you’re planning to purchase gifts. Overall, it’s a beautiful landmark and a good experience as long as you go prepared for the crowds. Tips • ⏰ Avoid 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM if you want fewer crowds. • 🎟️ Buy tickets in advance to skip the long line. • ⏳ Expect 30–40 minutes of queue for same-day entry. • 🏯 The climb to the top is steady but crowded. • 🍡 Plenty of food stalls and small shops around the castle. • 🛍️ Only one souvenir shop is tax-free. • 📸 The top floor offers the best views worth the patience.

Can’t really miss coming to the Castle if you’re in Osaka. It’s beautiful and iconic. I walked from Namba to the Castle and it allowed me to explore different neighbourhoods. I recommend buying tickets online as it can hasten your waiting time a little bit, but you still need to queue. When entering the castle, you have to decide if you go left (to the elevator) or right (the stairs). Take the stairs. They are easy to climb and on each floor you have exhibitions. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed on two of those floors. Also, I found the available bathrooms tiny. Maybe use those near the shops and cafés on your right when entering and facing the castle from the grounds. The souvenir shop has some cute gifts, such as lego-like mini Japanese shops, restaurants and facilities. I bought two for my brother who loves Lego. The views from the top are amazing and I believe it’s even better than at Umeda Sky Building. Also, visit the gardens (200 yen). They are peaceful and although you don’t find beautiful flowers there like in French gardens for example, you can take beautiful pictures of the castle from different perspectives.

Yes the castle was rebuilt in the 1930s, but it remains beautiful. The massive castle walls; however, are not recent and their size took my breath away. How such a massive castle and moat was breached in the war of unification is amazing. Visited on a weekday in November and it was pretty busy, but very manageable. Inside the large European style building there is an excellent historical timeline in English. Wonderful woman working took time to provide in depth explanations. She was an amazing asset for this site.

Impressive outside, so-so inside. That’s my impression of Osaka Castle. After seeing the majestic Nijo Castle in Kyoto, Osaka Castle feels like a bit of a letdown. The inside is a museum and it feels commercialized. The long wait for the elevator also ruins the experience for some. The only thing I really liked is the 8th floor where you can see the Osaka skyline. The surrounding gardens are also beautiful, especially in autumn. Pro-Tip: 1. Buy your ticket in advance online through Klook or Kkday. 2. Do not take the elevator. Use the stairs for the fastest access to the 8th floor.

As one of Japan's most famed landmarks and a symbol of reunification, the construction of the Osaka Castle was built in 1583 and has undergone many restorations throughout the centuries. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks around the vast Osaka Castle Park, which offers breathtaking views, particularly during the cherry blossom period. While it's free to walk around the park, it is paid entry to your main castle tower. Just admiring the castle's grandeur from the ground was enough for us! For those who want to take photos of the castle without swarms of tourists milling around, we recommend taking photos from the side or beyond the moat.

A beautiful place to walk around — spacious, clean, and full of greenery. One thing to note is that the restrooms can be a bit hard to find, so it’s good to plan ahead. Along the paths, you’ll often see students practicing sports and plenty of people jogging, which gives the park a lively and energetic atmosphere. During my visit, there was even a ramen-themed event happening, which was a fun surprise.

The area around Osaka Tower is filled with beautiful gardens and flowering trees. There’s also a pond-like section surrounding the tower, which creates a very scenic atmosphere. It’s a lovely place to visit for both local and international visitors. When I visited during autumn, the trees were especially gorgeous with their seasonal colours. Inside Osaka Tower, you can also enter with a ticket to explore exhibits about the ruler connected to the tower’s history. You can then climb up to the observation deck at the top floor for a stunning view of the surroundings. Overall, I highly recommend visiting this place. It’s a peaceful, beautiful spot that offers both nature and history in one location.

Plan ahead as this place can get really busy. You need to buy a ticket to enter the castle, but the outside view and grounds are amazing. There is a public bus to get back to the entry gate/car park for about $3 AUD if you have exhausted yourself walking around the entire site. It will take some time to see it all and I suggest you set aside a couple of hours to get the best out of your visit.

Cost a bit of money each to visit, but it was well worth the cost. There are several floors of interesting artefacts, videos and informative displays. The view from the top isn't bad either. If you are looking for the touristy stamp, it's down on the bottom floor of the main castle. There is a lift that you can choose to go up in. However, they don't like you using it to come down, unless you are injured or have a disability.

Osaka Castle Park is wide, relaxing, and perfect for a long walk. Beautiful trees, open spaces, and great views of the castle from every angle. It’s the kind of place where you can slow down, take photos, and enjoy the atmosphere away from the noise of the city.

Osaka Castle Park turned out to be much bigger, calmer, and more atmospheric than I expected. Walking alone through its wide, open plazas and shaded paths gave me time to slow down, observe details, and imagine the centuries of stories that once moved through this space. A Park That Feels Like a Living Museum Stepping through the old gates into the park, I was greeted by a blend of stone, greenery, and a surprising sense of openness. The massive walls, the deep moats, and the distant silhouette of the castle rising above the treetops set a strong historical mood right from the start. In one corner, I found the Minami-shikirimon Gate and Taiko-yagura Turret site, marked by a sign explaining their role in dividing the Ninomaru area during the Edo period. The turret once housed a drum used to signal emergency alerts and shift changes for the samurai — a reminder that this peaceful park once operated like a fortified city. Both structures were lost during the Meiji Restoration fire of 1868. Nearby, the towering stone walls showed impressive craftsmanship. Some blocks rose several meters high, fitted with the precision of a jigsaw puzzle. Standing close, I could see rain streaks running down the surfaces, giving the stones a deep reddish-brown tone — as if the castle still carried memories of past storms. The Walk Toward the Main Tower As I approached the main tower, the path opened up into a large plaza full of visitors. From this angle, Osaka Castle looked magnificent — white walls, intricate gold details, and the distinctive green-tiled roofs layered like armor plates. Even under cloudy skies, the structure glowed. People with umbrellas, moving slowly up the slope toward the entrance. The contrast between the bright umbrellas and the dark stone walls felt almost poetic — modern life flowing through an ancient setting. From the wall edges, I could see the moat below, calm and green, circling the fortress like a natural defense line. Across the water were lush trees and glimpses of modern Osaka’s skyline rising behind them — a beautiful layering of past and present. Camphor Tree Planted by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉手植えの楠) One of the most meaningful spots for me was the wide open area where a massive camphor tree stands. According to tradition, this tree was planted personally by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the visionary warlord who unified Japan and built the original Osaka Castle. On that summer afternoon, benches arranged around the tree were filled with families, elderly couples, and tourists resting under its generous shade. Even though the story behind the tree stretches back more than four centuries, its peaceful presence today felt surprisingly warm and comforting. Looking from beneath its branches, the castle tower framed perfectly in the distance — a reminder of Hideyoshi’s ambition and the legacy he left behind. The Modern Echo of History: The Former Military Arsenal Building Nearby stands the striking Miraiza building, a Western-style brick structure that once formed part of the Osaka Castle Military Arsenal. The design looks like an old European fortress, adding another layer to the site’s long military history. Today it houses cafés, food stalls, and souvenir shops — a complete contrast to its original purpose. A Park for Everyone Throughout my walk, I saw joggers, parents pushing strollers, tourists exploring the gates, and people simply sitting quietly under the trees. The wide boulevards and plazas gave the whole area a relaxed, spacious feel. Even with the crowds, it never felt cramped. It’s the kind of park where you can spend an entire day wandering, learning, resting, and people-watching — especially if you’re exploring alone and taking your time. Visiting Osaka Castle Park alone allowed me to appreciate both the historical weight and the everyday beauty of the place. The mix of greenery, architecture, open sky, and ancient stone made the park feel alive with different eras layered on top of one another. It’s more than just a path to the castle — it’s a gateway into Osaka’s soul.

A beautiful and historic temple with incredible ancient architecture, it’s amazing to see structures this old still standing. The grounds are peaceful and well-preserved. That said, the entrance fee is quite expensive compared to other temples, which might be a drawback for some. Still, it’s a special place worth seeing if you’re interested in history.

Horyu-ji Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Japan and home to some of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. The history, architecture, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit in Nara.

I visited Horyuji Temple in the middle of a long weekend. Although I expected it to be crowded, the grounds are spacious and peaceful, allowing me to explore comfortably. Seeing the world’s oldest wooden buildings up close was truly inspiring. There’s a depth and serenity that photos cannot convey—the architecture, the atmosphere, the sound of the wind through the corridors, and even the scent of the wood all create a very special experience. The exhibits were also impressive, with beautifully detailed statues and historical artifacts. The staff were kind and helpful, making it easy to navigate even for first-time visitors. Even during the holiday period, it didn’t feel overwhelmingly busy, making it a pleasant site for families as well. It’s absolutely a must-visit when in Nara. One important note: the entrance fee is cash-only, so be sure to bring cash with you.

It was my university field trip. It was not enjoyable but also packed with historical knowledge experience. The pagoda and temples were built more than 1400 years ago. This history of this place dates back to when before Nara was the capital of Japan in the 6th century. Once you step foot into this historical place, you'd feel as if you've been transported into a different era in time. I wholeheartedly advise everyone to take your time and slowly pace through this place so that you can immerse, feel, and absorb the atmosphere.

Please take half day to this gorgeous temple! We been to Nara twice and visited this temple in our second trip to Nara, we were upset why we didn’t visit here earlier. Once stepping into the gate, we were speechless of how beautiful this temple is! Please don’t miss this place in your trip!

GREAT anciant Buddhist temple in Japan!! Many Buddhist buildings, included oldest Buddhist building in Japan are very impressive. Gilt bronze Buddhist statue of "Sakyamuni Triad" and wooden statue of "Kudara Kannon" are very beautiful!

Hōryūji Temple is a Buddhist temple, constructed shortly after Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Hōryūji Temple is also one of the oldest Buddhist sites in Japan. Even though I have visited numerous temples in Japan over the years, I can discern a distinct atmosphere and unique spiritual essence here and at each temple. They are all distinct. I encourage you to experience it for yourself. If you are interested in wooden architectures, consider adding this location to your list of must-see destinations.