I’d like to share some photos from places I’ve traveled to over the past few years, and have chosen some of my favorite landscapes from my travels.
Kegon Falls, Nikko City, Tochigi Prefecture
The photo was taken poorly, so Kegon Falls appears small in the picture. This is the area around Lake Chuzenji during the autumn foliage season.On this trip, we visited Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Nikko Saru Gundan.
I also have photos taken closer to the falls, but when you take photos up close, it’s hard to tell which waterfall it is.We drove around by car, and were happy to be able to drive up the famous Irohazaka slope.
I think the photos would have been better if the weather had been better, but I think these are good as they are.
External link: Nikko Toshogu Shrine Website
I don’t think I need to introduce it here, but this is a shrine dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu.
I’ve actually been there three times. My wife and I love the atmosphere of the shrine, which blends in with the forest.The children were happy to find things they learned at school, like the “Sleeping Cat” and the “Three Monkeys.” I can see why.
External link: Monkey Land “Nikko Monkey Army”
Although the site was smaller than expected, we enjoyed monkey soccer, plays, musicals, and other performances that were a little different from the monkey shows you see at tourist spots. For some reason, the children were staring at the “Monkey Mountain” the whole time. Maybe it was because the little monkeys were playing there?
External link: Nikko City Official Tourism Website: Irohazaka
It’s advertised as “a spectacular driving course with 48 curves.”
48 curves, spectacular views. Yes, that’s true. Indeed. As the driver, I wasn’t able to enjoy the scenery, but with the continuous steep curves, the views must have been quite good.But can it really be called a “driving course”? It’s certainly a road on which to drive, and the views are (supposedly) good, so there’s little to deny it, but for the average driver, the steep inclines and sharp curves made it quite a nerve-wracking course.
Tojinbo, Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture
This photo of Tojinbo was taken on a very fine day.
The cliffs that are so typical of Tojinbo would look more rugged if photographed from a different angle, but I’m a bit of a scaredy person and didn’t dare go down, so I just looked at it from above with the kids.
You can see the steep cliffs and, in the distance, Oshima, which resembles Enoshima.
The beautiful blue sky and the deep colour of the sea are lovely, so this is one of my favourite photos.
External link Fukui.com Tojinbo
The view was as amazing as rumored.However, there was one disappointing thing.That was the food. My travel plans had gone awry, and it was because I went on a Sunday.
I had planned to enjoy a meal full of seafood, but apparently they can’t procure seafood on Sundays, so the menu was greatly reduced.If you want to enjoy a meal, it’s probably best to make an effort to go on a weekday.The coffee shop and sweets were open as usual, so although they couldn’t serve fresh seafood, I was able to enjoy grilled squid and grilled turban shells.
Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture
This is Kumamoto Castle when the castle tower was being restored after the Kumamoto earthquake.
At the time, it was said that the restoration would take 30 years, and as of December 2024, restoration work is still ongoing, but thanks to donations and encouragement from all over the country, and the passion of local people, the restoration of the castle tower was completed in just a few years. Although restoration of some areas, such as Ninomaru, has been put on the back burner, it was a thrill to see Kumamoto Castle, one of the symbols of Kumamoto Prefecture, restored to its original state.
This is my favorite photo as it reminds me of the passion of Kumamoto Prefecture at that time.
External link: Kumamoto Castle Management Center Recovery Status [Official] Kumamoto Castle
Looking at it this way, it seems that the restoration work still has a long way to go.
However, we can also look at it positively, as the collapse will likely lead to new discoveries, and the skills learned in the process of completing the restoration will likely be put to use at other castles around the country.
Ogi Park, Ogi City, Saga Prefecture
Ogi Park is a famous local spot for its cherry blossoms.Since it was once a castle, there are remains of the castle grounds and a historic shrine, but there are also tennis courts, a sports field, and playground equipment for children.
This is a photo taken in the park at dusk.I like the contrast between the brightness of the sky as the sun sets and the dark landscape as the sun sets.
External link: Ogi City Tourism Association Ogi Park
It seems that the scenery is completely different during cherry blossom season.In this photo, you can see the beautifully maintained stone pavement and torii gates.
Universal Studios Japan, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
This is the view when we entered the park early using the Early Park In option.Combined with the good weather, it made for a beautiful photo.Some of you may have guessed that there were not many people around, and everyone was facing the same direction.
It’s a Harry Potter attraction building, and whether you look at it from a distance or up close, you can see how much effort has gone into its construction, which blew me away. I feel like I understand part of the reason why USJ is so popular.
There are some similar feelings at Tokyo DisneySea, but I don’t think it’s often presented like this.Don’t look behind the scenes.
Oshino Hakkai, Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi Prefecture
I live in Kanagawa Prefecture, so when I drive through neighboring prefectures, I feel Mount Fuji’s presence everywhere.I took this photo in May, but there is still snow left, which creates a nice atmosphere.
External link: Lake Yamanaka Information: Oshino Hakkai
Not only is the view of Mt. Fuji amazing, but Oshino Hakkai is also a “town of water” with clear spring water.I didn’t have time to try the famous soba noodles, but I hope to return someday.
Ishigakiyama Ichiyajo Historical Park, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture
How about a view of Sagami Bay from the top of the mountain?
With Odawara Castle right in front of you, it’s no wonder that this is the place where a castle was built to be used in the siege of Odawara.It really is a beautiful view.
External link: Odawara City Tourism Association Ishigakiyama Ichiyajo Castle
External link Grand Patissier Yoroizuka Farm
The reason my wife chose this destination was… “Yoroizuka Farm.”
It looks like it’s integrated with the roadside station, but it’s a shop that’s extremely famous for its sweets.
The cake was indeed delicious, and so was the bread.You can blame me for not being able to describe it well.
Tesla coil at Nagoya City Science Museum, Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and Piyorin
Well, this isn’t a landscape, but…
It’s a photo of electricity being emitted from a huge static electricity generating device called a Tesla coil.It can’t compare to the beauty of lightning, but I think it’s pretty in its own way.
External link: Nagoya City Science Museum Discharge Lab
This is a large science museum located near the center of Nagoya city.
There are all kinds of experimental equipment and exhibits, and as I love these sorts of things, I had a lot of fun going there with my children.I believe that the impact of these experiments will spark an interest in science in children, as I want to turn children into science-minded people.
External link: Nagoya’s new specialty sweets, Piyorin
And then there’s the mascot Bali-san… no, it’s “Piyorin.”
This is the pudding that my wife and daughter, looking at the tourist guide before our trip, insisted we “must buy!”
The photo shows it in normal mode. I recall that there were also chocolate and strawberry flavors, but it seems that there are now even more varieties.
It’s so adorable it’s a shame to eat it, but is it a good dessert?
Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
I stopped here on an early morning walk during my trip to Kyoto, so I was the only one in my family who came here.The vast grounds were lined with well-maintained trees, and I felt their beauty.I wanted to capture the vastness and beauty in a photo, but this is the limit of what I could do with my skills and my iPhone SE.
Nakasu, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture
This photo was taken when I visited in December 2023.
The whole area was decorated with illuminations, and I thought it was so beautiful.This photo doesn’t come close to the same beauty, but I hope you can fill in the gaps with your imagination.
What I think when I compare these photos
The scenery at our travel destinations was not only beautiful, but it also brought back memories of trips with our family, so perhaps it feels even more beautiful than it appears.
We used long holidays like Golden Week to go to all kinds of places with our family, and I think we’ll continue to do so in the future. Mainly by car.
I love traveling by car.Before we travel, we decide as a family where to go, but even if we stray from the planned route, we’re free to go to anywhere that catches our eye along the way. And if we play too much and run out of time, I can make up for it by driving in the middle of the night.
Those kinds of events are part of my fond memories, too.
