Travel for Life: March 2024

Saturday, March 16, 2024

Soak and Explore: A Relaxing and Rewarding Escape to Lake Toya

Onsen Ryokan with Stunning Lake Views in Hokkaido (YouTube link)

This title paints a picture of a rejuvenating and enriching getaway to Lake Toya in Hokkaido, Japan. Let's delve deeper into what this escape might entail:

Soak:

Natural Hot Springs (Onsen): Lake Toya is renowned for its numerous natural hot springs offering stunning views of the lake or surrounding mountains. Imagine unwinding in steaming hot water, surrounded by nature, and letting your worries melt away.
Relaxing Treatments: Many hotels and resorts around Lake Toya offer traditional Japanese spa treatments like massages and aromatherapy to further enhance your relaxation experience.

Explore:

Scenic Beauty: Lake Toya itself is a breathtaking volcanic caldera lake nestled amidst picturesque mountains. You can enjoy breathtaking views by strolling along the lakefront or taking a scenic boat ride.^[3]
Outdoor Activities: Depending on the season, you can explore the surrounding area through hiking trails, biking excursions, or even winter sports like snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
Cultural Delights: Hokkaido offers a unique blend of Ainu (indigenous people of Hokkaido) and Japanese culture. Visit local museums, historical sites, or try authentic Hokkaido cuisine for a taste of the region's heritage.
Wildlife Watching: Lake Toya is a habitat for various wildlife, including bears (during safe viewing seasons) and birds. You might even be lucky enough to spot some on your explorations.

Saddle Up for Adventure:

In addition to soaking in the serenity of the natural hot springs and exploring the captivating beauty of Lake Toya, your Hokkaido escape can be further enriched by a thrilling horseback riding adventure.

Immerse Yourself in Nature: Embrace the breathtaking scenery of Lake Toya and the surrounding mountains from a unique perspective – on horseback! Imagine trotting through serene forests or traversing gentle slopes with the cool mountain air brushing against your face.
Experience Hokkaido's Landscape: Horseback riding allows you to access areas that might be difficult to reach on foot, offering a more intimate connection with Hokkaido's diverse landscapes.
Suitable for All Levels: Lake Toya offers horse riding experiences catering to riders of all skill sets. Whether you're a seasoned equestrian or a complete beginner, you can enjoy a safe and memorable ride with experienced guides by your side.
Family-Friendly Activity: Horseback riding is a fantastic activity for families with children. It provides a fun and engaging way for everyone to connect with nature and create lasting memories together.

Overall, "Soak and Explore: A Relaxing and Rewarding Escape to Lake Toya, Hokkaido" entices travelers seeking a getaway that combines relaxation, exploration, and cultural immersion in a stunning natural setting.

By incorporating Lake Toya Horse Riding into your "Soak and Explore" escape, you'll add a touch of adventure and create a well-rounded itinerary that caters to relaxation, exploration, and creating unforgettable memories in the heart of Hokkaido.

Visiting active volcanoes in Shikotsu-Toya National Park (YouTube link)

References

Sunday, March 10, 2024

Illuminated Love River: A Journey from Chateau de Chine to Pier-2

The Love River (Ai He⭐) in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, is a picturesque waterway that winds through the heart of the city. As day turns into night, the river transforms into a magical spectacle, especially when illuminated.

Photo Gallery

On a delightful May evening, the 2nd in 2023, I embarked on a stroll from my Kaohsiung hotel to Pier-2 Art Center, following the scenic route along the Love River. The scenic route followed the gentle curves of the Love River, its surface shimmering with the reflections of the awakening city lights. The day's warmth lingered in the air, but a gentle breeze whispered by, carrying the promise of a cool evening. The atmosphere was undeniably romantic, a perfect harmony of light, water, and the city's gentle hum.

Kaohsiung Music Center

Great Harbor Bridge

85 Sky Tower

Great Harbor Bridge

Pier-2 Art Center

Kaohsiung Bridge

A love boat in Love River

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Kasuga-taisha: A World Heritage Site of Beauty and Significance

Kasuga-taisha(春日大社⭐⭐⭐) is more than just a beautiful building; it's a testament to Japan's cultural heritage and spiritual connection with nature. It's a place where history whispers through the trees, and the serene atmosphere invites tranquility and reflection.

Hanging lanterns and Andons in the Setsubun Mantoro Festival (Degueulasse, CC BY 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Key Facts

Location: Kasuga-taisha is nestled among ancient trees in Nara, Japan.
Significance: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it drips with beauty and historical importance.
Shinto Tradition:

Founded in 768 by the Fujiwara clan, it’s a significant Shinto shrine.
Dedicated to the kami (spirits) of Kasuga Mountain.

Architectural Gem:

The shrine complex follows the distinctive Kasuga-zukuri (春日造) style.
Bright red pillars, white walls, and cypress bark roofs define its uniqueness.
The Shikinen Zotai ceremony (式年造替) rebuilds the shrine every 20 years.

Realm of Lanterns:

Over 3,000 stone and bronze lanterns line the path.
Donated by worshippers, they create a mystical atmosphere.
Festivals showcase the shrine bathed in warm lantern glow.

Harmony with Nature:

Surrounded by the Kasugayama Primeval Forest (another UNESCO site).
Towering cedars and cypress trees add to its spiritual aura.

Kasuga Grand Shrine is a magical blend of history, architecture, and nature.

Photo Gallery

Last year, on May 10th, 2023, we arrived by bus and disembarked near the First Torii Gate, as shown in the diagram. It took approximately 20 minutes to walk from there to the Second Torii Gate and the main building. After exploring the main area, we caught a bus from a nearby stop (pictured below) that brought us back to Kintetsu-Nara Station.

Second Torii Gate

Kasuga-taisha main build on the left

金龍神社

Lines 7, 78, 88, and 98 all return to Lines 7, 78, 88, and 98 all return to Kintetsu-Nara Station

References

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Ascending the Keep: A Majestic View from Osaka Castle

Osaka-Castle-cherry-blossom-2018-Luka-Peternel

Cherry Blossom on March 31, 2018 (Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons)

Ascending Osaka Castle’s ⭐⭐keep is like stepping into a time machine, where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Osaka, providing both educational insights and awe-inspiring views.

梅林 Plum Grove on March 18, 2018 (吉田宅浪, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Key Facts

A Historic Landmark: Osaka Castle is a famous castle in Osaka, Japan. It was built a long time ago, in the late 1500s!
Built by a Powerful Leader: A strong warrior named Toyotomi Hideyoshi (豊臣秀吉) built the castle to show off his power and unite Japan.
Cool Architecture: The castle is a mix of Japanese and European styles.
Explore the Castle:

Climb the main tower for amazing views of the city!
Check out the museum inside the tower to learn about the castle's history.
Relax in the Nishinomaru Garden, especially during cherry blossom season.

More to See:

Pay respects to Hideyoshi at the Hōkoku Shrine.
Smell the sweet flowers in the Plum Grove, which boasts over 1,200 plum trees.
Learn about the castle's defenses by seeing the walls and moats.

Photo Gallery

On a beautiful sunny day, May 9th, 2023, we made our way to Osaka Castle from Nara. After arriving at Ōsaka-Uehommachi Station, we fueled up for our exploration with a delicious sushi lunch at a nearby restaurant. With full bellies, we set off for the castle on foot, enjoying a leisurely 30-40 minute walk. While the famous cherry blossoms weren't in bloom during our visit (note that Osaka will likely see its first flowers around March 24, with full bloom predicted for April 1)^[1], the castle grounds still offered stunning views, which you can see in the pictures below.