Goryokaku's Star Unveiled: Panoramic Views from the Top
Experiencing Goryokaku ⭐⭐⭐amidst the cherry blossoms’ peak from late April to early May is truly memorable. Picture being encircled by a sea of over 1,600 Yoshino cherry trees, their gentle pink blossoms draping above you like a floral tapestry. Goryokaku’s star-shaped fort transforms into a bastion of blooms, with the flowers tracing the moat’s contour and the fort’s angular tips. The fort’s celestial design offers an unparalleled spectacle. Strolling along its edges, you witness an evolving floral landscape, with each step revealing a fresh view of the blossoming splendor.
A Bird's-Eye View of Goryokaku's Cherry Blossom Paradise (1 of 2; YouTube link)
A Bird's-Eye View of Goryokaku's Cherry Blossom Paradise (2 of 2; YouTube link)
Photo Gallery
On April 21st, 2024, I visited Goryokaku to see the cherry blossoms. I was amazed by the scale of the floral tapestry. Arriving early in the morning, I strolled around the perimeter. Many locals were already jogging or walking, some with their dogs. Later, I walked inside the moat and visited some historical buildings there. From various angles, the Goryokaku Tower appeared high above, standing tall against the sky.
After the tower opened, I followed the crowd queuing on the ground floor. Tour groups entered the elevator in a separate line. Though crowded at the top level, I managed to secure vantage points for a good view down onto Goryokaku. The star-shaped design of the fort creates a unique viewing experience.
Near Goryokaku Tower: A Daytime Canvas Awaiting Night's Illuminated Blossoms (noted the lanterns hung on the trees)
A Blossoming Fortress: Goryokaku Tower Amidst Cherry Trees and Moat
A Quiet Day in a Berlin Park, 1933 In the early 1930s, Takehisa Yumeji's studio became a hub for artists, inspiring ventures like the Mt. Haruna Art Research Institute. In 1931, Yumeji began a journey to the United States and Europe, supported by exhibitions of his work. While in the U.S. for 16 months, he continued to paint, creating pieces like Nude on the West Coast. Afterward, Yumeji taught in Berlin until the school was closed by the Nazis. He returned to Japan in 1933, his overseas experiences shaping his final works. His last exhibition was held in Taipei that year. Yumeji passed away from tuberculosis in 1934, leaving behind a legacy of beauty and cultural exchange. Read more: Prints in Collection—Takehisa Yumeji (1884-1934) Kuronosuke 黒の助: a Legacy Little Black Cat (YouTube link ) Photo Gallery The Yumeji Art Museum in Okayama exhibits many black cat paintings because the artist, Yumeji Takehisa , frequently featured them in his work, particularly in his bij...
Hagi City , Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its maritime and historical significance, particularly from the Edo period and Meiji Restoration . This coastal town captivates with its well-preserved samurai districts, pine-lined roads, clear waterways, and serene ambiance, evoking a nostalgic journey back in time. Historical figures like Yoshida Shoin and Shinsaku Takasugi shaped its legacy. Cycling, boat trips, temple visits, and local specialties like summer tangerines and Hagi ware highlight Hagi’s charm. Hidden gems like Tokoji Temple make it a must-visit for an authentic, enriching experience. Japan’s Timeless Beauty – 2 Days in Hagi, a World Heritage Town (YouTube link ) Things to Do Boat Trip: A 40-minute sightseeing boat tour provides a unique perspective of Hagi, with reflections on the town’s historical significance during the ride. Bicycle Rental: You can rent a bike at the station, which is a recommended way to explore Hagi. C...
This is a passageway leading to Nankai-Namba Station. Be aware that underground passages in Japan can be quite complex for visitors. When you arrive at Kansai International Airport (symbol: KIX) and try to reach your destinations via trains, sometimes you need to make connections at Namba Station (see Fig. 2). Namba Station is one of the main connection points (the other two are Umeda and Tennoji Stations). But, Namba Station actually means 4 different stations on Google map (see Fig. 3&4) : Namba Station (Subway): This station provides access to the Osaka Metro lines: Midosuji (see Fig. 4), Sennichimae , and Yotsubashi . These lines can take you to popular destinations like Osaka Station, Koreatown, Honmachi, and Nippombashi. JR-Namba Station: This smaller station has only four tracks and two platforms. It's located within the Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) building, and the entrance can be easy to miss. Thankfully, it's connected to the ...
