10/11/2021
Tomochin Uemara
Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today, I’m going to give you all the intel for all of the BEST and not-so-well-known places to hang out in Karakura - if you have a free day off work or school, you should definitely take a break and chill with some of your friends . . . Or even take that one person on a date!
1. The second pier!
If you head over to Karakura’s very own beach and head all the way to the right, you will notice a few piers overlooking the deep deep blue! Whilst the dock itself has plenty of small shops, booths and souvenirs for you to pick from, the pier itself doesn’t get much recognition! Located on the 2nd of all 5 piers, there is a small booth set up by a local fisherman, who bears goods such as fishing supplies and merchandise - local fishermen in Karakura can often be seen selling their catch to the man tending to the stall. As it gets colder, the sea will be raging and arguably just as beautiful as it would be in the summer months - so whether you prefer sitting on the shore or up on top of the wooden deck, you should be able to see ships passing by across the horizon day in day out.
2. Zen Gardens
Sure, this area isn’t as well-hidden or unknown as some of the others on this list, but it’s definitely not visited as often as it should be! The Zen Gardens, located just a little bit behind the back of the school towards the tunnel are a beautiful and natural place to hang out with friends, a special someone or even for a photoshoot. They encapsulate the traditional side of Karakura, with older-fashioned Japanese buildings surrounded by most definitely enchanting Cherry Blossom trees. The surface area of the gardens is pretty big, and they stretch out just far enough for you to have a walk around and really take in the scenery. They are arguably even prettier in the night-time, thanks to the conveniently placed lighting surrounding the paths.
3. Monastery Onsen
Everybody is familiar with the monastery, and the infamous bridge which has held celebrations just like the new years festival and the meteor shower. However, not many people can be seen at it’s very own Onsen just to the right, or the left if you are facing this bridge! Simply climb up the steps to the bridge (make sure to cleanse your hands, let’s all be respectful!) and cross. Instead of turning as usual, going straight forward will result in you meeting the mouth of the hot spring baths. The interior of the building is absolutely exceptional, with a relaxing surrounding of deep brown wood and blue-green and red accents! There is an indoor unisex bathing room, along with separate gendered bathing rooms depending on what your comfort zone is! The water stretches outdoors, being constantly overlooked by high mountains. Magnificent!
4. Family store
Our final one! Yet again, not necessarily unknown - but rather underrated! The family store has a cute outdoor seating area along with being an easy access convenience store where you can pick up various assortments of snack, drink and stationary! You can even pick up the daily newspapers or get a hot coffee to go! Beside the store are various chalk games drawn out on the floor, and you can sometimes see children playing together out there in the summer. Regardless what time of year it is, the family store is perfect to hang out by since it’s pretty much close to everything!
1. The second pier!
If you head over to Karakura’s very own beach and head all the way to the right, you will notice a few piers overlooking the deep deep blue! Whilst the dock itself has plenty of small shops, booths and souvenirs for you to pick from, the pier itself doesn’t get much recognition! Located on the 2nd of all 5 piers, there is a small booth set up by a local fisherman, who bears goods such as fishing supplies and merchandise - local fishermen in Karakura can often be seen selling their catch to the man tending to the stall. As it gets colder, the sea will be raging and arguably just as beautiful as it would be in the summer months - so whether you prefer sitting on the shore or up on top of the wooden deck, you should be able to see ships passing by across the horizon day in day out.
2. Zen Gardens
Sure, this area isn’t as well-hidden or unknown as some of the others on this list, but it’s definitely not visited as often as it should be! The Zen Gardens, located just a little bit behind the back of the school towards the tunnel are a beautiful and natural place to hang out with friends, a special someone or even for a photoshoot. They encapsulate the traditional side of Karakura, with older-fashioned Japanese buildings surrounded by most definitely enchanting Cherry Blossom trees. The surface area of the gardens is pretty big, and they stretch out just far enough for you to have a walk around and really take in the scenery. They are arguably even prettier in the night-time, thanks to the conveniently placed lighting surrounding the paths.
3. Monastery Onsen
Everybody is familiar with the monastery, and the infamous bridge which has held celebrations just like the new years festival and the meteor shower. However, not many people can be seen at it’s very own Onsen just to the right, or the left if you are facing this bridge! Simply climb up the steps to the bridge (make sure to cleanse your hands, let’s all be respectful!) and cross. Instead of turning as usual, going straight forward will result in you meeting the mouth of the hot spring baths. The interior of the building is absolutely exceptional, with a relaxing surrounding of deep brown wood and blue-green and red accents! There is an indoor unisex bathing room, along with separate gendered bathing rooms depending on what your comfort zone is! The water stretches outdoors, being constantly overlooked by high mountains. Magnificent!
4. Family store
Our final one! Yet again, not necessarily unknown - but rather underrated! The family store has a cute outdoor seating area along with being an easy access convenience store where you can pick up various assortments of snack, drink and stationary! You can even pick up the daily newspapers or get a hot coffee to go! Beside the store are various chalk games drawn out on the floor, and you can sometimes see children playing together out there in the summer. Regardless what time of year it is, the family store is perfect to hang out by since it’s pretty much close to everything!
