周黛西 's page

Wakayama Electric Railway Kishigawa Line

This 14.3 km long local line connects Wakayama Station and Kishi Station. Originally operated by a major operator, the line was reported to be closed due to long-standing losses. However, thanks to enthusiastic efforts by residents along the line, the local government publicly recruited a successor operator to ensure the continuation of the line, and in 2006 the line was reopened as Wakayama Electric Railway.

• Wakayama
• Trains & Subway

Drawn by a calico cat stationmaster, I came to Idakiso Station (GOTAMA was on duty) and boarded the luxurious cat-themed train to Kishi Station. Kishi Station became famous after the cat stationmaster Tama began serving there. The first cat stationmaster, Tama, who took office in 2007, has since become an angel. The current successor is the fourth-generation Tama, 6TAMA, carrying on the cat stationmaster's adorable image and friendliness.
The station's design also incorporates many cute cat elements. The roof is shaped like cat ears, and the walls feature cat patterns. The overall design is full of childlike charm, with lots of cute cat details inside and outside the station. Travelers who come because of its fame get excited as soon as they step off the train. It truly is a must-visit stop for cat lovers.
The cute and lovable calico cat stationmaster not only raised Kishi Station's profile but also boosted local tourism. With cat-themed decorations and facilities, Kishi Station successfully became a famous Wakayama attraction. It not only revitalized the area but also brought widespread fame to this once sparsely visited station. Kishi Station is more than just a transportation hub; it's also a successful example of using creativity to promote local development. Today, its unique charm and warm atmosphere draw countless visitors who come to experience this little cat station filled with love and endless creativity.
The souvenir shop inside Kishi Station is packed with a dazzling variety of products. Next to Tama Cafe, it is also themed around the legendary cat stationmaster Tama and sells creative Tama merchandise. I wanted to buy every single item and take it home 😆😆.
Across from Kishi Station is Kinokawa City's tourist exchange center, Kirari, which also has a very cute exterior. The second-floor windows look like a pair of adorable doll eyes. Inside is an information center offering travel information and transportation guides, making it easy for visitors to learn about nearby attractions and how to get around.
I fell in love with Wakayama on my first visit. Next, I'll slowly check off the other attractions〜

Byodoin Temple Museum Hoshokan

The museum is located within the premises of the World Heritage site, Byodoin, famous for its magnificent Phoenix Hall (Hou-ou-do) which recreates the Pure Land of Bliss in this world.

• Kyoto
• Museums

My second visit to Byodoin in Uji. Phoenix Hall sits in the middle of Aji Pond, its vermilion structure reflected on the water. It looks impressive from every angle, especially when sunlight makes the golden phoenixes on the roof stand out.
I recommend paying extra to tour the interior of Phoenix Hall. Seeing the golden Amida Buddha up close, surrounded by the variously posed Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, is both solemn and intricate, and truly more awe-inspiring than viewing them from across the pond. Photography isn't allowed, but that lets you focus on the thousand-year-old Buddhist statues and murals before you. The grounds are beautifully maintained, with flowers and trees changing through the seasons. Walking beside the pond in the gentle breeze and looking at Phoenix Hall's reflection naturally slows you down.
Photography is prohibited inside the Hoshokan Museum, so engage all five senses and take it in. The exhibits include the temple bell, Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds, a pair of phoenixes, and the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, an Important Cultural Property. The Praying Bodhisattvas on Clouds are especially memorable. Their poses—flying on clouds, playing music, dancing, and pressing their palms together—symbolize the Pure Land of Bliss.
Overall, Byodoin isn't just a place to see architecture and take pictures. You can also experience the aesthetics and Pure Land faith of the Heian period. If you visit Uji, it's well worth setting aside time to stroll around and appreciate it at a leisurely pace.

JR Central Towers

A building directly connected to the terminal station, consisting of two towers with a height of over 200m. Department stores JR Nagoya Takashimaya, Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel, restaurants, offices, etc. are combined.

• Nagoya
• Commercial Buildings

Nagoya Station brings together transportation, dining, department stores, and specialty shops. Meitetsu, Kintetsu, and JR all converge here, and the surrounding area is packed with high-rises, making it lively and bustling. Besides looking around this time, I also wanted to visit an “old friend”—Nana-chan. She happened to be getting a wardrobe change today and was dressed in a cool outfit. Cool!

Kayanoya

A former soy-sauce storehouse turned specialty ingredients shop. Kayanoya has spent 120 years helping more people enjoy “Washoku”, the world-recognized intangible cultural heritage of Japanese cuisine, with easy to use ingredients.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Miscellaneous Goods

Kayanoya dashi packets are very user-friendly for someone like me who isn't good at cooking. No matter what kind of dish you want to make, just add a dashi packet—even plain water can be transformed into something special.

The Kayanoya on Dazaifu Omotesando offers a limited-edition “Japanese-Style Plum Dashi Packet.” The cute packaging makes it perfect as a gift or for yourself. They also have a limited-edition plum vinegar drink that's refreshing, thirst-quenching, and perfect for cooling off. So good!

Fukusaya Nagasaki main store

Castella, a sponge cake brought to Nagasaki in the mid-16th century along with Nanban trade, quickly became a favorite across Japan thanks to its fluffy deliciousness and high nutritional value. It was particularly embraced by students who came to Nagasaki from all over Japan to study medicine and Dutch studies.

• Nagasaki
• Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

When visiting Kyushu, besides ramen and mentaiko, Fukusaya’s Nagasaki castella is also a classic souvenir many travelers bring home. It may look simple, but each bite has details that keep you coming back for more.

When you open the package, you’re first greeted by a light honey and egg aroma. The cake is neatly precut into ten equal slices. Pick one up, and its soft, slightly moist texture builds anticipation before you even taste it. With a gentle bite, the dense, delicate cake slowly melts on your tongue as the sweet honey and rich egg flavors mingle. The sweetness is noticeable but not cloying, and as you chew, you can also feel the cake’s soft, springy texture.

The real surprise comes in the last bite.

The bottom of Fukusaya’s Nagasaki castella is lined with its famous coarse zarame sugar crystals. As you chew, tiny crunching sounds suddenly emerge from the soft cake. Sometimes the sugar is slightly loose, while other times it has a crisp, grainy texture. The sweetness also becomes more pronounced at this moment, taking the texture from soft and moist to a delicate crunch and creating a layered contrast. Fukusaya saves this surprise for the cake’s final bite.

Pair it with a cup of hot black tea, and the tea’s aroma slightly balances the cake’s sweetness. With coffee, a touch of bitterness complements the honey’s sweetness. Eat slowly and savor each bite, and you’ll find that it isn’t simply a “honey cake.” Its soft, moist, sweet, and slightly crunchy textures come together to create a distinctly Japanese delicacy.

There are different sizes and gift boxes to choose from, and both the original and chocolate flavors have their own character. The chocolate version doesn’t have coarse sugar on the bottom, but the top is generously covered with chopped walnuts and raisins. It’s equally suitable for enjoying yourself or giving as a souvenir.

If you’re planning to take it back to Taiwan, there’s no need to carry the castella around throughout your trip. You can wait and buy it at Fukuoka Airport, saving yourself the trouble of lugging it around while traveling. For travelers, that’s a practical little convenience--a delicious souvenir you can buy at the last minute instead of carrying it from the first day of your trip.