Hori Toshio 's page

Akita Nagaya Sakaba

Just a 3-minute walk from JR Akita Station, Akita Nagaya Sakaba is an izakaya where you can enjoy Akita's local cuisine and regional sake all at once. Its exterior, decorated with giant red and blue Namahage masks, makes it easy to spot. Locals also love it as a place to experience Akita's traditional Namahage culture.

• Akita
• Izakaya

This place was satisfying enough in both the food and entertainment that it made me think, “I’m really glad this was my first dinner in Akita.”
I recommend coming after 7:00 PM so you can catch the 8:00 PM Namahage performance.
It’s also best to make a reservation.

MOL Sunflower (Kansai–Beppu Route)

The new Sunflower ferries Sunflower Kurenai and Sunflower Murasaki, which began service in 2023, connect Osaka and Beppu with overnight journeys departing in the evening and arriving the following morning. The trip itself becomes a highlight of your journey, offering a luxurious and relaxing experience.

• Osaka
• Oita
• Ships

It felt like riding in a moving hotel lounge.

The lobby goes from the 6th to 8th floors, so the space feels really open and you can relax and take your time.
The sleeping area is like a capsule hotel, so you still have privacy and can get a good night’s sleep.

There is a bit of rocking while the ship is sailing at night, so if you’re sensitive to movement, it might be a little hard to sleep.

Onboard Wi‑Fi has a limit on how many times you can connect, so if you want to watch videos or listen to music on the ship, I recommend downloading everything in advance.

Uncle Rikuro’s Freshly Baked Cheesecake

Uncle Rikurou's freshly baked cheesecake" has been famous in the local market since 1984 for its fluffy texture and delicious taste. Since then, its reputation has spread nationwide, and it is now known as Osaka's famous confectionery.

• Osaka
• Snacks

This is the kind of cake you should definitely buy locally and share with everyone. The value is honestly amazing—just JPY 765 for this size and flavor!

That said, it's pretty big and bulky, so it's not the best choice to carry home as a souvenir.
It's so delicious, though, that you'll want to find a way to share it...

Well, good news! You can order it online!

Definitely take advantage of that option!

Hirokazuya Higashidori Store

Located on the south side of the bustling Hankyu Higashidori Shopping Street in the Umeda area, this restaurant operates daily until 5 a.m. The first floor features counter seats, while the second floor accommodates both small and large groups with table seating. Each seat has its own griddle, allowing patrons to enjoy the fresh-off-the-griddle taste until the very last bite.

• Osaka
• Japanese Cuisine

Out of all the okonomiyaki spots, Hirokazuya Higashidori Store is a sure bet.

It's open until 5 a.m., so it's perfect if you want to hang out until the first train.

I always recommend this place to first-time visitors to Osaka—not just for the long hours, but also for the great taste and value!

My top picks are the deluxe okonomiyaki and yakisoba. Both are loaded with ingredients, and if you order separately and share, you'll be totally satisfied.

Personally, I also recommend trying some off-menu tweaks, like turning the yakisoba into omusoba or swapping beef for tendon. Give it a shot!

Shiroi Koibito

Everyone in Japan knows Hokkaido’s sweets, “Shiroi Koibito.” Ishiya Co., Ltd.was an ordinary candy maker to begin with, but utilizing quality ingredients in Hokkaido changed them into the producer of the classic dessert. More than 40 years passed since its beginning, but it is still the beloved souvenir of Hokkaido to this day.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

When it comes to Hokkaido souvenirs, Shiroi Koibito is the only choice!
And the reasons are simple:

Super famous, delicious, and available everywhere.

That's all you need!

Don't say, "I don't want to bring back a souvenir everyone already knows about!"

From the moment you set foot in Sapporo, your memories become the real souvenir.

So even if you forget to buy gifts for friends or coworkers, you can easily pick some up at your hotel. No worries!

It's so well-known, and nobody will ever be disappointed to receive it.