BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 2/27

Kitakaro “Yōsei no Mori”

A masterpiece from a renowned confectioner in Sunagawa, Hokkaido, a region blessed with rich natural surroundings. Each Baumkuchen is baked with meticulous care by skilled pastry chefs, layer by layer, producing an exquisitely moist and luxurious texture.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

Kitakaro's “Yōsei no Mori” has a really unique texture! The outside of the cake has a light buttery aroma, and when you cut into it, the layers are very delicate. It's soft and moist, with a rich milky flavor and a hint of sweetness in every bite. It doesn't feel too heavy at all, and it's just right with a cup of hot tea. I originally tried it simply out of curiosity, but I liked it more and more with every bite. I'll definitely come back to buy it again!

Rokkatei Rokka no Tsuyu

Among Rokkatei’s popular products, Rokka no Tsuyu is perhaps the most enchanting for its jewel-like appeal. Opening the small, flower-patterned tin reveals six colorful types of candy, each resembling a precious gem.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

It was my first time trying Rokkatei's liquor candies. They looked small and delicate, with a subtle liquor aroma and a sweet flavor that felt a little sophisticated. They were quite distinctive. The candies weren't too rich, and the more I ate, the more I could taste the liquor flavor gradually spreading, making me want another one. With Rokkatei's beautiful packaging, they make a great souvenir from a trip to Hokkaido.

Hakodate Snaffle’s “Cheese Omelette”

The name Snaffle’s comes from the phrase “I snaffle therefore I am”-expressing the joy of living through delicious food.

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Snacks

The first time I tried Hakodate Pastry Snaffle's cheesecake, I thought the texture was very unique! Each one is small and delicate, but it's incredibly soft and fluffy when you bite into it. The cheese flavor is rich without being too heavy, and it's smooth with a subtle milky aroma. Every bite slowly melts in your mouth, making it hard to stop eating. I was so happy to try this popular dessert on my trip to Hakodate, and it became one of my most memorable food experiences from the trip!

Silo Observatory

Located on a hill on the western shore of Lake Toya, this scenic spot offers breathtaking panoramic views. From the observatory in the central courtyard, visitors can gaze upon Lake Toya and Nakajima Island floating on its blue surface, as well as the surrounding mountains such as Mt. Usu and Mt. Showa-Shinzan, features shaped by volcanic activity that create a dynamic landscape. It is a popular photo spot, especially renowned for its stunning sunrises and sunsets.

• Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
• Observatories

What impressed me most about the Silo Observatory was the vast and beautiful scenery. From up high, you can enjoy the surrounding natural landscape, with the distant mountains blending into the sky, making you feel especially relaxed. It's very quiet here and not as crowded as busier tourist attractions, so it's perfect for taking your time to enjoy the scenery and take photos. Seeing such beautiful scenery in person made me realize just how charming Hokkaido's nature really is!

Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse - Kanemori Yobutsukan

This shopping mall is located within Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, a popular spot in Hakodate’s Bay Area. The facility’s name traces back to the origins of the red brick warehouses and comes from Kanemori Yobutsukan, a shop opened about 160 years ago by Kumashiro Watanabe, the founder of the Kanemori warehouses, as “a place that sells dreams of foreign lands.”

• Hakodate and Matsumae
• Commercial Buildings

Kanemori Yobutsukan is located within Hakodate's distinctive Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse complex, and as soon as you walk in, you can feel the strong international atmosphere. The red brick buildings and harbor scenery make for beautiful photos. There are many unique little shops inside where you can browse, buy souvenirs, and discover lots of interesting items. I especially enjoyed admiring the historic buildings while shopping. It felt like stepping into a scene from a Japanese movie. On this visit to Kanemori Yobutsukan, I not only found things I liked, but also made some very special travel memories. It made me feel that Hakodate is truly romantic.

Mt. Showa-Shinzan

Showa Shinzan, in Shikotsu-Toya National Park, was once a wheat field that was uplifted by Mount Usu's volcanic eruption in 1943. Showa Shinzan is a volcano that has received worldwide attention for its status as a national special natural monument, one of Japan's top 100 geological sites, a Japanese Geopark, and a UNESCO World Geopark, among other things.

• Lake Toya and Noboribetsu
• Nature Spots

Mt. Showa-Shinzan is a very unique volcano. Seeing its towering shape and reddish-brown rocks in person made me feel that nature is truly fascinating. While walking around and enjoying the scenery, you can see the spectacular traces left by the volcano. It's completely different from the mountains you usually see. This visit left a deep impression on me and gave me an even greater sense of the power of Hokkaido's natural landscape.

Umeda Sky Building / Kuchu Teien Observatory

The 40-story, twin super high-rise was completed in 1993. The two towers are connected on top. In England, it was selected into the “Top 20” list of world buildings as a thrilling skyscraper. The beauty of the building itself is part of its popularity. On the 3rd floor, there is a gate for the elevators to shoot you up to the 35th floor.

• Umeda, Osaka Station, Nakanoshima Area (Kita)
• Observatories

The Umeda Sky Building is one of Osaka's most iconic landmarks, and I was most excited to visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory for the city views. As the elevator climbed higher, the Osaka cityscape became more and more spectacular. From the observatory, you can look out over the densely packed buildings and roads, with a very expansive view. It's especially beautiful in the evening, from daylight to sunset and then the city lights coming on at night. Each time of day has its own charm.

Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market in Minami, the heart of Osaka, is said to have started around 1822 and was approved as an official market by Osaka Prefecture in 1902. The market got the name “Kuromon Market (Black gate market)” because the gate to Enmyoji Temple near the market was black. Since then, it has been loved as Osaka’s favorite kitchen, and it has become a popular tourist attraction these days.

• Shinsaibashi, Namba, Nipponbashi (Minami)
• Shopping Streets

Kuromon Market is a bustling food market in Osaka. As soon as you walk in, you'll see a dazzling array of seafood, meat, fruit, and snacks. The air is filled with the aroma of food, making it hard to resist eating as you explore. On this visit to Kuromon Market, I tried fresh seafood and Osaka specialties, and everything looked so tempting. The market has a lively, energetic atmosphere, and eating while strolling and taking in the street views really made it feel like a trip. By the end, not only were my taste buds satisfied, but I also got a sense of daily life at a local Osaka market. It's well worth adding to an Osaka itinerary.

Himeji City Zoo

Located within the grounds of the World Heritage Site, Himeji Castle, next to the Sannomaru Plaza, is the "Zoo Inside the Castle." Upon entering the zoo and walking straight ahead, you'll come across the red "Shiromi Bashi Bridge," which offers a picturesque view of Himeji Castle over the moat. From the west side of the old elephant house, you can see the castle's main keep reflected upside down on the moat's surface-a unique viewing spot that draws many visitors.

• Hyogo
• Zoos & Aquariums

Himeji City Zoo is next to Himeji Castle and is a great place for a leisurely stroll. On this visit to the zoo, I saw many adorable animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions. It was really interesting to observe them up close. The zoo doesn't feel rushed, so you can watch the animals while enjoying views of Himeji Castle, which feels very special.

Kanmon Straits

Located at the westernmost end of Honshu, separating Yamaguchi Prefecture's Shimonoseki City and Fukuoka Prefecture's Kitakyushu City, it's said to have formed about 6,000 years ago. The name "Kanmon Straits" is derived from the initials of Shimonoseki, historically known as Makan, and Moji, a district in Kitakyushu City.

• Yamaguchi
• Tourist Attractions

The Kanmon Straits are an important waterway connecting Honshu and Kyushu. From near the straits, you can see the cities on both shores and ships passing by, with wide-open views. Being here in person, feeling the sea breeze and admiring the deep blue water was especially pleasant. Watching the ships slowly pass through the straits also gave me a sense of the area's importance in transportation and history. What was most special was being able to take in the scenery of both Yamaguchi and Fukuoka prefectures at the same time, which felt very refreshing.