BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 34/76

At Moji Port, the first thing that caught my eye was the exotic-looking Former Osaka Shosen Building! The orange-yellow exterior and octagonal tower give it a very distinctive appearance, making it stand out in the Mojiko Retro district.

This building was constructed during the Taisho era and was once the Moji branch of Osaka Shosen. Moji Port was an important international trading port at the time, so many traces of the port city's development remain here. Visiting now feels like stepping back in time.

I especially enjoyed taking photos from the street. The historic building against the harbor scenery of Moji Port creates an atmosphere like a small European town. When the weather is nice, the blue sky and orange building look really beautiful in photos.

On a trip to Kyushu, of course you can't miss the famous Yufuin Onsen! Yufuin is surrounded by mountain scenery, and the streets have the relaxed atmosphere unique to a hot spring town. Just walking around naturally makes you slow down.

What I like most about Yufuin is how the hot springs blend with the natural scenery, with the majestic Mt. Yufu visible in the distance. When the weather is cooler, you can also see light steam around the streets and hot spring inns, giving the whole scene the feel of a Japanese hot spring town.

Besides soaking in the hot springs, I also explored Yunotsubo Kaido, eating snacks and buying souvenirs along the way before taking a walk near Lake Kinrin. Strolling and stopping whenever I wanted, without packing the schedule too tightly, made it easier to enjoy Yufuin's comfortable, laid-back atmosphere.

You have to explore Yunotsubo Kaido when visiting Yufuin! The entire street is filled with Japanese-style shops, dessert shops, and souvenirs, and browsing as you walk really makes it feel like you're traveling. This time, I didn't plan to eat at any particular place. I just bought whatever looked good, which actually made it more fun.

While shopping, I bought some freshly fried chicken. The outside was crispy, and it smelled so good while it was hot. It was just right after getting tired from walking. Browsing the shops while slowly eating a snack is exactly the pace of a stroll through Yufuin.

I also bought dorayaki. The soft pancakes and sweet filling made it perfect for an afternoon snack.

While in Yufuin, I made a special trip to Sagiridai Observatory to see the scenery! Located on the mountain road from Yufuin to Beppu, it's a popular viewpoint for seeing the Yufuin Basin and Mt. Yufu. Looking down from above, the view of Yufuin surrounded by mountains is very beautiful.

When the weather is clear, you can clearly see the majestic shape of Mt. Yufu, while the townscape of Yufuin lies quietly scattered throughout the valley in the distance. Mist sometimes appears between the mountains, especially in the morning or when the weather is cooler, which makes the name “Sagiridai” feel especially evocative.

This time, I wasn't in any particular rush. I just stopped to enjoy the mountain breeze, take photos, and admire the natural scenery in front of me. Compared with the lively Yunotsubo Kaido in Yufuin, this place feels quieter and more open.

In Kamakura, what I was looking forward to most was visiting the iconic scene from Slam Dunk! I took the Enoden to Kamakurakoko-mae Station, and seeing the familiar railroad crossing and Shonan coast really felt like stepping into a scene from the manga.

Especially with the railroad tracks and ocean view beside the crossing, along with the Enoden slowly passing by, images of Shohoku High School and Hanamichi Sakuragi immediately came to mind. Although the actual location is still a little different from the anime, the youthful, passionate, and slightly nostalgic atmosphere is really strong.

This is also a must-visit place in Kamakura for many Slam Dunk fans. There were lots of visitors waiting for the train to pass and taking photos with their phones. Finding that familiar angle and taking a photo really made this Kamakura trip feel worthwhile!

In Shibuya, Tokyo, of course you can't miss the eye-catching SCRAMBLE SQUARE! It's right next to Shibuya Station, so it's very convenient to get to. The entire building combines shopping, dining, and entertainment, so if you want to shop, you can definitely plan to spend plenty of time here.

It has everything from clothing, household goods, and cosmetics to restaurants. There are many floors, each with different brands to browse at your own pace. When you get tired from shopping, sitting down at a cafe to rest and look out at the Shibuya streetscape also gives you that feeling of being on a trip.

What I was looking forward to most was SHIBUYA SKY on the rooftop, where you can enjoy views of central Tokyo from high above. When the weather is good, the view is very open. Looking down at Shibuya Crossing and the densely packed streets from above really makes you realize how huge Tokyo is!

If shopping is part of your plans in Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, I highly recommend adding Queen's Square Yokohama! The entire mall is very spacious and has everything from clothing and general merchandise to restaurants and household goods. It's comfortable to walk around and doesn't feel overly crowded.

One of its best features is its convenient location, connecting Sakuragicho Station and Minatomirai Station. Nearby attractions include Landmark Tower, MARK IS, and the Yokohama Museum of Art, so you can combine it with the rest of the Minato Mirai area and shop, eat, and enjoy the scenery all at once.

I really like the bright, modern atmosphere here. As you walk through the mall, you can occasionally look up and see the beautiful architectural space. When you get tired from shopping, you can also find a cafe to rest in, so there's no need to rush your schedule.

If you're visiting Yokohama Minato Mirai 21, I think Queen's Square is a great place to stop for a break, a meal, and some shopping.

If you're driving around Okinawa, Kaichu Road is definitely a worthwhile route to include! Although its name means “undersea road,” it isn't actually underwater. It's a road over the sea connecting Okinawa's main island with the Katsuren Peninsula and the Henza Island area, with endless blue ocean views along the way.

What I liked most was having the ocean on both sides while driving. When the weather is good, the water is a beautiful blue-green color, and the view is very open. With no tall buildings blocking the scenery, the entire drive feels especially pleasant and has Okinawa's distinctive resort atmosphere.

You can also find a place to stop along the way to take photos and look at the ocean. Standing by the sea with the wind blowing really makes you want to slow down. Compared with simply rushing from one attraction to another, I think a trip where you enjoy the scenery along the way actually feels more like traveling.

This time, I stopped by Échiré Pâtisserie au Beurre at Tokyu Food Show Edge, and when I saw the Échiré cookies, I couldn't resist buying a box! Échiré is known for its French cultured butter, and even the packaging feels high-quality. It also makes a beautiful gift.

The first thing you notice when you bite into the cookies is the rich buttery aroma. The crumbly texture has a subtle saltiness, and the more you eat, the more you can taste the cultured butter, so they aren't simply sweet. People who like butter cookies will probably really enjoy this rich flavor.

I think they're best paired with coffee or black tea. A bite of cookie, then a sip of tea—the buttery aroma slowly spreads through your mouth, giving it a real afternoon tea feel. Since the butter flavor is fairly rich, just a few cookies are very satisfying.

When shopping in Kyoto, the EDION Kyoto Kawaramachi Main Store is also a great place to stop by! The store is spacious and carries everything from home appliances and electronics to beauty appliances, cosmetics, medicine, and household goods, making it convenient to buy Japanese souvenirs or daily necessities all at once.

What I found most interesting was the wide selection of Japanese appliances. You can take your time comparing hair dryers, beauty devices, rice cookers, and all kinds of small appliances. Anyone who likes Japanese electronics or appliances will probably have a great time browsing here.

Kawaramachi itself is a bustling shopping district in Kyoto, so after visiting the shopping arcades, Nishiki Market, or nearby attractions, you can stop by EDION to stock up. Tax-free shopping is also quite convenient for international visitors, but remember to check the tax-free rules for that day before making a purchase.