BobbyJenny's Reviews Page 38/75

Nagatanien Ochazuke Nori is one of my favorite convenient foods to bring home from Japan. The simple package contains ochazuke seasoning powder, nori, and a few small toppings. Just looking at it gives you a taste of Japanese home cooking.

It’s really easy to prepare. Just make a bowl of steaming white rice, pour the seasoning packet over it, and add hot water. The aroma of the nori gradually spreads, and the whole bowl looks light and appetizing.

I like to add a little salmon, pork floss, or umeboshi for more layers of flavor. The light, savory tea broth goes well with the nori flavor. It isn’t too heavy, which makes it perfect for a simple meal.

When I’m busy or don’t really feel like cooking, I can just grab a packet and quickly make a meal. It’s really convenient! A hot bowl of ochazuke is also especially comforting in cold weather. It’s a small item that’s well worth adding to your Japan shopping list.

If you're traveling around Kyoto on your own and have questions about transportation, attractions, or planning your itinerary, I highly recommend stopping by the Kyoto Tourist Information Center “Kyo-navi” first. It's located near Kyoto Station, making it very convenient for first-time visitors to Kyoto. As soon as you arrive, you'll experience professional and friendly service.

Kyo-navi provides all kinds of Kyoto travel information, including introductions to attractions, transportation options, maps, and various sightseeing brochures. The staff also offer suggestions based on travelers' needs, which is really useful for anyone who isn't sure how to arrange the order of attractions on their itinerary.

What I found most convenient was being able to ask transportation questions directly, such as which line to take to Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or other popular attractions, and where to transfer. Compared with constantly looking things up on your phone, having someone explain everything in person is much clearer and makes it easier to plan your itinerary smoothly.

If it's your first time in Kyoto, or if you suddenly want to adjust your itinerary while traveling on your own, I highly recommend using Kyo-navi as an information stop during your trip. Pick up a map and get clear directions before heading out to explore Kyoto. You'll feel much more at ease throughout your trip and reduce the chances of getting lost or going the wrong way.

Hozenji Meoto Zenzai, next to Hozenji Temple in Osaka, is a historic sweet shop best known for its signature red bean zenzai. The name “Meoto Zenzai” symbolizes a couple together and a happy relationship, so coming here isn’t just about eating dessert—it also represents wishing for happiness, a good match, and harmony in the family.

When served, the zenzai comes in two bowls. The portions don’t look very large, but each bowl contains piping-hot red bean soup and sweet, soft shiratama dumplings. The red bean soup is rich and warming, with just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with the chewy shiratama, it’s very satisfying—simple, but something you won’t get tired of eating.

After visiting Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson, having a serving of Meoto Zenzai felt like a very Osaka experience to me. The surrounding stone-paved alleys are filled with Showa-era charm, and together with the traditional Japanese dessert, the whole atmosphere has a special character. Even if you just sit down for one bowl, you can feel the unique nostalgia of Osaka’s old streets.

Nakamura Tokichi Main Store's Namacha Jelly is a Japanese dessert that's perfect for matcha lovers. It looks simple and refreshing at first, but the flavors and textures are actually quite layered. The clear, green-tinted tea jelly has a light tea aroma and is smooth yet springy. Its cool, refreshing texture is especially enjoyable in hot weather.

What I like most is that it isn't overly sweet or heavy, so you can really taste the matcha's refreshing flavor and subtly sweet finish. The tea jelly itself has a delicate texture, and eating it with red beans, shiratama, or other toppings adds different levels of sweetness and chewiness. Every bite has the delicate quality of a Japanese dessert.

My first impression of Nakamura Tokichi Ginza Store was that it felt very refined. Even though it's located in the bustling Ginza district of Tokyo, you can still strongly feel the atmosphere of Uji matcha from Kyoto. The interior is simple and elegant, and sitting down to enjoy dessert makes you feel as though you've temporarily slowed down and stepped away from the noise of the city.

Of course, what I looked forward to most was the matcha desserts! The matcha aroma is rich, but it isn't just simply bitter. It has a delicate tea fragrance when you taste it, and pairing it with dessert creates layers of flavor. Anyone who loves matcha will be very happy here. You can taste the distinctive, refreshing aroma of Uji matcha in every bite.

I personally really like this combination of tea and dessert. It's sweet but not overwhelming, and a subtle matcha sweetness lingers in your mouth afterward. Besides matcha desserts, the store also sells tea leaves and various gifts. If you like Japanese tea or want to buy some to enjoy slowly at home, you can browse those as well.

Hozenji Yokocho in Osaka is a small alley with a strong Showa-era atmosphere. It's located near lively Dotonbori, but compared with the bustling shopping streets around it, this area feels quieter and more nostalgic. Along the narrow stone-paved path are traditional Japanese restaurants, izakayas, and small shops, giving it the feel of old Osaka.

The most famous spot in the alley is Hozenji Temple's Mizukake Fudo statue. Worshippers pour water over the statue while making a wish, and over time, its surface has become covered in moss, creating a very distinctive green appearance. I thought it was very unusual the first time I saw it and couldn't help stopping to take photos and pray.

I really like the sense of finding peace amid the bustle at Hozenji Yokocho. Even though it's not far from Dotonbori, turning a corner feels like stepping into another time. The stone-paved path, lanterns, and wooden storefronts all come together beautifully. It feels even more atmospheric when the lights come on at night and is a great place for a leisurely stroll.

Yokohama COSMO WORLD is a highly recommended place to stop by when visiting Yokohama Minato Mirai 21. Its most eye-catching attraction is the huge Ferris wheel, Cosmo Clock 21. It really stands out even from a distance, and it's especially beautiful when illuminated at night, making the entire harbor area's night view feel both romantic and lively.

The park actually has much more than just the Ferris wheel. There are all kinds of rides, from thrilling roller coasters to more relaxing attractions. My favorite was the Ferris wheel. As it slowly rises, you can look out over Yokohama Port, the Red Brick Warehouse, and the surrounding cityscape. The view is wide open during the day, while at night you can enjoy all the city lights.

COSMO WORLD's biggest feature is that admission is free and you pay for each ride separately. Even if you don't want to go on many rides, it's still a great place to walk around and take photos. As you make your way around the park, you can see the Ferris wheel, rides, and harbor scenery all blending together, creating a very relaxed atmosphere.

Osaka Takashimaya has long been a popular shopping landmark in the Osaka Namba area. This time, I found the overall atmosphere very comfortable, and everything from the basement food hall to the department store floors was enjoyable to browse. There is a huge variety of brands, so you can buy clothing, skincare products, souvenirs, and household goods all in one place.

My favorite part was the basement food floor. The wide selection of desserts, wagashi, bread, and Japanese souvenirs was almost overwhelming. With all the beautiful packaging and limited-edition items, it’s easy to lose track of time while browsing. It’s also a great place to buy things to bring back and share with people in Taiwan.

Osaka Takashimaya is also in a very convenient location, right next to Namba Station, and it’s easy to reach by Nankai Railway or subway. After shopping at the department store, you can also head over to the Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas. It works well as either a half-day or full-day shopping itinerary.

After this visit, I felt that Osaka Takashimaya is more than just a department store—it’s also a place where you can experience Japanese department store culture. People who especially enjoy food and souvenirs really shouldn’t miss it. The next time I visit Osaka, I’ll want to set aside time to browse at a leisurely pace again!

The GOUTER de ROI French bread rusks are one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when traveling in Japan. After being baked, the golden French bread gives off a rich buttery and bready aroma. It looks simple, but the flavor is very distinctive.

The first thing you notice when you bite into one is the crisp texture, followed by the sweet blend of butter, sugar, and French bread. The rusks are thin and light, quickly melting in your mouth without being too greasy. The sweetness is also just right, making it hard to stop eating one after another.

I think their biggest appeal is the crisp texture and rich aroma without being overly sweet. Anyone who likes French bread or butter cookies will probably enjoy them. The elegant packaging also makes them a great gift and a very presentable souvenir from Japan.

Enjoying them with coffee or tea brings out the buttery aroma even more, and having a few at afternoon tea is especially satisfying. The next time I go to Japan, I'll definitely buy a few more boxes to keep and enjoy slowly!

Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate is one of the souvenirs I highly recommend buying when visiting Hokkaido. It has a rich, smooth chocolate coating with a whole crunchy dried strawberry inside. I thought it was very distinctive the first time I tried it.

When you bite into it, you first taste the rich chocolate, followed by the slightly tart dried strawberry and its natural fruity flavor. The balance of sweet and tart is just right, so it doesn't have only the cloying sweetness of chocolate. The strawberry also retains its crunchy texture, creating an interesting contrast with the smooth chocolate coating.

I think its greatest appeal is how well balanced the sweet and tart flavors are. It's easy to enjoy whether you like chocolate or strawberries. The packaging also has Rokkatei's distinctive style, making it a great souvenir from Hokkaido.