Hori Toshio's Reviews

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.

New Chitose Airport

This is the largest airport in Hokkaido which spans Chitose and Tomakomai Cities. With the excellent access to the cities, it is called the aerial gate to Hokkaido. On the two 3000m-long runways, international aircrafts take off and land 24 hours a day.

• Chitose and Tomakomai
• Airplanes & Airport

When you arrive, you'll probably head straight to your hotel, but on your way back, you should definitely take time to enjoy New Chitose Airport.

If your flight is in the early afternoon or at an odd time, I recommend checking out of your hotel early and spending time at the airport.

There are tons of souvenir shops and gourmet spots inside, so just choosing where to eat or shop is a lot of fun.
Plus, there's the New Chitose Airport Theater, so you can even watch a movie before your flight. Only here and Midland Cinema at Nagoya Airport have theaters inside the airport!

There are plenty of seats and spacious waiting areas, and the free Wi-Fi makes it easy to get some work done.

If you wake up early, it's way better to head to the airport than wait around at your hotel. You'll be glad you did—it's a fantastic airport!

Jingisukan Daruma Main branch

"Jingisukan Daruma Honten" opened in 1954. Jingisukan is a phonetic spelling of Genghis Khan, and Daruma's Jingisukan has also come to be known as Susukino's specialty. The restaurant is open daily with the goal of remaining unchanged for those who come to enjoy the taste of this long-established restaurant.

• Sapporo
• Meat Dishes

If you're in Sapporo, Jingisukan Daruma Main branch is a must-visit.
It's just a 3-minute walk from Susukino Station, so access is super convenient.
Just be careful not to follow any touts along the way, since the area has a lot of flashy places!

It's a popular spot, so expect to wait in line. If you can, try to get there right when it opens in the evening.

The setup makes it easy for solo diners, too. You order and get your food over the counter.

If you order the basic Jingisukan, you'll get thick-cut onions by default.
The grilled meat and onions look so good, you'll want to snap a photo for sure.
The simple combo of meat, onions, and their special sauce will have you thinking, "Yeah, this is exactly what I wanted."

If you made it all the way here, just Jingisukan probably won't be enough!
Order some premium meat, too. Jingisukan & premium meat (or fillet) with rice comes to just over JPY 3,000.
For a solo yakiniku dinner, that's a great deal and you'll definitely leave satisfied.

After your trip, you might even want to try recreating the Daruma experience at home with some onions and meat—just for fun!