Linda Liao's Reviews Page 12/93

When visiting Dotonbori in Osaka, it’s hard not to notice the eye-catching Nakaza Cui-daore Building. The most iconic feature on its exterior is Kuidaore Taro, with his mouth open as he beats a drum. This figure was originally a symbol of the Nakaza theater, and after the theater closed, Kuidaore Taro became a classic Dotonbori landmark. Today, the building houses restaurants, shops, and other facilities. If you pass by, consider stopping to take a photo and experience Dotonbori’s lively streetscape filled with Osaka character.

As the Kankakei Ropeway slowly ascended, the scenery before me became more and more spectacular! From high above, you can admire layers of overlapping mountains, unusual rock formations, and the captivating scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. I couldn't help but take out my camera to snap some photos. I can imagine how magical it must look when the maple leaves turn red in the fall. Although the ride was short, the beautiful aerial views left a lasting impression.

While traveling in Japan, I noticed acure vending machines in many subway stations, which was really convenient! It seems like not many people in Japan carry water bottles with them when they go out, and often buy bottled water or other drinks from vending machines when they're thirsty. The drink bottles usually aren't very big, so they're easy to hold or slip into a bag and don't take up much space at all. This culture of having vending machines everywhere also gives you a sense of how thoughtful and convenient daily life in Japan can be!

ecute Shinagawa is located inside Shinagawa Station and brings together a variety of restaurants, sweets, souvenirs, and specialty shops. The space is clean and bright, making shopping very convenient. You can not only enjoy distinctive Japanese food here but also easily shop for souvenirs, giving you a sense of the convenience and refinement of Japanese station shopping centers. If you have enough time during your trip, it's worth taking a good look around.

During cherry blossom season, Osaka Castle Park is filled with soft pink blossoms, attracting large crowds of visitors. The paths are bustling with people taking photos of the spring scenery with their phones or cameras, all with smiles on their faces. Some gather with friends for picnics, while others sit beneath the trees with art supplies, quietly sketching the cherry blossoms and castle scenery before them. Everyone enjoys the brief but beautiful cherry blossom season in their own way.

I stopped by the Shiseido counter at +Q BEAUTY on the 6th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. With the friendly beauty associate's professional guidance, I finally bought the Elixir serum I'd been wanting for a long time. For skin that's beginning to mature, moisturizing, hydrating, and locking in moisture are key concerns. This serum has a rich texture without feeling sticky, and it felt good when I tried it. With the tax-free discount, I was happy to buy it and happy to use it too.

The most striking feature of the Aichi Prefectural Government Office is its unique exterior, which blends Western architecture with traditional Japanese style! The building features the Imperial Crown style, combining Western-style brick construction with a Japanese tiled roof to create a dignified and elegant appearance full of historic charm. The roof design is especially eye-catching, making you want to stop and admire it and take photos. If you’re visiting Nagoya, consider stopping by to experience the appeal of modern Japanese architecture. You can also plan a visit to the nearby Nagoya City Archives.

When I passed by the Ichibankuji shop, I saw the cute Chibi Maruko-chan merchandise and couldn't resist paying to try my luck! I never expected to win a bag. I was so happy—it was a totally unexpected little surprise! The shop also has merchandise featuring many different cartoon characters. If you love collecting, stop by and try your luck when you're in the area〜

Yamatoya Honten is located in the famous Dogo Onsen area of Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, Japan. It's close to Dogo Onsen Honkan, making it very convenient. Staff are always at the entrance to welcome guests, providing very attentive Japanese-style service!

This ryokan has a history of more than 150 years. Inside, there is a hinoki cypress Noh stage called Senjuden, showcasing the beauty of traditional Japanese art. With hot spring baths and seasonal cuisine from the Seto Inland Sea, it's a very nice place to stay.

These freshly made rice balls are on a completely different level from convenience store rice balls! They have a full 1.5 times as much rice, and they don't skimp on the filling either. Every bite is packed with filling, so they're very satisfying! Most importantly, they don't cost much more, making them a great value. No wonder there are always quite a few people lined up to buy them whenever I pass by, especially in the morning. However, the seaweed on freshly made rice balls easily absorbs moisture from the rice, so it isn't as dry and crispy as convenience store seaweed and has a softer texture. That part comes down to personal preference.