Linda Liao's Reviews Page 14/93

This extremely popular Japanese nori furikake is the perfect match for white rice! Sprinkle it over a bowl of piping-hot rice, and the aroma of nori immediately fills the air. It's savory and keeps you coming back for more, making even a simple meal satisfying. It's especially good in the summer when you don't have much of an appetite, helping you eat a few more bites. For a different way to enjoy it, you can add hot dashi to make Japanese-style chazuke. It's light yet full of flavor, and the price is very affordable.

“Mio” is an extremely popular sparkling sake in Japan. Even the bottle itself looks refreshing and stylish! It has subtle grape- and apple-like aromas, with a sweet taste, mild acidity, and fine bubbles that make it refreshing, smooth, and not too heavy. At around 5% alcohol, it’s easier to drink than regular sake, so even people who don’t usually drink much can enjoy it easily. It tastes even better chilled, like a slightly boozy sparkling fruit drink. It’s great for yourself or as a gift!

Dassai “Junmai Daiginjo 45” is a sake that many older relatives specifically ask people to buy for them in Japan! It has subtle apple and melon aromas, with a smooth taste and a touch of natural sweetness, without being too harsh. It’s made with Yamada Nishiki, known as the king of Japanese sake rice, polished down to 45%, giving it a delicate aroma and texture. It’s also relatively affordable and consistently high in quality, so whether you drink it yourself or give it as a gift, it makes a great impression. No wonder it’s so popular!

On the way to Hiroshima by jet ferry, you pass through the scenic Ondo no Seto. Boats travel back and forth through the narrow strait, with views of the islands and mountains of the Seto Inland Sea along the way. Two bright red bridges span the water, creating a striking contrast with the blue seascape. As the boat moves forward, the scenery constantly changes, and seeing it from the water has a charm all its own.

The fluffy, delicate cake is filled with rich, smooth custard that melts in your mouth and is sweet without being overwhelming. A souvenir I always buy whenever I visit Kagoshima! Since it is made with fresh ingredients and not too many additives, it has a short shelf life, so I recommend stocking up the day before leaving Japan. During your trip, you can first buy a single one at a local store to satisfy your craving~

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium truly is a breathtaking, dreamlike world! As soon as you step inside, the wide variety of exhibits gives you so much to take in. The most stunning part has to be the light show in the fish tank, paired with schools of small fish swimming together in graceful, flowing patterns. The interplay of light, shadow, and life is incredibly beautiful and awe-inspiring.

In addition to the visual feast, the aquarium’s star animals have also won countless fans. The spectacular performances by the intelligent belugas and dolphins are impossible to look away from, with their lively movements and interactions keeping you completely captivated. This aquarium is not only beautiful and fun; with its focus on the “Journey to the Antarctic” and “Evolution,” its thoughtfully designed ecological exhibits also convey an ocean vision with deep educational significance and conservation value.

Finally, there’s the gift shop filled with a dazzling array of merchandise. All the adorable, beautifully made marine animal items are impossible to resist—you simply can’t leave empty-handed! Highly recommended for anyone who loves aquariums.

A Japanese friend told me that Ehime's sea bream rice can be eaten two ways, with the fish either raw or cooked, so I made time to try authentic Uwajima sea bream rice. Once the meal arrived, I mixed fresh “Date Madai” sea bream sashimi with raw egg yolk and their secret special dashi broth, then put it over steaming white rice. It was quite unique, and I could really enjoy the sea bream's springy texture and the sweetness of the fish!

This was my first time staying at a KOKO hotel. The room was a pretty good size, all the necessary amenities were provided, and everything was clean. I think it's actually quite good for a business hotel. Prices vary quite a bit between weekdays and weekends or holidays, so staying from Sunday through Thursday is a better deal!

When strolling around Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple, you'll often see rice crackers made by Tokiwado Kaminari-okoshi Honpo, the most iconic of which is okoshi. This traditional snack is made with rice grains, sugar, and other ingredients. It's crispy, sweet without being too rich, and has long been a popular everyday treat in Asakusa. The individually wrapped pieces are perfect for taking home to share with friends, family, or coworkers〜

Hotel Associa Shizuoka is in a really convenient location, right next to JR Shizuoka Station. Just exit the station and it's on your right, so you barely have to drag your luggage anywhere. It saves a lot of time and effort for independent travelers, and it's convenient for taking the Shinkansen or visiting attractions around the city. The hotel is comfortable and clean overall, and the service is also very good. It's a highly recommended place to stay when visiting Shizuoka.