Linda Liao's Reviews Page 16/36

The outer layer is golden and soft, paired with a sweet, smooth red bean filling. Every bite has a subtle egg aroma. The ningyo-yaki are shaped like famous Asakusa landmarks, making them cute and full of traditional Japanese character. When visiting Sensoji Temple and strolling along Nakamise Street, consider buying a few to enjoy on the spot.

Established in 1887, this is a long-standing local tempura restaurant. Its signature dish is the shrimp tendon, featuring large shrimp tempura served with a rich sauce and white rice. The tempura is a deep golden color and crispy, while the sauce has a rich sweet-and-savory flavor. It showcases the character of traditional Edo cuisine and is a classic dish well worth trying when visiting Asakusa.

After walking through Kaminarimon Gate, you’re greeted by a lively street full of Japanese charm. The street is bustling with people, with all kinds of shops lining both sides. What caught my attention most was the wide variety of Japanese snacks, such as grilled rice crackers, soy sauce-glazed dango, and fried manju. Everything looked so tempting that I often couldn’t resist stopping to try something as I walked along.

Besides the food, the shopping street also has many stores selling Japanese souvenirs and specialty goods, ranging from traditional-style trinkets to Asakusa-themed items, making it a great place for visitors to pick out gifts.

However, be sure to check the stores’ business hours. Many begin closing after 5:00 p.m., so I recommend visiting during the day to fully enjoy shopping there.

Before reaching Sensoji Temple, I always have to get an age-manju from Asakusa Kokonoe. Hot and freshly fried, it's such a comforting treat, with a crispy exterior and sweet filling. They also have savory flavors, making it the perfect snack while strolling around! And the prices have always been very affordable. When I came more than 10 years ago, one was only JPY 50! (shocked

We happened to come across a statue of Usopp from ONE PIECE on the lawn in front of Aso Station, and we were all so excited when we saw it! Of course we had to strike the same pose as Usopp for a keepsake. There are other ONE PIECE characters around Kumamoto waiting for everyone to collect them!

A true classic and one of the very best rum raisin sandwich cookies! The crumbly cookies are filled with rich, smooth buttercream and rum raisins. With every bite, the rich aroma of rum slowly comes through as you chew. It’s very fragrant without being overly sweet or heavy, and it gets more addictive the more you eat. The texture is rich and layered, and it pairs well with either tea or coffee. One thing to note is that the cookies themselves are fairly fragile, so handle them carefully when carrying them around, as they can easily break with even a slight bump. If you’re giving them as a gift, I recommend buying the boxed version. It’s easier to carry and also looks more presentable.

The first time I saw Rokkatei’s Rokka no Tsuyu, I was drawn to the cute tin and bought it entirely for the packaging. When I opened it, a faint aroma of alcohol drifted out. The candies taste sweet at first, followed by a distinct alcoholic flavor. The taste is mild and layered without being overly sweet or heavy. Overall, they’re delicate and unique—fun to enjoy yourself and impressive as a gift. They also don’t take up much luggage space, so they’re a win in several ways.

The first time I tried Rokkatei Strawberry Chocolate, I thought the flavor was very unique. The outside is rich, smooth white chocolate, while the inside is sweet, tart, and crunchy dried strawberry. The two textures complement each other perfectly. The tartness of the strawberry balances the sweetness of the chocolate, so it doesn’t feel too rich. You can taste the strawberry aroma in every bite!

nuevo by BUNMEIDO's Maple Castella is a new product from the long-established castella shop Bunmeido. It has a subtle maple aroma and a slightly sweeter flavor, while retaining the same delicate texture. Although the maple version is distinctive, after trying it, I still prefer the classic original castella. The cake is delicate yet substantial, with a subtle honey aroma and just the right amount of sweetness. The more you eat, the more you appreciate its simple, delicious flavor. A classic is a classic after all—the simple original is the one I can't stop thinking about.

Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner was one of the first toners I tried, and I've repurchased it many times. The bottle is huge and affordable, so I don't hesitate to use it as a toner mask. It's also great for everyday moisturizing because it's refreshing and non-sticky, making it a practical choice for beginners. It's now easy to buy in Taiwan, so I no longer bring it back from Japan.