Linda Liao's Reviews Page 17/36

I've always loved Arita ware plates and tableware. Not only do they come in a wide variety of designs, but each piece also has its own unique character. Whether for everyday use or collecting, they're hard to resist. On this trip to Saga, I made a special visit to Kouraku Kiln near Arita Station to hunt for treasures and experience the appeal of Arita ware firsthand.

We chose to walk there from Arita Station. It was quite a distance, and there were hardly any tourists on the streets, only the occasional local resident. The entire walk had a leisurely, peaceful countryside atmosphere. As we went farther, the surroundings became increasingly natural. There were no bustling shopping streets, which made it easier to appreciate the unpretentious side of Arita as a pottery town.

Kouraku Kiln's shop is tucked away among the wooded hills and surrounded by plenty of shade, creating a peaceful and comfortable setting. Inside, we were greeted by a dazzling array of bowls, plates, cups, and all kinds of ceramic pieces. Each one made us want to stop and take a closer look. Although many items weren't exactly cheap, there were also discounted pieces to choose from, so treasure hunters could still find something they liked.

Of course, the part we were looking forward to most was the all-you-can-fit tableware event! There were two or three different price options, with different types of items available depending on the price. When we arrived in the afternoon, we saw several groups of customers leaving with bags full of finds, including quite a few international visitors. Seeing everyone leave with their hauls and satisfied smiles instantly fired up our competitive spirit, and we couldn't wait to join the treasure hunt!

If you have the chance, consider setting aside half a day to visit Arita. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, take your time browsing the pottery shops, and experience the unique ceramic culture and charm of this town for yourself.

The moment I arrived at the Nakadake Crater of Mt. Aso, the only word to describe it was “spectacular.” The sight before me was completely different from an ordinary tourist attraction. Nakadake is still an active volcano, and standing in front of the crater, I could feel the power contained within nature, which also added a sense of tension to the trip.

Even before reaching the crater, I could already smell the strong sulfur odor. Along the mountain road, there were many emergency shelters built in case of an eruption. I couldn't help imagining that if the volcanic activity suddenly intensified, these shelters would be an important line of defense for protecting visitors. Along with the magnificent volcanic scenery, the journey also inspired a greater sense of awe toward nature.

After reaching the crater and looking down from above, I could see white smoke continuously rising from it, like a huge living creature breathing. Occasionally, there was also a gurgling sound, as if a huge pot of scorching mud were boiling beneath the volcano. It was both interesting and astonishing.

Because Mt. Aso is still volcanically active, professionals closely monitor it every day. If the weather is poor or volcanic activity becomes more frequent, access may be restricted or even prohibited. The winds at the summit are also quite strong, and breathing in the sulfur odor for too long isn't advisable, so after taking photos and briefly experiencing the awe of the place, we hurried away.

Mt. Aso is definitely worth experiencing in person. However, due to a helicopter crash this year, the relevant areas are currently still closed. I hope they can reopen once the volcanic activity and safety conditions have stabilized.

If you're sightseeing in Aso, I definitely recommend riding the Aso Boy! at least once. The ride lasts over an hour, but it's never boring. From the moment the train pulls into the station, you'll barely put your camera down!

The entire train, from the exterior to the inside of the cars, is full of thoughtful details, with delicate, cute decorations tucked into every corner. You'll keep taking pictures of everything along the way. Kuro, the star of the train, is especially irresistible. Adults and children alike are almost all won over by him, and in the end, you'll willingly walk into the shop and switch into “keep spending” mode (lol).

The onboard shop is really popular, so if there are any limited-edition items you want, I recommend heading there as soon as you board. Many items are available only in limited quantities, and once they're sold out, they're gone. Especially when you watch the people ahead of you frantically clearing the shelves, that heartbreaking feeling of “it's right there, but I can't buy it” really stays with you! The last time I rode, it happened to be during China's October holiday, and the buying power of the tour groups was incredible. Saying they “cleared the shelves” is no exaggeration.

If you have a JR KYUSHU RAIL PASS, you can also reserve a seat directly using the online reservation service included with the pass. If you're lucky enough to reserve a seat in the first car directly behind the conductor, it's definitely a prime seat! Sitting at the very front and watching the train pass through Aso's green tunnels and forests, with scene after scene coming toward you, is an unforgettable visual feast. If you visit Aso, don't forget to come play with Kuro!

I made a special trip to Sapporo PARCO to look around and find the BAO BAO ISSEY MIYAKE store. I’d seen it at the airport several times before, but the popular styles were always sold out or there wasn’t much selection, so it wasn’t easy to really browse. This time, I finally had the chance to take my time at the downtown store and see Issey Miyake’s distinctive geometric designs in person. From the different materials and color combinations to the details of each bag shape, every style is highly recognizable and quite pleasing to look at.

One of the biggest advantages of JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is its truly convenient location! The hotel is directly connected to Sapporo Station, saving time whether you're taking the JR or heading to other attractions around the city. This is a major plus for independent travelers. Especially when visiting Sapporo in winter, there's often snow outside, and the roads are slippery and prone to icing over, so dragging a suitcase any distance can be really difficult. For anyone traveling to Hokkaido in winter, convenient transportation is definitely a very important consideration when choosing accommodations.

While strolling around Mount Senkoji, it's easy to have your eye caught by LOG on the mountainside. This three-story hotel complex has a rustic yet refined exterior that fits in well with the nostalgic atmosphere unique to Onomichi. When passing by, you can't help but stop and take a few more looks at this distinctive building.

LOG isn't just a place to stay; it also brings together dining and lifestyle aesthetics, with an overall design that's simple yet tasteful. Even if you're not staying there, just passing by and enjoying the architecture and surrounding scenery leaves a lasting impression. If you have time, consider stopping by the café for a meal accompanied by a beautiful view.

Speaking of Rilakkuma stores, don't miss this one in Dogo Onsen! The whole store is filled with cuteness, and you can also find plenty of exclusive items featuring Dogo Onsen elements. The limited-edition plush toys are especially appealing—each one is hard to put down.

Some popular items are limited in quantity and occasionally sell out, so if you see something you like, you may want to take it home right away. They're great for your own collection or as travel souvenirs!

These Nissin Cup Noodles flavors each have their own distinctive qualities, and they're all pretty tasty overall. The noodles are on the thin side, but they still have a nice texture after steeping and don't turn mushy right away. The broth is also very flavorful, and the portion is pretty generous for cup noodles.

My personal favorite is the seafood flavor. The savory seafood taste goes really well with the noodles and is hard to stop eating. Just making one cup is very satisfying. Whenever I see them on sale at a supermarket or drugstore, I can't resist picking up a few extra cups to keep at home for a late-night snack or for when I don't feel like cooking. Convenient and satisfying!

LEGO bricks have a kind of magical appeal. They’re not just toys for kids; they’re just as fun and challenging for adults.

Besides the classic sets, there are also many builds for adults. From choosing the pieces to completing the assembly, every step requires patience and thought, helping develop logic, concentration, and problem-solving skills. Lately, I’ve really liked the Botanical Collection. Slowly putting each flower together is enjoyable, and once finished, they also make stylish home decor for the living room or bedroom.

Kouri Ohashi Bridge is located in northern Okinawa, connecting Yagaji Island in Nago City with Kouri Island in Nakijin Village. It is about 1,960 meters long. As you drive across the bridge, clear blue water stretches out on both sides beneath blue skies and white clouds, making you feel like you're leaving all your worries behind. Looking at the expansive ocean view lifted my spirits too.