Linda Liao's Reviews Page 19/93

I visited Jindai Botanical Gardens in Tokyo in early March, just as the plum blossoms were in full bloom. The weather was clear, and the gardens were livelier than I expected, with many people taking advantage of the nice weather to enjoy the flowers and spend time outdoors. As I slowly strolled through the gardens, the plum trees were blooming one after another, and a light fragrance drifted through the air. From time to time, I also came across people quietly sketching beneath the trees, which was very elegant.

Jindai Botanical Gardens is very large and also has a greenhouse. Stepping inside feels like entering another world. From tropical plants and unusual leaves to colorful flowers, you can find all kinds of plants here that aren’t easy to see in everyday life. Anyone who likes plants will definitely enjoy exploring it.

Dogo Prince Hotel is located in the Dogo Onsen area, a little farther back than the main bathhouse. The surrounding area is relatively quiet, making it suitable for travelers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is spacious and has quite a wide range of facilities, giving you a sense of the character of a traditional Japanese hot spring inn. It's a short walk to the Dogo Onsen Main Building or the shopping street.

A common energy drink in Japan that you often see at convenience stores and drugstores. It has a sweet, carbonated taste and is refreshing to drink. It isn't a very strong caffeinated drink, so it's worth considering when you want an energy boost while traveling. It's also commonly found at stations and roadside vending machines.

If regular Pocky feels too common, try Lotte Toppo chocolate-filled pretzel sticks! This is also one of the snacks our family regularly restocks. Unlike snacks with chocolate coating the outside of the biscuit stick, Toppo hides rich chocolate filling inside a crispy biscuit. When you bite into it, you first get the crisp texture of the biscuit, followed by the chocolate filling gradually spreading in your mouth, and it isn't overly sweet. Most importantly, it doesn't easily get all over your hands, making it convenient for watching shows, afternoon tea, or keeping at the office as a small snack.

Finally arrived in Okayama, known as the “Land of Sunshine”! Okayama is located along the Seto Inland Sea, with a mild climate and plenty of sunshine, and is also one of Japan’s well-known fruit-producing regions. As soon as you step out of Okayama Station, the first thing you see is the statue of Momotaro with the dog, monkey, and pheasant, which really reflects the local character. It turns out that the story of Momotaro is closely connected to Okayama. Before even starting to explore the city, you can already get a strong sense of Okayama’s local charm.

When shopping on Tanukikoji in Sapporo, Hokkaido, you definitely shouldn’t miss this SATUDORA store. The store is very spacious and bright, with neatly arranged displays that don’t feel crowded, so you can comfortably browse all kinds of cosmetics, skincare products, and popular medicines. There’s a wide selection of products, and it’s very comfortable and relaxing to shop here. You can also use coupons for additional discounts.

When spring comes to Osaka, the cherry blossom season is what I look forward to most. The park is filled with a lively atmosphere during the Osaka Castle Spring Festival, and from beneath the cherry trees to the edge of the moat, you can see people enjoying the blossoms in different ways everywhere. Groups of friends sit on the ground, eating snacks and having a little drink while admiring the cherry blossoms in front of them. Some people take advantage of the blossoms being at their best to capture as many photos as they can and create their own spring memories. Others simply sit and let their minds wander, watching the petals drift in the wind and quietly enjoying the moment. The blossoms last only a few short days, making this limited spring beauty feel even more precious.

After nightfall, there were hardly any shops to browse near the ski resort. After buying some things at the supermarket, I took a casual walk and unexpectedly ended up at Snow Peak LAND STATION HAKUBA. From a distance, the building looked so warm and inviting that I couldn't help but stop. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the entire building was inspired by Hakuba's natural landscape and uses wood to blend in with the mountain scenery. The roof resembles the undulating ridgeline of the Northern Alps, while the striking wooden lattice ceiling inside was inspired by snow crystals.

Although everything was covered in snow on this winter night, quite a few people had gathered here to chat and rest. The combination of the snowy scenery and warm lighting created an especially charming atmosphere. In addition to Snow Peak products, the building also carries distinctive local Hakuba products and a curated selection of goods, and there is a Starbucks where you can order a hot drink to warm up. The whole building feels like a small art museum hidden in the mountains. This winter night scene that I stumbled upon unexpectedly also became a very memorable part of my trip to Hakuba.

While traveling by Shinkansen, I used the time between trains at Nagoya Station to quickly stop by PLUSTA and stock up on snacks for the ride. After browsing around, I found plenty of snacks and souvenirs to choose from. I also unexpectedly came across chicken wing-flavored Happy Turn, and immediately bought a bag when I saw this unusual flavor! It tastes remarkably like chicken wings, and I really liked it.

If you like seafood and sashimi, you definitely have to visit Tokyo's Tsukiji Outer Market~ It still retains the lively atmosphere and personal warmth of a traditional morning market, with everything from generously loaded, freshly prepared seafood bowls and fresh raw oysters to seared tuna skewers. As the saying goes, "The early bird gets the worm." Many popular shops open early in the morning, and arriving early not only helps you avoid the crowds but also gives you the widest and freshest selection of ingredients. It will definitely satisfy any food lover!