Linda Liao's Reviews Page 20/93

Kama-Asa Shoten, a century-old shop in Tokyo's Kappabashi district, is an excellent place to find high-quality cookware that can last a lifetime. The store displays a wide variety of finely crafted cooking tools that reflect a deep respect for artisan craftsmanship. The medium-sized tamagoyaki pan I chose heats evenly and has excellent heat conductivity. Not only does it make it easy to cook beautifully shaped Japanese tamagoyaki with a soft, delicate texture, but it is also very handy for stir-frying some ingredients for breakfast. It's a stylish and practical kitchen companion!

This is a fairly lesser-known but very interesting free attraction. You rarely see large crowds of tourists here, and no admission ticket is required. This time, an expert guided us into astronomical observation areas that are usually difficult to access, where we got an up-close look at retired observation instruments and telescopes that were actually used in the past. They were full of history. Rather than simply viewing an exhibition, it felt more like traveling through time with an expert, learning about the observation missions each piece of old equipment once carried out. It also made astronomical research feel more approachable. As we listened to the explanations along the way, we also learned about the history of astronomical observation in Japan, which began developing in the Meiji era〜

Goshiki in Matsuyama is one of the area's most iconic local cuisine restaurants and a great place to sample Ehime specialties all at once. The signature dish is sea bream rice, featuring fresh, flavorful sea bream served with fragrant rice. You can also enjoy local dishes such as five-colored somen noodles, with a varied menu full of regional character. For dessert, there was Ehime's specialty towel cake!

Looking down from the observation deck, Amanohashidate's Rotating Bridge resembles a quiet yet fascinating painting. As the bridge slowly turns, small boats leisurely pass through. From a distance, they look like toy boats gliding across the water. It's such an adorable sight!

Anyone who sews probably knows that many sewing supplies and tools sold in Taiwan are imported from Japan, and they aren’t exactly cheap. I happened to be in Japan on a business trip this time, so I used some free time to make a special trip to Nippori Fabric Town and stock up!

This place is really great for anyone who enjoys crafts and sewing and wants to hunt for finds. There’s a huge selection, from all kinds of sewing tools and supplies to fabrics. Even for the same Japanese brands or tools made in Japan, the prices here are much more affordable. I ended up picking out quite a few useful little tools while browsing, and the total came to only about JPY 7,000–8,000. It felt like a great deal!

What I like most about taking a walk along the Sumida River Terrace is strolling slowly along the riverbank, with its open views and comfortable atmosphere. From the riverbank, you can see the Asahi Beer Building across the river, a striking part of the cityscape along the Sumida River. Along the way, you can also occasionally see sightseeing boats slowly passing by, adding some liveliness to the otherwise laid-back waterfront. When the weather is nice, the river reflects the sky and surrounding buildings. If you're already planning to visit Asakusa, consider stopping by to enjoy the river breeze and scenery and experience a rarely seen relaxed side of Tokyo.

Daikanbo, at an elevation of about 936 meters, is a popular spot for taking in Aso’s magnificent scenery. From this high vantage point, you can see the Five Peaks of Aso, the vast Aso Valley, and the expansive grasslands. Viewed from this angle, the Five Peaks of Aso resemble a reclining Buddha, earning them the nickname “Nirvana Buddha.” On clear days, the views are extremely expansive, and on early mornings in fall and winter, you may even encounter a dreamlike sea of clouds. Driving is recommended. It takes about 20–30 minutes by car from JR Aso Station, and you can enjoy beautiful views of Aso along the way.

It’s hard not to be drawn in by the adorable Shin-chan when you walk by! The store is packed with familiar and funny images of Shin-chan, and all the different merchandise can’t help but make you smile. They have everything from character-themed snacks and stationery to household goods, with so much to choose from. If you’re a Crayon Shin-chan fan, stop by while you’re in Tokyo and take an adorable Shin-chan home with you!

Near the end of your trip and just realized there are still so many Hokkaido souvenirs you haven’t bought? I highly recommend stopping by Kobushiya Sapporo Store to get everything in one go! The store has a great selection of popular products from Rokkatei, Shiroi Koibito, and more. You’ll find everything from classic sweets and snacks to all kinds of limited-edition souvenirs. The most convenient part is that you don’t have to run all over the place—you can get it all done at once. As you browse, you might even unexpectedly discover some great Hokkaido products that weren’t originally on your list!

I got off the streetcar in front of the shopping center on my way to Goryokaku. This is one of the few small shopping centers in central Hakodate, with stores like Starbucks and MUJI. You can come here in the evening to pass the time. There are lots of cute animal sculptures along the sidewalk outside, and you can collect them as you walk〜