Linda Liao's Reviews Page 21/93

Fuji TV is located near Odaiba Seaside Park. The striking silver sphere suspended in the center of the building is recognizable from a distance and is one of Odaiba's most iconic landmarks. If you have time, you can also explore inside. Some public areas are free to visit, so anyone who likes TV shows or Japanese pop culture can stop by. If you want to enjoy Odaiba from a higher vantage point, you can purchase a separate ticket to visit the spherical observation deck “Hachitama” on the 25th floor, where you can look out over Tokyo Bay and the surrounding scenery.

This time, while passing through Hankyu Sanban Gai, I unexpectedly came across a pop-up shop selling “Heidi, Girl of the Alps” merchandise. I felt so lucky! I took my time picking out the items I liked. The handkerchiefs and mugs were all so well made, and I left completely satisfied〜

As the boat slowly pulled away from Mojiko Port and headed back toward central Fukuoka in the sea breeze, the Kanmon Straits looked especially enchanting after nightfall. In the distance, Kaikyo Yume Tower shimmered in the darkness like a lighthouse guarding the straits. Nearby, the Ferris wheel was also lit up in colorful lights, and as the boat moved along, the city lights reflected and flickered on the water.

Many years ago, I visited Tokyo Dome with a friend and experienced a Japanese professional baseball game in person for the first time. It still leaves a lasting impression on me. Besides the exciting offense and defense on the field, the most interesting part was seeing staff in the stands selling hot food, drinks, and even beer. You could enjoy food and watch the game without leaving your seat, which was very different from the ballpark culture I was familiar with in Taiwan. The cheers and chants throughout the stadium also created a great atmosphere. Tokyo Dome City isn't just a baseball stadium. There is also an amusement park, shopping, and a variety of dining options nearby, making it a nice place to spend a day off.

The Kure Harbor warship tour is a must for military and history enthusiasts visiting Kure! Board a sightseeing boat and head out on the water for a close-up view of the various warships docked in the harbor. Seeing this port city steeped in military history from the water offers a whole new perspective. I especially recommend going in the early evening, when the sun slowly sets and its golden glow falls across the warships. Many people come specifically to take photos.

During the fall foliage season, the garden also has special nighttime illuminations, creating completely different scenery during the day and at night. After entering the garden, what caught my attention most was the view by Ryusen Lake. The building of Hozentei, the Tokugawa Art Museum restaurant, and the surrounding lights were reflected on the lake, with the reflections gently swaying on the water. It really created a dreamlike Japanese garden atmosphere.

I visited a little too early this time, and the maple leaves were only just beginning to change color. They were still some way from turning the whole garden red, so that was a little disappointing. However, after nightfall, the lights illuminated the garden, the water, and the maple trees that were still tinged with green, giving the garden an even more tranquil feeling. If I can visit next time when the maple leaves are at their reddest, I’m sure the scenery will be even more breathtaking.

Located on Awashima in the Seto Inland Sea, the Missing Post Office is a magical space dedicated to receiving thoughts and feelings with no address and nowhere to be sent. The tin mailboxes suspended in the air gently bump against one another, making a rustling sound like ocean waves, as if the wind and tide were expressing the emotions we have nowhere to put.

Here, visitors can freely read letters from around the world addressed to deceased loved ones or to the future. Those sincere, unreserved words always seem to resonate unexpectedly with the tender parts of our hearts. Most moving of all, if a letter deeply touches you while reading it, you can even “claim” it and take it home!

Finally got to see the red and yellow pumpkins! One of the things I was most looking forward to when visiting Naoshima for the Setouchi Triennale was seeing these pumpkin installations designed by Yayoi Kusama in person. The moment I stood in front of them, I immediately switched into “photo mode.” Whether from the front, the side, or farther away, every angle looks good! The brightly colored pumpkins against the endless Seto Inland Sea, with the blue sky, ocean, and artworks all coming together, make every casual shot look like a postcard. Even if you miss the art festival, there’s no need to be disappointed—the pumpkins are permanent installations, so they’ll be there whenever you visit!

When visiting Naoshima, besides enjoying the museums and various works of art, don’t miss the highly distinctive Naoshima Bath “I♥湯” near Miyanoura Port! Even from a distance, the exterior is filled with bold, fantastical artistic elements, and there are surprises everywhere once you step inside. From the bathtubs, tile murals, and mosaics to even the ceramic details in the restrooms, everything incorporates artist Shinro Ohtake’s unique creative style.

The most interesting part is—this isn’t just an art museum to look around. It’s a real sento where you can actually take off your clothes and soak in the bath! Soaking while admiring the artistic details all around you could be considered a kind of “immersive art experience”〜

The Naoshima New Museum of Art was one of the stops I was really looking forward to on this trip, and once I stepped inside, it definitely did not disappoint. The layout feels more like an immersive installation art experience. Each exhibition area offers a different surprise. The works aren't just there to be “viewed”; they make you want to stop and examine the details from different angles.

What left an especially strong impression on me was the pack of wolves depicted with flowing lines. At first glance, it looks clean and simple, but a closer look reveals the speed and power of the wolves as they run. Their poses are so lifelike that they seem ready to leap out of the image at any moment. The museum also has many exquisite murals with rich details that remain interesting to look at, revealing something different whether viewed up close or from a distance. The works and the architectural space complement each other, making the visit feel like more than just “seeing an exhibition.” It feels like slowly exploring a world full of imagination.

When you get tired from walking around, there's also a cute café inside where you can sit down with a drink, take a short break, and enjoy the view outside, which lifts your mood too.