Linda Liao's Reviews Page 25/93

Hareza Ikebukuro is a distinctive cultural and entertainment hub in Ikebukuro. As soon as you enter the area, you can easily feel its strong youthful and subculture vibe. It's more than just a commercial complex—it combines theaters, a movie theater, arts and cultural spaces, and a plaza, and you can often come across various performances or limited-time events. Naka-Ikebukuro Park is also nearby, along with many anime- and manga-related stores, making it a great place for anyone who enjoys Japanese anime culture.

After trying the familiar Yabaton pork cutlets, consider changing things up and visiting Mukashi no Yabaton for a different style of Nagoya cuisine. The menu here is a little different from the usual signature pork cutlets, focusing on dishes such as deep-fried skewers and oden. The skewers are fried until crisp and fragrant, with different ingredients and special sauces that make them crunchy and hard to stop eating. The oden is slowly simmered in broth, allowing the ingredients to absorb the soup for a mellow flavor. The seasoning isn't too heavy, so you can still taste the ingredients themselves. If you've already visited Yabaton, I highly recommend checking out this location too for a different taste of Nagoya's casual local cuisine!

Yabaton is one of Nagoya's classic foods not to miss. It's very popular, and there is often a line during peak hours. This time, I specifically ordered their signature pork cutlet, and when it arrived, I realized it was very different from the tonkatsu I was used to! The coating was crispy without being too dry or hard. Covered with plenty of their special miso sauce, it was savory and rich with a hint of sweetness. The sauce soaked into the crispy breading, and together with the tender, juicy pork, it went perfectly with rice. Yabaton's most iconic dish is Nagoya-style miso katsu. The sauce incorporates Hatcho miso, a specialty of Aichi Prefecture, creating a uniquely rich flavor. It's a local Nagoya dish that's worth trying for yourself〜

I stopped by Youme Town while waiting. Since I didn't have much time, I just wandered around, but then my travel companion spotted a Winnie the Pooh cushion in one of the arcade claw machines and couldn't resist trying their luck!
Of course, claw machines aren't as easy as they look, and in the end, we couldn't take the Winnie the Pooh cushion home. We had to leave feeling a little disappointed (lol

The Dalian Friendship Memorial Hall in Mojiko is a striking red-brick Western-style building. Completed in 1995, it is a replica of the office of the Chinese Eastern Railway Steamship Company, originally built by Russia in Dalian, China, in 1902. The red-brick exterior, white accents, and steep roof give it a strong Russian- and German-style European architectural feel. The Chinese restaurant “Dalian Akashia” is currently located on the first floor, so besides admiring the red-brick building, you can also choose to dine here. It feels especially romantic after the lights come on in the evening.

Stepping out of Dogo Onsen Station, the first thing that caught my eye was the cute, retro Botchan Train. It felt as if I had suddenly stepped into the Meiji era depicted by Natsume Soseki. Built in 1895, Dogo Onsen Station has a classic wooden exterior and serves as an important gateway to the Dogo Onsen district. The plaza in front of the station also features attractions such as the Botchan Train and Botchan Clock, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. The Botchan Train currently operates only at certain times on specific holidays, so it’s a good idea to check the schedule when planning your trip〜

The Okayama Electric Tramway has been a vital part of transportation through central Okayama for a century and consists of the Higashiyama Line and the Seikibashi Line. The retro streetcars and tracks woven into everyday life create a unique cityscape. If you’re staying long enough, consider buying a one-day pass, as it’s quite convenient for traveling between attractions. I was hoping to come across the very popular Tama-themed streetcar this time, but unfortunately I never did. Hopefully, I’ll be able to catch sight of the adorable Tama streetcar on my next visit.

The KINTETSU RAIL PASS is great for planning a train trip around Kansai and Mie. Depending on the type of pass, you can explore Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mie (Ise-Shima), and Nagoya. In Nara, you can visit Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Nara Park, Kofukuji Temple, Toshodaiji Temple, and Yakushiji Temple. In Kyoto, you can connect attractions in Fushimi, central Kyoto, and other areas. With the 5-day pass, you can also travel all the way to Ise Jingu, Toba, Shima, Mount Yoshino, and more. It's a good option for travelers who want to explore historic sites, natural scenery, and local culture all in one trip.

After finishing a full day of activities, I came to Oasis 21 in the evening for a walk and to look around. Oasis 21 is a landmark multipurpose complex in Nagoya's Sakae district. Its most distinctive feature is the futuristic glass roof known as the Spaceship-Aqua, which looks even more magical when illuminated at night. I unexpectedly came across a live music performance that day. With the pleasant fall weather and beautiful music, it was especially relaxing to sit and listen to the songs while enjoying the evening breeze. Walking through the park leads to Nagoya TV Tower. Many people were taking leisurely strolls along the way, and the overall atmosphere was relaxed and comfortable. It's a good place for an evening walk.

When visiting Kanazawa, Kenroku-en is an iconic attraction that's almost impossible to miss. Along with Kairaku-en in Mito and Koraku-en in Okayama, it is considered one of Japan's Three Great Gardens. It was originally created by successive lords of the Maeda clan of the Kaga Domain, and after many years of expansion, it developed into the combination of natural scenery and garden artistry seen today. Ponds, winding streams, old pine trees, and teahouses are scattered throughout the garden, offering different scenery in each season. The famous yukitsuri in winter is an especially iconic sight in Kanazawa. On my last visit to Kanazawa, I only planned a one-day itinerary, and it was almost closing time when I arrived at Kenroku-en. I had to hurry around the garden with the little time left, which felt like a shame. The next time I visit Kanazawa, I'll allow more time to explore it.