Linda Liao's Reviews Page 31/36

Sugar Butter Sand Tree is a very popular Japanese souvenir cookie. The outer cookie is made with seven kinds of grains and oats, with a rich white chocolate filling in the middle. It's crisp on the outside and smooth inside, blending the aroma of grains with the sweetness of butter. My friends and family all really like it.

Besides the original, it's also popular to buy a cheaper alternative at 7-Eleven. After comparing the two, I found them quite similar in texture and flavor. The alternative is just as tasty and more affordable too.

Sugar Butter Sand Tree also occasionally releases seasonal packaging or limited-edition flavors. If you're flying in or out of Haneda Airport, keep an eye out for airport-exclusive products and pick up a box to enjoy at home〜

Black Thunder chocolate, which took Taiwan by storm when I was a kid, remains a timeless souvenir choice. The individually wrapped pieces are easy to share. On a busy afternoon, make a cup of hot tea and enjoy it with some crunchy, sweet Black Thunder chocolate. That simple sweetness can bring a little moment of comfort〜

If you're looking for a restaurant to take a break and have a meal in the shopping street, Calm Cafe might be a good choice. Tucked away in an alley with an inconspicuous entrance, I found this cute little place while following the “Naval Curry Restaurant Guide” I picked up at the station.

The atmosphere inside is cozy, and there's also a small bar area. That evening, we enjoyed rich naval curry and watched a game with the regulars. It felt like we were part of the locals' everyday life, making it an unforgettable experience.

Picking strawberries in Japan was a novel experience. Within the allotted time, you can enjoy as many fresh strawberries as you like, including quite a few special varieties that are hard to find in regular supermarkets. Every strawberry was plump and juicy, very sweet, and not too tart, making them incredibly satisfying to eat. Since strawberries aren't exactly cheap, you get your money's worth after eating just a few〜 It's great for both families with children and couples on a date. I was so full by the end and felt very satisfied.

The Iron Whale Museum is a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force history museum that mainly introduces the history of the JMSDF and Kure City. A decommissioned submarine is displayed outside, and you can actually go inside to see the cramped spaces where the crew lived and worked. Photography is not allowed inside.

The Irifuneyama Memorial Museum is located in Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan, and is an important site preserving Kure's naval history. Its most notable building is the former official residence of the commander-in-chief of the Kure Naval District. Built during the Meiji era, it blends Japanese and Western architectural styles and has been designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The ornate kinkarakami wallpaper in the Western-style building is especially intricate and quite rare. Walking through the museum, I could really feel the atmosphere of the Meiji era, and it also gave me a better understanding of Kure's history.

Onomichi Hondori Shopping Street retains a strong sense of Showa-era nostalgia, while also hiding many innovative and cute little shops. Walking through it, you can almost feel the determination of local young people working in their own way to preserve this old city.

The shopping street is lined with over a hundred stores, including artsy little shops, unique restaurants, and local snacks. You could easily spend an entire afternoon slowly exploring this area alone.

Life moves slowly in Onomichi, without the noise and rush of a big city. This relaxed and peaceful atmosphere is exactly what makes Onomichi so charming, and it's something other big cities simply can't replace.

The Onomichi City Museum of Art is like a sparkling gem hidden in Senkoji Park. Designed by renowned architect Tadao Ando, its clean, minimalist architecture complements the surrounding natural scenery, making it well worth a special trip.

On the way to the museum, you may also encounter friendly cats that come over to greet you and roll onto their backs asking to be petted. Their adorable antics are impossible to resist.

When it comes to the Onomichi City Museum of Art, nothing is more talked about than the adorable, years-long back-and-forth between the museum's security guard and Ken-chan, a black cat. This amusing everyday story has captured many hearts and was even compiled into a book, making Ken-chan an unconventional star of the museum.

I was especially lucky during this visit because a complete collection of Japanese ukiyo-e master Utagawa Hiroshige's The Fifty-Three Stations of the Tokaido series happened to be on display. Seeing the entire series at once was truly impressive. From the architecture and art to the comforting cats, the whole visit was full of surprises and left me wanting more. I've quietly added the Onomichi City Museum of Art to my list for a return visit.

Take the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway up the mountain, and as it slowly rises, you can admire the port town of Onomichi, nestled between the mountains and the sea, from different angles. Along the way, the hillside houses, Onomichi Port, and the distant Seto Inland Sea gradually come into view, offering a very expansive panorama.

Senkoji is listed among Japan's 100 Best Cherry Blossom Spots and has over a thousand cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino, weeping cherry, and double-flowered cherry trees. When the cherry blossoms are in full bloom in spring, the entire mountain becomes even more romantic, making it a highly recommended season for cherry blossom viewing and travel.

After visiting Senkoji, you can also explore the nearby Cat Alley along the hillside. The alleys are quiet, with occasional encounters with cute cats and various small shops. Wandering around aimlessly and at your own pace lets you appreciate Onomichi's unique laid-back charm even more.

You can take the cable car up the mountain to save yourself quite a bit of walking. If you have enough time, you can also try walking up, but most of the route consists of slopes and stairs, so it's best to consider your fitness level.

Once you reach the top, the peaceful, pleasant surroundings offer views of Onomichi Port and the Seto Inland Sea. The city and seascape come together in a tranquil scene, creating a relaxed atmosphere.