Linda Liao's Reviews Page 32/93

Japan's incense culture originated with the custom of burning incense after Buddhism was introduced. At first, it was mainly used for rituals at temples, but it gradually became part of aristocratic life and even developed into kōdō, or the art of incense, in which different fragrances are appreciated by smelling and identifying them. Shoyeido was founded in Kyoto and has carried on the tradition of incense making for many years. In addition to incense sticks for Buddhist ceremonies, the store also offers incense suitable for everyday use. Different combinations of fragrant woods and spices create their own distinctive scents, and you can take your time choosing from sandalwood and agarwood to floral fragrances. For Japanese people, burning incense isn't just about adding fragrance to a space; it's also a way to calm the mind and experience the seasons and everyday life.

If you want to experience Osaka's most authentic everyday local life, you should definitely visit Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street! Stretching about 2.6 kilometers, it is said to be Japan's longest shopping street. It extends from Tenjinbashi and is packed with affordable food, long-established shops, clothing stores, general goods, and household supply stores along the way. Unlike Umeda and Shinsaibashi, it isn't as touristy, and more of the shops cater to Osaka residents doing their everyday shopping, making it very interesting to explore. You also shouldn't miss local favorites such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, croquettes, and wagashi. The prices are affordable, and the food is full of Osaka character. When you get tired of walking, you can sit down for something to eat at a small shop and slowly experience the most everyday side of Osaka, the "Kitchen of the Nation"!

How could you visit Osaka without trying the hugely popular Kushikatsu Daruma? The signature Daruma man is very eye-catching and hard to miss when walking down the street. After being seated, you're first served a plate of crisp raw cabbage to enjoy with the kushikatsu. There are plenty of choices on the menu, including beef, pork, chicken, shrimp, cheese, lotus root, and asparagus. Everything is fried until golden and crispy, and it's so tasty while piping hot.
Once the kushikatsu arrives, dip it in the special sauce on the table. Its savory, slightly sweet flavor is the classic taste of Osaka's everyday food! One thing to keep in mind is that the restaurant will remind you that you can “dip only once.” You can't dip a skewer back into the sauce after taking a bite. It's both for hygiene and a small rule of Osaka's kushikatsu culture. If you're visiting Shinsekai in Osaka, don't forget to stop by for some authentic kushikatsu!

I came to Osaka during cherry blossom season and had especially wanted to visit the Mint to see its famous “Cherry Blossom Passage” in person. Unfortunately, the opening dates are adjusted according to the blooming conditions, and they didn't line up with my travel dates, so I reluctantly had to give up. Instead, I took a walk around Temmabashi and along the Okawa River. Unexpectedly, the cherry trees on both sides were in full bloom, and when the gentle breeze blew, the petals drifted through the air. Together with the view of the river, the atmosphere was just as charming. Although I didn't get to walk through the Mint's Cherry Blossom Passage, I was still very satisfied with this unexpected alternative itinerary.

Nijo-jo Castle, a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in Kyoto, transforms into a romantic cherry blossom hideaway every spring. Many varieties of cherry trees are planted throughout the castle grounds, with Somei Yoshino, mountain cherry, and double-flowered cherry trees blooming one after another. The scenery changes as you admire them along the castle walls, moat, and gardens. Strolling through this historic World Heritage Site while viewing the cherry blossoms and experiencing Kyoto's rich historical atmosphere is well worth adding to your itinerary!

The Kumamoto Prefectural Traditional Crafts Center is located near Kumamoto Castle and is a great place to learn about Kumamoto's traditional crafts. The museum displays a wide variety of crafts, including pottery, woodwork, bamboo crafts, and textiles, allowing visitors to get an up-close look at the craftsmanship and delicate techniques artisans have developed over many years. In addition to the static exhibits, you can see parts of the production process and finished pieces, ranging from everyday items to intricate works of art, each with its own distinctive character. Stopping by after visiting Kumamoto Castle is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Kumamoto's local culture and craftsmanship.

Olive Hill in Tama New Town is an Italian family restaurant that offers great value for the money. The spacious and comfortable restaurant serves a wide variety of affordable Italian dishes. This time, I ordered a freshly baked pizza. The crust was crispy, the toppings were generous, and it tasted unexpectedly good, making for a satisfying and filling meal. Overall, the food is affordable and delicious, and the restaurant is suitable for gatherings with family or friends as well as dining alone. It's a good choice when you want to casually enjoy affordable Italian food!

If you're looking for a less crowded place to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto, I highly recommend taking a walk along the Yamashina Canal! This is the section of the Lake Biwa Canal that runs through Yamashina in Kyoto. Cherry trees line both sides of the canal, and when they bloom in spring, the pale pink cherry blossoms mingle with the golden-yellow rapeseed flowers. The layers of pink and yellow, together with the gently flowing canal and mountains in the distance, create a breathtaking view!

Yamashina is very close to Kyoto Station and can be reached in about 5 minutes by JR. It's easy to get to, yet has a relaxed atmosphere away from the city center. Compared with popular cherry blossom spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Philosopher's Path, there are relatively fewer tourists here. Slowly walking along the canal and admiring the spring scenery of cherry blossoms and rapeseed flowers together is very soothing. I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and leisurely enjoy this lesser-known flower-viewing spot that Kyoto locals also love.

What caught my eye most in the store were the jars of colorful, adorable candies. Packaged in vintage-style, delicate candy jars, they make cute little souvenirs. I highly recommend stopping by if you like traditional Japanese sweets, vintage goods, or are looking for unique souvenirs.

FRANÇAIS mille-feuille cookies are a very popular souvenir. Crispy cookies are layered with different flavored fillings and coated in dark chocolate, giving them a crisp texture and a rich chocolate aroma. The different fillings balance well with the slightly bitter dark chocolate, and the sweetness is just right without being cloying. The elegant packaging is also easy to carry, making them suitable both as a gift and for yourself.