Linda Liao's Reviews Page 33/93

KARASAWA is a long-established and popular local shop in Onomichi that has been around for many years, and it’s an ice cream shop loved by many locals as well. The shop specializes in homemade ice cream and offers a wide variety of flavors. In addition to the classics, you can also try special seasonal flavors. The most distinctive option pairs ice cream with a crispy monaka wafer—simple, yet unique. Pick one up while strolling along the Onomichi waterfront and enjoy a cold dessert in the sea breeze—a little moment of happiness during your trip〜

Naturie Skin Conditioning Gel has a light, hydrating texture that spreads easily, making it suitable for daily skin care. The Job's tears extract and moisturizing formula replenish the skin with hydration, keeping it soft and comfortable. You can use it with toner: apply toner first to hydrate the skin, then apply the gel for extra moisture, leaving the skin feeling more hydrated and smooth. It feels light and not heavy, making it convenient for both morning and evening skin care.

The Nintendo Museum in Uji is very popular, and visits must be reserved online in advance. Popular time slots usually fill up quickly. The museum's design incorporates elements from Nintendo games throughout the years, with everything from early toys and game consoles to classic titles on display. The interactive exhibits are also a lot of fun. My favorite was the Pikmin-related interactive experience, where you can play and take photos with the cute characters using the museum's facilities. After browsing the merchandise area, I couldn't resist choosing three Pikmin to take home. At checkout, a staff member even took special care to choose a suitable bag for me. That thoughtful little detail was very touching, and the bag is so cute 💕 I can't bring myself to use it!

Jumbo Ferry is an important sea transportation service connecting Kobe, Takamatsu in Kagawa, and Shodoshima, allowing passengers to leisurely enjoy the scenery of the Seto Inland Sea. The trip from Kobe to Takamatsu takes about 4 hours, with ocean views along the way. If you're planning a trip around the Setouchi Triennale, you can also use the Shodoshima route to connect to the various art islands. The ferry has dining and lounge areas, so you can get a good rest even during a long journey.

When visiting Kokusai Street in Okinawa, if you want to buy all your Okinawan specialties in one place, you can shop at Okashigoten International Street Matsuo Store〜 The store carries a variety of popular souvenirs, with its signature Purple Sweet Potato Tart being the most iconic. The rich purple sweet potato filling is paired with a crisp, fragrant tart crust, creating a sweet, layered flavor. There are also many Okinawa-exclusive products, including chinsuko and other purple sweet potato treats, with plenty to choose from.

Shiseido Parlour's classic chocolate crisps come in limited-edition packaging at the Tokyo Skytree gift shop. The finely crafted Tokyo Skytree-shaped tin makes a great souvenir and can be reused to store small items after you finish the chocolates. The crisps have crunchy rice crackers inside and are coated in rich chocolate that isn't overly sweet, giving them a crisp yet light texture. Besides the Tokyo Skytree limited-edition packaging, these chocolate crisps are also available at the Ginza flagship store and some Shiseido Parlour counters in department stores.

Nakanoshima is not only a waterfront attraction in central Osaka, but also an important setting in the city's early development. During the Edo period, it was already a thriving rice market and distribution hub, where merchants gathered and goods were traded frequently, establishing Osaka's status as “the nation's kitchen.” Walking around Nakanoshima today, classical architecture blends with the riverside scenery, and you can also sense the historical path Osaka took from a major commercial center of the past to a modern city.

If you want to experience life in Osaka during the Edo period, take a trip to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living! With models, streetscapes, and interactive exhibits, it recreates the streets of Edo-period Osaka and makes you feel as if you’ve instantly traveled back more than 200 years. The most fun part is that you can also rent a yukata and wander through the old-fashioned streets in traditional clothing for a real “time travel” role-playing experience! The scenes inside also change with the time, shifting from day to night along with the atmosphere of the streets, which makes taking photos a lot of fun. Rather than simply visiting a museum, this feels more like a historical experience you can take part in yourself. It’s great for families with children or anyone who enjoys taking photos~

A classic nostalgic Japanese ice pop, with a refreshing blue appearance that feels just like summer. It has a light soda aroma when you take a bite, and it’s icy without being overly sweet, making it very refreshing. The ice pop has a crisp texture, and enjoying the soda flavor as you eat brings back the simple joy of having frozen treats as a child. Having one on a scorching summer day is cooling and comforting, and it’s perfect for anyone who likes nostalgic Japanese snacks.

While exploring the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter on a scorching summer day, I happened to notice the sign outside Miyake Shouten and couldn’t resist going in to enjoy the air conditioning and take a break. This long-established café is tucked inside an old machiya townhouse, and the moment you open the door and step inside, you can feel its strong nostalgic atmosphere.

The interior retains the layout of a traditional Japanese building and has an old-fashioned charm, along with a small garden. Sitting down and looking at the greenery outside the window feels especially relaxing. The café uses low tables with Japanese-style floor seating, which adds even more traditional old-house character when paired with tea and sweets. In addition to drinks, desserts, and meals, it also sells various household goods and curated items. If you’re tired from walking around, it’s worth stopping in to rest your feet, enjoy a snack, and take in the peaceful atmosphere of the old house. It’s a very comfortable little place to rest during a walk around Kurashiki.