Linda Liao's Reviews Page 37/93

The Kobe Kitano Ijinkan area is a popular attraction for first-time visitors to Kobe. After the Port of Kobe opened, many foreigners came to live here, leaving the Kitano area with numerous Western-style residences and buildings that make up today’s famous Ijinkan district. As you walk along the slopes and streets, you can see buildings from different eras and in different styles, each with its own story and distinctive features. However, there are quite a few houses, so if you want to visit them all at once, you should set aside at least half a day, or even a full day for a more relaxed visit. If you have limited time, consider buying a combination ticket and choosing a few Ijinkan that interest you. This will make your itinerary much more manageable.

I happened to come across Fujiyama Cookie by Lake Kawaguchi and fell in love at first sight! The classic Mt. Fuji shape is delicate and cute, with chocolate on top representing snow. They look almost too good to eat. The store offers a variety of tempting flavors, including vanilla, chocolate, and matcha, so it’s no wonder it’s always packed with tourists choosing souvenirs. I picked up a few to try, and they’re quite suitable as souvenirs to share with family and friends.

JR Central Towers is connected to JR Nagoya Takashimaya, making it very convenient to get to. After arriving by Shinkansen or train, you can enter the shopping center directly without taking a detour. On this visit to Nagoya, of course I immediately stopped by the Ogura Sanso counter to stock up! The basement food floor has many popular Japanese souvenirs, and after shopping there, you can continue browsing clothing, household goods, and restaurants, which saves travelers a lot of time. It’s especially convenient to get all your snack and souvenir shopping done here before boarding the Shinkansen.

Nagoya’s Sekai no Yamachan truly lives up to its reputation for Maboroshi no Tebasaki! The skin is grilled until golden and crispy, and the savory, salty flavor of the signature pepper seasoning pairs perfectly with it. Juices burst out with every bite. A plate may look like a lot, but they’re so addictive that you can’t help eating one after another, and they’re gone in no time. No wonder they’re a must-try Nagoya specialty!

I'm donut ? in Nakameguro, Tokyo, is the legendary original location known for its long lines! Unlike traditional donuts, its extremely popular filled nama donuts have a uniquely soft and chewy texture. My favorite is the rich, smooth pistachio flavor with its strong nutty aroma. Overall, though, they’re still a little too sweet for me, so I can only eat one at a time. A cup of unsweetened black coffee balances out the sweetness perfectly.

The Philosopher's Path is a renowned cherry blossom viewing spot. In spring, when the blossoms are in full bloom, delicate pink Yoshino cherry blossoms flourish along the canal, while fallen petals blanket the path like snow, creating a dreamy, poetic scene. Strolling along the path, you can not only soak in the romantic atmosphere of spring but also feel as though time has slowed down, leaving you refreshed and at peace. It is a breathtaking sight not to be missed when visiting the ancient capital.

The most moving part of visiting Uwajima Castle in Ehime, Shikoku, was seeing firsthand the rustic beauty of one of Japan's precious twelve original castle keeps. This historic castle, first built by renowned castle architect Todo Takatora and later renovated by the Date clan, perfectly preserves the wooden craftsmanship of the Edo period and exudes an elegance and composure refined over time.

I slowly made my way to the top along the lush stone steps and walked through the old-growth forest of Shiroyama Park, where the gentle breeze helped ease much of my fatigue. Upon entering the three-story castle keep, I was greeted by the scent of wood. From the top floor, there were sweeping views of the streets of Uwajima and the blue waters of the Uwa Sea. The scenery of the mountains and sea together was refreshing and uplifting.

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival is Tokyo's oldest and most iconic summer tradition in the Kanto region. Held every year on the last Saturday of July, the event is divided between two venues and features as many as 20,000 dazzling fireworks. The biggest highlight is seeing the fireworks burst against the historic streets of Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree, creating a perfect blend of the traditional and the modern. People stroll through the streets in traditional yukata and enjoy food from festival stalls. The area is incredibly lively and has the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese summer festival.

After trying the omurice at Hokkyokusei in Osaka, you can truly appreciate this century-old restaurant's dedication to home-style flavors. The lightly salted outer layer of egg is soft and tender, cooked with excellent precision, and wrapped around chicken fried rice with perfectly separate grains. The flavors are richly layered yet still comforting. Paired with a heartwarming fresh soup, every bite reflects the family's time-honored craftsmanship and warmth. It's a classic dish that soothes the soul.

When I was little, I watched the Ikkyu-san cartoon and was especially impressed by the shogun's residence. It wasn't until I visited Kyoto as an adult that I realized it was the famous Kinkaku-ji! Its official name is Rokuon-ji, and the Golden Pavilion is actually the temple's reliquary hall. A phoenix symbolizing good fortune stands atop the roof, and the entire building, covered in glittering gold leaf, looks especially dazzling reflected on the surface of the pond. If you're lucky enough to visit on a snowy day in winter, you'll see another picturesque scene.