Linda Liao's Reviews Page 43/75

Momoya is a well-known Japanese food brand, and its fukujinzuke is one of its most popular signature products. Fukujinzuke is a Japanese pickle made mainly from pickled vegetables. It has a bright color, a sweet and slightly salty flavor, and a crisp, appetizing texture. It goes especially well with curry rice. A bite of curry with fukujinzuke makes the overall flavor more refreshing and less heavy. The seasoned bamboo shoots are also good, with a light flavor that pairs well with dry noodles or white rice.

When traveling in Japan, I sometimes choose a standing restaurant for a quick and simple meal. Small standing noodle shops like this usually aren't very big and only have space to eat while standing, but you can always see plenty of local office workers coming and going. They use their short lunch breaks to order a bowl of piping-hot noodles, then hurry back to work as soon as they finish. This everyday scene also gives me a sense of the fast pace of life in Japan.

The biggest appeal of standing restaurants is their affordable prices. You can usually get a bowl of hot noodles for less than JPY 500, making them very convenient for travelers looking to save time and money. You can sometimes find these little shops near train stations as well. Especially in the cold winter, when you're walking down the street shivering and see the lights on inside, you can't help but go in. A sip of hot broth not only fills your stomach, but also adds a little warmth to a tiring journey.

As I walked into Doguyasuji Shopping Street, what caught my attention most were the incredibly lifelike food models in the display windows. I had seen Japanese TV programs showing artisans making food models, from choosing materials and shaping them to carefully adding color at the end. Every step requires patience and skill. Seeing the finished products in person this time, I was truly impressed by the artisans' creativity. They looked so realistic that I couldn't help wondering if they were actually edible.

Besides the food models, there are all kinds of beautiful and practical bowls, plates, and utensils to choose from. The dazzling selection was almost overwhelming. What impressed me most was how exquisitely designed even the tiny chopstick rests were. Some were cute and realistic, making even an ordinary meal feel more cheerful!

If you’re bringing older family members to Osaka, I highly recommend adding Kuromon Market to your itinerary. For Taiwanese people who are used to visiting traditional markets, it feels both familiar and new. Older visitors in particular often can’t help but stop and take a close look at the dazzling selection of fruit, seafood, meat, and dried goods, and even compare prices and search for ingredients that are less common in Taiwan.

Kuromon Market is located in central Osaka and has a long history. It gradually developed into a market during the Edo period, initially selling fish, vegetables, and other daily necessities. Because it supplied Osaka residents with their everyday needs for so long, it later earned the nickname “Osaka’s Kitchen.”

Today, Kuromon Market sells not only ingredients but also plenty of freshly prepared local snacks, making it convenient to eat as you walk. If you don’t want to eat too much, you can also buy some fruit or treats and take them back to your hotel to enjoy at your leisure. The most interesting thing about Kuromon Market is how approachable it feels. Here, you can experience the charm of everyday life in Osaka.

I especially recommend riding the Ferris wheel at night. As it slowly rises, you can look down over Dotonbori, taking in the brightly lit city, flashing neon signs, lively streets, and dazzling nightscape of Osaka.

Ryukakusan is a well-known Japanese throat care product, suitable for everyday use when your throat feels dry or itchy or your voice is hoarse. Many drugstores in Taiwan also carry imported versions, so it's easy to buy. I usually keep some at the office and take a small spoonful to soothe my throat after talking too much.

When visiting Osaka's liveliest shopping district, how could you miss Ebisu Bridge in Dotonbori? Spanning the Dotonbori River, Ebisu Bridge has existed since the Edo period. Its location near the pilgrimage route to Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, along with the area's history as a hub for theater and entertainment, helped it gradually develop into the bustling tourist center it is today. From the bridge, the classic Glico Running Man is the biggest eye-catcher. With his arms raised as he runs toward the finish line, he has long been an iconic image of Osaka. Visit during the day to experience the crowds and lively streets, while nighttime offers a completely different view. Neon signs light up on both banks and reflect on the river, making all of Dotonbori feel like a city that never sleeps. Of course, no trip to Osaka is complete without taking a classic photo with the Running Man from Ebisu Bridge!

Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is located in Chuo Ward, Osaka, near Osaka Metro's Shinsaibashi Station. It is one of southern Osaka's most iconic shopping streets, stretching from Shinsaibashi toward Namba. The shopping street has a covered arcade, so you can stroll comfortably even on rainy days.

We came to Ramen Koji on the 10th floor of Kyoto Station to find something to eat. It brings together ramen shops from all over Japan, so there are plenty of choices. After walking around all day, a steaming bowl of ramen with rich broth and chewy noodles was especially satisfying. What I liked most was being able to choose according to my own taste and experience ramen styles from different regions all in one place without having to travel far. The overall atmosphere was lively, the prices were reasonable, and the location was convenient.

Yasaka Shrine is located at the eastern end of Kyoto's bustling Shijo Street, just across the road, and is well worth including on a visit to Kyoto. The shrine has a long history dating back to around the 7th century and has long been revered by Kyoto residents and travelers. It is also one of the places where the famous Gion Matsuri originated. Passing through the vermilion gate, you can immediately feel the solemn atmosphere of a traditional shrine. Besides visiting the shrine, it's also nice to stroll around Gion and Hanamikoji and experience Kyoto's distinctive historical charm.