Linda Liao's Reviews Page 46/75

Kanamori Bay (Hakodate Bay) is near Hakodate's famous red brick warehouses, and the surrounding area has the atmosphere of a port town. When I visited last winter, the Christmas lights were up, making the evenings especially romantic. Unfortunately, it was the middle of winter, and the sea breeze was bitterly cold, so it wasn't a good time for a cruise and I had to give up on it. Still, enjoying the lights from the shore had its own charm.

Hachimanzaka Slope is one of Hakodate's iconic attractions. The straight road stretches down to Hakodate Port, offering expansive views. Trees line both sides, creating a different atmosphere each season. It's also a popular spot for enjoying the ocean view and taking photos. The sunset over the harbor is especially unforgettable in the evening.

As soon as I arrived in Sendai, I headed straight to the SUN MALL ICHIBANCHO shopping street. It has all kinds of stores. It isn't as crowded and noisy as Tokyo, but it still has all the brands you might want to browse. The overall pace is laid-back, and it's very comfortable to walk around, making it a great place to experience local life.

Abe Kamaboko offers an experience where you can grill fish cakes yourself! Just pay at the counter to receive a fresh fish cake, then take it to the charcoal grill up front and cook it yourself.

Watch as the fish cake slowly heats up on the grate. Just grill both sides until they're an appetizing golden brown, and you're done. Not only is it fun, but it's also crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The store also thoughtfully offers shelf-stable packaged fish cakes as souvenirs, so you don't have to worry about refrigeration and can take them straight back to Taiwan. It's really convenient.

A hair wax recommended by a friend. It’s suitable for fine, soft hair, sensitive scalps, or anyone looking for natural volume and airy definition. The texture is lightweight and moisturizing, so it also helps condition your hair. The size is just right too—not such a large container that it’s hard to finish.

The name “Breathing Chocolate” sounds impressive. It has crunchy almonds inside, giving it a rich, layered texture. The chocolate itself has a silky texture similar to Royce nama chocolate, with a high fat content that melts in your mouth. The outside is coated with slightly bitter cocoa powder, perfectly balancing the overall sweetness. There are plenty of pieces in one bag, so it’s affordable and popular to bring to the office and share with coworkers.

This snack is exclusive to the Kansai region. I found it at an airport shop and bought some to take home. The crispy potato sticks are paired with a sweet sauce, with a hint of tangy mayonnaise and red pickled ginger. Overall, they really capture the distinctive flavor of Osaka takoyaki, and the flavor is reproduced quite well for a snack. The box contains individually wrapped small packs, making them easy to carry and store. They're also nice for sharing with coworkers, friends, and family, and are worth considering as a Kansai souvenir.

I happened upon this shop while browsing, and its colorful decor immediately drew me in. Taking a closer look, I realized it was a snack shop selling pound cake. The cakes are shaped like square dice, which is cute and creative. They have a delicate, soft texture, with a light buttery aroma and natural sweetness. They're moist rather than dry, and pair well with tea or coffee. They would make a nice souvenir for friends and family who enjoy trying new things.

The Sanjo-dori Shopping Mall is located in downtown Nara and is visible as soon as you exit Nara Station. Along the way, there are restaurants, dessert shops, souvenir stores, and unique little shops where you can try local Nara food and buy souvenirs. You can stroll all the way from the station to Nara Park. It isn't overly crowded, and the pace is relaxed.

Todaiji is a historic temple known for its majestic Great Buddha of Nara and one of the world's largest wooden Great Buddha halls. When you step inside, the sense of solemnity and awe is truly something photos can't capture.

Behind the Great Buddha is a wooden pillar with a hole in it, said to be about the same size as the Buddha's nostril. Legend has it that if you can crawl through it, you'll be blessed with good health and protection from misfortune. Thinking back to my first visit to Nara, I was young and a little reckless. When I saw everyone lining up, I crawled in without hesitation, and to my surprise, I actually made it through! But when I visited again later, I wasn't as brave. I looked at the opening and decided to "just admire it," worried I'd crawl in and get stuck (lol).