Linda Liao's Reviews Page 54/75

The Former Temiya Line is a remnant of Hokkaido's first railway, the government-operated Horonai Railway. The section from Temiya to Sapporo opened in 1880 and mainly transported coal from the Horonai coal mine to Otaru Port. It later became the Temiya Line and was officially closed in 1985. Today, the tracks, railroad crossings, and other features have been preserved and developed into a walking path about 1.6 kilometers long. Walking part of it on the way to the Otaru Canal offers a sense of Otaru's history as a former “railway city.”

Walking into the Triangle Market feels like stepping into Hokkaido's treasure trove of seafood in an instant. Voices echo throughout the market, vendors enthusiastically greet customers, and a faint scent of the sea drifts through the air. The whole market is full of energy. The most exciting part is the colorful seafood rice bowls, topped with salmon, sea urchin, shrimp, and more. Their vivid colors make it hard to look away, and just seeing them is enough to work up an appetite.

There are also plenty of king crabs throughout the market. Their thick legs and enormous bodies are impossible to take your eyes off. Here, you can enjoy fresh Hokkaido seafood at relatively affordable prices!

Kitakaro's “Yōsei no Mori” is a Baumkuchen with a moist, delicate texture, with each layer creating an appealingly soft and fluffy bite. In addition to the classic original flavor, there are also distinctive options such as apple, orange, and matcha, each with its own unique aroma. If you like Baumkuchen, it's worth buying one to try.

This Rokkatei store is located near Otaru's famous Sakaimachi Street in Hokkaido and is a popular shop among travelers for desserts and souvenirs. It sells classic Rokkatei products such as rum raisin sandwich cookies, strawberry chocolates, and various desserts, all beautifully made and delicious.

When I arrived at Kamakurakōkōmae Station on the Enoden Line, the ocean view and train immediately caught my eye. This is an iconic scene from the Slam Dunk manga, and the familiar railroad crossing makes you feel like you've stepped into memories of your youth. With the blue sea and sky and the train slowly passing by, the whole scene feels both refreshing and romantic. While waiting by the crossing for the train to pass, skilled surfers would occasionally walk by, which was also quite a nice sight~

The Enoshima Lighthouse Observation Tower, also known as the “Enoshima Sea Candle,” is located on Enoshima in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, and is a famous landmark in the Shonan area. The tower is about 59.8 meters tall and sits at an elevation of about 119.6 meters. It has indoor and outdoor observation decks offering magnificent views of the Shonan coast, Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, and the Tanzawa Mountains. You can enjoy the sunset in the evening and take in the Shonan nightscape after dark, making it a popular tourist attraction on Enoshima.

The Enoden is a charming part of everyday life in Kamakura. The train travels along the coast, sometimes hugging the Shonan shoreline and sometimes weaving between homes. Outside the window are old streets, houses, utility poles, and deep blue ocean views. Nothing feels overly staged, yet everywhere you look, you can sense the daily life of Kamakura.

There are also many iconic attractions along the way, such as the Great Buddha of Kamakura, Hasedera Temple, Kamakurakokomae, Shichirigahama, and Enoshima. Each stop has its own scenery and pace. You can buy a one-day pass, take your time riding and exploring, and get off whenever you see a place you like.

I've actually been to Kamakura many times, but it keeps drawing me back again and again. The Kamakura coast in particular is just so captivating!

Strolling along the tree-lined avenue, you'll find boutiques, select shops, and distinctive cafes on both sides. It's stylish and feels very Tokyo. Around the middle of Omotesando, you can stop by Omotesando Hills, designed by Tadao Ando. The building itself is a major highlight, with a soaring central atrium and spiral ramps that make browsing feel very design-focused. Inside, you'll find Japanese designer brands, international luxury boutiques, lifestyle shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a good place to browse slowly and hunt for finds. Afterward, head into the surrounding side streets to look for hidden shops and cafes and experience the most charming side of everyday life in Omotesando.

It has a strong Hollywood atmosphere, with all kinds of snack shops, restaurants, and unique gift shops lining both sides of the street. It's fun to browse as you walk around. It's also open later than expected, so after leaving the park, you can come back to shop, grab something to eat, or buy souvenirs. The streets look even better in photos at night with all the lights. It's a great way to end a day at Universal Studios—take a leisurely stroll before heading back to your hotel.

Walking through Meiji Jingu Shrine feels like entering a vast, quiet, deep forest hidden within the city. The towering trees lining both sides of the approach make you feel cut off from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo as soon as you enter. Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken are enshrined here, and it is also one of Japan's most important shrines, attracting millions of worshippers every New Year.

The enormous torii gate at the entrance is said to have been made from cypress from Alishan, Taiwan. As you walk along the gravel path, hearing the crunch beneath your feet and looking up at the towering torii gate, you feel a solemn sense of entering sacred grounds one step at a time.