Linda Liao's Reviews Page 59/75

Hiroshima PARCO is located in a lively downtown area and can be visited together with the nearby Hondori Shopping Street. This is one of Hiroshima's best-known shopping districts, offering everything from food and clothing to household goods. Besides large stores, there are also quite a few distinctive little shops tucked away. One place that locals also highly recommend is Tatemachi Canelé. The canelés are beautifully made and bite-sized, with very good texture and quality. You can sense the careful craftsmanship in each one. I couldn't resist buying a few to take back to the hotel and slowly enjoy that evening.

It's a small place full of local neighborhood charm. The atmosphere inside is warm and unpretentious, making it feel especially welcoming. Ordering is simple too—just tell the owner what you'd like, and he'll place each item on your plate. Especially when the weather is cold, you really crave piping-hot oden. The simple food and friendly interaction are exactly what make this little place so charming〜

ecute Ueno has quite a few unique little shops to browse, such as 3COINS and Pensta for Suica Penguin merchandise, as well as various sundries and souvenirs. However, keep in mind that ecute is located inside the JR Ueno Station ticket gates, so you can browse after getting off a JR train. If you take another subway line to Ueno, you can't enter directly and will need to purchase a separate admission ticket or use an IC card to enter.

The brand was originally founded in California, USA, and later gradually gained popularity among coffee lovers around the world. You can sense its commitment to coffee quality and minimalist aesthetics. The simple interior design, paired with natural light, makes you slow down without even realizing it. Besides enjoying the coffee, there are also quite a few limited-edition items, and many visitors come specifically to buy them.

Dogo Onsen Annex Asuka-no-Yu was designed around the concept of the Asuka period. Both the architecture and interior are distinctive, and you can also see local artwork from Ehime. Compared with the historic Dogo Onsen Main Building, Asuka-no-Yu is newer and more comfortable, with a more modern atmosphere. Each has its own unique character.

A coworker from Kobe shared this souvenir with everyone. This treat is great for bringing back to Taiwan. Its biggest advantage is that it can be stored at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about keeping it refrigerated along the way. It has a rich egg flavor, and compared with Uni-President Pudding, the texture is firmer than regular pudding. I personally think it tastes better chilled. It's nice and cold, and the egg flavor is even more noticeable. Overall, it isn't so sweet that it feels too heavy, making it great for afternoon tea or as an after-meal dessert.

COW BRAND Beauty Soap is a long-established Japanese brand. The red box has a light fragrance, not the kind that's overpowering or noticeably artificial. My skin also feels comfortable after washing, so it's one I personally like quite a bit.

Besides the red box, there's also a blue box to choose from. The main difference between the two is how moisturizing they are. The red box feels more moisturizing and is better suited for dry skin, while the blue box is also a good choice for normal skin. You can also choose based on the season: use the lighter, more refreshing blue box in summer, then switch to the more moisturizing red box in winter. Just choose according to your skin's condition.

LeTAO's Double Fromage cheesecake has an incredibly light, delicate texture and practically melts in your mouth. It's very different from typical rich, dense cheesecakes—you'll fall in love with it after just one bite. Besides the classic original flavor, there are also chocolate and seasonal flavors like Shine Muscat grape and melon. Each one has its own unique character, and they're all delicious.

You can also buy it at duty-free shops in some major airports in Japan, which is very convenient for travelers. They usually thoughtfully include an insulated bag with your purchase, so you can feel more at ease bringing it home. Although prices have risen quite a bit in recent years, they're still fairly reasonable considering the exchange rate for the Japanese yen.

Bansuiso is a historic Western-style building. It was built in 1922 and was originally a villa for Hisamatsu Sadakoto, a descendant of the lord of the Matsuyama domain. Since Hisamatsu Sadakoto had lived in France, Bansuiso has a strong European influence in its design and is very different from traditional Japanese architecture. Inside, you can see ornate decorations, beautiful stained glass, and elegant staircases and rooms, giving you a sense of the aristocratic lifestyle of the time. Bansuiso later hosted members of the Imperial Family, giving it special historical significance.

The Botchan Karakuri Clock is located near Dogo Onsen Station and is a distinctive local attraction. It was installed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and its design was inspired by the bathhouse's architecture. At scheduled times, the clock transforms to music and characters from Botchan appear, giving visitors a fun sense of how Japanese literature and hot spring culture come together.