Linda Liao's Reviews Page 65/75

Fukusaya Nagasaki main store

Castella, a sponge cake brought to Nagasaki in the mid-16th century along with Nanban trade, quickly became a favorite across Japan thanks to its fluffy deliciousness and high nutritional value. It was particularly embraced by students who came to Nagasaki from all over Japan to study medicine and Dutch studies.

Nagasaki
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

21 Aug 2026 See More

The first time I tried Fukusaya castella, I was drawn to its moist, soft texture. The cake itself is delicate, fragrant, and sweet, with a few sugar crystals on the bottom that add a slight crunch and give it more texture. Besides the classic long loaf, the version with two square boxes is also very convenient. The portion is just right for when you occasionally want something sweet but don't want to eat too much at once. It also makes a generous gift for friends and family.

Pâtisserie Ginza Sembikiya

Ginza Sembikiya is a long-standing fruits specialty store founded in 1894. Pâtisserie Ginza Sembikiya is a sweets specialty store that continues its predecessor’s traditions, making the most of each fruit’s characteristics so customers can easily enjoy the potentials of new fruits.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

21 Aug 2026 See More

I received a Ginza Sembikiya gift from a coworker, and from the first bite, I could sense the brand's signature refined, elegant style. The cake was moist and soft, paired with sweet dried fruit. It was sweet but not overly so, with an overall light and delicate flavor that brought together fruit and cake perfectly. The small, delicate portion left me wanting another bite〜

Sugar Butter Sand Tree "Amaou Strawberry Butter"

A Hakata-exclusive flavor created by Sugar Butter Tree, a Tokyo-born confectionery brand popular across Japan. Made with a special strawberry butter using 100% juice from Fukuoka’s famed Amaou strawberries, the dough is baked to juicy perfection. It starts with a crisp, toasty bite, then gently unfolds with the elegant sweet-tart flavor of strawberry for a truly special treat.

Hakata, Tenjin, Ohori
Snacks

21 Aug 2026 See More

Limited-time only, and I was lucky enough to come across it while shopping. It was even a Gaspard and Lisa collaboration, so I had to get it. Just looking at the packaging made it too cute to eat.

PISTA & TOKYO TOKYO GIFT PALETTE

Located inside TOKYO GIFT PALETTE at First Avenue Tokyo Station, just outside the Yaesu-side ticket gates of PISTA & TOKYO TOKYO GIFT PALETTE, this pistachio sweets specialty shop is produced by KCC Co., Ltd. With the concept of “sharing the allure of pistachios from Tokyo,” it offers a wide variety of pistachio-based treats.

Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
Sweets Shop & Desserts Shop

21 Aug 2026 See More

Pistachio-flavored sweets have become increasingly popular in recent years. PISTA & TOKYO's popular products feature a rich pistachio aroma paired with chocolate or a crispy texture, combining sweet and savory flavors with lots of depth. After trying them, I found the pistachio flavor rich without being overly sweet. The more I ate, the more I could appreciate the full, nutty flavor. The gift box packaging also feels very high-quality, making it perfect for gifts.

Nogata Tulip Fair

A major spring event held at Onga River Riverside Park (Nakanoshima), located in front of the Nogata City Hall. Around 150,000 tulip bulbs, planted with the help of local volunteers, bloom in vibrant colors, heralding the arrival of spring.

Iizuka, Nogata, Tagawa
Spring festivals & Events

21 Aug 2026 See More

Tulips are one of my favorite flowers. Their elegant shape and vibrant colors always give them a refined, graceful feel. I originally thought tulips were only widely grown in the Netherlands, so I was surprised to find such a beautiful sea of flowers in Japan as well. Strolling among the blooming tulips and taking in the feeling of spring was very pleasant. This visit not only allowed me to enjoy the beautiful flowers, but also gave me a better understanding of Japan's flower culture. It was an unforgettable experience.

Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum

Saka no Ue no Kumo, or “Clouds Over the Slope”, is a best-selling historical novel by the prominent novelist Ryotaro Shiba. The novel is focused on three main characters from Matsuyama City; Yoshifuru Akiyama, his brother Saneyuki Akiyama, and their poet friend, Shiki Masaoka. The museum was built around the theme of this novel.

Ehime
Museums

21 Aug 2026 See More

Compared with popular attractions like Dogo Onsen and Matsuyama Castle, the Saka no Ue no Kumo Museum is much more understated, but once inside, I was surprised by how much it had to offer. The museum is themed around Ryotaro Shiba's novel Clouds Over the Slope and introduces three figures from Matsuyama—Shiki Masaoka, Yoshifuru Akiyama, and Saneyuki Akiyama—as well as the Meiji era in which they lived. Through valuable historical materials, photographs, videos, and timelines, the museum shows how Japan transitioned from tradition to modernity during the Meiji era. It's worth taking some time to explore!

Towel Museum

A unique museum in Imabari, Japan’s leading towel-producing city, that shares towel lifestyles and towel culture. Visitors can see the towel-making process up close and enjoy exhibits that blend towels with art. In addition to permanent exhibitions such as Moomin and Hawaiian quilts, the museum hosts a variety of special exhibitions showcasing towel art.

Ehime
Museums

21 Aug 2026 See More

Imabari is a well-known towel-producing region in Japan, and the quality is excellent. Besides learning about towel production and culture, there are shops selling all kinds of Imabari towels, as well as restaurants and cafés, making it a good place to spend half a day. There’s a huge variety of products to choose from, ranging from practical towels and household items to cute character collaboration merchandise〜

GAUFRES AU GOUTER

"Gaufres" are sweets that sandwich cream between thin layers of baked dough, made using Western confectionery ingredients such as flour, sugar, milk, and butter, utilizing the technique of baking Japanese senbei (rice crackers).

Snacks

21 Aug 2026 See More

A snack the whole family loves. It's thin and crispy, with a light texture that doesn't feel heavy, making it easy to eat one after another and hard to stop. Besides the usual packaging, there are also cute small tin versions. The designs on the tins are all adorable, and seasonal limited editions are released too, making me want to collect them every time I see one. After finishing the cookies, the small tins can also be used to store little items, making them both practical and memorable〜

Iyotetsu Takashimaya

“Iyotetsu Takashimaya” has an array of seasonal items available from the latest fashion to Depachika sweets. The department store comprises a Main building and a South building, and the Main building is a station building, integrated with the Matsuyama City Station.

Ehime
Commercial Buildings

21 Aug 2026 See More

Located across from the streetcar terminal, it's very conveniently located and easy to visit as soon as you get off. The department store has a full range of shops, including various brands and souvenirs, as well as the familiar MUJI, where you can browse at your leisure, combining shopping and relaxation in one place. From the rooftop Ferris wheel, you can look down over the entire city of Matsuyama and take in the cityscape.

Old Karuizawa Ginza Street

Millions love to visit this must-to-see shopping street in Karuizawa each year. Souvenir stores with local specialties and gourmet shops serving take-out meals and sweets cluster here. Not only the main street, but also the alleys have fun stores. Take time to explore them and find your treasure.

Nagano
Shopping Streets

21 Aug 2026 See More

It's a retro old street full of nostalgic charm, lined with all kinds of cute and distinctive shops that make you want to explore them one by one for hidden treasures. The pace here isn't too rushed, making it comfortable and relaxing. Every time I visit Karuizawa, I stop by Boulangerie Asanoya. It's very popular, and in addition to selling bread, it also has a dining area where you can enjoy a full meal. It's a great place to rest and recharge while shopping.