Linda Liao's Reviews Page 8/11

IYOTETSU Tram

This tram system operates mainly in central Matsuyama City in Ehime and is operated by IYOTETSU. Its predecessor began operations in 1888, and it has developed into one of Japan’s longest-running urban transportation systems. Today’s tram system is centered on Matsuyama City Station and consists of six routes. Multiple lines support travel around the city, including a loop line that circles major downtown areas and routes heading toward Dogo Onsen.

• Ehime
• Trains & Subway

When sightseeing in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, don't miss the retro Botchan Train. Full of Meiji-era charm, this train is famous because of Natsume Soseki's classic novel Botchan. It travels slowly around Dogo Onsen, Okaido, and Matsuyama City Station, accompanied by the gentle sound of its whistle, making you feel as though you've traveled back a hundred years. You're more likely to see it on weekends and holidays, and its retro design has also become a popular sight for locals and tourists eager to take photos〜

Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)

Cat Alley, or Neko no Hosomichi, is the 200-meter narrow road that stretches from Ushitora Shrine in Nagae, an area of Onomichi City (Hiroshima). The road was started in 1998 when artist Shunji Sonoyama painted the “fukuishineko” lucky stone cats found along the road.

• Hiroshima
• Tourist Attractions

Cat lovers should definitely take a stroll along Cat Alley and enjoy looking for cats along the way!

Most of the cats here are friendly and aren't camera-shy, but remember to tread lightly, keep your voice down, and avoid sudden movements that might scare them.

As you slowly follow the winding path, keep a close eye on your surroundings and you'll discover many cat-themed creations, such as cute little cat stones and stone paintings, scattered throughout the alleys and tucked into corners. You may find a new surprise every few steps that brings a smile to your face.

Cruise Ferry / Linear Jet

From Hiroshima, Kure and Hatsukaichi Cities in Hiroshima Prefecture to Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture. Step into four different destinations steeped in history and local food delights across the Seto Inland Sea with two vessels, the Cruise Ferry and Linear Jet, connecting Hiroshima and Matsuyama Ports.

• Hiroshima
• Ehime
• Ships

This time, I chose to take the SEA PASEO cruise ferry from Matsuyama in Ehime Prefecture to Kure in Hiroshima Prefecture for sightseeing. Compared with regular transportation, traveling by boat felt more leisurely and relaxing, and I could enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Seto Inland Sea along the way.

The SEA PASEO is quite new, with an overall calm color scheme and very comfortable seats. There is also a small shop on board where you can buy drinks and snacks. The counter seats even have power outlets, making them convenient whether you want to relax, enjoy the scenery, or get some work done.

The boat was very steady throughout the trip, with hardly any noticeable rocking. Even people who usually worry about seasickness can enjoy the journey without concern.

Ningyocho Imahan, Ningyocho Honten / Kisentei, Ningyocho Honten

This restaurant stands at the former Kisentei location, a comedy theater from Meiji to Showa Periods. Ningyocho Imahan is known for the cuisine using Japanese Kuroge Wagyu beef. The 1st floor is Kisentei, serving steak on the iron grill cooked before your eyes. The 2nd floor is Ningyocho Imahan, offering Japanese food such as sukiyaki and shabu shabu.

• Tokyo Station, Nihonbashi, Marunouchi
• Meat Dishes

Ningyocho Imahan is a long-established upscale sukiyaki and shabu-shabu restaurant founded in 1895, with a history spanning more than a century. This time, I visited the location in Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, ready to enjoy a delicious wagyu meal.

The food was not only delicious but also beautifully presented. The slices of wagyu from Kagoshima had evenly distributed marbling and an especially tempting pink color. Just seeing them brought to the table was enough to whet my appetite.

Since it's an upscale restaurant, attentive tableside service is usually provided. Guests only need to sit back comfortably and watch the staff skillfully cook the ingredients. Once the meat and other ingredients are cooked to perfection, you can elegantly dig in!

ecute Ueno

Located inside the ticket gates at JR Ueno Station, ecute Ueno is a convenient shopping facility with more than 60 permanent shops ranging from food to fashion and miscellaneous goods. Because Ueno Station is a terminal station served by many lines, it is also ideal when you need to adjust your sightseeing plans on a rainy day or want to stop by in between journeys.

• Ueno, Nippori
• Commercial Buildings

Located on the 3rd floor of the Ueno shopping complex is Pensta, a specialty store featuring the Suica penguin that is popular with railway fans.
Since JR East announced that the Suica mascot penguin, which has been with everyone for 25 years, will be retiring in 2026, Japan has seen a rush to buy related merchandise. Many people are taking this last opportunity to visit official merchandise stores in search of cute penguin items.

Besides selling all kinds of penguin merchandise, the Ueno store also has a cute themed cafe where seats are always hard to come by. If you happen to be in the Ueno area, consider setting aside some time to browse Pensta, pick out a few penguin items you like, and take home a keepsake of this cute character that many people grew up with〜

Sekaido Shinjuku Honten

Sekaido Shinjuku Main Store is conveniently located a minute's walk away from Tokyo Metro’s Shinjuku-sanchome Station. This art / school supply store carries an abundance of globally-popular school supplies, art supplies and frames. Functional and high-quality goods are always set lower than regular prices.

• Shinjuku, Okubo, Yoyogi, Yotsuya
• Miscellaneous Goods

As a stationery lover, I always make time to browse Sekaido whenever I’m in Shinjuku〜 What makes Sekaido so appealing, besides its wide variety and extensive selection, is its great prices. Most items are sold for around 20% off the list price, which is a huge plus for stationery lovers!

The displays inside are a little cluttered, but that doesn’t take away from the fun of shopping. If anything, it feels like a treasure hunt. From art supplies and stationery to all kinds of other goods, the selection is dazzling, and you can also find many of the latest stationery releases here.

For me, Sekaido has become one of my favorite stores to visit every time I’m in Shinjuku. If you’re also a stationery lover, don’t miss it when you’re in Shinjuku—you might even uncover a treasure!

Ginza Kimuraya

In 1874, they developed the original "sake-kasu anpan," a bread made from sake yeast and filled with sweetened azuki bean paste. Since then, they have continued to make it using the same method.

• Ginza, Yurakucho
• Japanese Cuisine

Located in Ginza 4-chome, Ginza Kimuraya is the birthplace of Japan's anpan and a popular souvenir that many people pick up while shopping in Ginza.

Every time I pass by, the store is always bustling. Inside the bakery, a wide variety of sake yeast breads are neatly arranged on the counter, from classic flavors like cherry blossom, sesame, Ogura red bean paste, and white bean paste to the popular red bean and butter series. With so many choices, it's hard not to pick out one after another.

Of course, the signature sake yeast anpan is a classic you shouldn't miss. The sake yeast dough has a faint, distinctive aroma and a soft, moist texture, while the smooth red bean filling makes it clear why this remains Kimuraya's enduring signature item.

Ginza Itoya Main store

The Stationary Specialty store was established in 1904, Alongside department stores and luxury brand shops, in Ginza. The main store building symbolized by a bright red paper clip was renovated in 2015.

• Ginza, Yurakucho
• Miscellaneous Goods

If you're a stationery lover, you definitely can't miss Ginza Itoya Main Store when visiting Tokyo!
This 12-story stationery paradise has everything from seasonal greeting cards, paper, and paints to household goods, stationery, and many beautifully crafted original products. There's such a wide variety that it's almost overwhelming.

Each floor has different surprises. The products aren't just practical—the designs and quality are also very appealing.

Even if you're not planning to buy anything, it's still worth stopping by. The whole store has a comfortable, relaxing atmosphere, and simply browsing all the exquisite stationery and household goods will put you in a great mood. For stationery lovers, this is truly the kind of place you'll never want to leave~

Sendai Shopping Arcades

“Hapina Nakakecho", "CLIS Road", and "Marble Road Omachi" run east to west from Sendai Station, and "Sun Mall", "Vlandome", and "Ichibancho 4-chome Shopping Street" run north to south, forming the letter "to" in katakana, making it the largest shopping street in Tohoku.

• Sendai
• Shopping Streets

There are several shopping streets in front of Sendai Station, most with covered arcades, so you don't have to worry whether it's sunny or raining. Both sides are lined with unique shops, including clothing stores, variety stores, restaurants, and cafés. Strolling through them, you can feel the lively atmosphere of downtown Sendai.

Among them, Sun Mall Ichibancho Shopping Street is one of Sendai's most iconic shopping streets, with a history dating back to 1954. There's also a Pokémon manhole cover hidden here, a cute little surprise. When you pass by, try looking down—you might just find it!

When you get tired from shopping, take a break at Kanmidokoro Hikoichi, a long-established sweets shop that's also popular with locals. Besides the delicious food, the shop retains a retro, nostalgic atmosphere, and the staff are friendly and polite, making for a very pleasant dining experience.

Sendai Asaichi Morning Market

“Sendai Asaichi" has the advantage of being extremely accessible, only a five-minute walk from Sendai Station. The market sells mainly fresh local Miyagi fresh food products. There are also many diners, allowing visitors to enjoy all the food Miyagi has to offer, from shopping to dining.

• Sendai
• Shopping Streets

Follow the locals around the morning market early in the day and experience their lively energy. The roughly 100-meter-long shopping street is packed with vendors selling fresh seafood, vegetables, and prepared foods, making it a great place to have breakfast.
The popular and affordable croquettes at Saito Sozaiten, where people line up, are made with Danshaku potatoes from Hokkaido. They're crispy outside, fluffy inside, and very flavorful. The portions aren't large, so they're perfect for eating while you walk.

Hanagasa Dango Honpo displays rice balls in a variety of flavors. Freshly made every day, they're another popular snack not to miss here.

Besides the prepared food shops, you can also browse inside the market and buy some dried seafood as souvenirs. The wakame from Minamisanriku is especially high quality, with thick leaves and a springy texture that adds flavor to dishes.