Linda Liao's Reviews Page 84/91

I've loved visiting aquariums since I was little. I always feel that the moment I step inside, it's like temporarily leaving the land and entering another quiet, magical world. On this visit to Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, what impressed me most was the whale shark in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling viewing window. Watching it slowly swim through the enormous tank, surrounded by schools of fish moving freely, was so beautiful that I couldn't take my eyes off it. Every photo looked like a painting.

There was one small disappointment, though. I remember there used to be three whale sharks, but now there's only one, swimming alone in the vast tank. It felt a little less lively and made me want to keep watching it a little longer. Besides the whale shark, the jellyfish were as beautiful as fairies floating in the water. The garden eels poking their heads out of the sand and swaying with the current were super cute. The sea anemones waved their tentacles in the current while clownfish darted among them, reminding me of Nemo from the movie.

On this trip to Okinawa, I visited Kouri Island, and what I looked forward to most was going up Kouri Ocean Tower. Riding an automated cart through the grounds filled with tropical plants, with the sea breeze blowing along the way, I was already excited about the view before even reaching the top. Once I reached the observation deck 82 meters above sea level, Kouri Bridge and the entire deep-blue ocean came into view at once. The color of the water changed with the sunlight, making it impossible to stop taking photos.

Kouri Island is also known as the "Island of Love," and a local legend about Okinawa's version of Adam and Eve gives this small island an extra touch of romance. The tower also has a shell museum with a collection of more than 10,000 shells from around the world. It also sells many shell- and pearl-related accessories at reasonable prices.

When I came to Miyakojima, Okinawa, I originally walked into the Yukishio shop just looking to buy souvenirs, but I ended up being deeply impressed by this little packet of salt. The first time I saw Yukishio, I thought it really was as fine as snow. Its saltiness wasn't as simple as regular table salt, either, but had a mild taste of the sea. I later learned that Miyakojima's Yukishio is made from local underground seawater. Because of Miyakojima's unique geology, seawater is naturally filtered through layers of Ryukyu limestone, creating a very distinctive water quality.

My favorite way to enjoy Yukishio is with desserts. Just a little saltiness actually makes the sweetness stand out more. Eating Yukishio ice cream while feeling the sea breeze of Miyakojima made me realize that travel isn't only about seeing the sights. Sometimes, a single flavor can make an entire memory stay with you. Even after returning to Taiwan, whenever I have a salted dessert, I still can't help thinking of Miyakojima's deep blue sea.

My favorite is the seaweed salt flavor〜 Unlike regular potato chips, the chips in this series are thin and crispy, with a light taste. I usually pack a bag in my carry-on before a flight and enjoy them while watching a movie on the plane.

If you're visiting Tokyo, consider making time for a stroll around Ueno Zoo. Opened in 1882, this zoo is located in central Tokyo, so you can enjoy seeing all kinds of animals up close without traveling far〜 It always attracts many locals on holidays and is not only a popular spot for families with children, but also a nice place for a date.

The zoo's two extremely popular pandas were returned to China in January 2026 when their loan period ended, and many fans came to say goodbye.

Tokyo Banana is a classic Tokyo souvenir. The soft, fluffy cake is filled with rich, smooth banana custard cream. It's sweet but not overly so, and never gets old. Both adults and children love it.

Besides the classic packaging, various limited-edition products have also been released from time to time in recent years. Seeing the different shapes and designs each time still feels surprising and fun. Plus, they're individually wrapped and don't need to be refrigerated, making them very convenient whether you're sharing them with friends and family or bringing them back to the office for coworkers.

A classic Hokkaido souvenir that can also be found in duty-free shops at major airports. Two thin, crispy cookies with a rich milky aroma sandwich sweet, smooth white chocolate. As soon as you take a bite, the rich milk powder aroma spreads through your mouth, making it very distinctive.

In addition to the regular packaging, there are also tin box versions to choose from. After finishing the cookies, you can keep the tin for collecting or storage. I currently use mine to store yarn, which is very convenient.

Lululun is an affordable face mask brand commonly found in Japanese drugstores. There are many options to choose from based on your skin condition and needs, with different lines for everything from daily skincare to various age groups. The selection is extensive and very thoughtfully designed.

What makes Lululun especially unique is that you can also find different regional limited-edition masks throughout Japan, featuring scents inspired by each area. They make great souvenirs when traveling.

I've bought the Hokkaido lavender and Kyushu tulip masks from the floral series, and their light scents are very soothing〜 If you enjoy buying Japanese face masks, keep an eye out for regional limited editions in addition to the regular ones. You might discover a nice surprise that's only available locally!

Kaminarimon and Sensoji Temple are among Tokyo's must-visit attractions! The huge red lantern at Kaminarimon is especially eye-catching. No matter how many times I've visited, I still can't resist taking out my phone for a photo whenever I pass by.

Along the road from Kaminarimon to Sensoji Temple, shops line both sides. There are many unique little stores selling local specialties and souvenirs, as well as all kinds of street food, such as grilled rice crackers and Kaminarimon-yaki. Everything makes you want to buy some and give it a try. The fried manju at the end of the shopping street is my personal favorite! They come in both sweet and savory flavors, and it's such a treat to buy one and eat it while browsing the shops.

Asakusa isn't just a good place to visit during the day; I also highly recommend taking an evening stroll. Once night falls, the streetlights come on and there are fewer people than during the day. It's less bustling and has a different atmosphere.

An upscale wagashi specialty shop with more than a century of history, selling a wide variety of delicate Japanese sweets. Yokan is a classic favorite, and during the holidays, you can always see many Japanese people lining up to buy it. It makes an elegant, high-quality gift.

A great deal of care goes into making the yokan, with close attention paid to everything from the ingredients to the water quality. It has a delicate texture and a sweet flavor. However, traditional Japanese sweets tend to be quite sweet, so they're best enjoyed with a pot of hot tea.

Limited-edition products are also available at Haneda Airport. The packaging is cute and refined, making them great souvenirs.