Linda Liao's Reviews Page 9/11

Entsuin Temple

Entsuin Temple was built in 1647 as a family temple for Date Mitsumune, Date Masamune's grandson. Entsuin Temple is known for its beautiful autumn foliage, which is at its best from late October to mid-November. The garden, which was created around 350 years ago, is one of the most beautiful in the Tohoku region, centered on Shinji Pond and Mt. Potalaka, where Kannon Bosatsu (Goddess of Mercy) resided.

• Miyagi
• Shrines & Temples

Entsuin Temple is the family temple of Date Mitsumune, the legitimate grandson of the famous Sengoku-period feudal lord Date Masamune, and is also a well-known spot for viewing autumn foliage. If you're visiting Matsushima, I highly recommend stopping by.

The Sankeiden mausoleum on the grounds is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. As you stroll around, surrounded by lush greenery and a peaceful setting, you naturally slow down and take in the temple's serene and elegant atmosphere. There is also a small rose garden. The roses are said to have been brought back to Japan from Europe by retainers of the Date family, adding a unique exotic touch to the temple.

Entsuin Temple also offers a paid DIY prayer bead bracelet experience. You can choose the beads you like and make your own personalized prayer bead bracelet as a keepsake.

Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori

“Yagiyama Zoological Park Fujisaki no Mori" is one of the largest zoos in Tohoku, housing approximately 600 animals of 115 species, including endangered species. Located in the neighborhood of Aobayama, where the ruins of Sendai Castle are located, the zoo is loved by locals and tourists alike for its easy accessibility (12 minutes by subway from Sendai Station, right off the Yagiyama Zoological Park Station) and for its diverse species of mammals, birds, and reptiles that can be observed.

• Sendai
• Zoos & Aquariums

Yagiyama Zoological Park is one of my favorite attractions. Admission is affordable, and transportation is quite convenient. Take the Sendai Subway Tozai Line to Yagiyama Zoological Park Station, then walk about 12 minutes to get there. It's great for families with children, and even adults can have a lot of fun exploring.
The zoo isn't very large, making it ideal for a leisurely half-day stroll. Along the way, you can observe the daily routines and habits of various animals up close without getting too tired from walking, and enjoy spending time around them.

The most popular animals at the zoo are definitely the polar bears! Two adorable polar bear cubs, Kai and Sora, were born in December 2024, bringing new energy to the zoo and attracting many polar bear fans with professional cameras. Watching the two cubs play energetically and explore their surroundings is heartwarming. The zoo also holds a special birthday celebration for them every December, so if you happen to visit during that time of year, it's worth keeping an eye out for it.

S-PAL Sendai

This shopping center is in the Tohoku Region’s largest terminal building, where Tohoku Shinkansen, JR lines, Sendai Subway, and express buses arrive at Sendai Station. Passengers using these transportations and tourists visit here frequently.

• Sendai
• Commercial Buildings

S-PAL Sendai is right next to Sendai Station and offers a wide selection of Tohoku specialties, local cuisine, and unique souvenirs. The second floor of the East Building is especially good for souvenir shopping. I recommend trying the rich and smooth edamame shake at Zunda Saryo; its subtle bean flavor is distinctly Sendai. You can also find Suica Penguin collaboration items at the bookstore in the mall, and it's easy to get carried away shopping!

Sapporo Agricultural College Hokkaido Milk Cookies

Hokkaido, is Japan’s beloved “kingdom of dairy”, an apt nickname due to its booming dairy industry. Outside of the sheer production volume of milk and butter, the quality and flavor of Hokkaido’s dairy products are heralded by many as some of the best in Japan.

• Hokkaido
• Snacks

The first time I tried Sapporo Agricultural College Hokkaido Milk Cookies, I was amazed! They have a rich milky aroma and pure flavor, with a crisp texture and a subtle buttery aroma that makes them unforgettable after just one bite.

Besides the Daimaru Sapporo and JR Sapporo Station locations in central Sapporo, I especially recommend the Factory store at New Chitose Airport. In addition to souvenirs, it offers freshly baked milk cookies, dairy cheesecake, and more. The milky and cheesy aromas of every item are irresistible.

It’s not just for travelers flying in or out. I’ve heard even locals make a special trip there to shop—the deliciousness is impossible to resist!

New Chitose Airport

This is the largest airport in Hokkaido which spans Chitose and Tomakomai Cities. With the excellent access to the cities, it is called the aerial gate to Hokkaido. On the two 3000m-long runways, international aircrafts take off and land 24 hours a day.

• Chitose and Tomakomai
• Airplanes & Airport

If you have a chance to visit New Chitose Airport, be sure to set aside plenty of time in advance to explore its wide selection of souvenirs and food.

The airport has many Hokkaido-exclusive treats, such as Sapporo Agricultural College's exclusive cheesecake. It has a smooth, dense texture and a rich milky flavor, and it's also quite affordable, making it a great souvenir.

Of course, you shouldn't miss the popular milk soft-serve ice cream either. With its rich Hokkaido milk flavor and smooth yet refreshing taste, it's one of the must-try desserts at the airport. The freshly fried Jagabee potato chips and fries are also popular, and their piping-hot, crispy texture is especially appealing.

Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store

Originally built as the Hokkaido Prefectural Library, this historic Western-style building was transformed into the Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store in March 2016. The eye-catching, retro-modern architecture is designed by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, seamlessly blending the old with the new for an exterior and interior that’s stirs with sleek elegance.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Cafés

Kitakaro Sapporo Main Store is about a 5-minute walk from Sapporo Station and close to many attractions in central Sapporo, making it easy to visit them all on the same day.

The building originally housed the Hokkaido Government Library and Art Museum and was renovated and remodeled by architect Tadao Ando in 2016. The first floor has a shop where you can buy Kitakaro's popular sweets and souvenirs. There is a steady stream of visitors in the afternoon, and without a reservation, you may find it fully booked and miss out.

The most popular item is undoubtedly the dessert set. In addition to the chiffon cake and milk soft serve that come with it, you can choose one of six desserts—truly a blessing for anyone who has trouble deciding!

Former Hokkaido Government Office Building

This government building served as the base and center of Hokkaido’s politics for almost 80 years until the current municipal office was built. Commonly-known as the Red Brick Building, this architecture was made of 2,500,000 bricks. The window glasses with distortion and American Neo Baroque style architecture radiate the history and nostalgia.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Museums

My second visit to the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building, and this time I finally had enough time to explore the interior. The exterior features a Neo-Baroque design with striking red-brick walls, giving it a unique charm.

I especially liked the interior layout and corridor design. The wooden elements, vintage details, and long hallways create a strong sense of history. The exhibits are also extensive, introducing the culture and distinctive features of different parts of Hokkaido, as well as offering interactive displays that provide a deeper understanding of Ainu culture and Hokkaido's history. There are also many brightly colored paintings related to Hokkaido's pioneer era hanging on the walls at both ends of the corridors. They're well worth slowing down to appreciate!

Hokkaido Shrine

Hokkaido Shrine, one of the most prominent shrines in Hokkaido, is located in Chuo District, Sapporo City. Its history is long, which began in 1869, when the Emperor Meiji directed to enshrine “Kaitaku Sanshin (Developing Three Deities)” here as a place of faith for pioneers.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Shrines & Temples

Hokkaido Shrine is one of the most iconic shrines in Hokkaido, attracting a steady stream of local residents and tourists. Located near Maruyama Park, the shrine is surrounded by vast forests and nature. The peaceful scenery and solemn atmosphere also make it a well-known spiritual spot in Sapporo.
On the day of our visit, we happened to come across the traditional Japanese celebration of Shichi-Go-San. It was heartwarming to see children dressed in cute, elaborate traditional outfits visiting the shrine with their parents.

After your visit, don't forget to stop by the nearby Rokkatei Jingu Chaya. Not only can you buy Hokkaido souvenirs, but you can also try the Hokkaido Shrine-exclusive Hangan Mochi. Freshly made Hangan Mochi has a soft, chewy exterior filled with sweet red bean paste. Paired with the complimentary hot tea thoughtfully provided by the shop, it was very satisfying.

Maruyama Park (Sapporo)

Maruyama Park is located north of Maruyama Virgin Forest, known for its beautiful cherry blossoms since ancient times. The park boasts about 120 cherry trees such as Sargent cherry and Somei-Yoshino, which attract many visitors in spring.

• Sapporo Station, Odori, Susukino
• Parks & Gardens

I came to Maruyama Park for a walk on a winter afternoon. The heavy snow from the previous few days had blanketed the entire park in a thick layer of white. The treetops, paths, and lawns were all covered in snow, creating a pure white winter landscape before my eyes.
Some people leisurely walked their pets through the snow, while others built snowmen and had snowball fights. Their laughter added a lively touch to the quiet winter day. As I wandered through the park, every scene looked like a beautiful winter postcard—so romantic.

I hope I'll have the chance to visit Maruyama Park again in different seasons to see the fresh greenery of spring, the lushness of summer, and the red maple leaves of fall, and experience for myself the different scenery each changing season brings.

Sapporo Beer Museum

This is the only beer museum in Japan, where visitors can learn about the history of Hokkaido's pioneering days and the thoughts of those who were passionate about brewing beer in Japan.

• Okadama, Higashi-ku
• Museums

Originally a beer production plant, it was established in 1987 and has since been transformed into Japan's only beer museum.
The museum has a wide variety of exhibits. Through historical materials, displays, and engaging explanations, it clearly and accessibly introduces how the Japanese government established a brewery in Sapporo, Hokkaido, and traces the history of Sapporo Beer to the present day. Even if you don't know much about beer, the story is easy to understand. If you have time, I highly recommend stopping by.

Another interesting highlight is the collection of Sapporo Beer advertising posters from over the years. From early designs to modern ones, each era has its own distinctive style and sense of the times, making it fun to examine them one by one.

If you want to make your visit more complete, there is also a paid tasting area where you can sample Sapporo Beer. The grounds also have a Jingisukan grilled mutton restaurant, and enjoying some piping-hot grilled meat after touring the museum is another great option.