Gina C's Reviews Page 10/19

Located in the Shiba Park area of Tokyo, the stately temple buildings blend with the surrounding cityscape, creating a unique atmosphere where old and new come together.

The biggest attraction of Zojoji Temple is being able to capture the historic temple and Tokyo Tower behind it in the same photo! The red Tokyo Tower paired with the temple’s traditional architecture creates a particularly distinctive view and is a classic shot that many visitors come here to take. Standing in front of the temple, you can look up and see Tokyo Tower, making it a truly iconic Tokyo scene.

Fans of Studio Ghibli shouldn’t miss the Ghibli Museum, Mitaka! It feels like stepping into the world of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated films. From the exterior of the building to all the details inside, everything is full of childlike wonder and imagination, making you feel as if you’ve suddenly gone back to watching animated films as a child.

The museum has many cleverly designed features, with delightful little details to discover everywhere. Together with the colorful decorations, it really has Studio Ghibli’s unique style! Whether you like My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, or Princess Mononoke, you can experience the charm of these animated works and can’t help looking for familiar elements as you explore.

This isn’t just a place that displays animated works—it’s more like an imaginative fairy-tale world, and every corner is worth taking the time to appreciate. If you like Studio Ghibli films, I really recommend adding this museum to your Tokyo itinerary and experiencing the magical atmosphere of the films for yourself!

When I saw Oronamin C this time, I couldn't resist buying one to try. The bottle is small and cute and fits perfectly in your hand. It's great for when you're tired from walking around or want something a little different to drink while traveling.

When you open it, there's a light citrus aroma. It tastes sweet and tangy, with plenty of carbonation. It's refreshing with a slight kick, and it leaves a sweet taste in your mouth afterward. The bottle may be small, but the flavor really stands out. It tastes even better ice-cold!

This is a very famous tourist attraction near Mount Fuji, known for its crystal-clear spring ponds. It’s also a great place to enjoy Mount Fuji’s natural scenery. Walking into the area feels like entering a small village filled with traditional Japanese charm, surrounded by Japanese-style buildings, thatched roofs, and flowing streams. The whole setting is very distinctive.

Oshino Hakkai is actually made up of eight spring ponds. The water comes from snowmelt on Mount Fuji, which emerges after being filtered through layers of earth over a long period of time. As a result, the water is so clear and transparent that you can clearly see the bottom of the ponds. In the sunlight, the water takes on a beautiful blue-green color, and together with the surrounding natural scenery, it’s truly beautiful! Standing by the ponds, you can’t help but marvel at the wonders of nature. Even casual photos have the atmosphere of the Japanese countryside.

Besides viewing the spring ponds, there are also quite a few shops nearby selling local specialties, where you can buy snacks and souvenirs while strolling around and enjoying the relaxed countryside atmosphere. If the weather is good, you may also get to see Mount Fuji rising behind the village. The snow-covered summit paired with the traditional Japanese buildings makes for a very charming view. However, Mount Fuji is often obscured by clouds, so seeing the entire mountain really takes a bit of luck!

I think when visiting Hokkaido, besides enjoying the snowy scenery and exploring Otaru and downtown Sapporo, you can also set aside some time to shop at a drugstore. Especially during the last few days of your trip, you can pick up any skincare products and souvenirs you still want to buy. However, the product selection, prices, and promotions may vary by location, so it’s worth comparing them a little before buying to find items you like at a good price.

Narita Airport has lots of stores to browse, offering everything from well-known Japanese souvenirs, popular snacks, sweets, and cookies to all kinds of specialty products. It’s truly a paradise for shopping lovers! Especially before returning to Taiwan, if you haven’t finished buying souvenirs, it’s a great chance to shop while waiting for your flight. The wide variety of Japan-exclusive products can be overwhelming. Sometimes you only plan to browse, but end up unable to resist buying several more bags.

Besides shopping, the airport also has dining options. Before your flight, you can get something to eat and take a break before getting ready to board. I recommend arriving at the airport early and leaving enough time for check-in and shopping, so you don’t miss out on something you want to buy because you’re in a rush.

Most people traveling to Japan’s Kansai region are probably familiar with Kansai International Airport! It’s an important transportation gateway to Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and other destinations, as well as the starting point for many people’s trips to Japan. Every time I arrive at the airport, I feel especially excited. Just thinking about the journey ahead makes me look forward to all the interesting things I might encounter!

Kansai International Airport has quite a few stores to browse, offering everything from popular Japanese souvenirs and all kinds of snacks and cookies to cosmetics, drugstore products, and specialty items.

When traveling in Kyoto, you definitely shouldn’t miss the unique photo spot Yasaka Koshindo! It’s best known for the colorful balls hanging throughout the temple. From a distance, they create a bright, colorful, and charming scene. Almost any photo you take has that distinctly Japanese travel feel, making this one of Kyoto’s popular must-visit photo spots.

These brightly colored balls are actually called “kukurizaru.” They are monkey-shaped prayer charms made of cloth with their hands and feet tied together, symbolizing the restraint of one’s desires in order to make a wish come true. Each one is a different color, and together they create a beautiful sight that gives the entire temple its distinctive character. I originally thought they were simply decorations, but after learning about their meaning, I discovered the fascinating cultural story behind them!

Tsujiri no Sato looks small and delicate. The slender, crispy wafers are filled with matcha cream. When you bite into one, you get the crisp texture of the wafer paired with the rich aroma of matcha, and the two blend together just right. The matcha flavor really stands out, with a light tea aroma and a slightly bittersweet taste. It isn't simply sweet, giving it a complex flavor.

The mall has quite a few clothing, general merchandise, household goods, and food stores, so you can take your time browsing and choosing things while getting a feel for the everyday lives of local people in Japan. Compared with shopping areas designed specifically for tourists, this kind of large shopping mall feels more like part of local life and can meet a variety of shopping needs all in one place. If you happen to find something you like, you can also take it home as a souvenir of your trip!