Gina C's Reviews Page 7/19

The most appealing part is its Hello Kitty-themed design. From the outside of the train to the interior, it’s filled with Hello Kitty elements, and fans really won’t be able to stop taking photos!

The exterior features cute Hello Kitty illustrations combined with different themed designs, making it eye-catching even from a distance. Once inside, you’ll find all kinds of intricate decorations that turn the train ride itself into a travel experience. It was originally just a simple trip from the airport to the city, but this train gave me something extra to look forward to. Watching the Japanese scenery pass by outside the window also lifted my mood!

If you love Japanese cartoon characters as much as I do, I really recommend adding the Hello Kitty HARUKA train to your itinerary.

The chocolate balls are coated in rich chocolate, and when you bite into one, you can enjoy layers of different textures. They're just the right size, and it's very convenient to eat them one at a time without worrying about getting chocolate all over your hands. The small package also fits easily in a bag, so whether you're on the train, shopping, or relaxing back at the hotel, you can take them out and enjoy a few anytime as a little snack during your trip.

The bell tower features traditional Japanese wooden architecture, and together with the surrounding streets full of Edo-period charm, it really feels like traveling back in time! Walking around the area, you can see many historic buildings and unique shops. The whole atmosphere feels like a traditional Japanese town and is completely different from the bustling cityscape of central Tokyo.

Most notably, the Bell of Time still rings at set times, reminding everyone of the passage of time each day and keeping this old bell tower full of life even today. Besides taking photos here, it’s also a great place to slow down and experience Kawagoe’s unique history and culture.

If you’re in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, be sure to make time to visit Koedo Kawagoe Ichibangai Shopping Street! The area retains a strong Edo-period atmosphere, with many traditional warehouse-style buildings lining both sides of the street. The black-tiled roofs and dark wooden exteriors make it feel like you’ve instantly traveled back to ancient Japan, and walking along the street is truly nostalgic.

The shopping street has all kinds of distinctive stores offering everything from traditional Japanese sweets and souvenirs to specialty snacks. It’s perfect for strolling around and stopping whenever a shop catches your eye. Besides all the great shopping and food, the entire street is also very photogenic. Every casual snapshot has a distinctly retro Japanese feel.

This time at Chunichi Building, I made a special point of buying coffee beans from Blue Bottle Coffee. For someone who loves coffee, this was another great find from the trip.

Blue Bottle Coffee is loved by many for its minimalist brand design and coffee culture. The familiar blue bottle logo alone is instantly recognizable! I brought the coffee beans home so I can brew them myself and slowly relive the wonderful memories of this trip to Japan in my everyday life.

These don't taste quite like ordinary sweet candy. They have a salty-sweet flavor that reminds me of a sports drink, giving them a familiar yet distinctive taste. They're not just simply sweet, which makes them pretty unique! Each tablet is small and easy to carry. Just keep some in your bag, and they're very convenient when traveling or walking a lot.

Summers in Japan are really hot, especially when you're traveling and often walking around outdoors. Besides remembering to stay hydrated, you also need to be mindful of the salt you lose through sweating.

In Kobe's harbor area, besides enjoying the waterfront scenery, you can also stop by the Kobe Anpanman Children's Museum & Mall! This place is paradise for Anpanman fans. From the moment you enter, it's full of childlike fun, with familiar characters like Anpanman, Baikinman, and other adorable characters everywhere. Just looking at the decorations makes you want to take photos to remember your visit.

Inside, there are many play facilities and interactive areas for children, where they can get up close to their favorite cartoon characters and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere. Even adults who are just accompanying their children will be drawn in by the cute settings and feel as if they've suddenly returned to their childhood!

Besides the children's museum, the shopping mall next door is also well worth exploring. It has plenty of Anpanman-themed merchandise, from stuffed toys and stationery to all kinds of souvenirs. Anpanman fans are sure to have a great time browsing. If you're looking for souvenirs from Kobe, you can also see if anything catches your eye.

UMEDA FOOD HALL in HANKYU SANBAN GAI is a very convenient food court with a wide variety of dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for Japanese cuisine, ramen, rice bowls, or other specialty foods, you can find something you like here.

The dining area is spacious, and there are plenty of options, making it a great place to grab something to eat when you get hungry while shopping. If you’re traveling with friends or family, there’s no need to worry if everyone wants something different. Each person can choose what they like, then find a table and eat together. It’s really convenient!

MUJI is also one of my favorite places to browse! As soon as you walk in, you'll see all kinds of products, from clothing, household goods, stationery, and storage items to food and snacks. The selection is so extensive that I often end up browsing for a long time without realizing it.

MUJI focuses on simple, practical designs. There aren't many fancy decorations, but the products have a timeless, comfortable quality. Whether you want to pick up some useful items while traveling or bring home some Japanese snacks, you'll find plenty of good options. They also release various limited-edition products each season, so there's always a new surprise whenever you visit!

Seafood lovers definitely shouldn't miss Tsukiji Outer Market! It's packed with all kinds of delicious food, from fresh fish and seafood rice bowls to freshly grilled seafood. Everywhere you look, there's something mouthwatering, and just walking around makes you want to buy and try everything.

Of course, when visiting Tsukiji Outer Market, you have to find a chance to eat sushi! The fresh fish paired with soft, tender rice lets you savor the natural sweetness and freshness of the seafood in every bite. The simple preparation actually brings out the ingredients' flavors even more. It's truly satisfying for anyone who loves sashimi and sushi!