Gina C's Reviews Page 8/19

When buying snacks in Japan, how could you miss all the different chocolate treats? This time, I want to share LOTTE Toppo chocolate-filled pretzel sticks. The outside is a crispy pretzel stick, while the inside is filled with rich chocolate, so you get both cookie and chocolate in every bite.

Unlike typical snacks that coat the outside of a cookie with chocolate, Toppo puts the chocolate inside the pretzel stick. It doesn't get your hands dirty easily, and you don't have to worry about getting chocolate everywhere, making it very convenient for people who like to snack while binge-watching shows!

For accommodations, I chose KOKO HOTEL Osaka Dotonbori!
There are lots of must-try Osaka foods around Dotonbori, such as takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu, so you never have to worry about finding something to eat when you go out at night! Walking along the lively streets, you can see the familiar Glico Running Man sign and experience Osaka's vibrant atmosphere. There are also plenty of drugstores, souvenir shops, and shopping malls nearby, making it a great location for people who enjoy browsing and shopping.

The biggest advantage of staying near Dotonbori is that you don't have to rush to catch a train back to the hotel at night. After eating, you can keep walking around and shopping while enjoying Osaka's nightlife.

The name “Junmai Daiginjo 45” means that the sake rice is polished down by removing 55% of the outer layer, leaving the remaining 45% for brewing. This process gives the sake a delicate flavor with a fresh, fruity aroma. It goes down smoothly, with subtle notes of rice and natural sweetness. Overall, it tastes crisp and elegant without being too heavy.

If you’re not very familiar with sake, this classic Dassai is a good place to start. It pairs well with sashimi, sushi, or light Japanese dishes. Besides buying snacks and souvenirs when visiting Japan, you can also pick up a bottle of representative Japanese sake to take home and enjoy at your leisure.

“Mio” is quite different from the traditional image of Japanese sake. It has fine bubbles, a crisp and smooth taste, and subtle fruity notes and sweetness, without too much of a strong alcohol burn. When served chilled, the sensation of the bubbles spreading across your palate is especially pleasant. It pairs well with Japanese food or can be enjoyed as a light after-dinner drink.

If you don’t usually drink sake but want to try something different, “Mio” is a sparkling sake that’s well worth getting to know.

When traveling in Yokohama, besides enjoying the beautiful scenery of Minato Mirai, you also shouldn’t miss HARBS, a hugely popular dessert shop in Japan! Since I was visiting Yokohama Landmark Tower this time, of course I had to find a chance to try it. HARBS is known for its fresh fruit cakes, especially its signature fruit mille crêpe. Every time I see it, I can’t resist ordering a slice!

HARBS cakes are a little larger than those at typical cake shops, with layers of cream, fruit, and thin crêpes. Every bite has a rich variety of textures. The cream is smooth and delicate, and the sweet-and-tart flavor of the fresh fruit keeps it from feeling too rich overall. If you like fruit cakes, it’s really worth trying!

UNIQLO in Japan has all kinds of clothing, from everyday wear, casual tops, and pants to seasonal items. The styles are simple and versatile, making them great for everyday wear. Every time I come to Japan, I can't help but stop by to see if there are any styles I haven't seen in Taiwan, and if I find something I like, I'll bring it home!

Sea Mall is a very convenient shopping mall in Shimonoseki. Besides UNIQLO, there are other stores where you can take your time browsing. You can not only shop here but also experience the everyday atmosphere of a local Japanese mall. If your itinerary brings you to Shimonoseki and you want somewhere air-conditioned to browse and shop for clothes, Sea Mall is also a good choice!

After passing through Kaminarimon Gate, you’ll come to the lively Nakamise shopping street, lined with all kinds of souvenir shops, traditional snacks, and uniquely Japanese products. It’s fun to browse and eat along the way. However, this visit really made me realize just how incredible the crowds at Sensoji Temple can be. It was packed with people from the entrance all the way to the area around the temple. You have to wait for an opening to take a good photo, and sometimes you can only move slowly along with the crowd.

Even with all the crowds, once you reach the main hall of Sensoji Temple, you can still feel its solemn, historic atmosphere. Watching everyone pray sincerely, draw fortunes, and ask for blessings naturally makes you slow down and experience Japan’s traditional temple culture.

Although the number of visitors this time was honestly a little overwhelming, Sensoji Temple is still well worth visiting when you’re in Tokyo! If you want to avoid the crowds, I recommend coming earlier. You may have a better chance of getting the photos you want.

If you love coffee, Blue Bottle Coffee is a place you shouldn’t miss on a trip to Tokyo! This time I visited the Aoyama Cafe, which carries on Blue Bottle Coffee’s signature minimalist style. The decor isn’t overly flashy, but the atmosphere is understated and refined. From the design of the cafe to the coffee equipment, you can feel the brand’s attention to detail.

When shopping in Daikanyama, Tokyo, you definitely shouldn’t miss the stylish Forestgate Daikanyama! The architecture here is very distinctive, combining natural elements with a modern style. Surrounded by touches of greenery, the overall atmosphere feels relaxed and comfortable. Compared with the busy streets of central Tokyo, it offers an added sense of peace and ease.

On this visit, I specifically made time to sit down at Blue Bottle Coffee. Blue Bottle Coffee has always been popular for its minimalist design and focus on coffee quality, and the interior is also very stylish, making it a great place to take a break!

Enoshima Shrine is a must-see when visiting Enoshima. As you climb the steps up the island, you can really feel the atmosphere of a traditional Japanese shrine. The shrine is divided into Hetsumiya, Nakatsumiya, and Okutsumiya. Hetsumiya is the easiest to reach, and there are also many small shops and souvenir stores to browse along the way.
The streets of Enoshima are full of island charm, with plenty of distinctive little shops on both sides. You can visit the shrines, stroll around, and occasionally stop to enjoy the scenery, all at a very leisurely pace.
I think Enoshima Shrine is especially well suited for a relaxed half-day visit. It's not just about visiting the shrine—the streets, ocean views, and unique atmosphere of Enoshima along the way are all worth experiencing.
If you're traveling around Kamakura or the Shonan area, I highly recommend adding Enoshima to your trip. After visiting Enoshima Shrine, take a walk by the beach and enjoy the views of the Shonan coast. It really feels like a trip to Japan!