Gina C's Reviews Page 9/12

Kyoto Station’s Porta underground mall is such a fun place to explore! It has popular clothing stores, lifestyle goods, souvenir shops, and plenty of restaurants, so you can shop and dine all in one place.

We shopped for clothes first, then enjoyed some pasta before continuing to browse. It’s perfect for escaping the heat or rain. The layout is easy to navigate, and there’s a great selection of brands, from affordable options to trendy fashion. It’s easy to lose track of time here.

If you’re visiting Kyoto and want a relaxed, convenient shopping and dining experience, Kyoto Porta is definitely worth a stop.

Taiho Ramen Head Store is one of Kurume’s most iconic tonkotsu ramen shops and the birthplace of the yobimodoshi soup method, so there are often long lines on both weekdays and weekends.

I stopped by on a road trip through Kyushu and finally got to try this classic tonkotsu ramen, perfected over generations. The broth was rich without being overly salty and packed with pork-bone flavor. It paired perfectly with the springy thin noodles.

The biggest surprise was the sencha served in the restaurant. It was light and refreshing with a subtly sweet finish, perfectly balancing the richness of the broth and refreshing my palate. It was definitely worth the wait. If you’re visiting Fukuoka or Kurume, I highly recommend trying it at least once!

On a previous trip to Kyoto, I tried Hakata Ikkousha at Kyoto Ramen Koji. I couldn’t stop thinking about that rich, frothy tonkotsu ramen afterward.

This time, I finally made it to the main store in Fukuoka, and I was so excited! The broth was even richer and more aromatic than I remembered. The velvety foam carried an intense tonkotsu flavor, yet it was surprisingly light and not greasy. Paired with thin noodles and tender chashu, every bite was incredibly satisfying.

After visiting both the Kyoto location and the Fukuoka main store, I not only got to enjoy that familiar flavor again but also experienced the main store’s more refined, authentic appeal. It was definitely worth making a special trip for.

Menya Inoichi is one of Kyoto’s most popular ramen shops and a must-visit for many ramen lovers!

Its specialty is shoyu ramen made with a natural broth. The soup is light yet layered, with a fresh, subtly sweet, and mellow flavor in every sip, without feeling heavy. The noodles are springy and pleasantly chewy, while the tender chashu and fresh toppings create a beautifully balanced bowl.

The restaurant also provides a variety of natural seasonings, so you can adjust the flavor to your liking. There’s often a line, but once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s worth the wait. This is one of Kyoto’s most popular ramen spots and shouldn’t be missed.

The souvenir shopping area at HAKATA DEITOS, right next to Hakata Station, is a souvenir lover’s paradise!

There’s no need to visit multiple places since you can find nearly all of Fukuoka’s most popular specialties here, including Kayanoya products, mentaiko, Hakata Torimon, Chikushi mochi, Western-style sweets, shrimp crackers, and limited-edition snacks. The layout is easy to navigate, and many stores offer samples, so you can try things before deciding. It’s easy to end up with a whole bag full of goodies! This is the most convenient place to shop before catching a train or flight.

If you want to check off your entire souvenir list in one stop, I highly recommend DEITOS!

Shiroi Koibito is truly a must-buy classic souvenir from Hokkaido!

The crisp langue de chat cookies are filled with rich white chocolate. They have a wonderful milky flavor and delicate texture, with just the right amount of sweetness, so they never feel too rich. They’re even better chilled—the chocolate becomes extra smooth, making them perfect for summer too.

Even though they’ve been around for years, I still want to buy several boxes every time I visit Japan. They’re perfect for enjoying yourself or giving as a classy gift. To me, they’re an irreplaceable signature sweet from Hokkaido.

Sapporo Agricultural College cookies were one of the most impressive souvenirs I tried on this trip!

Made with Hokkaido milk, butter, and flour, these cookies are crumbly yet slightly moist. They have a rich milky flavor without being overly sweet, and the more you chew, the more you can taste the natural dairy goodness. The simple recipe makes them incredibly addictive—I ate several before I knew it.

They pair wonderfully with coffee or black tea and make a classic souvenir that truly represents Hokkaido. I definitely recommend bringing home a box to try!

On my way home, I bought scallop-flavored Jaga Pokkuru at the duty-free shop in Narita Airport, and the flavor was such a pleasant surprise! They retain the signature crunchy texture, while every bite is packed with the savory taste of Hokkaido scallops. The salty seafood flavor has a touch of sweetness, making them impossible to stop eating. Compared with the original, they have an extra layer of seafood flavor and pair perfectly with a drink.

If you love seafood or want to try a limited-edition flavor, I highly recommend bringing home a few boxes. They’re great for gifts or enjoying yourself!

Sugar Butter Tree is definitely a must-buy souvenir when visiting Japan! Crisp cereal cookies coated with butter and sugar sandwich a rich white chocolate filling. They’re crunchy, aromatic, and sweet without being too heavy—you can’t help but eat one after another.

I bought several boxes to bring back to Taiwan for friends and family, and everyone loved them. No wonder there’s always a long line whenever I pass the store. If you love cookies, be sure to add Sugar Butter Tree to your Japan shopping list!

Walking into Showa no Machi in Bungotakada, Oita Prefecture, feels like taking a time machine back to the late 1950s and early 1960s.

The streets are lined with vintage shops, nostalgic signs, and old buildings, and every corner is filled with the atmosphere of the Showa era. As you stroll around, you can not only experience the warm, down-to-earth hospitality but also admire classic vintage buses and all kinds of nostalgic collectibles that make you want to stop and take photos.

There's none of the hustle and bustle of the city here, only a relaxing, slower pace. It's a distinctive attraction filled with memories and warmth that's worth taking the time to appreciate.