As you go up, you can see the cityscape of Sakai and the rivers, and when the weather is nice, you can even see Osaka in the distance. The overall atmosphere is very calm, and the breeze feels really nice.
Since it’s a tethered balloon, it doesn’t drift around, so it feels quite safe. Even if you’re afraid of heights but still want to give it a try, it’s manageable.
Osaka Sakai Balloon | Review by 潘千里
Other Reviews by 潘千里
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Fruttier
A fruit parlor just steps from JR Tendo Station. It opened as a project that blends fruit and sweets to share the wonderful appeal of fruit. At the in-house fruit bar, the shop’s handmade parfaits-beautiful to look at and outstanding in taste-are a big hit. Because these parfaits are made by a fruit shop (not a typical dessert shop), you’ll find a surprising variety you won’t see elsewhere.
A place fruit lovers will be obsessed with. The desserts look so soothing, and they’re generous with the fruit.
Everything tastes super fresh—doesn’t feel like it’s been sitting around in the freezer forever. The cake isn’t overly sweet, and it pairs perfectly with the fruit, so the overall vibe is light and refreshing.
It’s a bit on the pricier side, but it’s totally worth it as an occasional treat.
Basically: super photogenic, and it actually tastes great too 🍓✨ -
Niigata Rice Crackers: Premium Senbei Den
A rice cracker specialty shop in the Tsukioka Onsen hot spring town in Niigata Prefecture, known for its “beauty baths.” As you’d expect from Japan’s rice country, Niigata is also famous for senbei. The shop keeps over 30 types in stock at all times, including rice karinto, kaki no tane, and Niigata-only Salad Hope, and you can also try making a one-of-a-kind original senbei.
So many options, and the flavors are pretty unique too. They’re fragrant and super crispy, and not overly salty.
Watching them being made on-site was really fun—it makes you go, “Oh, so that’s how senbei are made.”
Overall it’s an easy, enjoyable place to browse, and you’ll definitely want to grab a few bags to take home. -
Tokyo Disneyland
Known and loved as the “kingdom of dreams and magic”, this full-scale themepark is just a 15 min. train ride from Tokyo Station.
The rides aren’t necessarily super thrilling, but the immersion is seriously strong. Whether it’s the parades, the music, or all the little details, you can totally tell they really put care into running this place.
So many great photo spots too—pretty much every shot looks like a postcard. It’s a big win for couples or friends.