It’s honestly quite a long way from the city center, and it was also really cold that day. But I have to say, the scenery along the way was beautiful. Japan really does such a great job with planning, and my family absolutely loved the Gundam!
We bought a lot of related merchandise to bring back to Taiwan, which made us really happy. Honestly, I’m not even sure whether it’s Gundam or Transformers lol.
So this might sound a bit formal, but I have to say it was really well maintained. It rained that day, but you could still tell the place is well taken care of overall. There was also an owl inside the mall, but I lost the photo and I’m so sad about it...
There’s also One Piece and Doraemon stuff inside, so it’s a really fun place to browse.
Japanese malls are just so good at displays—they really make you want to buy things. So annoying, but I still love it lol.
Oh right, I also lost a folding umbrella here... and it was new too, sob.
It was a newly opened umbrella that day.
DiverCity Tokyo Plaza | Review by 雨妤魚
Other Reviews by 雨妤魚
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Tottori–Matsue Pass
The Tottori and Shimane area harmoniously blends natural beauty with cultural heritage, featuring scenic coastlines, majestic mountains, and historic towns. In addition to famous landmarks such as the Tottori Sand Dunes, Matsue Castle, and Izumo Taisha Grand Shrine, the region is also known for its hot springs and local cuisine, making it an appealing destination for a relaxing trip. Because the sightseeing spots are spread out across a wide area, using trains and buses is the recommended way to explore.
I used this pass to visit Shinji, Koge, and Sakaiminato.
(Whenever I buy a JR Pass, my bargain-loving Taiwanese side kicks in. I have to get my money’s worth because I worked hard for it, and I want to see everything!)
The place that left the biggest impression on me was Shinji!
I’d always wanted to see the famous sunset over Lake Shinji. But I hadn’t done my research and figured Shinji Station must be the closest station to the lake, right? I thought I could just get off there〜
But while the train was still moving, an incredibly beautiful sunset appeared outside the window. I couldn’t stop staring.
(I’m the kind of person who goes crazy for sunrises, sunsets, and the ocean.
I was also getting hungry, haha. At one point, I even considered heading straight to Izumo Taisha, thinking it might still be lively at night. Sadly, I couldn’t quite work up the courage...
And then!!!
That’s when the real adventure began.
After getting off at Shinji Station, I looked around and realized... there was absolutely nothing nearby, and the station was unmanned!
There were only three students on the entire platform—four people total, including me.
I started getting nervous. Was I in trouble? Should I have gotten off at Matsue instead? I rushed to buy a ticket back, but I kept having trouble with the machine 😭
Then the three students boarded a train, and a large group of students got off. I felt a little relieved, but within minutes, they scattered and disappeared. It felt like the sky went completely dark at that exact moment.
I was the only person left on the platform.
(I was seriously panicking.
I quickly called a friend and asked them to keep me company. I even started thinking about urban legends like Kisaragi Station...
Thankfully, my friend didn’t laugh at me or make things worse. If it had been my family, they probably would’ve worried while lecturing me for always wandering around alone... especially my grandma, haha.
But honestly, I was genuinely scared.
I kept waiting on the platform for an express train. I didn’t want to take a local because it was way too slow, and that decision got me into this situation.
(I’m such a genius.
I was even too scared to look behind me because I couldn’t decide whether it would be scarier if someone was there or if no one was there 😖😭
Even now, it still feels scary when I think back on it.
Still, it gave me another memorable story from this trip, and I think I was really brave!
Thankfully, I made it back to Tottori Station safely and immediately ate at MOS Burger to calm my nerves.
(It tasted especially good.
That’s the story of my brave solo adventure.
(Pretty impressive, right? I don’t know why I always end up in these situations, but I guess that’s why I have so many stories to write about. -
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SUWADA Seisakusho (SUWADA Blacksmith Works, Inc.)
Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, which has a world-renowned reputation as a "manufacturing town," still carries on the blacksmithing and metalworking techniques that have been cultivated since the Edo period.
Yay~~~ I got home from work and found that the amazing nail clippers I won in June had finally arrived~~~
I hope I can visit the factory someday!
But I realized I don't really know how to use them, hahaha. I guess my hands aren't fancy enough...
I actually couldn't decide between the comb and the nail clippers. My friends all wanted me to pick the comb because they said I probably wouldn't use the clippers much...
But I don't care! I love things like this that can last a long time and feel a little luxurious. (Even though I usually get my nails done...)
But!
I still have toenails! (I say with confidence, haha.)
Maybe this will motivate me to trim them more often.
Back in middle school, I started liking longer nails because mine had always been cut extremely short. When I was little, my uncle would trim off all the white parts because he said they looked dirty.
That made me feel a little self-conscious. Other people had long, slender fingers and beautiful nails, while I had stubby fingers and unattractive nails...
Things are better now, though. My nails still split occasionally, and it hurts like crazy. But when that happens, I'll finally get to use these amazing clippers!
I hope I can put them to good use and experience the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship.
Please, let me feel it! -
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Pocky Chocolate
Pocky was created in 1966 as the world’s first rod-shaped chocolate sweet. It is a rod-shaped pretzel snack covered in a chocolate coating, and it has a very pleasant texture. The combination of that delicious flavor with a way to keep your hands clean after snacking made them into a huge hit.
Pocky—the classic chocolate-covered biscuit sticks!
I’m sure lots of people are like me and only enjoy the chocolate-covered part. There are tons of different flavors, and pretty much everyone has tried them, right?
(Though honestly, I’m not a huge fan because I can never finish a box... I only eat a few sticks.)
Still, I have a little story about Pocky.
One day, I took a special trip to Yuanshan to visit a drink shop. Since it was also dinnertime, I opened Google and started checking reviews for a good place to eat. I’m so easily won over by five-star ratings...
I picked a nearby pasta place, and guess what!
As soon as I walked in, I ran into a guy I had a crush on in middle school, hahaha. I had barely been shown to my seat when he recognized me...
My mind completely froze. I looked pretty sloppy that day, and I was there alone... It turned out he was picking up an order because he worked there part-time. After washing my hands, I flicked some water on him. Just to clarify, we used to joke around like that in middle school!
I guess he was used to my personality? He didn’t say anything and just smiled helplessly...
He even gave me a JPY 20 discount and called it a small gesture. Of course I had to return the favor! I spent forever trying to decide what to get at the convenience store, and finally chose Pocky because he loves chocolate, haha.
I took it back and asked the woman at the counter to give it to him. And that’s how I ended up with this fun memory tied to Pocky!
Honestly, chatting with him was pretty awkward since we hadn’t spoken in such a long time. Just putting that out there first! 🤣 -
