Lake Shidaka has crystal-clear water and is surrounded by mountains, creating a peaceful and picturesque setting. Strolling along the lakeshore, you can take in the beautiful scenery and feed the swans and ducks. It’s a relaxing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city—a truly refreshing travel experience.
Lake Shidaka | Review by BobbyJenny
Other Reviews by BobbyJenny
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Nagatanien Ochazuke Nori
Loved by everyone from children to the elderly, this item is a longtime bestseller. Just put the ochazuke (tea and rice) base ingredients in a bowl of rice, pour hot water over it, and eat!
永谷園海苔茶泡飯是我去日本很喜歡帶回家的方便食品之一，簡單的包裝裡有茶泡飯調味粉、海苔和一些小配料，光看就覺得很有日式家庭料理的味道。
吃法真的非常簡單，只要準備一碗熱騰騰的白飯，把調味包倒上去，再沖入熱水就完成了。海苔的香氣慢慢散開，整碗飯看起來清爽又開胃。
我自己很喜歡在裡面再加一點鮭魚、肉鬆或梅干，吃起來更有層次。茶湯淡淡的鹹香搭配海苔味，口感不會太重，反而很適合當作簡單的一餐。
忙碌或不太想煮飯的時候，拿一包出來就能快速解決，真的很方便！冷冷的天氣吃上一碗熱茶泡飯也特別舒服，是很值得放進日本必買清單的小物。
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Kyoto Tourist Information Center “Kyo-navi”
A tourist information center located at JR Kyoto station, the gateway to Kyoto. It provides a wide range of information such as guidance of sightseeing, accommodations, and public transport tickets, and tickets for events.
If you're traveling around Kyoto on your own and have questions about transportation, attractions, or planning your itinerary, I highly recommend stopping by the Kyoto Tourist Information Center “Kyo-navi” first. It's located near Kyoto Station, making it very convenient for first-time visitors to Kyoto. As soon as you arrive, you'll experience professional and friendly service.
Kyo-navi provides all kinds of Kyoto travel information, including introductions to attractions, transportation options, maps, and various sightseeing brochures. The staff also offer suggestions based on travelers' needs, which is really useful for anyone who isn't sure how to arrange the order of attractions on their itinerary.
What I found most convenient was being able to ask transportation questions directly, such as which line to take to Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or other popular attractions, and where to transfer. Compared with constantly looking things up on your phone, having someone explain everything in person is much clearer and makes it easier to plan your itinerary smoothly.
If it's your first time in Kyoto, or if you suddenly want to adjust your itinerary while traveling on your own, I highly recommend using Kyo-navi as an information stop during your trip. Pick up a map and get clear directions before heading out to explore Kyoto. You'll feel much more at ease throughout your trip and reduce the chances of getting lost or going the wrong way.
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Hozenji Meoto Zenzai
Nestled beside the Mizukake Fudoson in the charming Hozenji Yokocho, this sweet shop was founded in 1883 (Meiji 16). The shop’s specialty, "Meoto Zenzai," served in two separate bowls, is a symbol of good fortune for couples, believed to strengthen their bond and bring harmony. It is also said that two people drawn to each other who share this dessert will find their romance fulfilled. Traditionally, each person eats from two bowls.
Hozenji Meoto Zenzai, next to Hozenji Temple in Osaka, is a historic sweet shop best known for its signature red bean zenzai. The name “Meoto Zenzai” symbolizes a couple together and a happy relationship, so coming here isn’t just about eating dessert—it also represents wishing for happiness, a good match, and harmony in the family.
When served, the zenzai comes in two bowls. The portions don’t look very large, but each bowl contains piping-hot red bean soup and sweet, soft shiratama dumplings. The red bean soup is rich and warming, with just the right amount of sweetness. Paired with the chewy shiratama, it’s very satisfying—simple, but something you won’t get tired of eating.
After visiting Hozenji Mizukake Fudoson, having a serving of Meoto Zenzai felt like a very Osaka experience to me. The surrounding stone-paved alleys are filled with Showa-era charm, and together with the traditional Japanese dessert, the whole atmosphere has a special character. Even if you just sit down for one bowl, you can feel the unique nostalgia of Osaka’s old streets.
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