I had barely finished seeing the belugas before flying to Fukuoka. My first stop on this return trip to Kyushu was Yamaga, a hot spring town full of Edo-period charm.
Yamaga is in northern Kumamoto Prefecture and is known for its hot springs, lantern festival, and century-old kabuki theater, Yachiyoza. Yachiyoza is not only a cultural symbol of Yamaga but also one of Japan's valuable examples of wooden theater architecture, renowned for its unique wooden structure and beautiful Japanese architectural style.
The theater retains many traditional features, including a revolving stage, rising platforms, brass chandeliers, box seating, and ceiling advertisements... I sat here for a long time, breathing in the scent of the wooden building. Closing my eyes, I could feel the theater's rise and fall over the years. Today, it hosts not only theatrical performances but also other cultural events. Across the street, Yume Kogura, converted from a white-walled storehouse, displays valuable items such as stage props and costumes.
The afternoon sun was hidden behind the clouds as I strolled leisurely through the streets and soaked my feet with Kumamon. Nice〜
Yachiyoza | Review by 周黛西
Other Reviews by 周黛西
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Sekai no Yamachan Main Store
The specialty of this restaurant is the "Maboroshi no Tebasaki", which would make you absolutely addicted for its spiciness and flavor of the "Maboroshi no Kosho（Phantom pepper）" and "Hiden no Tare(Secret sauce)".
A friend recommended Sekai no Yamachan as a must-eat in Nagoya, especially their signature tebasaki—fried chicken wings. If you want something lighter with more variety, order one of their set meals. The chopstick sleeve has fun illustrations showing “How to Enjoy Maboroshi no Tebasaki.” Follow the instructions and you can eat the wings completely clean〜 The outside is crispy without being greasy, while the meat is tender and juicy. The salty, fragrant pepper seasoning has a slight kick that leaves you licking your fingers and wanting more.
Besides the fried chicken wings, we also had miso fried pork skewers and fried shrimp rice balls that day. Very satisfying! Although Sekai no Yamachan also has a location in Taipei, when you're in Nagoya, you have to eat it locally for the real experience.
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Chunichi Building
Chunichi Building, which opened in April 2024, is a mixed-use complex in the Sakae area of Nagoya. From B1F to 5F, it offers a wide variety of shops, including restaurants, cafes, general goods stores, and local product shops, and its greatest appeal is that visitors can enjoy food, shopping, and sightseeing all in one place. Directly connected to the underground mall and easy to access, it is also conveniently located as a base for sightseeing.
Drawn in by the “Art Aquarium Exhibition Nagoya 2026” poster at the entrance of the Chunichi Building, I went inside and bought a ticket to see the exhibition combining goldfish, aquarium art, lighting, music, fragrances, and more. It was eye-opening.
After leaving the exhibition, I went up to the observation deck on the 7th floor. I didn’t expect to find such a great view overlooking downtown Sakae and the city streets. Those who aren’t afraid of heights might want to get a little closer to the parapet for a bird’s-eye view.
The building has well-known outdoor brand stores and popular home goods shops, as well as all kinds of restaurants on B1. Before heading home, I walked around, did some shopping, and had a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee, bringing my summer 2026 trip to Japan to a perfect close. -
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Hisaya-odori Park
Hisaya-odori Park is a long, linear urban park located along Hisaya-odori Avenue, recognized as one of Japan's "100 Best Roads." Combining parkland with commercial amenities, visitors can enjoy shopping and dining amidst lush greenery.
A major city needs a park that can breathe, and Hisaya-odori Park in Nagoya not only has trees but also green spaces. The fountain and TV tower also make you want to stop and take them in.
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