When I came to Miyakojima, Okinawa, I originally walked into the Yukishio shop just looking to buy souvenirs, but I ended up being deeply impressed by this little packet of salt. The first time I saw Yukishio, I thought it really was as fine as snow. Its saltiness wasn't as simple as regular table salt, either, but had a mild taste of the sea. I later learned that Miyakojima's Yukishio is made from local underground seawater. Because of Miyakojima's unique geology, seawater is naturally filtered through layers of Ryukyu limestone, creating a very distinctive water quality.
My favorite way to enjoy Yukishio is with desserts. Just a little saltiness actually makes the sweetness stand out more. Eating Yukishio ice cream while feeling the sea breeze of Miyakojima made me realize that travel isn't only about seeing the sights. Sometimes, a single flavor can make an entire memory stay with you. Even after returning to Taiwan, whenever I have a salted dessert, I still can't help thinking of Miyakojima's deep blue sea.
Miyakojima’s Yukishio “Powder Salt” | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Blue Bottle Coffee Aoyama Cafe
Blue Bottle Coffee, headquartered in Oakland, U.S.A., is one of the most popular coffee brands, currently operating 25 stores in Japan. Opened in 2015, the Aoyama Cafe has a simple and stylish atmosphere with open terrace seating. You can also relax and casually enjoy hand-drip coffee carefully brewed by skilled baristas after receiving your order in a cozy space.
Located in the Ginza shopping district, Blue Bottle Coffee's Ginza location is known for its simple, stylish space and high-quality coffee. If you get tired while shopping, stop by for a rich cup of coffee with a dessert and take a break. In addition to drinks, there are also plenty of items to choose from in the display case nearby. Their simple, stylish designs are very popular with younger customers.
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KITKAT matcha
There is a wide variety of matcha-flavored snacks. If you want to buy the whole box and distribute it to friends and family, "KITKAT Adult's Sweet Matcha" is the most suitable gift.
Besides the matcha flavor, I also highly recommend the dark chocolate flavor. The chocolate taste is richer than regular milk chocolate, with a slightly bittersweet flavor and more mellow sweetness. The crispy wafers pair well with the rich cocoa aroma, creating layers of flavor without being overly sweet or heavy. It's perfect for people who like rich chocolate or slightly bitter flavors, and the individually wrapped pieces are great for sharing with coworkers.
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Picchio
Picchio is located in the popular tourist resort area of Karuizawa Hoshino Area, adjacent to the Karuizawa Wild Bird Forest. It offers a variety of tour plans where visitors can observe forest creatures up close. The visitor center sits beside Kera Pond, formed by streams flowing from the forest, in a beautiful and open setting where you can enjoy tours that provide encounters with wildlife throughout the seasons.
During this stay at Hoshino Resorts in Karuizawa, the on-site facility that impressed me most was definitely Picchio in the Wild Bird Forest. It's not only a place to enjoy the natural scenery; you can also sign up for a guided forest tour and follow professional staff into the woods to look for birds unique to Karuizawa while learning a lot about the ecosystem. It's a very interesting nature experience.
I visited right as fall was turning into winter. The staff explained that once the pond freezes in winter, the park offers a seasonal ice-skating experience. You can rent skates and buy gloves and other supplies there, which is very convenient. Luckily, we arrived just in time for opening and were among the first visitors to try the rink. Since only hotel guests could use it, it wasn't crowded and was especially comfortable to skate. Even beginners can borrow skating aids, so there's no need to worry at all.
I couldn't skate at all, and when I first put on the skates, I was so nervous that I kept holding onto a staff member's hand and wouldn't let go. But after practicing for an hour, I could already skate slowly with an aid, which gave me a real sense of accomplishment! Before I knew it, I'd been there for two hours and reluctantly left. On the way out, I happened to meet three ladies from Taiwan, and I couldn't help recommending that they give it a try. I wonder if they also managed to challenge themselves and make some wonderful memories of Karuizawa? -
