The Botchan Karakuri Clock is located near Dogo Onsen Station and is a distinctive local attraction. It was installed to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Dogo Onsen Honkan, and its design was inspired by the bathhouse's architecture. At scheduled times, the clock transforms to music and characters from Botchan appear, giving visitors a fun sense of how Japanese literature and hot spring culture come together.
Botchan Karakuri Clock | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Hakodate Bugyosho
Hakodate Magistrate’s Office faithfully recreates the Edo Shognate’s security base around Japan’s northern territory. It is built at the original location in the former Goryokaku (the star-shaped fort), using as much similar skills and provisions as those in the Edo Period, such as pine beams, Bingo tatami mats or sliding doors with hand-made paper.
The interior is very well preserved. Walking through the tatami rooms and wooden spaces, you can almost feel the historical atmosphere of the final years of the shogunate. The museum displays many historical materials from that period and also features some interactive games, making it easier for visitors to learn about the history and daily life of the time.
The Hakodate Magistrate’s Office was built in 1864 as an important administrative institution established by the Edo shogunate to strengthen its rule and defense of Ezo, and it served as a major northern base. Following the Boshin War and the end of the shogunate, the office closed in 1869. The current building was reconstructed based on surviving plans, documents, and photographs, allowing us to experience the history of the final years of the shogunate more closely through an actual visit. -
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Seirogan
Seirogan is a gastrointestinal medication that has been a staple in Japanese households for over 100 years. Its main active ingredient, the herbal medicine (a natural plant with medicinal properties) and Japanese pharmacopoeia “JP wood creosote” helps to adjust the water balance in the intestines without disrupting intestinal movement.
A medicine we've always kept at home since I was little, mainly for relieving diarrhea, loose stools, stomach discomfort, and other symptoms. I remember it having a pretty strong smell, which I personally don't particularly like, but for older family members, it's reassuring to keep a bottle at home.
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Tim Ho Wan Hibiya
Tim Ho Wan is a dim sum specialty store that was established in Hong Kong by Chef Mak Kwai Pui, who worked in Lung King Heen (the Cantonese restaurant in Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong that has been awarded three Michelin stars for four consecutive years), along with his partner Chef Leung Fai Keung, on the basis of providing amazing food on a casual everyday basis.
When I came to Tim Ho Wan, what I was looking forward to most was the baked barbecue pork buns with a crispy crust! With one bite into the golden, crispy crust, it was sweet, fragrant, and crumbly, with a savory, tender barbecue pork filling inside. The sweet and savory flavors came together with plenty of depth. They were especially irresistible hot out of the oven, and the red bean buns were also delicious.
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