What I was looking forward to most at the Silo Observatory was taking in the view from above! Looking down from the observatory, you can see the entire Otaru cityscape, the port, and the mountains in the distance, with a very wide-open view. Feeling the pleasant sea breeze while slowly taking in the scenery was incredibly relaxing. It's especially beautiful for photos when the weather is good—a place where you can quietly enjoy the view and your time traveling.
Silo Observatory | Review by Gina C
Other Reviews by Gina C
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ASTY Kyoto
Located both inside and outside the Tokaido Shinkansen gates at Kyoto Station, ASTY Kyoto is a convenient commercial complex filled with souvenir shops and restaurants-perfect for a stop before or after your trip. From traditional Kyoto sweets and crafts to bento boxes and light meals ideal for eating on the train, the facility offers a full lineup of Kyoto-style delights.
At Kyoto Station, besides catching a train and shopping, another food you shouldn't miss is the 551 HORAI pork bun! This time, I visited ASTY Kyoto at Kyoto Station and found plenty of food and souvenir shops. It's a great place to browse before catching a train and pick up something tasty to take with you.
551 HORAI is a famous, long-established Osaka food brand, best known for its piping-hot pork buns! The plump white exterior looks so tempting, and when you bite into one, it's packed with meat filling. The pork and onions are savory, sweet, juicy, and full of flavor.
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Takoyaki TAMAYA Main Store
This renowned shop has elevated the universally loved Osaka snack "takoyaki" to a level where it's recognized in prestigious international gourmet guidebooks.
The most appealing thing about Osaka takoyaki is the slightly crispy exterior and the soft, moist inside. Paired with rich sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes, every bite is full of Japanese flavor. They're piping hot when freshly made, so you have to be careful when biting into one—the inside can burn your mouth if you're not careful. They're delicious but really test your patience!
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Minamiza Theatre
A theater that features Kabuki which originated in Kyoto. Kabuki is said to have originated from the “Kabuki Odori” dance, invented by a woman named Izumo no Okuni. As the dance started to popularize during the early Edo period, around this time the Minami-za also opened. It is Japan’s oldest theater with more than 400 years of history located in the same place.
This time I visited Kyoto’s famous Minamiza Theatre. Just seeing the historic exterior made me stop and take photos.
Located near Gion in Kyoto, Minamiza is one of Japan’s most iconic kabuki theaters and an important venue for traditional Japanese performing arts. The exterior retains a distinctly Japanese style, with eye-catching signage and traditional decorations that create an interesting contrast with the modern shops around it, making you feel as if you’ve stepped into another era.
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